Folklore Tradition of India in Girish Karnad's Nagmandala

Abstract

Myths are universal, occurring in almost all cultures. They deal with basic questions about the nature of the world and human experience and can illuminate many aspects of a culture. Culture defines society. The cultural ethos of every society is unique in its form and essence representing the character of its people, their experiences and beliefs. Myths, legends and folklore are in fact the embodiments of these cultural ethos that represent the underlying values and principles of life, the shared experience of the race, the rules and the codes of society. This paper explores the style acquired by Girish Karnard in presenting these folklores through plays and characterization.