Among the handwritten treasures once preserved in the estate of Rathindranath Tagore is a fascinating, dramatic handwritten manuscript (writing on both sides) by Rabindranath Tagore, dated simply “22nd Push, 1322” (7th January, 1916). Its dramatic structure, language, and humor speak vividly of the cultural milieu from which it emerged.
Rathindranath Tagore's Handwritten Manuscript of Dramas
The first drama, Bahu Bibaha Prahasan, unfolds as a witty social satire built upon situational irony, where exchanged residences, mistaken identities and unexpected encounters create humor while subtly criticizing social customs associated with marriage and spiritual practices. Through characters like Annada and Ashu, this drama humorously exposes the absurdities of marriage customs and blind fascination with ‘Yog-vidya'.
In contrast, the dance-drama Phalguni celebrates Spring, youth and the eternal cycle of losing and rediscovering life itself. Through songs, this dance-drama captures the joy and restlessness of life during the month of Phalgun.
These dramas create an atmosphere that feels deeply connected to the Bengali stage tradition of the early twentieth century, preserving not just stories, but the pulse of a nearly forgotten performance culture. An exceptionally rare manuscript.
