365bet娱乐

131 131 CHARACTERISATION 1. Sri Rama is the hero of the play. In fame and achievements, he stands foremost among all the characters. He is a dhir odatta of a rare order and he makes his appearance in all the acts of the play. He possesses a rare capacity to understand men. For instance, whenever his brother Lakshmana loses temper out of sympathy for his miserable plight, he consoles him by his calm and convincing arguments. His reply to Lakshmana's criticism of Kaikeyi and Bharata in the first act of the drama bears ample testimony to his broad mindedness and detachment. He does not bear enmity towards Kaikeyi, Bharata or his own father Dasaratha for having sent him to the forest. On the contrary, he has only love for them all. His philosophy of life and his indifference to material pleasures are found reflected in this verse. sadharani nayavidvam dharanih kartra astrani mitramarayah sahajah sutaca ! papatparasya patanam narakesu labhah dhe camareca sitamatapavaranam ca || He is a loving husband. 84 He fulfills not only the functions of a hus band but also those of a friend. He has also a touch of humour in him. In the Surpanakha episode, he taunts But when the time for prompt and swift action the demoness. comes, he does not pause. When 'Surpanakha takes her demoniac form and attempts to grab sita, Sri Rama asks Lakshmana to tackle her. 84. Ascaryacudamani, Act, I, V. 17, p. 37-38.

132 132 He He bears great affection for his brother Lakshmana. This is evidenced by the fact that when the latter is carried away by the demoness, Surpanakha, he immediately goes to his rescue arming himself with bow and arrows ready to strike. is aware of the consequences that flow from his action on Surpanakha viz. that he would have to incur the wrath of the entire demon race. He feels only glad at the opportunity which will facilitate the destruction of the demons headed by Ravana and enthusiastically prepares himself for all eventualities. 'Sri Rama prefers to be known as a human being and is He mentions this, while expressconscious of his limitations ing his utter helplessness on seeing his brother, Lakshmana kidnapped by Surpanakha 85. Sri Rama is a dauntless warrior. He fights alone with the army of fourteen thousand demons headed by Khara and kills them. lie is very respectful to the holy sages of the forest and is keenly interested in their welfare. When the sages troubled by the depredations of the demons seek his help, he readily undertakes the task and completely frees Janasthana from the menace. His abiding interest in their welfare is evidenced by the fact that when Lakshmana after meeting the sages presents himself before him, he anxiously asks him the reactions of the sages. He humbly receives the wonderful ring and the miraculous crest jewel presented by the sages. Though he is treacherously cheated by Ravana through the use of a golden 85. dhigaham manusam janma vasudhamatragocaram| raksasi laksmanam hatva tirodabhutpasyato mama || Ibid., Act II, V.2, p.65.

133 133 deer, he does not break down. He blames himself like a true hero for having been foolish enough to believe in the existance 86 of a gold en deer. When confronted with problems, he never allows his mind to waver and get into a fix. On the other ham, he takes a quick decision. Sita's fire ordeal reveals clearly this aspect of his nature. Saktibhadra has tried to present Sri Rama entirely as a human being. He has moulded his character in more or less the same fashion as Valmiki has done. Compared to his counterparts in the Abhisheka and Pratima Natakas, the character of Sri Rama in Ascaryacudamani is more life like. As against the serene type portrayed in the two plays, 'Sri Rama appears here more witty, gay and humorous. So in the matter of characterisation, it can be said that 'Saktibhadra's Sri Rama ranks higher than his counterpart in the Abhisheka Nataka.