Chitrangada- A woman through Tagore's eyes

- Aakansha 

There’s little to expound about Tagore’s writing, he has long been the quintessential blueprint of literature and culture. His works are consistently forward-thinking, patriotic, and feminist. Among them, Chitrangada, composed in 1892 as a nrityanatya, remains one of Tagore’s most iconic dance-dramas, alongside Chandalika and Shyama.

Set in the time of the Mahabharata, Tagore takes Chitrangada, who in the epic is just a footnote, Arjun’s wife and transforms her into a figure of strength.

During the ancient period of Mahabharata, in Manipur, the then emperor entreated Lord Shiva for a son. When he was instead blessed with a daughter, he decided to raise her as the ruler he had wished for. At that time, a woman with warrior-like traits was almost unimaginable. Yet Chitrangada stood tall, commanding respect, though her appearance did not conform to contemporary ideas of femininity. 

At one point, she falls in love with Arjun during his exile in the forests. Fearing rejection because of her “Manly” appearance, she indeed faces rejection. In despair, she prays to Madan dev - the god of love and beauty, asking to be made beautiful. She wanted to become the beauty that was beyond mortal reach. She transformed into Surupa - an Apsara with the heart of a warrior.

Arjun, captivated by her beauty, falls in love - 

“কেটেছে একেলা বিরহের বেলা আকাশকুসুমচয়নে।

     সব পথ এসে মিলে গেল শেষে তোমার দুখানি নয়নে॥

                দেখিতে নূতন আলোকে

                কি দিল রচিয়া ধ্যানের পুলকে,

নূতন ভুবন নূতন দ্যুলোকে মোদের মিলিত নয়নে॥”

This is not just a mere interlude. It's Tagore's lyrical genius on display. Tagore, in Chitrangada consistently demonstrates his excellence in all aspects. His captivating lyricism keeps the read/watcher engaged at all times.

Sung at the moment when Surupa, finally feels desired and accepted by Arjun as she internally fights the battle of confinement against herself, this song is pure magic. The first line interprets the longing of her transformation into the divine Surupa as the skies beyond and the flowers below her watch her navigate her journey. 

“নূতন ভুবন নূতন দ্যুলোকে মোদের মিলিত নয়নে॥” - conveys that a new light of understanding between two souls has created a new world, an unknown that both souls are ready to step into and face all challenges of life as one. The emphasis on “নয়ন” (eyes) is a recurring motif seen in much of Tagore’s literature. Here, he uses the eyes as a window to represent intimacy beyond physical attraction and presence, almost like a spiritual awakening. This song really gives the audience a tour of the inner world and turmoil of Chintrangada.

Chitrangada, still conflicted, feels alienated in her own body, knowing that Surupa’s appearance is not truly her and Arjun, though enamoured, does not experience a real connection of companionship. Recognizing this, Chitrangada returns to her true form, again seeking Madan Dev’s guidance. Ultimately, she reveals her identity to Arjun, to her surprise, he accepts her for all she is, as his wife.

This play explores themes of selfhood, feminism, identity with romance intricately woven in it. Chitrangada’s struggle with her image represents the societal pressure on women to confine to the standard even if that meant losing yourself. Contradicting that, Tagore explores that love is beyond physical charm and words, it is acceptance of the Ill and well, it shows equality between two partners. It shows that women don't have to choose between being one thing or the other, the concept on which modern feminism is based upon. Tagore has always been ahead of his time. This play having immense philosophical value also teaches us that True love starts with vulnerability and dignity lies within authenticity.