Vijay Tendulkar’s Kanyadaan is a powerful social drama that critically examines caste, idealism, and gender dynamics in Indian society. The play explores the complexities of inter-caste marriage and the contradictions between ideology and reality, making it a thought-provoking critique of both progressive politics and social injustice.
The story revolves around the marriage of Jyoti, a Brahmin woman, and Arun Athavale, a Dalit writer. Jyoti’s father, Nath Devlalikar, is a progressive politician who strongly supports inter-caste marriage, believing it to be a step toward social equality. However, when his own daughter faces the harsh realities of such a marriage, his idealism is tested. Arun, who has suffered caste-based oppression, carries deep-seated anger against the upper castes. His autobiography reflects his struggles, but in his personal life, he becomes abusive and violent toward Jyoti. This contrast between his public persona as a writer and his personal actions highlights the gap between political idealism and real-life consequences.
The play also raises significant questions about gender and domestic violence. Jyoti, who initially embraces her father’s ideals, soon finds herself trapped in a marriage where she is physically and emotionally abused. Arun’s mistreatment of her challenges the notion that oppression is limited to caste alone, revealing that gender oppression is equally powerful. Her suffering highlights how women, regardless of caste, often become victims in patriarchal structures. By showing how Jyoti remains in an abusive relationship despite her education and upbringing, Tendulkar critiques the romanticized notion that love and progressive ideals can easily dismantle deep-seated social inequalities.
Arun’s autobiography serves as a key element in the play, symbolizing his rage against society. However, while he portrays himself as a victim of caste discrimination, his personal conduct contradicts his written words. This raises an important question about whether literature alone can bring social change or whether personal behavior must align with ideology. His character is particularly complex—he has suffered deeply, yet he perpetuates the cycle of oppression instead of breaking it. The play questions whether personal trauma justifies future violence and whether those who have been victims can sometimes become oppressors themselves. Arun’s character also exposes how internalized rage, if left unchecked, can manifest as cruelty, reinforcing cycles of violence rather than challenging them.
The character of Nath Devlalikar represents the educated upper-caste liberal who believes in reform but is disconnected from the ground realities of caste oppression. His progressive ideals crumble when his daughter’s suffering becomes personal. This exposes the hypocrisy of privileged individuals who support social change in theory but hesitate when it affects their own families. Jyoti, on the other hand, embodies the idealistic youth who believes in breaking social barriers but is unprepared for the harsh realities that follow. She transforms from a hopeful bride into a victim, showcasing the double burden of caste and gender oppression. Arun, meanwhile, is a reflection of how oppression can breed resentment, leading to further injustice rather than progress.
One of the play’s most striking aspects is its refusal to offer easy solutions. Instead of portraying inter-caste marriage as an uncomplicated path to social harmony, Kanyadaan exposes the deep-rooted prejudices, emotional scars, and power imbalances that persist despite legal and political progress. The play forces its audience to confront uncomfortable questions: Can privileged individuals truly understand the struggles of the oppressed? Does suffering justify cruelty? Is social change possible when personal emotions and historical wounds remain unresolved?
Kanyadaan remains relevant today because caste discrimination and gender-based violence continue in Indian society. The play forces the audience to reflect on the limitations of progressive politics when detached from lived experiences, the deep-rooted impact of caste on personal relationships, and the ways in which oppression can perpetuate itself. It is not just a story about an inter-caste marriage but a critique of ideological hypocrisy, historical trauma, and the real cost of social justice experiments on human lives. Vijay Tendulkar challenges the audience to rethink their understanding of oppression and reform, making Kanyadaan a deeply thought-provoking work.
