Exploring the Duality of Tughlaq's Character, Themes of Power, Idealism, and the Human Desire for Social Change in Girish Karnad's Play "Tughlaq"

Introduction

Girish Karnad's masterpiece "Tughlaq" is a captivating play that readily drags us into the complex themes of power, idealism, and social change. And this is all powerful in depicting Tughlaq's complex character through thirteen scene enactment. This modern political satire, first written in Kannada in 1964 and later translated into English by the author himself, is set in medieval Delhi during the reign of Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq. The play presents a nuanced portrayal of the enigmatic sultan, known for his intellectual and political pursuits, as Karnad skillfully explores his inner conflicts and contradictions. With its timeless relevance and artistic brilliance, "Tughlaq" remains a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the intricacies of human nature and the quest for social transformation.

Duality in Tughlaq's Character

Muhammad bin Tughlaq

The play revolves around the concept of duality in Tughlaq's character, which encompasses both positive and negative aspects. Tughlaq is portrayed as a man of vision and action, and his close companions Barani and Najib embody his practical and political nature. The first scene of the play provides a glimpse of Tughlaq's intricate personality.

One of the most notable features of the play is its use of satire to criticize the political and social circumstances of the time. Through the character of Tughlaq, Karnad explores the intricacies of governance and the limitations of individual power. The play depicts Tughlaq as an idealistic ruler who becomes frustrated by the oppressive and unequal systems that he confronts. In his quest to establish a more equitable society, he implements a series of reforms that ultimately lead to chaos and disorder. The play implies that even the most well-meaning leaders' idealism and good intentions can be undermined by the complexities of social and political realities.

Themes of Power

Girish Karnad's play "Tughlaq" delves into the themes of power and its complexities. The play portrays Tughlaq as a ruler who is motivated by a desire to bring about positive change in society. However, his idealism clashes with the realities of governance and the inherent limitations of individual power. As Karnad writes, "the idealism of even the most well-meaning rulers can be undermined by the complexity of social and political realities." This theme resonates throughout the play, highlighting the challenges and contradictions of wielding power.

Moreover, the play employs satire to critique the political and social circumstances of its time, exposing the flaws and shortcomings of those in power. Through Tughlaq's character, Karnad examines the intricacies of governance and the consequences of wielding power, revealing the inherent tension between the pursuit of idealism and the pragmatic realities of leadership. Although Tughlaq was an intelligent and learned man with a deep curiosity for knowledge, he ruled with unparalleled cruelty and made life agonizing for his subjects. He had a fascination for literature and was well-versed in the Quran, Greek, Farcical, and Arabic literature. He introduced copper coins and understood the value of money, but his reign eventually degenerated into anarchy, leading to his kingdom becoming a "kitchen of death."

Themes of  Idealism

"Tughlaq" revolves around the theme of idealism, which is portrayed through the character of Tughlaq. The play shows Tughlaq as an idealistic ruler who strives to create a more just society. However, his idealism leads him to implement radical reforms that ultimately result in chaos and disorder. Karnad thinks that his  "Tughlaq"  is not a story of a villain; it is a story of a man who tried to do good but failed. The play thus highlights the challenges and limitations of idealism in the face of complex political and social realities.

The play's exploration of the theme of idealism raises important questions about the nature of power and the role of leaders in society. It suggests that while idealism is an important quality in a leader, it must be tempered by pragmatism and an understanding of the complexities of governance. Ultimately, "Tughlaq" reminds us that the pursuit of an idealistic vision can sometimes lead to unintended consequences, and that the path to a just society is rarely straightforward or easy.

Human Desire for Social Change

Tughlaq had a vision of creating a new India, which was difficult to achieve, but he was willing to explain what people didn't understand. He changed the capital from Delhi to Daultabad and back to Delhi, showing his restlessness and impatience in achieving his goals. Tughlaq's character in Karnad's play highlights the complexities of human nature and the challenges of leadership.

Girish Karnad's play "Tughlaq" presents a powerful reflection on the human desire for social change. The play portrays the idealistic ruler Tughlaq's attempts to create a more just society, which ultimately leads to chaos and disorder. Karnad uses Tughlaq's character to explore the complexities of governance and the limitations of individual power. The play implies that the struggle for social change is not easy and requires a deep understanding of social and political realities. Truly, the world is not as simple as we think it is.

Karnad's play highlights the challenges that arise when one attempts to create a better society. It suggests that while the desire for change is essential, it is also crucial to understand the existing power structures and navigate them carefully. "Tughlaq" is a compelling commentary on the human aspiration for social progress and the harsh realities that must be confronted to achieve it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Girish Karnad's Tughlaq is a masterful work of political satire that remains relevant today. The play explores the complexities of governance and the human desire for social change, offering a nuanced critique of oppressive systems and their lasting impact. Tughlaq reminds us of the enduring power of art to provoke thought and inspire change. Moreover, Karnad's use of language highlights the relationship between language and power, and the ways in which language can be used for both exclusion and liberation. As the character Aziz asserts, "We have our own language… our own way of speaking." This speaks to the importance of embracing diverse linguistic and cultural perspectives as a means of breaking down oppressive systems of power.

One critical comment on Girish Karnad's Tughlaq comes relevant from the renowned Indian literary critic, M. K. Naik, who says, "In Girish Karnad's "Tughlaq", history and drama seem to come together in a synthesis that is both rare and rewarding. The play creates an image of the idealist, the visionary, the despot, and the schemer all rolled into one, Tughlaq." Naik's comment highlights the play's ability to blend historical facts with dramatic imagination, creating a complex portrayal of a ruler who embodies contradictory qualities. Karnad's play presents Tughlaq as a man who is both idealistic and ruthless, who seeks to establish a utopian society while simultaneously suppressing dissent and resorting to violence. The play's portrayal of Tughlaq raises important questions about the nature of power, the relationship between the ruler and the ruled, and the possibilities and limitations of political idealism.

Ardhendu De

Reference:

1. Gundur, N. S. (2012). Literary and Historical Discourse in Girish Karnad’s “Tughlaq” / El discurso literario e histórico en “Tughlaq”, de Girish Karnad. Atlantis, 34(1), 81–95. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43486022

2. Naik, M.K. 1987: 'The Limits of Human Power: A Comparative Study of T Caligula" M.K. Naik, ed. Studies in Indian English Literature

3. Tughlaq. (n.d.). Google Books. https://books.google.com/books/about/Tughlaq.html?id=IFdDtAEACAAJ

4. Saxena, R. (2019, December 30). Girish Karnad : A Tribute. Dialogue: A Journal Devoted to Literary Appreciation, 15(1–2), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.30949/dajdtla.v14i1-2.1

5. Karnad, G. (1995, November). Performance, Meaning, and the Materials of Modern Indian Theatre. New Theatre Quarterly, 11(44), 355–370. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0266464x00009337