Mind-Body Dichotomies in Girish Karnad’s Hayavadana

Abstract

This article will deal with the clash between the mind symbolizing intelligence and the body symbolizing physical fitness as depicted in Girish Karnad’s Hayavadana (1971). As Karnad himself uses the words ‘mind’ and ‘body’ for intelligence and physical fitness in the play, so the researcher will do the same throughout the discussion. The main two characters in the play, Devadatta and Kapila, are the embodiments of intelligence and physical fitness respectively, and central to the clash is the character of Padmini, the wife of Devadatta who wants to possess both, the mind of Devadatta and the body of Kapila. In our real world, it is very tough to possess both qualities. But, Padmini is pleased to have the intelligence of Devadatta with the physical fitness of Kapila. However, she doesn’t realize that a scholar like Devadatta will not be able to maintain a tough body by simply reading. Central to the dichotomy of mind-body, this paper aims to comment on education, intelligence, physical skills and health in the context of the characters in the play. The researcher seeks to explore the relationships between intelligence and physical fitness, intelligence and education, and the impact of health on intelligence through the characters of Devadatta, Kapila and Padmini. Education, intelligence and physical health have an interesting relationship. This play of Karnad is a great commentary on those issues with a simple but realistic story. Literature helps us understand the complex world and Hayavadana is no exception. The clash between mind and body is inevitable and eventually leads to self-torture. It is very tough to harmonize them, sometimes it may lead to destruction as we see happening in the play. Finally, this paper seeks to address the ideas of education, intelligence and physical fitness and how they clash and harmonize with each other as presented by Karnad in his play.