Abhayaruci – A Splendid Drama on Love and Non‑violence
Summary
This review introduces “Abhayaruci,” a drama by Ganesh Lalwani that extols the power of love and non‑violence. The plot follows King Maridatta, who, under the influence of the occultist Kaula Vira Bhairava, orders a mass sacrifice of living beings to obtain magical powers. Two young Jain ascetics, Abhayaruci and his sister Abhayamati, are selected as victims. Their serenity and compassion move the populace, and even soldiers hesitate to kill them. At the climactic moment the king realises that the children are his own relatives and renounces violence. The story emphasises that true power lies in non‑injury and love. The article also reviews a 1979 performance at Mahajati Sadan in Calcutta by students of the Jain Sikshalaya. It praises the direction, choreography, translation from Bengali to Hindi, costumes and lighting, and singles out performances by Vijaya Bachhawat and Sarita Sharma. The reviewer concludes that the drama will be remembered for its lyrical quality and its affirmation of ahimsa.
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Conclusion
The drama “Abhayaruci” shows how compassion and non‑violence can transform tyranny. By depicting a king dissuaded from ritual slaughter by the courage of two young ascetics, the play conveys the Jain message that love conquers violence. The successful staging demonstrates the timeless appeal of this ethical theme.