Tughlaq By Girish Karnad Text | 2026 Release |

PRISONER: Then ask me. I'll tell you.

The play revolves around the character of Muhammad bin Tughlaq, a visionary and eccentric ruler who attempts to implement radical reforms in his kingdom. The story begins with Tughlaq's accession to the throne and his decision to shift the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad, a city in the Deccan region of India. This move is symbolic of Tughlaq's desire to expand his empire and bring the Deccan region under his control. tughlaq by girish karnad text

Karnad's portrayal of Tughlaq humanizes him, making him more than just a historical figure. We see Tughlaq's emotional struggles, his relationships with his loved ones, and his inner turmoil as he grapples with the challenges of ruling a vast and diverse empire. PRISONER: Then ask me

One night, as the moon hung low in the sky, Tughlaq summoned his friend to his chambers. "Ghiyas, my friend," he said, his voice trembling, "I fear I have made a terrible mistake. The token currency, the move to Daulatabad... it was all a dream, a fantasy. What have I done to my people?" The story begins with Tughlaq's accession to the

Tughlaq (1964) is a play about the 14th-century Turkic Sultan of Delhi, . Karnad uses history to allegorize the failures of idealism, political naivete, and the disconnect between grand vision and brutal reality. The play parallels Tughlaq’s reign with post-Independence India’s disillusionment with Nehruvian idealism.

ADVISOR 2: But you had the best intentions.