Aditi Sarkar (M23ME02)

Dr. AV Koshy

Indian Writing in English

10.11.23

ASSIGNMENT

Comparing and Contrasting ‘Tamas’ by Bhishm Sahni and ‘Chandalika’ by

Rabindranath Tagore as canonical works of literary interest

“When a man begins to have an extended vision of his true self, when he realises that he is much

more than at present he seems to be, he begins to get conscious of his moral nature.”"A man starts

to become conscious of his moral nature when he has an expanded vision of his true self and

realises that he is much more than he appears to be right now." The Indian caste system is a topic

covered in the plot of the play Chandalika. It is adapted from a story by a Buddhist. It tells the tale

of an extremely perceptive young woman who was raised in an untouchable caste home from birth.

While In Tamas, Sahni explores religious politics, ethnic identity, institutional violence,

identity crisis, and inhumanity. The novel depicts communal conflicts and the gloomy riot zone,

with religious fanatics causing savagery. The fighting communities are unaware of their origin and

the conspiracy of communal disharmony. Sahni explains the origin of the Indian people through

historian Richard, who explains that they all belong to the same race and share identical features.

Richard's obsession with history and imperial audacity to fragment the religious community reveals

the ignorance of the Indian people's origin.

In ‘Chandalika’ by Tagore, The caste structure and prevailing customs rob Prakriti's family

of their inherent rights. The event in Prakriti's life when Ananda, a disciple of Lord Buddha, entered
her life and made her aware of her rights as a woman aroused her consciousness. Prakriti's

worthless life is given new life when she accepts water from a Chandal (a girl from a lower caste).

In a reply to her mother she says firmly,

“I respect him who respects me. A religion that insults is a false religion.

Everyone united to make me conform to a creed that blinds and gags. But

since that day something forbids me to conform any longer. I’m afraid of

nothing now.”

This voice of Prakriti is a protest against the caste system. Prakriti, a member of an untouchable

society, has no well-wisher in the world. Ananda shows love for her as a loving creature of God.

Tagore believes that man is the most miserable beggar and that humans have made divisions among

society. Prakriti is unaware of her humanity and has the right to live with honor. Ananda asks for

water, and Tagore advises her not to humiliate herself, as self-humiliation is a sin. The play

highlights the narrow-mindedness of society and the suffering of untouchables. In spite of this,

Ananda asks for water.

“If the black clouds of Saravana are dubbed Chandal, he said what of it? It

doesn’t change their nature or destroy the virtue of their water. Don’t

humiliate yourself, he said; self-humiliation is a sin, worse than self-

murder.”

Prakriti learns from this experience that she is a woman and a human being who also exists in this

world. She is able to identify as a member of society because of Ananda. She consequently develops

emotions for Ananda. She says,

“Let him raise that truth, that flower from the dust, and take it to his

bosom.”
As a Buddhist, Ananda does not believe in caste and creed and drinks water from the hands of

Prakriti. He says to Prakriti,

“Give me water..... As I am human being, so also are you, and all water is

clean and holy that cools our heat and satisfies our thirsts.”

Ananda, the first man to ask for water from the Chandal girl, binds all human beings in a

community. The name Prakriti signifies the meaningless caste system, as nature does not distinguish

between higher and lower castes. Tagore believes that tyranny is mostly tolerated by women and

aims to reform society by promoting women's equality. He believes that women alone can overstep

caste boundaries and that all men are equal, valuing Buddhism's perspective on the caste system.

Tagore acknowledges the poor condition of women and aims to raise their status in society.

Therefore, Chandalika is a story about the Buddha's disciple, Prakriti, who challenges the

Hindu caste system and establishes equality. Rabindranath Tagore's concept of a new consciousness

after suffering is portrayed through Chandalika. Prakriti learns restraint after suffering, and after

rectifying her previous human ethic, she becomes a worthy example in the caste system.

In Bhisham Sahni's novel Tamas, chaos and insecurity are depicted through characters like Harnam

Singh and Banto, who move from a well-occupied space to an unknown place. They are deeply

engrossed in their village's culture and own a famous tea shop. Despite the riots, they feel secure in

their peaceful dwelling. Harnam Singh who is confident with their image in the village consoles

his wife who fears the consequence of riots saying,

“Listen, my good woman, we have never thought ill of anyone; we have

never harmed anyone. People in the village too have been good to

us. ”(Sahni 215)

Karim Khan who also assured them,

“no less than ten times that we should continue to live here with an easy

mind”(Sahni 215).

However, before long, this friend just calls on them to go right immediately since some miscreants

from the other village had visited theirs and would attack them in a fit of personal rivalry. He

advises them,

“Things have taken a bad turn, Harnam Singh. Your welfare lies in leaving

the place as the marauders may come from outside. We will not be able to

stop them”(Sahni 216).

The old couple flees their friends due to Partition, causing them to become enemies and foreign to

their land. They lose their space and belongings, recognising their people as family and part of their

joys and sorrows. Another example of space is seen through the story of the Lalaji family, a

wealthy Hindu family living in a Muslim-majority, illustrates the concept of space. Despite their

Muslim neighbors' concerns, they moved to a Hindu locality to protect their daughters. The partition

displaced their well-respected social status, placing the rich and poor in the same position. This led

to materialistic loss and emotional attachment, causing mental trauma and future space issues.

Chandalika" by Rabindranath Tagore and "Tamas" by Bhisham Sahni are two distinct works with

different themes, styles, and historical contexts. “Chandalika” uses dance and music as integral

elements in the storytelling. "Tamas" is a novel that employs a more straightforward narrative style

to depict the gritty reality of communal violence and its impact on individuals and communities.

Nobel laureate poet and dramatist Rabindranath Tagore is the author of the dance drama

"Chandalika". It was originally played in 1938. The book "Tamas" was written by Indian author
Bhisham Sahni. The year of publication was 1974. The film "Chandalika" delves into the subjects

of social consciousness and caste inequality. It narrates the tale of an ostracised young woman

named Prakriti who undergoes a transformation after meeting a Buddhist monk.

"Chandalika" discusses caste-based prejudice as well as the concept of breaking free from

societal restraints."Tamas" exposes the atrocities of the era by offering a biting commentary on the

religious and communal strife that beset India during the partition. In summary, Bhisham Sahni's

bleak novel "Tamas" portrays the violence between communities and disorder during India's

partition, whereas Rabindranath Tagore's symbolic and allegorical drama "Chandalika" deals with

caste prejudice and spiritual development. These works offer different perspectives and insights into

the social and historical issues they address.

Rabindranath Tagore's "Chandalika" and Bhisham Sahni's "Tamas" are two unique

compositions with distinct topics and situations. Nonetheless, certain conceptual parallels may be

identified. The effects of discrimination and social hierarchy are examined in both pieces. "Tamas"

explores the violence and tensions between communities during India's partition, while

"Chandalika" explores the caste system and the persecution of a lady from a lower caste.

Oppression and the fight for liberty are themes in both works. While the main character in "Tamas"

depicts the battle for freedom and survival during a time of community turmoil, the protagonist of

"Chandalika" aspires to be released from her social rank. Both pieces explore the wide and varied

spectrum of human emotions. While "Tamas" depicts fear, anger, and the effects of violence on

people, "Chandalika" explores love, desire, and spiritual strife.

Even while there are certain themes shared by the works, it's vital to remember that the

stories, locales, and cultural backgrounds of the works vary greatly. "Tamas" is a book set against

the backdrop of historical events, whereas "Chandalika" is a dance play set in a mythical universe.

Both “Tamas” by Bhishm Sahni and “Chandalika” by Rabindranath tagore are considered canonical

works of literary interest, each offering unique perspectives and themes. “Tamas” is a more
historical and politically charged narrative, while “Chandalika” is a philosophical exploration of

societal issues.

In my opinion, "Chandalika" by Rabindranath Tagore surpasses "Tamas" by Bhisham Sahni

due to its lyrical and philosophical depth, its timeless themes that resonate universally, its rich use

of symbolism, and the enduring legacy of Tagore in Bengali literature. Tagore's ability to delve into

the philosophical and spiritual aspects of human existence in a poetic play is truly captivating, and

the work's allegorical elements provide a multi-layered narrative that engages the reader on various

levels. While both works are significant, "Chandalika" holds a special place in my literary

preference for its poetic and philosophical qualities.

Ghimire, Sushil. "Identity in Spirituality: A Review of the Play Chandalika by Tagore." Journal of

Balkumari College 8 (2019).

Rawson, Jessica, and Hira Bose. "PROBLEM OF PLACE, SPACE AND PARTITION IN

BHISHAM SAHNI’S NOVEL TAMAS." International Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities

6.1 (2021): 31-37.

Revathy, S., and T. Senthamarai. "A Study of Socio-Political Manipulation in Bhisham Sahni’s

Tamas." International Journal of English Literature and Social Sciences (IJELS) 7.4 (2022).

Sahni, Bhisham. Tamas. Penguin UK, 2016.

SINGH, YUDHISHTHIR, and ARCHANA GAUTAM. "RABINDRANATH TAGORE'S NATURE

OF HUMANISM IN HIS PLAYS CHANDALIKA AND NATIR PUJA." International Journal of

English and Literature (IJEL) 9 (2019): 25-32.