This piece contains excerpts from an original play titled ‘Meghanad’. The story is taken from the Yudha Kanda (War Canto) of the Ramayana and focuses on the character of Meghanad- popularly known as Indrajit (the one who conquered Indra). 

Meghanad was a formidable force in the battle of Lanka. Known for his sorcery and prowess on the battlefield, he posed a significant threat to Rama and Lakshmana. Meghanad’s skill was backed by a boon he received from Brahma. This boon contained the details of a yagna that made him invincible and, hence, almost impossible to kill. Meghanad was believed to be as powerful as his father, Ravana, and an equally experienced warrior. He eventually met his end at the hands of Lakshmana on Nikumbila Hill. 

This play highlights the dilemma Meghanad faced while fighting the final battle of his life. Meghanad disagreed with his father with regard to Sita’s abduction but fought in the battle as he believed it was his dharma to do so. In this story, he is painted as an anti-hero who dies knowing he is fighting on the wrong side but does so out of love and loyalty to the king. ‘Meghanad’ brings to light the lesser-known facts of Ravana’s firstborn, who was not only a fierce warrior but also a loving husband and beloved son. 

The first excerpt is chosen from a conversation with his wife, Sulochana, before the battle, when she attempts to discourage him from fighting. The second excerpt is taken from the scene after his death when Sulochana laments the loss of her husband. The pain that Sulochana experiences at the end of the play can be appreciated with reference to the first excerpt, where their relationship is particularly highlighted.  

Scene 3

ENTER SULOCHANA

Sulochana

My lord…

Meghanad

My beloved Sulochana, you always arrive at the right moment. Tell me, how is it you know my prayers are done?

Sulochana

It’s the sky, my lord! The crimson hue of the dawn is my messenger. 

If you would like me to be more dramatic, then it is my heart that tells me.

They both chuckle.

Sulochana

Vijay Bhava.

She looks at him with concerned, sad eyes. Meghanad takes her hands tenderly.

Meghanad

What is it, my love? You had the same look in your eyes the first time you saw me go for a battle.

Sulochana

When we married, I knew who you were and what you could do. Yet I was afraid that I would lose you the first time I watched you go away to fight a war. Then, as you came back victorious every time you fought a battle, my faith in you grew. Ever since, I have always parted with you, knowing that I will see you again. But it’s different today, my lord…I am afraid again.

Meghanad

You have nothing to fear, Sulochana. My strength lies not only in the energy this Nikumbila Yagnya gives me but also in my abilities as a warrior. I will be invincible today on the battlefield.

(He touches her face gently)

As I have always been. I will come back, my love.

Sulochana

It is not your strength, I doubt, my lord, nor is it the power of this Yagnya. I have faith in you, as always. It is the enemy you face this time is that makes my heart uneasy.

Meghanad

My dear Sulochana, when my mother, Mandodari, felt the first signs of childbirth, my mighty father, who desired a perfect son, aligned the planets to ensure that the time of my birth would be most auspicious. I was born with a horoscope so glorious that the devas in the skies shook with fear at my arrival. There is no enemy in all the three worlds that can defeat me in any battle, my beloved.

Sulochana

(Unconvinced)

Yet, I can not overcome this sense of foreboding, my lord. As ridiculous as it may sound, my entire being trembles at the thought of you facing these seemingly common men who lead a troop of monkeys. 

How can I be assured that you will be victorious when your brother Akshaya was killed at the hands of one such monkey? Even your Uncle Kumbakaran was slashed to pieces by Ram’s arrows. I fear these men are not ordinary men. 

Tell me that I truly have nothing to fear despite these losses…

Meghanad

Now you are truly being dramatic, Sulochana. Despite your assurances that you have faith in my abilities, the doubt in your voice hurts me. 

Sulochana

No, my lord, I beg you not to misunderstand me…

Meghanad

(Smiles gently)

It is okay, my dear; your fears are indeed justified. Their mysterious powers disturb me as well. It seems as though a veil has clouded the vision of those residing in Lanka, and through its deceiving folds, the truth escapes even the mighty king.

Sulochana

(Angry)

The truth is not concealed, my lord, it is painted red and discolors the shores of our resplendent city. Yet every day, your father sends his men out to die. This war is fueled by an irrational obsession

I beseech you to persuade your father to reconsider his decision. Beg him to let go of this madness that has possessed him before all of Lanka has to pay the price for his sins.

Meghanad

(Angry)

You may speak of the divine gods in such a manner, Sulochana, but never of the king of Lanka, especially before me. He is my father and lord.

Sulochana

(Hurt)

And you are my lord. If you die today on that battlefield because of your father’s choices, then know this: when you ride out to battle, it is my life, as well as yours, that you wager. Our souls are one. Our breaths are matched, and our hearts count down to the same number of beats. If your funeral pier is lit, my body will follow yours into the flames.

Meghanad

(Tearfully)

Sulochana, my beloved. I know you are not a woman whose will can be curbed. After all, you married me against your father’s will. When you make a decision, it takes root in you like a mighty mountain. I am not a fool to move the indomitable mountain of your determination. Therefore, while your words crush my heart, I must remind you that we are equally matched. My will is just as strong as yours. You must understand that my life and everything I have to offer through this body is for my Father to command and for me to obey. If he asks me to fight in this battle, I will because it is my dharma to do so

Scene 10

We can hear Sulochana calling to Meghanad from the wings

Sulochana

Meghanad…Meghanad…

ENTER SULOCHANA

Sulochana comes running onto the battlefield, looking for her husband. She is followed by her ladies-in-waiting.

ENTER LADIES-IN-WAITING

Sulochana

Meghanad…Meghanad…

She finally finds her husband and sinks to the ground beside his lifeless body. Sulochana gently puts Meghanad’s head on her lap and lovingly strokes her husband’s face.

Sulochana

(Weeping)

Oh, Meghanad… My lord…

There appears to be so little difference between death and sleep. At this moment, you seem to have simply entered a place of wonderful dreams. Your face is so serene, and even with the gaping wounds in your body, you look at peace. I imagine you would have looked this way had you won the battle and come to lay your head on my lap to rest. The warmth fading rapidly from your blood, however, makes it plain that you will not open those eyes in the morning to look up at my face. These arms that once held me are now limp and cold by your side, these lips that smiled so sweetly at me will never again speak another loving word. 

In truth, there is a magnanimous difference between death and sleep. In sleep, your soul floats in the empty space between the material world and the metaphysical world, seeking out the source of your dreams. In sleep, you are still yourself, with a part of you reaching out to the paramathma. In death, all that you are is gone. Your memories have become part of the cosmos, and your soul, no longer tethered to your physical form, is free to reunite with the supreme being. It finds its origins and leaves your body to decay back into the earth. 

Oh, Meghanad…you were so brave on the battlefield today. You have fulfilled your dharma as a son. You can rest knowing that your Sulochana understands you and that she loves you deeply despite the choices you made.

सुखमापतितं सेव्यं दुःखमापतितं तथा । चक्रवत् परिवर्तन्ते दुःखानि च सुखानि च ॥

Just as we take pleasure in the joys of life,
we must also accept the sadness that comes with it. 

I have had my lifetime of happiness with you, and therefore, I know I must accept your death with grace. I will carry out your last rights, and then I too shall walk with Yama so that I may be reunited with you, my beloved husband.

LIGHTS OFF