The Legend of Nandan

In texts like Nandan Kathai, the embedded mix of history and culture cannot escape the astute gaze of a scholar, whatever be the discipline--sociology, history, literature or linguistics...well-researched references and the appendices enrich the reading, understanding and interpretation of the text. -- The Hindu

Translator C T Indra deserves to be commended for having acomplished the arduous task of transcreating the play...A brilliant introduction and a scholarly critique of the play by the translator enhance the value of the publication. -- Independent Media Center

The Legend of Nandan is a superbly contemporary drama about a seventh-century hero, Nandan. A bonded labourer, Nandan is deeply discontented with his servile existence. Feeling threatened by his rise, the upper-caste Hindus deceive Nandan into submitting himself to a purificatory fire-bath, leading to his untimely death.

This story can be interpreted as a saga of the suffering of suppre ssed people everywhere. It deconstructs the original legend of Nandan which are inalienable to Hindu culture, and challenges societys canonization of bhakti and religious fervour.