Amanat Ki Inder Sabha

Written and performed nearly two hundred years ago, Indra Sabha is the second significant play written around the dawn of the modern era. The first is believed to be Qissa Radha Kanhaiya (1843) by Wajid Ali Shah. Indra Sabha established a record that perhaps no other play in the history of Hindustani drama has surpassed. Its influence can be gauged from the fact that nearly two dozen more plays were written in its imitation. This play was not only a highly popular play but also a prime example of that form of Indian culture that we call shared culture. The play also reflects the society and cultural interests of the people of that time. The blending of folk consciousness with the Persian poetic tradition demonstrates the state of coordination and cooperation in this era. The blending of Persian and Urdu, along with Khari Boli folk songs, creates a striking effect. The original play was written in the style of opera, but it is believed that its inspiration was not operatic but the basic structure of Rasleela, in which poetry is more important than dialogue. The enthusiasm and passion for poetry and music among audiences at that time may not be as prevalent today. Secondly, the plays dramatic elements have not been overemphasized. While preparing the re-reading of the play, todays theatre and drama lovers were kept in mind. In this process, the plays size has been reduced and more attention has been paid to the characterization of the characters. An attempt has been made to enhance the drama. Some dialogues and verses have been added, but care has been taken to maintain the plays original essence. Re-readings also offer directors the opportunity to remain imaginative. Many directors have presented Indra Sabha on stage in different ways since independence. This is proof that the play still has the potential to captivate audiences. It is hoped that the re-reading of the play will be considered a meaningful effort in this direction.