MALINI

Malini

This play takes place in hindu kingdom. Malini , the daughter of a king has been caught by Buddhist monks. She wears simple dress and abandons ornaments. Her parents, especially her mother, suggest that she should not follow monks because they practice black arts and fill people’s mind with lies. However, Malini does not believe them. A group of Brahmins come to the front of the palace  and demand her banishment. They find Hinduism, their traditional religion, endangered by Buddhism. Supriya objects to what Brahmins are demanding. He thinks that they are trying to determine truth with their number and shrill cry. Kemankar convinces him to be silent. Whenever the third Brahmin informs them that the army is supporting them, they are afraid that in the support there is the smell of rebellion. Then, they make penance and call on the Goddess. Meanwhile, Malini appears there because she has just left the palace. All Brahmins regard her as Goddess and bow their head. Though, they realize that she is Malini they are overcome by her love of the world. They request her to help them. The princess also becomes ready to serve them. They follow her and bring her back to the palace.

Kemankar is dissatisfied with Brahmins’ treatment to Malini. He leaves the kingdom to find soldiers of the other country to fight against the king and the followers of the new creed. He leaves his friend Supriya, behind to watch and  keep him informed. Kemankar warns him to be away from the girl. But Supriya feels attracted to Malini because he believes that she represents love and truth. Then he betrays Kemankar by handing over his letter to the king in which Kemankar has about the scheme of rebellion. Kemankar is arrested and the king offers Supriya the chance to ask anything he want even Malini. Supriya says that all he wants from the King is the life of Kemankar.

Kemankar arrives in chains. He is proud of what he has done. He asks to speak to Supriya. They argue. They then agree to die together because that is the only way to find who is right. Kemankar kills Supriya with his chains in his hands. The King asks for his swords to kill Kemankar but Malini says “Father, forgive Kemankar.”