BHUBANESWAR: The fifth day of ‘Purva Ranga-2019’, a national theatre festival, was marked by staging of a play ‘Satyagraha’ by artistes of Ramat Theatre Group from Rajasthan at Rabindra Mandap here Wednesday.
The play is based on Mewar, Rajasthan. Directed by Arjun Deocharan, the story depicts the events that follow murder of Suryavanshi King Rao Viram in 1383. His queen takes one of her five sons Rao Chunda and lives in a village called Kalau at the house of Ala Charan.
Ala Charan teaches the prince in secret. When Rao Chunda becomes the King of Mandor, he offers a village to his mentor Ala Charan and passed legislation that no one can collect any kind of tax from the village of Ala Charan at any given time.
However, in the year 1483, Rao Chunda’s son Rao Riddhimal is killed by conspiracy. Rao Ridhhimal’s son Rao Yodha along with his brother flees into a neighbouring state to save life.
Meanwhile, the new King of Mewar Rathore, in order to humiliate the Rao family, announced that the state would not observe the death ceremony of Raja Rao Riddhimal.
Nevertheless, Chandan Khiria, a poet of Mewar, disobeys the current King’s orders and observes every ritual for the late King Rao Riddhimal.
In the play, the traits of humanity and loyalty are shown through the poet who is faithful to his King even after his death. The story also showcases the sacrifices of young Rajputs to maintain their loyalty and promises to their kingdom.
Gopal Krishna Panda, a visitor, said, “The play instilled a sense of pride in me. The loyalists of the King were not fazed by the numerous troubles that came their way. In fact, they sacrificed their life for a lost cause. The artistes were superb in enacting the play. I would surely come for the next play as well.”
The artistes who enacted the play were Deepak Bhatnagar, Mahesh Mathur, Asis Charan, Mag Sinha, Krishna Tak, Rahul Bora, Kapil Daieya, Mahendra Rahul and Asis Nabaria among others.
Historian K Sagar said, “The unity in our country is a result of our royal families. The loyal followers of royalty have taught us the virtue of loyalty towards one’s own kingdom and nation.” The play witnessed a jam-packed theatre as the performances by the actors were nothing short of sensational.
