Essay name: Bhasa (critical and historical study)
Author: A. D. Pusalker
This book studies Bhasa, the author of thirteen plays ascribed found in the Trivandrum Sanskrit Series. These works largely adhere to the rules of traditional Indian theatrics known as Natya-Shastra.
Page 236 of: Bhasa (critical and historical study)
236 (of 564)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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commander-in-chief of the Vanara forces comes across
two strangers disguised as the servants of Kumudaka in
the army whom he places before RÄma. Bibhiá¹£aṇa
recognizes them as Suka and SÄraṇa, the favourite
ministers of RÄvana and suggests condign punishment
for the spies. But RÄma orders their release and tells
them to inform RÄvana of his arrival in Lanka for battle.
After their exit, RÄma with BibhÄ«á¹£aṇa and others starts
to review the army. (Act IV).
The interlude informs us of the serious reverses of
the RÄká¹£asa forces, of the deaths of Prahasta,
Kumbhakarṇa, and other leaders in the battle, and of
Indrajit's entry on the battle-field. Despite all this,
RÄvana is reported to be passionate and unmindful of
good counsel. Two replicas of the heads of RÄma and
Laká¹£maṇa have been prepared as ordered by RÄvaṇa.
The main scene opens in the AÅ›oka VanikÄ, where SÄ«tÄ
who is surrounded as usual by the RÄká¹£asÄ«s sees bad omens.
RÄvana on his way finds that lady LankÄ is leaving him.
Still he approaches SÄ«tÄ with a view to tempt her by
suave words and threats. RÄvana is followed by his
servant carrying the replicas of the heads, who informs
his master of Indrajit's killing RÄma and Laká¹£maṇa in the
battle. This makes SÄ«tÄ fall down and faint, but she
recovers soon and requests RÄvana to kill her with the
self-same sword. Ravana asks her: "By whom now
wilt thou be released? The Raksasa messenger who
enters at that moment informs that Indrajit has been
killed and the news shocks RÄvaṇa, who falls swooning
after reviving twice, but recovers again and is enraged
at the reported flight of his forces. On hearing that
RÄma is rushing at Lanka, RÄvaṇa rises quickly with
his sword to fight with RÄma, but his own servant
prevents him. RÄvana then sets out to kill SÄ«tÄ as the
sole cause of his misery, but is again prevented by
the servant. Finally RÄvaṇa enters his chariot
brought there and starts for the battle-field. SÄ«tÄ offers her
prayers to the gods for the victory of her Lord. (Act V).
The interlude (which forms Act VI of the Lahore
Edition, as also of the Trippunithura Sanskrit College
manuscript utilized by Prof. Pisharoti)' describes in
1 p. 74 n6, Lahore edition; AUJ, 5, p. 245 nl.
