Characters in Mrichchhakatika

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 Regarded as one of the earliest Indian plays written in Sanskrit, Mrichchhakatika (The Little Clay Cart) is a Sanskrit play written by Shudraka in the 2nd century BCE.The main story is about a young man named Charudatta of Pataliputra (Patna), and his love for Vasantasena, a rich courtesan or nagarvadhu. The love affair is complicated by a royal courtier, who is also attracted to Vasantasena. The plot is further complicated by thieves and mistaken identities, thus making it a hilarious and entertaining play.


You can read the text online at

https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.326600/page/n9/mode/2up


Charudatta is a Brahman who gives his fortune away in the pursuit of helping others. Chrudatta is accused and convicted of the murder of his lover and is sentenced to be executed. Just before the execution, Chrudatta's lover identifies the real killer and saves his life. Chrudatta regains his fortune and is made an official of the court.

 

 

Vasantasena is Charudatta's lover who saves his life. She goes to a park to meet him but is attacked and believed to be dead. However, she is rescued by a Buddhist monk, who nurses her back to health.

 

Samsthnaka is the man who attacked Vasantasen, as he was jealous of her love for Charudatta.

 

Plaka is the false king.

Ryaka is the true ruler, a prince held captive. He is later freed, deposes Plaka, and restores Chrudatta's fortune.

Sarvilaka is a thief, but he is also a friend to the captive prince, whom he helps free. He steals jewels from Chrudatta in order to purchase a bride.

Madanik is Vasantasen's slave, whom Sarvilaka purchases as a bride.

Rohasena is Chrudatta's son. His father gives him a cart made of clay, which Vasantasen replaces with one made of gold.

Maitreya is a close friend of Chrudatta and another impoverished Brahman.

 Maitreya, a poor Brahmin, Cārudatta’s friend

  Vardhamānaka, a servant in Cārudatta's house

  Radanikā, a maid in Cārudatta's house

  Dhuta, wife of Cārudatta

  Rohasena, Cārudatta's son

  Viṭa, a courtier in service of Vasantasenā

Karnapūraka and Kumbhīlaka, Vasantasenā's servants

Bastard pages in Vasantasenā's house

King Pālaka

Samsthānaka, Brother to one of the King's concubines also called sakaara

Vita, a courtier in service of Samsthānaka

Sthāvaraka, Samsthānaka's servant

Māthura, a gambling-master

Darduraka, a gambler, friend to Sarvilaka

Vīraka and Chandanaka, captains of the civil guard, friends to Sarvilaka

Gōha and Ahīnta, executioners

Former masseur of Cārudatta who becomes a Buddhist monk

Judge

Scribe

Citizens, slaves, and attendants

Charudatta, a wise and honorable young Brahmana left impoverished after spending his fortune for the welfare of others. In love with and loved by Vasantasen, he is falsely accused of her murder and condemned to die. As he is being prepared for execution, Vasantasen appears just in time to identify the true murderer and save her lover’s life. Chrudatta’s fortune is restored, and he is made an official at court by the new and just king, Ryaka.


Vasantasen, a wealthy courtesan who is in love with Chrudatta. When she goes to the park to meet her lover, she is set upon by Samsthnaka, who chokes her and leaves her for dead. She is rescued by a Buddhist monk. While Chrudatta is being falsely accused and tried for her murder, she is being nursed back to health. She appears at the place of execution in time to save her lover’s life.

Samsthnaka

Samsthnaka, King Plaka’s brother-in-law. Enamored of Vasantasen and madly jealous of her attentions to Chrudatta, he chokes her, leaves her for dead, and accuses his rival of the murder.

ryaka

ryaka, a captive prince freed through the efforts of Sarvilaka and Chrudatta. He later deposes King Plaka and restores to Chrudatta his fortune and his rightful place in the world.

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