Sudrakas Mrcchakatika

The title Mricchakatika literally means “The Little Clay Cart”. It has both literal and metaphoric significance in the play. At the same time, the title bears marks of Sudraka’s originality. A detailed study of the play reveals how the title chosen by Sudraka is both interesting and appropriate. Sudraka, as a playwright, departed from many of the conventions of Sanskrit drama laid down by Bharata in Natyasastra. The title of his play Mricchakatika is no exception. Traditionally, a Prakarana used to be named after its Nayaka (hero) and Nayika (heroine). For instance, Malavikagnimitra is the love story of princess Malavika and king Agnimitra. Following this tradition, Sudraka could have joined the names of his Charudatta and Vasantasena in his title. However, he shows great inventiveness in conceiving the title Mricchakatika without referring to the central characters at all. On a literal level, the title Mricchakatika refers to the clay cart of Rohasena, Charudatta’s son. The little child desires to have a gold cart as he is ashamed of his ordinary clay one. Vasantasena offers her jewellery to satisfy Rohasena’s wish. This episode of the little clay cart, although a minor one, is empirically linked to the major themes of the play.