1. Chandalika - Drama - Class 12 - Kaleidoscope

Jul 11
4 min read

Updated: Jul 12

Author: Rabindranath Tagore

Textbook: Kaleidoscope

Genre: Drama (Psychological and Social)

Summary

Chandalika is a powerful one-act play by Rabindranath Tagore that explores caste discrimination, spiritual awakening, and self-realisation. It is based on a Buddhist legend in which Ananda, a disciple of Buddha, asks a low-caste girl, Prakriti, for water. This simple act becomes a transformative moment for her, as she had always been shunned due to her caste. Ananda’s acceptance gives her a new sense of dignity and self-worth. However, she misinterprets this spiritual act as love and becomes obsessed with possessing him.

Unable to control her desire, she convinces her mother, who practices magic, to cast a spell on Ananda and bring him to her. Though the spell succeeds, Prakriti is horrified by the degradation of the man she had admired. She realises that true love must be free and selfless. Filled with remorse, she begs for forgiveness and asks her mother to revoke the spell, which leads to her mother's death. In the end, Ananda is restored, and Prakriti is redeemed through self-awareness and spiritual humility.

Character Sketch:

Prakriti:

Prakriti, the protagonist, is a chandal (untouchable) girl who undergoes a journey of intense emotional transformation. Initially burdened by the shame of her birth, she is awakened to her own worth when Ananda accepts water from her. This moment ignites her desire for identity, love, and acceptance. However, her intense longing turns into obsession, leading her to use black magic to possess Ananda. She learns a profound lesson when she sees the consequences of her actions — the spiritual fall of Ananda. In the end, she achieves redemption through remorse and sacrifices her selfish desires. Prakriti represents the struggle for self-worth, identity, and spiritual freedom in the face of social oppression.

Themes

Theme	Description
Caste Discrimination	The play exposes the dehumanising effects of untouchability and caste hierarchies.
Self-Realisation and Redemption	Prakriti’s journey from ignorance to enlightenment shows spiritual growth.
Desire and Detachment	It contrasts worldly desire with monastic renunciation.
Power of Spiritual Freedom	True freedom comes from within, not through possession or control.
Role of Women and Identity	The play highlights a woman’s right to dignity, expression, and transformation.

✨ Literary Devices / Poetic Devices

Device	Example
Symbolism	Water symbolizes purity, dignity, and spiritual awakening.
Imagery	“Thunder throbs in my heart,” “cloud-kissing glory” evoke powerful visuals.
Irony	A moment of spiritual liberation turns into a moment of personal obsession.
Repetition	“Give me water” is repeated to emphasise its impact.
Contrast	Fire vs. water, light vs. darkness reflect inner turmoil.

Title Justification

The title Chandalika is apt as it centres around the emotional and spiritual journey of Prakriti, a girl from the chandal (untouchable) caste. Through her experience, Tagore transforms the traditional notion of a chandal into a symbol of human dignity and transformation. The title challenges societal norms and celebrates the emergence of identity from the margins.

One-Mark Questions

Why was Ananda’s request for water significant to Prakriti?
It was the first time anyone treated her like a human being, not an untouchable. His simple request gave her a new sense of self-worth.
What was Prakriti’s initial reaction to Ananda’s words?
She felt transformed and dignified, calling it her ‘new birth’. It filled her with joy and spiritual awakening.
Why did Prakriti force her mother to cast a spell?
She wanted to possess Ananda, mistaking her spiritual awakening for romantic love. Her obsession overpowered reason.
What happens to Ananda as a result of the spell?
He loses his spiritual composure and appears degraded and tortured. The spell breaks his peace and dignity.
How does the play end?
Prakriti realises her mistake and begs for forgiveness. Her mother dies revoking the spell, and Ananda is restored.

Three-Mark Questions

Describe the transformation in Prakriti from the beginning to the end of the play.
In the beginning, Prakriti is filled with shame due to her caste. Ananda’s acceptance gives her a new identity and hope. However, her desire to possess him leads her down a dark path of obsession and magic. She eventually realises that true love cannot be forced and that Ananda’s spiritual purity is greater than her personal need. Her self-realisation marks her redemption, showing her journey from ignorance to enlightenment.
Discuss the role of Prakriti’s mother in the play.
Prakriti’s mother represents tradition and mystical knowledge. Though hesitant, she uses her powers to help her daughter out of love. She is aware of the consequences and even offers her life to undo the damage. In the end, she sacrifices herself to save Ananda. Her character highlights the pain and responsibility of parenthood in the face of moral dilemmas.
What does the mirror symbolise in the play?
The mirror reflects Ananda’s inner torment caused by the spell. It also shows Prakriti the impact of her actions. Through the mirror, she sees Ananda’s suffering and her own role in causing it. It becomes a medium of truth, revealing the consequences of desire. The mirror’s vision leads to her moral awakening.

Value-Based Question

Question: What does the play teach us about the nature of love and freedom?

Answer: The play teaches that true love is not about possession or control, but about freedom and respect. Prakriti’s initial love was driven by obsession, but through pain and self-reflection, she understands that love must be selfless. She learns that forcing someone, even in the name of love, leads to suffering. Her journey shows that the highest form of love is the freedom to let go. The play urges us to respect others’ autonomy and seek spiritual, not possessive, relationships.

End

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