
Indira Parthasarathy's Tamil play 'Ramanujar' was awarded the Saraswati Samman by the K.K. Birla Foundation in 1999 for promoting an understanding of the contemporary relevance of the renowned Vaishnava acharya of medieval India. The English translation by T. Sriraman and the accompanying critical apparatus by C.T. Indra make the play accessible to a wider audience for the first time. The book presents the saint not only as an exponent of the Visishtaadvaidic philosophy, but even more strikingly as a radical social reformer with an inclusive vision. The Epilogue, a playlet included in the present edition, presents an imaginary meeting of the aged renunciant with his long-separated wife. The searching questions she poses make the savant reflect upon and evaluate himself, his past, and the impact he has made on society.
The play examines the life and philosophical evolution of the medieval Vaishnava acharya Ramanuja, focusing on his transition from a traditional scholar to a radical social reformer. The protagonist seeks to reconcile his rigid theological doctrines with the practical necessity of social inclusivity, facing opposition from established orthodox structures and his own personal history. The narrative framework utilizes a dramatic structure to explore the internal and external conflicts of a historical figure, culminating in a reflective epilogue that challenges his legacy. The world is defined by the socio-religious landscape of medieval India, where the protagonist must navigate the tension between ascetic renunciation and the human connections he left behind.
Readers and critics frequently highlight the work's success in humanizing a historical religious figure by focusing on his internal contradictions. Discussion often centers on the effectiveness of the playlet in the epilogue, which provides a necessary counterpoint to the protagonist's public persona. The balance between philosophical exposition and dramatic tension is noted as a primary strength of the translation. Many observers appreciate how the text bridges the gap between academic study and accessible literature, making complex theological concepts understandable for a broader audience.
Page Count:
232
Publication Date:
2023-09-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0192871544
ISBN-13:
9780192871541
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