GHASHIRAM KOTWAL by Vijay tendulkar

GASHIRAM KOTWAL

                                    -Vijay Tendulkar

                        Ghashiram Kotwal is a Marathi play written by playwright Vijay Tendulkar in 1972 as a response to the rise of a local political party, Shiv Sena, in Maharashtra. The play is a political satire, written as historical drama. It is based on the life of Nana Phadnavis (1741–1800), one of the prominent ministers in the court of the Peshwa of Pune. Its theme is how men in power give rise to ideologies to serve their purposes, and later destroy them when they become useless. It was first performed on 16 December 1972, by the Progressive Drama Association in Pune. Jabber's production of the play in 1973 is considered a classic in Modern Indian Theatre.

                        It is deals with the “History of Maratha Samrajya”. Though Vijay Tendulkar denied but it is highly represent the history. Nana Phadnavis has been portrayed in dark shade who as per the chroniclers was an able administrator and shrewd politician who with his presight kept the Maratha Empire integrated for more than 20 years. Even in “Bajirao Mastani” film Nana sahib Peshwa portrayed very cunning and shrewd.

                        The female role in politics of power is limited only to surrender, acceptance and suffering. The position of Indian Women at the very beginning has been in a very pathetic condition. They are in marginal position. Gauri is representing the Indian women. Gauri is voiceless, powerless and victimized. She does not have a say even in a matter relating to her. She silently accepts what her father decides for her even though it meant passing through a living hell or a life of eternal damnation. She is the symbol of exploitation of female sexuality to represent the loss and destruction in their struggle for power.  Second is Gulabi. - Gulabi is no better though she wields some power and is financially well off she too has to dance to the tunes of her customers and Nana. She cannot think earn her livelihood without satisfying the sexual overtures of her customers. Third is Nana’s Wives – Nana’s wives are mute spectators to the sexual rendezvous of their husbands Violence against women and violation of human rights of women are rampant and this is pictured well in Ghashiram Kotwal. Ghashiram Kotwal though uncouth and rough is a man of action. He is not an idealist or a visionary. He belongs to our present lower rung of the police officials who may not necessarily be good administrators are the best for the field job that he does par excellent.