The beautiful courtesan Vasantasenā
IVP 2011
The classic Indian play The Toy Cart written by Śūdraka
July 2nd, 2011 at the
Consulate General of India, Chicago
The Toy Cart, ascribed to Śūdraka, is consistently one of the most appealing ancient India’s Sanskrit dramas (2nd to 5th centuries CE). The play has it all – colorful Brahmins, fast-paced action, a political uprising and a “happy ending”.
Set in the ancient central Indian town of Ujjain, The Toy Cart is a love story that features the noble Brahmin hero Cārudatta and the beautiful courtesan Vasantasenā (during this time, courtesans were connoisseurs of the arts of music and dance, as well as the art of love).
The play opens with Cārudatta bemoaning his poverty and loss of friends to his old and still loyal friend Maitreya. Overhearing a group of men in pursuit, they discover it is a woman – Vasantasenā, running away from the lusty villain, Samsthānaka, the King’s brother-in-law. She seeks refuge in the house of Cārudatta, whom she secretly loves. Since her tinkling jewels make it difficult for her to escape, she leaves them with the trustworthy Cārudatta.
Mishap befalls Cārudatta and the entrusted jewels when the jewels are stolen so another character can buy the freedom of his beloved. Hilarity ensues while the thief recites the Manual of Burglary during the theft.
The jewels are then presented as payment to the courtesan, who is quietly amused to receive her own property as payment, but still releases the lovers to be wed.
Meanwhile, Cārudatta is devastated that Vasantasenā’s jewels are missing from his house. He sends Maitreya to tell Vasantasenā that he gambled them away and begs her to accept a pearl necklace. Vasantasenā sees through the ruse and that night travels through a storm to her beloved’s house, where both delight in each other’s presence.
The next morning, Vasantasenā sees Cārudatta’s son sadly playing with a clay cart; what he really desires is a golden one. Charmed by the child, Vasantasenā fills his clay cart with her jewels to fulfill his wish.
The play continues, with the lovers facing many hurdles, mix-ups, drama and joy. To know the whole story, you must come and see us at the Indian Consulate on July 2nd!