Tughlaq

Girish Raghunath Karnad (born 19 May 1938) is a contemporary writer, playwright, screenwriter, actor and movie director in Kannada language. His rise as a playwright in 1960s, marked the coming of age of Modern Indian playwriting in Kannada, just as Badal Sarkar did in Bengali, Vijay Tendulkar in Marathi, and Mohan Rakesh in Hindi. He is a recipient of the 1998 Jnanpith Award, the highest literary honour conferred in India. For four decades Karnad has been composing plays, often using history and mythology to tackle contemporary issues. He has translated his plays into English and has received acclaim. His plays have been translated into some Indian languages and directed by directors like Ebrahim Alkazi, B. V. Karanth, Alyque Padamsee, Prasanna, Arvind Gaur, Satyadev Dubey, Vijaya Mehta, Shyamanand Jalan and Amal Allana. He is active in the world of Indian cinema working as an actor, director, and screenwriter, in Hindi and Kannada flicks, earning awards along the way. He was conferred Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan by the Government of India and won four Filmfare Awards where three are Filmfare Award for Best Director - Kannada and one Filmfare Best Screenplay Award.

"Tughlaq," a masterpiece by Girish Karnad, opens with a portrayal of the titular character as a strict yet respected ruler who ascended the throne through dubious means. The play dynamically underscores the significance of credibility and authenticity for a leader, while also delving into themes of manipulation, ambition, and the complexities of governance.




At the outset, Tughlaq is depicted as a figure of both ridicule and intrigue, whose actions elicit skepticism and curiosity in equal measure. The decision to relocate the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad and issue copper coins of equal value to silver ones appears, at first glance, as acts of foolishness and arrogance. However, the play prompts viewers to question whether Tughlaq was truly a simpleton or a cunning manipulator who became ensnared in his own schemes.




One pivotal incident involves a Brahmin who brings a charge of misappropriation against the King and is awarded damages by the Kazi. The King's purported desire to treat Hindus and Muslims equally raises questions about his true intentions and motivations. The revelation that the Brahmin claimant was actually a Muslim in disguise adds layers of complexity to Tughlaq's character, suggesting a willingness to challenge societal norms and conventions in pursuit of his vision for governance.




Despite his perceived follies, Tughlaq emerges as a shrewd and calculated strategist who anticipates his opponents' moves and thwarts them with ease. His intellect is matched only by his ruthlessness, as he exhibits a willingness to resort to violence and manipulation to achieve his objectives. The issuance of copper coins with equal value to silver ones, while ahead of its time in principle, ultimately backfires due to the proliferation of counterfeit currency—a stark reminder of the unintended consequences of Tughlaq's ambitious reforms.




The decision to relocate the capital to Daulatabad, while initially met with skepticism, reveals Tughlaq's visionary aspirations for centralized governance. However, his insistence on forcibly relocating the population from Delhi to Daulatabad underscores his authoritarian tendencies and disregard for the welfare of his subjects. This dichotomy between ambition and tyranny epitomizes the complex nature of Tughlaq's character and his reign.




Karnad's exploration of Tughlaq's psyche transcends mere historical recounting, delving into the depths of human ambition, fallibility, and the pursuit of power. The play serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring relevance of leadership and governance, inviting viewers to reflect on the inherent tensions between idealism and pragmatism in the exercise of political authority.




In conclusion, "Tughlaq" stands as a brilliant examination of a king's psyche, posing as many questions as it does answers. Karnad's nuanced portrayal of Tughlaq challenges conventional narratives of history, offering insights into the complexities of leadership and the human condition. As the play continues to captivate audiences for generations to come, it serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring allure and pitfalls of power.