“Tughlaq” by Girish Karnad, a thirteen-scene play about the turbulent rule of Mohammad Bin Tughlaq. This seems on the outlook as a historical play, but is appropriate to the contemporary politics of any era, especially in the current global scenario.
The play Tughlaq explores the series of events that led to the downfall of one of the most fascinating kings to occupy the throne in Delhi, namely, Mohammed-bin-Tughlaq. The protagonist, Mohammad bin tughlaq, known for his reformist, ‘ahead of his times’ ideas had a grand vision, but his reign was an abject failure. He started his rule with great ideals of a unified India. Yet in 20 years his reign had degenerated into an anarchy and his kingdom had become a “kitchen of death”.
The vision of Tughlaq to unify India and keep religion out of politics cost him dearly. He put forth reformist ideas to bring about trust in his Hindu citizens like scrapping the ‘jijia’ tax on Hindus. One of his ideas was shifting the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad in order to have the capital that is not only the centre of his province but also a Hindu dominated area.
The play covers the consequences that followed this decision.The play starts with Tughlaq being portrayed as a strict yet respected ruler. The play dramatically highlights the how the business class of the country always tried to influence the decisions of the Ruler. The play also highligts how religion can be misused to bring in the common man
into a foul play.
The two characters, Aziz and Azam, represent a section of people who are clever enough to identify and
mis-use the loop holes and in every law to enrich themselves.
The play outlines his clever plots to eliminate his opponents and ends with scenes of utter chaos and misery in the kingdom, and Tughlaq being left alone, having been abandoned by those who survived him. The play intends at capturing the helplessness of a great ruler, his downfall no matter how big the dreams and the visions in the hands of the religion and business class.
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