Tughlaq Summary By Girish Karnad

Tughlaq is a historical drama written in English by Girish Karnad. The play was released in 1964 in Kannada. AlyquePadamsee, an Indian filmmaker, adapted the play into English. In the fourteenth century, Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq had been one of the Mughal rulers that reigned over India. He was Ghiyas-ud-din-Tughlaq's (1326-1351) child. Ghiyas-ud-din-Tughlaq controlled the Delhi Sultanate for 26 years. Tughlaq, as described by Karnad, was one of Delhi's most intelligent monarchs. His rule was plagued by significant failures despite his brilliant and original ideas.

Tughlaq was a smart man, but he is seen as one of history's worst failures, according to Girish Karnad. A nickname for him was "Muhammad the Mad" because he attempted to enact measures that now seem to be brilliantly foresighted. Bloodshed and mayhem marked the conclusion of his career.Although there is some deviance for artistic and dramatic reasons, Karnad portrays Muhammad-Bin-Tughlaq and his empire as nearly according to historical reality as possible. He presents Tughlaq as a kind and kind monarch right from the first scene.

The Kazi accuses Tughlaq of misappropriating the property belonging to a Hindu named Vishnu Prasad, and Tughlaq is portrayed to accept the verdict gracefully. A reward of 500 silver dinars and a position in the civil services are also granted to him by Tughlaq. Tughlaq's liberal and pragmatic views are harshly criticised by the elderly guy in the audience who stands for the traditional class.

In his play, Karnad does a fantastic job of capturing the ideals and humanity of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq. Because his beliefs were so much beyond the grasp and knowledge of the average person, Tughlaq, who is shown in the very beginning as a guy who is completely cut off from his community, is not comprehended in the correct context. Religious tolerance was non-existent under Tughlaq's reign. Muslim and Hindu people exchanged skeptical looks with one another.

But they were unable to comprehend Tughlaq's tolerant attitude towards other religions. His efforts to boost confidence were not well received. He made several efforts to bridge the gap between the two diverse cultures, but each time he succeeded only in creating mistrust. The Tughlaq post's reforms pose a serious danger to long-standing traditions. The annoyance Tughlaq feels at the populace's lack of understanding is convincing.

Tughlaq is disappointed that his extravagant goals never came true since they lacked the people's unwavering support. Muhammad is essentially at battle with himself in Karnad's Tughlaq as a visionary. He likes Greek reading, chess, rose gardens, and Sadi's poetry. He describes his ambition of discovering a new universe?"a world I had not found in Arabs or even in the Koran"?and claims that he did so. He creates utopias in his dreams.

His visions are comparable to "those that led Zarathustra or the Buddha. " He speaks about "tomorrow" and "a new future" all the time. Even as he sleeps, he worries about his citizens' wellbeing. In order to provide happiness and prosperity to his citizens, he wishes to take full use of every opportunity to study and comprehend the Pleiades and Ibn-ul-Mottazz.

About the Author

Girish Karmad comes from a Mangalore Konkani family. He visited Oxford University in England for his undergraduate studies before moving to the United States to work as an assistant professor and residential researcher at Chicago University. Three brief plays by Karnad?Yayali, Hayavadana, and Tughlaq?helped him gain recognition as a playwright. Socially significant topics weren't appealing to his interest. His topics came from history, folklore, and mythology.

Yayati is centered on a tale from the Mahabharatha about a youthful monarch who suffers due to age. His kid decides to trade in his youthfulness for the father's old age as a result of his sorrow. The boy grows older while the father stays youthful. The tale of Hayavadana depicts a different sort of transformation. There are two tales mixed together. A Persian royal and a horse gave birth to Hayavadana, a half-horse, half-man entity. He turns into a whole horse in his try to develop into a full man.

In the second tale, two companions named Devadatta and Kapila chopped off their heads in front of Goddess Kali. With the help of Kali, Padmini, Devadatta's wife, unintentionally exchanges the heads of the two people she loves and brings them back to life. All three of them die away as a result of the many difficulties that follow.

Karnad transitions from mythology to history in Tughlaq. In each of the three plays, Karnad crafts a dramaturgical universe with problems pertinent to the tales being addressed. All three of these plays still have been successful.

Summary Scene Wise

Scene 1AD 1321: The yard is located in front of Delhi's main court

Many Muslims are among the mass of residents, with a few Hindus scattered here and there. An interaction among an Old Man, a Young Man, a Third Man, & a Hindu Man begins the first scenario of Tughlaq. They are discussing Muhammad Bin Tughlaq's/Sultan's regime. According to the elderly guy, Muhammad is a disgrace to Islam and has destroyed the nation.

The young guy argues in favor of Muhammad, claiming that he is a devoted disciple of Islam and that it is his order that one should do five prayers daily. An announcement is made as the announcer departs the courtroom, stating that a Brahmin named Vishnu Prasad has filed a complaint against Muhammad because the authorities had taken his property. The Brahmin's claims were recognized as justified, and as recompense, he was awarded 500 silver dinars and a position in the civil service. Muhammad exits the court.

From now on, he informs the gathering that the capital would be in Daulatabad instead of Delhi since the city should be in the middle of the nation rather than on its boundary. He claims that it will demonstrate the ties between Muslims and Hindus. He invites others to come with him. The elderly and young men start talking to each other once again. They oppose this strategy. The third individuals argue that Sheikh Immam-ud-din has said that Muhammad is to blame for the deaths of his father and brother. When the Guard exits the court, he orders them to disperse.

A pickpocket named Aazam is waiting to visit the Brahmin. He discovers quickly that it is his pal Aziz. Aziz comes out in full disguise and informs the man that he made up a narrative and received payment for it. Previously, Muhammad had established a law allowing any Hindu to bring a claim against him for damages brought on by his officials. He assumed the identity of a Brahmin for this purpose. Then, Aziz adds that he should bring Aazam with him to the Civil Service, and he would assist him in finding work.

Scene 2: A space in the royal residence

Muhammad has a talk with his stepmother. Muhammad informs her about his restless nights. In response to Muhammad's question about whether his stepmother agrees with the rumors that he killed his father and sibling, she denies having said anything. She states that she wants to let go of it and stop talking about it. He additionally asserts that Ain-ul-Mulk is getting close to Delhi with a force of 30,000 men. The stepmother feels shocked since they are close friends.

Then Muhammad's closest pals, Najib (a politician) and Barani (a historian) arrive. Najib worries that Sheik-Imam-ud-in is in Delhi and feels that it's necessary to get rid of him. Despite the fact that Barani believes it is unneeded. They discuss Ain-ul-Mulk's unexpected approach towards Delhi. According to Najib, he turned down the position of governor of the Deccan because he had developed ties with the people of Avadh and did not want to leave. Najib also notes the Sheik's extraordinary similarity to the Prophet Muhammad.

According to Muhammad, the army must be prepared the next day to march to Kanauj. He appoints Najib and Shihab-ud-in to look after the administration when he is not there. Muhammad and Najib leave the room to meet the president. Barani and the mother-in-law are speaking. Muhammad and his unsavory buddy (Najib), with whom the stepmother is concerned, bother her. Barani agrees with her. The stepmother urges him not to leave Muhammad and confesses that she can no longer stand Najib.

In spite of his assurance that he would always be with Muhammad, Barani is disturbed by her comment. A public announcement has been made by an announcer. He calls for everyone to gather in front of the Great Mosque to convene a gathering. During his speech, Sheik-Imam-ud-din criticized the government of Muhammad and its unwise policies.

Scene 3: The courtyard in front of the Great Mosque

There are some of Muhammad's slaves, Sheik-Imam-ud-in, and the Muhammad. The meeting has no attendees. Muhammad was previously sending servants to persuade the people to stay away from the gathering. To make Sheik-Immam-ud-Din feel foolish, the Prophet Muhammad did this. Muhammad faces accusations of his wrongdoings during the course of a lengthy discussion.

The Muhammad informs the Sheikh that Ain-ul-Mulk will be arriving in Delhi and that he won't be seeing any of Muhammad's envoys. Due to the fact that Ain-ul-Mulk would only see him, he convinces the Sheikh to come to visit him. The Prophet Muhammad predicts a conflict and the deaths of Muslims. To protect Muslim lives, the Sheikh ought to leave right now. He receives a regal gown and hat. Now they both resemble each other.

Scene 4 The Palace

Shihab-ud-din is right now reading some letters. An announcement has been made. The stepmother is conversing with Shihab-ud-din. Sardar Ratansingh, Shihab's half-brother, shows up and reports that Sheikh Imam-ud-din had been murdered during the conflict and that Muhammad would be arriving momentarily. Barani, Najib, and Muhammad also arrive. The Muhammad claims that he spared Ain-ul-Mulk because the other guy had figured out a jigsaw puzzle in a matter of minutes that had taken Ain-ul-Mulk days to figure out and even identified a flaw in his answer.

In order to take care of the populace, he had urged him to remain in Avadh. Muhammad's willingness to be charitable makes Barani pleased. Everyone departs except for Ratansingh and Shihab-ud-in. A momentary pause. The truth behind Sheikh's passing is now revealed to Shihab by Ratansingh. Along with the soldiers, Ratansingh had also departed. Muhammad set a trap for the sheik when he was concealed behind the hills.

Ain-ul-Mulk's forces shot back at Muhammad's men as they went to offer peace, killing the Sheikh. Ratansingh had managed to get away in some way. With everything going on, Shihab feels concerned. According to Ratansinghs, some civilians and certain court nobility gather in secret. Shihab is asked to join as well by Ratansingh.

Scene 5: A residence in Delhi

A group of Sayyids and Amirs. Ratan Singh and Shihab.They are discussing Muhammad's reign at the moment. According to the Amirs, Daulatabad is being chosen as the new capital city in an effort to undermine them. For all their activities, they need to pay taxes. In the discussion, a man by the name of Sheikh Shams-ud-in claims that Sheikh Haidari has been detained, and Sheikh Hood is banished. He claims that there is a lot of politics happening around.

Also dealt with is a case study from the life of Sheikh Imam-ud-Din. And the fact that Muhammad's troops intimidated the populace into staying away from Sheikh Imam-ud-din's gatherings by going door to door. Shihab, who is a close companion of Muhammad, is persuaded to participate in their covert scheme by seeing examples of Muhammad's shortcomings during the discussion.

Because of this, they arranged for Muhammad and his troops to be unarmed when the Amirs met with them on the following Tuesday for the Durbar-i-Khas. While he is praying, they intend to murder him. Shihab is still perplexed, but Ratansingh persuades him to join the plot. Despite his confusion, Ratansingh persuades Shihab, who is still perplexed, to join the plot.

Scene 6 The Palace

Muhammad, Barani, and Najib are in the room when the Amirs arrive. Muhammad informs the group that a service member of the Abbasid Khalifs titled Abbasid Ghiyas-ud-din Muhammad took up Muhammad's offer to visit the nation's capital. He further states that from the next year, copper coinage will coexist alongside silver dinars throughout his dominion and will be valued at the same amount. Muhammad takes his sword out of its belt and sits down to pray.

In the middle of the prayer, the Amirs pull their swords. The Amirs are surrounded by Muhammad's warriors as he continues to pray, and they haul them away. Muhammad murders Shihab. Najib is then instructed by Muhammad to execute everyone participating in this plot. He requests that it be included in the statement that Shihab protected and preserved Muhammad's life. Everyone should, in his opinion, relocate right away to Daulatabad.

Scene 7: A tent camp close to the Delhi-Daulatabad Road

In order to fit in, Aazam joins Aziz, who pretends to be Vishnu Prasad, a Brahmin. A Hindu lady is appealing on her knees in front of Aziz, requesting a day off since her daughter is ill. Aziz requests that she provide him with money in exchange for a day off. However, she is poor, and her daughter passes away. Then came a guy with his wife and their six kids. They were expected to arrive before dusk, according to Aziz.

The guy responds that he got stuck since he had to graze the bodies en route. As to this guy, he keeps an eye on the bodies of the individuals whom Muhammad has slain. The deceased remains had to be purchased if the family desired them. After learning about the reports about copper money, Aziz advises Aazam to produce copper coins in order to become wealthy.

Scene 8: Daulatabad Fort

Two sentries guard the area; one is a youthful man, and the other is in their middle years. They're admiring the fort as they're standing close by. The elderly guy states that he lost his wife, father, and son while traveling. In the fort, they mention a passageway resembling a python and suckling individuals. The Muhammad comes in and requests that the elderly man fetch Barani. Muhammad and the boy started talking to one other.

Muhammad claims that he inspected the building's construction when he turned twenty-one. Barani comes in. The Muhammad alerts him about a rebellion against him in Bengal by Fakr-ud-din and Bahal-ud-din in the Deccan. He claims that at this time, the only people he has confidence in are Shihab's father and Ain-ul-Mulk. The elderly guy comes and declares that Najib has been discovered dead.

Scene 9: A hilltop hiding place

On the floor, Aazam and Aziz have been spaced out. They are conversing in a way that is fitting for Muhammad. Aazam has had enough of life. Aziz tries to convince him to get rid of the guy for being robbed, and he must have been able to commit robbery. That person is the true king. Karim introduces a man who is bound and believed to be a Turkish merchant. A family member of Khalif Abbasid and Muhammad's guest of honor, the Man distinguishes himself as Ghiyasuddin Abbasid.

He issues threats to Aziz for mistreating him. According to Aziz, Muhammad has murdered a lot of people since arriving in Daulatabad. Aziz claims that he murdered a guy, wrapped him in straw, and hanged him up in the marketplace because the other Man claimed to be a Prophet's descendent. In the words of Ghiyasuddin, Muhammad gave him a letter and a ring as a token of appreciation. Aziz murders Ghiyasuddin and makes preparations to visit Muhammad while hiding his identity.

Scene 10 The Palace

Muhammad and the Stepmother are talking. The stepmother asks Muhammad about the problem with the copper coin and calls it a stupid move. Then they discuss Najib's passing. She admits to killing Najib. She reportedly did this to show authority over Muhammad, as recounted by Muhammad. She will be sent to jail and stoned to death; Muhammad commands the troops. He asserts that she is more dire than an adulteress. Barani comes in. In accordance with Muhammad, he was ready to offer a prayer that was against his own norms.

Barani states that the governor sent a note stating that they should refer to all people to pray. The announcer walks in. He makes a proclamation that everyone should congregate because Ghiyas-ud-din would be coming the next day at noon. Muslims were given directions to pray five times a day, with the prayers resuming the next Friday.

Scene 11: A Plain outside of Daulatabad's fort

To greet Ghiyas-ud-din, large crowds of residents have assembled. The populace believes that they do not desire prayers but rather food. Ghiyas-uddin arrives dressed as Aziz, and Muhammad envelops him. He prostrates himself at the holy Man's feet to atone for all of his misdeeds. The female Hindu knows who Aziz is. Aziz murdered her kid, the woman who emerged from the gathering claims. But no one pays her any attention. The riot starts.

Scene 12: The Palace

Aziz and Aazam are inside the Palace. Aziz is scared that Aazam will join him in doing everything that is bad. Chooses to leave the palace as a result. Aazam informs Aziz that he has paid two slaves to bring two horses, and they will be ready in 30 minutes.

The city is in pandemonium, according to Aazam, and they must flee by the hidden route. They discuss the piles of coins outside the castle.

According to Aziz, they produced a significant portion of the coins. Aazam claimed to have seen Muhammad sifting through the money with his fingers, letting them flow out while he remained still for 30 minutes. Aziz rejects Aazam's attempts to persuade him to accompany them. Aazam exits the royal residence.

Scene 13: The End

The whole populace is informed that the prayer prohibition will be abolished when Ghiyasuddin-Abbasid comes. However, the masses are not interested in it since they are starving to death. The average person's life has been completely destroyed. Tughlaq, however, is getting ready for Ghiyasuddin-Abbasid's arrival. Ghiyasuddin-Abbasid is killed when Aziz shows up. With the intention of tricking the Sultan, Aziz now dresses as Ghiyasuddin-Abbasid.

With his new persona, Aziz succeeds in tricking Tughlaq. After Aazam is killed, Tughlaq somehow learns who Aazam really is. As of right now, Aziz is telling him everything he did to defraud him in the past. Tughlaq is very impressed by the disclosure of these truths. He places him in a position of authority in his court. Tughlaq decides to rest after making this choice. When he awakens, he realizes that he has become insane. Here, the play is over.

Theme of the Play

The main character Muhammad Tughlaq is introduced in the first scene as both the Sultan of a huge realm and a decent human being. It also adds a few additional opinion-forming characters. Muhammad is known for his idealistic nature, love of equality, fairness, peace, and peace among Hindus and Muslims. He follows religion and is just and unbiased. His exceptional strength and knowledge enable him to write a new chapter in history. He has taken specific actions, such as the Jizia's abolishment, his choice to relocate the capital, and his treating Hindus equally in an effort to realize his ideals and foster inter-communal unity.

Sadly, the public does not generally like his style of administration or his idealistic, liberal objectives. Muslims and Hindus both have negative things to say about him. His propensity towards the Hindus who received a Jizia exemption and were treated equally is strongly condemned by conservative Muslims. Even his decision to move the nation's capital from Delhi to Daultabad was labeled as a foolish action. Hindus themselves question his sincerity and label his "moves" as diplomatic.

It seems that the playwright's intention is to imply that no one understands Muhammad. Thus, the scene captures the environment of skepticism, uncertainty, resistance, and criticism that existed under Mohammad Tughlaq's reign and served as the play's inspiration.

The incident also illustrates a different aspect of Muhammad's personality, which is that he is strongly believed to have slain his own father and brother in order to take the kingdom, as is obvious from popular perceptions. Despite the fact that his culpability has not been proven, this has undoubtedly damaged his reputation. According to his supporters who argue for him, Mohammad is said to be so honorable, holy, and ideal that he cannot be deceitful. His father and brother were also hurt in the collision.

Two further characters are presented to the audience: Aziz and Aazam, who respectively fool the judges and the general public. The intention behind Aziz is to unfairly benefit from the Sultan's tolerant policies. By winning a phony lawsuit, he makes fun of the legal system. He generates laughter and joy while hiding his identity. Aazam, a pickpocket, demonstrates his talent for duping the average person.

Several dramatic outcomes in the play, including humor and amusement, irony, and mistaken identification, are created through the employment of the disguise of Aziz as a theatrical device. In this way, they also aid in the plot's advancement.