Invocation in the play
Discuss the significance of Prologue in the play.
Ans: Sanskrit writers generally introduce their works with a benediction, or a salutation to their favourite deity. In Sanskrit drama, this purpose is served by the Nandi, which is enjoined by Bharata as necessary for the removal of obstacles and thereby for the proper completion of the work undertaken. From the playwrights like Sudraka onwards, they are following the tradition of incorporating the invocation.
In Mrichchhakatika, Sudraka invokes the guidance of Lord Shiva for the composition of the play. Shiva is sitting in the Paryanka posture, and He is concentrating on His meditation. He is visualizing Himself with the Universal Soul as one. He is also called black-throated deity in the prologue. Lord Shiva rules over arts and is an iconic figure in Hindu mythology. His colour of the throat changed to a dark blue in consequence of His having drunk the deadly poison produced at the churning of the ocean for obtaining Amruter. The throat is compared to a dark cloud because both relieve torment. The second sloka written by the playwright suggests the subject-matter of the plot. The casting of the arm of Gauri around Siva’s neck suggests the love between Charudutta and Vasantasena, while this reference is meant to visit of Vasantasena to Charudutta amidst rain and flashes of lightning.
Describe in brief how Sudraka is introduced in the Prologue of the Play.
Ans: Sudraka, the playwright is introduced in the play in brief. He is a poet, scholar and playwright
who is the best of twice-born Kshatriya, having an unfathomable mental calibre. His gait is like that of an elephant, eyes resembling those of a chakora bird and face possess the beauty of a moon. Overall, He has a handsome mein.
He knows the Rigveda, the Samaveda, Mathematics, Fine Arts practiced by courtesans and the science of training and managing Elephants. He also performed the Asvamedha sacrifice and having enjoyed a life of one hundred years and ten days, Sudraka entered the sacred fire.
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