Name: Brian Namgay Lepcha

MA Semester IV
Paper: Literature of the Absurd (M. Op. 52)
Session: 2021-23
Q. The role and functions of poems and songs in Evam Indrajit
by Badal Sircar.
Evam Indrajit by Badal Sircar is a landmark play in Indian
theatre. It was first performed in 1963 and is still considered a classic
of Indian theatre. The play deals with the existential crisis of the
protagonist, Indrajit, and explores themes of identity, alienation, and
the search for meaning. One of the most striking aspects of the play is
the use of poems and songs, which serve multiple functions and add
to the play's overall impact on the audience.
One of the primary functions of poems and songs in Evam Indrajit is
to provide commentary on the action. They act as a sort of Greek
chorus, commenting on the events taking place on stage and providing
insight into the characters' thoughts and emotions. For instance, in the
poem "Jibon Smriti," which is recited by Brati, Indrajit's friend, we
get a glimpse of the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of
death. The poem highlights the contrast between the transience of life
and the search for permanence, which is a central theme of the play.
Through the poem, the audience can see how the characters are
grappling with the fleeting nature of life and the struggle to find
meaning in it.
Another poem in the play that serves a similar function is "Nabanna,"
which is recited by Indrajit himself. The poem reflects on the futility
of human endeavors and the impermanence of all things. It highlights
the existential crisis that Indrajit is going through and provides insight
into his thoughts and emotions. The poem serves as a commentary on
the action and provides the audience with a deeper understanding of
the themes and motifs of the play.
The first song in the play, "Jibon Smriti," is sung by Indrajit's mother
and is a nostalgic recollection of her past. The song serves to establish
a sense of loss and longing, which is a recurring theme in the play.
The second song in the play, "Megh Bolechhe Jabo Jabo," is sung by
Indrajit himself and is an expression of his desire to break free from
the constraints of society and explore the world on his own terms. The
lyrics of the song convey a sense of restlessness and a yearning for
something more significant than the mundane existence that Indrajit
finds himself trapped in. The third song in the play, "Jeebon Namer
Rail Garita," is sung by a group of characters who represent the
establishment, including Indrajit's father, his teacher, and a
government official. The song is a celebration of conformity and is
meant to highlight the stark contrast between Indrajit's rebellious
spirit and the conformity that is expected of him by society.
The second act of the play is marked by the appearance of a character
named Brati, who represents the antithesis of Indrajit's rebellious
spirit. Brati is content with his lot in life and has no desire to question
the status quo. The songs and poems in this act serve to highlight the
difference between Brati and Indrajit and the stark contrast between
conformity and non-conformity.
The fourth song in the play, "Shohoj Pather Gaan," is sung by Brati
and is a celebration of the simple joys of life. The song serves to
highlight the difference between Brati and Indrajit and the contrast
between Brati's contentment and Indrajit's restlessness.The fifth song
in the play, "Ami Andhokarey Chai Jete," is sung by Indrajit and is an
expression of his desire to embrace the unknown and take risks. The
lyrics of the song convey a sense of urgency and a willingness to take
chances, which is in sharp contrast to Brati's conservative outlook.
The final act of the play is marked by the culmination of Indrajit's
journey, which ends in tragedy. The songs and poems in this act serve
to provide closure to the story and offer insights into the characters'
emotional states.The sixth song in the play, "Ami Sei Meye," is sung
by Indrajit's former lover and serves to highlight the sense of loss and
regret that pervades the play. The song is a lament for what might
have been and is a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of human
relationships.
The seventh and final song in the play, "Bhai Bhai," is sung by a
group of characters who represent the establishment. The song is a
celebration of brotherhood and serves to underscore the sense of unity
that exists within society despite the differences that separate
individuals.
Moreover, songs also play a crucial role in expressing the characters'
emotions and inner conflicts. In the second act of the play, the songs
are used to portray the characters' emotional states, which add to the
overall mood and atmosphere of the play. For example, in the song
"Baksho Badal," Sudipta, Indrajit's love interest, expresses her
frustration with Indrajit's apathy towards their relationship. The song
provides depth and dimension to Sudipta's character and provides
insight into her innermost feelings.
Similarly, in the song "Dibash Kabya," which is sung by Indrajit, we
see him expressing his sense of alienation from the world around him.
The song highlights the struggle of the individual to find meaning in a
world that seems to be constantly changing and slipping away. The
song also highlights the tension between the desire for individualism
and the need for connection with others. The use of music and lyrics
in the song makes it a powerful moment in the play and adds to its
overall impact on the audience.
The poems and songs in Evam Indrajit also contribute to the play's
experimental form, which is a hallmark of Badal Sircar's writing. The
use of music and poetry in the play is not just for the sake of it but
adds to the play's overall impact on the audience. The experimental
nature of the play, coupled with the use of music and poetry, creates
an immersive experience for the audience, drawing them deeper into
the themes and emotions of the play.
The use of songs and poems in Evam Indrajit also highlights the
importance of language and communication in the play. The
characters in the play are struggling to express themselves and
communicate with others. The use of music and poetry helps them to
articulate their thoughts and emotions in a way that words alone
cannot. The use of language and communication is also tied to the
theme of alien