Two Plays: Indian History Made Easy/ Life of Bagala

This volume includes two plays?Indian History Made Easy (‘Sukhapathya Bharater Itihas’, first produced in 1976) and Life of Bagala (‘Bagalacharitmanas’, first produced in 1998)?by renowned playwright Badal Sircar. Dealing with one of the most crucial periods in Indian history, namely British colonialism, Sukhapathya Bharater Itihas (1976) is significant in forging a unique relationship between form and content. To match the content, Sircar uses the form of classroom teaching. With Teachers instructing Students, he covers more than three hundred years of British rule without developing a ‘story’.
Bagalacharitmanas revolves around Bagala, who having lost his parents in childhood, is brought up and educated at his uncle’s house where he suffers constant humiliation. The play is about how, through supernatural intervention, Bagala finds himself and ultimately stands up against injustice. Once he has gained courage, Bagala decides to throw away magic and act all by himself. The play reminds people that no change can be brought about by magic; it is only through human will and action that something worthwhile can be achieved. Along with a comprehensive Introduction, this volume includes an interview with Badal Sircar, production history of his plays, and a special photo section.