Representation of Contemporary Socio-Cultural Reality in Modern Indian Drama in English Translation: An Introductory Survey

Modern Indian drama in English and in English translation reflects the evolving socio-cultural realities of Indian society. Introduced during the colonial period, Indian English drama initially followed Western dramatic traditions but gradually developed an independent identity. The post-independence era witnessed significant growth through original writings and translations of regional plays into English, enabling wider national and international recognition. Playwrights such as Asif Currimbhoy, Nissim Ezekiel, Girish Karnad, Vijay Tendulkar, Badal Sircar, Mohan Rakesh, and Mahashweta Devi explored themes of social conflict, identity crisis, power structures, cultural hegemony, and human suffering. Translated Indian drama, in particular, emerged as a powerful medium to present contemporary socio-cultural realities, blending classical, folk, and modern theatrical traditions. This paper offers an introductory survey of Indian drama in English translation, highlighting its thematic concerns, stylistic innovations, and contribution to the evolution of modern Indian theatre.