Critical study of the visual poetry “Nāgānanda”.

Abstract

Priority has been given to the literature of cultural dramas when studying the world literature of dramas. King “Sri HarshaWardhanaSheeladithya” who ruled Kanyakbja of India (from AD.606-648) can be identified as a great creator who had rendered a greater service to enhance the literature of cultural dramas.Rathnawali, Priyadarshika, Naganandawhich were written by him can be identified as successful dramas which were subjected to the appreciation of local & foreign scholars. The main objective of this experiment is to make an investigative study of the drama “Nagananda”. Identification of life pattern of the drama, theme, subject matter and characters is the main significance of this experiment. Identifying above components from this drama is the main issue of this experiment. Primary & secondary sources were used as the research methodology. Translation of the drama “Nagananda” by PiyadasaNissanka was used as the primary source while using books &reviews related to cultural dramas as secondary sources. “Vidyadhara” jathaka story was become the subject matter and generosity was the main theme of this drama. Buddhist philosophy was the key behind the success of this drama. Commending qualities of the lord Buddha can be seen innaandisingings. This drama demonstrates the importance of sacrificing life for the betterment of the world and the dramatist had tried strongly to highlight the love of parents towards their children. Importance of great concepts such as lookafter our parents had been brought to the societyby the dramatist and this implied that any enemy can be defeated by using compassion & kindness. It has been revealed that Harshadewahad tried to demonstrate the importance of Buddhist philosophy to build a better society by this investigation.