Hayavadana
Hayavadana
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1971
Book Brief
82
Play • Fiction
India • Mythical Past
1971
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Hayavadana by Girish Karnad is a play about two friends, Devadatta and Kapila, who, after falling in love with the same woman, Padmini, accidentally swap heads, complicating their relationships and identities. Additionally, the narrative explores the journey of Hayavadana, a man with a horse's head, as he seeks to become fully human. The play employs traditional Indian theatre elements and opens and closes with a worship service to the God Ganesha.
Mysterious
Fantastical
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Humorous
Reviews & Readership
774 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Girish Karnad's Hayavadana receives praise for its innovative blend of folklore and modern themes, exploring identity and human nature with profound depth. The play's use of traditional theatrical elements and strong character development are lauded. Some reviewers, however, find its philosophical undertones heavy-handed, potentially alienating casual readers. Overall, it's celebrated for its cultural richness and intellectual engagement.
Who Should Read Hayavadana?
A reader who enjoys Girish Karnad's Hayavadana likely appreciates rich, layered storytelling that delves into themes of identity and mythology. Fans of Kafka's surreal narratives in The Metamorphosis or the complex, existential motifs in Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov will find Karnad's work engaging and thought-provoking.
774 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
82
Play • Fiction
India • Mythical Past
1971
Adult
18+ years
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