Unmasking Hypocrisy: Themes of Decadence in Ghashiram Kotwal

Abstract

The play is a powerful political allegory, criticizing the misuse of power and then rise of corruption in society. Social Realism in the form of caste discrimination, gender exploitation, and moral hypocrisy is portrayed more openly. Character Development and Complexity is clear through Nana and Ghashiram who are psychologically complex as well benchmark for victimhood and villainy. Characters are neither purely good nor utterly bad. This style of morally complex narrations of real life enriches the literary tradition.

The issues as: identity, power, and resistance, are centres of postcolonial literature. The body of the play uses colonial and postcolonial structures, combining regional and cultural dimension to the themes. The plight of an outside Brahmin and his daughter in Poona and the Brahminical order in Poona contributes to postcolonial literary agenda by giving voice to marginalized and oppressed groups.

There is interdisciplinary analysis and interpretation, theme and narrative style have blended literature with sociology, political science, and cultural studies. Universality of the themes is manifested through social division based on caste, creed and status prevalent in many societies around the world. On micro level personal grudges and vengeance can lead to toxic social downfall, the message is for global context.

Ghashiram’s hatred to the Brahmin elite represents ‘modern social movement’ fighting against oppression and demanding justice. Play reflects Gender Dynamics depicting exploitation of Women like Gauri and Gulabi (women having poor agency) and are subjugated by Patriarchal Society.