Defence Against the Dark Arts: A look at Girish Karnad’s legacy | Eye News, The Indian Express

Defence Against the Dark Arts: A look at Girish Karnad’s legacy | Eye News, The Indian Express

Written by Amrita Dutta |Updated: October 7, 2018 2:31:23 pm

Defence Against the Dark Arts: A look at Girish Karnad’s legacy

For years, Girish Karnad has used history and ancient myths to examine the fault lines of Indian society, here and now. As he returns with a new historical play, a look at the 80-year-old’s legacy and why he still feels the need to voice his dissent.

Girish Karnad’s outspokenness has offended nearly everybody, from Tipu Sultan-haters to Kannada chauvinists and VS Naipaul acolytes. (Illustration: Suvajit Dey)

Two sentries patrol the ramparts of the fort of the new capital, Daulatabad. It’s Scene Eight of Tughlaq, and the dreams of a visionary king have already been dragged through dust.