Girish Karnard (Books)

Girish Karnard Books

Girish Karnad emerged as a pivotal figure in modern Indian drama, frequently employing historical and mythological narratives to engage with contemporary concerns. His prolific body of work, often translated into English and numerous Indian languages, is celebrated for its profound insights and literary sophistication. Karnad's rise to prominence in the 1960s marked a significant evolution in Indian playwriting. Beyond his theatrical contributions, he also made a notable impact on Indian cinema as an actor, director, and screenwriter.

Yayati

74 pages
3 hours of reading

4.0(416)Add rating

Yayati, Girish Karnard's first play, was written in 1960 and won the Mysore State Award in 1962. It is based on an episode in the Mahabharata, where Yayati, one of the ancestors of the Pandavas, is given the curse of premature old age by his father-in-law, Shukracharya, who is incensed byYayati's infidelity. Yayati could redeem this curse only if someone was willing to exchange his youth with him. It is his son, Pooru, who finally offers to do this for his father. The play examines the moment of crisis that Pooru's decision sparks, and the dilemma it presents for Yayati, Pooru, andPooru's young wife.