An Analytical Study of the Modern Drama: 'Kaca-devayānīyam'

Abstract: Pandit Pareekshit Sharma is a distinguished figure among modern Sanskrit playwrights, renowned for his monumental work Pareekshit-Nataka-Chakram, a collection of twenty-seven plays. The inaugural play of this collection is Kaca-devayānīyam, a oneact drama based on the Mahabharata, predominantly themed around Vipralambha Shringara (the sentiment of love in separation). The plot depicts the journey of Kaca, the son of Brihaspati, and his quest to acquire the secret Sanjivani Vidya from the demonpreceptor Shukracharya. This research paper evaluates the dramatic elements, characterization, and literary excellence of the play. Furthermore, it analyzes how the playwright has woven social values, the Guru-shishya tradition, societal customs, and the sense of justice into the narrative. By examining these facets, the paper highlights the contemporary relevance and artistic depth of Pandit Sharma’s dramatic vision.