ಬೋಲೇಶಂಕರ (Boleshankara)
by ಡಾ. ಚಂದ್ರಶೇಖರ ಕಂಬಾರ (Dr. Chandrashekhar Kambar)
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This Jnanpith-winning allegorical folk-play by Dr. Chandrashekhar Kambar uses North Karnataka theatrical styles to critique militarism, greed and corruption in the peaceful kingdom of Shivapura. Three brothers embody three human paths: Somanna (lust for military power), Kamanna (greed for gold), and Boleshankara (simplicity, non-violence and honest labour / Kayaka). Satan's three devils corrupt the two elder brothers but cannot tempt Boleshankara. When the sick princess is cured not by magic but by Boleshankara's simple ragi roti made through honest labour, he marries her, rejects the crown and gold, and builds a self-reliant 'Green Kingdom' whose people, free of fear and anger, defeat the devils permanently.
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Kambar's Boleshankara critiques modern militarism, greed and political corruption through the peaceful kingdom of Shivapura. Three brothers represent distinct human paths: Somanna embodies the lust for military dominance and power; Kamanna the greed for wealth and gold; and Boleshankara absolute simplicity, non-violence and honest agricultural labour (Kayaka). His brothers mock Boleshankara as a 'simpleton'.
The devils and the temptations
Satan sends three devils (pishachis) to corrupt Shivapura. They feed the elder brothers' weaknesses: Somanna is gifted a magical sword of victories and raises a brutal army to conquer lands, while Kamanna is gifted a pouch that turns things to gold and hoards grain, starving the peasants. Boleshankara stays immune, using his gifted gold coins as cheap stones for children's street games. This systemic greed causes a 'spiritual rot', and the Princess of Shivapura falls terminally ill with a severe stomach ache.
The triumph of honest labour
The King promises the princess's hand and the throne to whoever cures her. The devils' magical spells fail, but Boleshankara heals her instantly with a simple blessed roti made from ragi he grew through his own honest labour. He marries the princess but rejects the crown, army and gold, founding a 'Green Kingdom' (Hasiru Samrajya) built on compulsory Kayaka and self-reliant farming. When the devils attack, their violent spells fail, there is no fear or anger in the peaceful farmers' hearts for evil to feed upon, bringing about the permanent defeat of evil.