Conflict And Note Of Protest: A Study Of Rabindranath Tagore’s Play Achalayatan

Abstract

Rabindranth Tagore emerged as a rebel dramatist protesting against the prevalent social evils. In his
writings he often criticised the evil customs and superstitious beliefs. In Tagore's plays there can also
be found an undertone of spirituality. True to his liberal background, he was invariably against
religious bigotry, fanaticism, and other malpractices arising out of a misconceived sense of religion. In
fact, he unequivocally attacked worn out and useless conventions that hampered the progress of
mankind.The theme of self-discovery in relation to fellow-men, Maker (God) and the whole universe
is the major idea of his play Achalayatan. The play drives home the idea that true religion is not the
institutionalised religion but the religion of love the path of uprightness and compassion is true
religion's essence. Quintessence of religion consists in kindness and love towards all which in the play
Achalayatan is personified by Panchak and Dadathakur and Acharya to great extent.