Girish Karnad’s Hayavadana- An influencial mythological play tribute to literature’s doyen- Girish Karnad (19 May 1938 to 10 J End of an Era)

Abstract

Drama is flavoured with several elements in which myth plays a crucial role. This paper throws a light on the mental arena of an Indian playwright dealing with the mythical elements. In the narratives, myth usually comprises of superhuman characters - devils, demons, witches, gods and demigods. These narratives come under the genre of folklores which are transmitted verbally from one person to another person. The dramatic genius of Girish Karnad is expressed in his use of myth at mother Kali temple where Padmini, the prominent character, exchanged the heads of both Devadatta and Kapila. At the end, paper will analyse the aesthetic effects and various ideological purposes of myths in the selected plays of Girish Karnad