Girish Karnad’s Play Tughlaq Is A Religious Play Mingled With Symbolism

This paper deals with the life of Indian ruler Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq who is a persona totally estranged from the society. Though he is religious by heart but his ideas are far above the reach and comprehension of the common people. He gives priority to all religions but the Hindus and Muslims are unable to understand the broad-minded religious tolerance of Tughlaq and all his good thinking for public is beyond the non-comprehension of people and so both Hindus and Muslims burst into violence and cruelty for the implementation of his idealistic plans. In the play religion is presented with so many symbols like chess, prayer, python, sleep, vulture, rose, tree and Daulatabad.