Conflict And Note Of Protest: A Study Of Rabindranath Tagore’s Play Achalayatan

Dr Seema Banta

doi:10.24113/ijellh.v2i9.9038

Abstract

Rabindranth Tagore emerged as a rebel dramatist protesting against the prevalent social evils. In hiswritings he often criticised the evil customs and superstitious beliefs. In Tagore‟s plays there can alsobe found an undertone of spirituality. True to his liberal background, he was invariably againstreligious bigotry, fanaticism, and other malpractices arising out of a misconceived sense of religion. Infact, he unequivocally attacked worn out and useless conventions that hampered the progress ofmankind.The theme of self-discovery in relation to fellow-men, Maker (God) and the whole universeis the major idea of his play Achalayatan. The play drives home the idea that true religion is not theinstitutionalised religion but the religion of love the path of uprightness and compassion is truereligion‟s essence. Quintessence of religion consists in kindness and love towards all which in the playAchalayatan is personified by Panchak and Dadathakur and Acharya to great extent.

Highlights

Rabindranth Tagore emerged as a rebel dramatist protesting against the prevalent social evils
The play was an open revolt against the prevalent social and religious prejudices in our country. In his preface to the play, Banerji observes: Inconsistencies and the bleakness of the influential members of the Hindoo community have been depicted before their eyes. They will clearly perceive the wiles and tricks of the Bramins [sic] and thereby be able to guard themselves against them.(qtd. in Naik 98) Banerji‟s plays were an expression of sporadic protest in society against orthodox practices
Such was the literary background inherited by Rabindranth Tagore, who emerged as a rebel dramatist protesting against the prevalent social evils

Summary

Introduction

Rabindranth Tagore emerged as a rebel dramatist protesting against the prevalent social evils. Quintessence of religion consists in kindness and love towards all which in the play Achalayatan is personified by Panchak and Dadathakur and Acharya to great extent.

Results

Conclusion