Political Responsibility: Gender And Governance In Rabindranath Tagore’s Chitra And The King And The Queen

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to bring out the politics of gender assigned roles in Rabindranath Tagore's plays Chitra and The King and the Queen.  Chitra is an adaption from an episode in the Mahabharata. The protagonist Chitra, is the princess of Manipur, while Sumitra is the Queen in The King and the Queen. Both the characters realize and embrace certain political commitments though in different ways. Chitra, being the only heir to the throne since her father had no son, is raised as to be a ruler and protector of the kingdom. On the other hand, Sumitra, steps up to safeguard her people when her husband, King Vikram, prioritizes his love for her neglecting his duties as a King. This paper explores how, initially, Chitra is carried away by illusion of beauty but gradually realizes that fulfilling her citizens’ expectations lies the real beauty of a princess. Through her interaction with Arjuna, she understands that external beauty is temporary and not a virtue in itself. As a princess, her duty is to protect her kingdom rather than merely embodying celestial beauty and chasing love. Similarly, Sumitra loves her husband, yet when he is indifferent to the sufferings of his subjects, she assumes the role of a protector to save the citizens from a calamity. Thus, both Chitra and The King and the Queen illustrate Tagore’s intention in investing political responsibilities to women. The protagonists' political commitment to their society, emphasizes the necessity of duty over personal desires.