Arjuna Bhanjan is written by Madhavdev. It is based on the childhood stories of Lord Krishna from the tenth Skanda of the Bhagavata Purana. This play is considered the first and only complete dramatic work of Madhavdev. The play is divided into three main parts.
The first part shows the conflict between the infant Krishna and his mother Yashoda. One day, Yashoda was churning yogurt while Krishna was sitting on her lap and drinking milk. When the milk on the fire began to boil, the gopis warned Yashoda. She tried to put Krishna down, but he became angry and broke the butter pot, ate the butter, and fed it to the monkeys. When Yashoda tried to punish him by tying him with a rope, the rope was always two fingers short. Finally, seeing her love and effort, Krishna allowed himself to be tied.
The second part describes the breaking of the Yamal arjuna trees. Krishna, tied to a wooden mortar, dragged it between two trees, and they fell. From the trees appeared Nalkubera and Manigriva, who were freed from a curse. The third part shows a domestic quarrel between Nanda and Yashoda over Krishna’s punishment. The play presents Krishna as a naughty and intelligent child, but it also reminds us of his divine nature. The play is a beautiful blend of devotion, drama, and childhood playfulness.
Writer
Madhavadev (1489–1596) was the chief disciple and spiritual successor of Srimanta Sankaradev, the founder of Mahapurushia or Ek Sharan Naam Dharma in Assam. He played a decisive role in consolidating and expanding the Neo-Vaishnavite movement after Sankaradev’s death. He enriched Assamese literature and culture through timeless works such as Namghosha, and composed devotional songs, bhaonas, and kirtans. He established and strengthened the Satra system, making it a centre of religious, cultural, and social life. Revered as “Mahapurusha,” he remains a towering figure in Assam’s spiritual and literary history.
Director:
Bhaben Borbayan, born in Majuli, Assam, has received training in Sattriya under Nandiram Borgayan, Tuniram Borgayan, Komal Ch. Borgayan, Maniram Borgayan, Paramanda Borgayan, and many others. He has showcased his exceptional skills not only in India but also in countries like France, Portugal, and Bhutan, and at prestigious festivals. Recognized for his expertise, he has been invited as an expert by various government organizations like the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) and Sangeet Natak Akademi for Gayan Bayan workshop. He has directed over 10 Bhaonas at national platforms. He has been conferred the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for the year 2023 for his contribution to Sattriya dance.
Group:
On 9th August, 2012, the National School of Drama established the T.I.E. Wing, Tripura at Agartala in collaboration with Dept. of Information & Cultural Affairs and Higher Education, Govt. of Tripura. The wing offers one-year residential certificate course in Theatre-in-Education to prepare theatre teachers for schools, artists and resource persons to train children / teachers through T.I.E. methodology.