Critical Comment on the scene of burglary and theft in the house of Charudutta.
The burglary and theft occurs in the house of Charudutta at night after Maitreya and Charudutta returns by listening from the musical concert of Rebhila. The thievery is carried out by Sarvilaka, who is a Brahman and who is compelled to take up the job of stealing. Sarvilaka does not bother about the comment of people. He states:
“Let people call, as they will, this a vile trade which thrives well when people are asleep.”
Sarvilaka before committing the breach utters the names of Kathrikeya and Kanakasakti as well as Yogacharya. Science of thieving is ascribed to Yogacharya, who was taught the science by Karthikeya, son of Siva. He is worshipped by people for the recovery of stolen property. It is for this reason perhaps that thieves paid homage him. Kanakasakti laid down four modes of breach: if bricks are baked, they must be pulled out, to chip them off; if unbaked; to wet them with water if they are made of common clay and to cut them through if they are made of wood.
Sarvilaka also mentions the shapes of breaches made for theft. Padmavyakosa, Bhaskara, Balachandra, Vapi, Vistrina Vistirma, svastika and Purnakumbha are mentioned by him and he makes the Purnakumbha. The act of making the breach and stealing is humorous in tone. They are triggered It triggers ridicule and laughter. Sarvilaka steals the ornaments deposited by Vasantasena at house of Charudutta. He initially decides to first hurt the people present sleeping but after the revelation that Charudutta is a Brahman he immediately strikes off the idea. Charudutta’s initial reaction becomes to know that is pathetic as well as humorous but he astonishes when Vasantasena’s jewellery is stolen. Dhuta, wife devoted wife of Charudutta, offers her jewel necklace as ransom for Vasantasena’s ornament to save her husband’s reputation in the society.
Critical Comment on the help provided by Charudutta to Aryaka.
Charudutta is the protagonist of Sudraka’s Mrichchhakatika, an impoverished Brahmana, a virtuous person, holistic in demeanour and tranquil and loving in social soul. Charudutta offers help to Aryaka, cowherd’s son and future king of Ujjaiyani. Aryaka sits in the carriage of Charudutta, meant for Vasantasena, in order to escape the corrupt king’s men. Charudutta when comes face to face with Aryaka is greately fascinated with the gait of Aryaka. Charudutta elaborately describes the beauty of him:
“Having arms huge like the trunks of an
elephant, shoulders plump and lofty like those of a lion, a chest very broad and even, and eyes reddish and restless; how did this high-souled person of such noble appearance, come to such a state, not befitting his dignity, that he should be wearing a chain clinging to his foot.” Charudutta feels pity on the condition of Aryaka and orders Cheta to remove the fetters of him. Cheta does so as per the wish of Charudutta. Aryaka feels highly grateful to Charudutta for helping him out in his dismal condition. Charudutta cautions Aryaka that he will not be able to walk as fetters have been just removed from his feet. Charudutta offers his carriage to Aryaka and wishes his good luck in his forward journey. The role played by Charudutta in Act VII short throws a great deal of light on his character which is very significant for the play. Aryaka founds a new relation in the form of Charudutta and hopes to meet with him again in the future.