Exploring Absurdity, Alienation, And Class Struggles In Mahesh Elkunchwar's Dramas.

This research explores the dramatic oeuvre of Mahesh Elkunchwar, one of India's foremost playwrights and a significant voice in Marathi theatre. The study systematically analyzes the themes of absurdity, alienation, and class struggles that permeate Elkunchwar's work, positioning him as a vital chronicler of postcolonial Indian society. Through close textual analysis of his major plays, including "Wada Chirebandi" (Old Stone Mansion), "Party," "Holi," "Yugant," and "Sonata," this paper examines how Elkunchwar employs dramatic techniques to portray the disintegration of traditional social structures, the alienation of the individual in modern society, and the persistent class inequalities that define contemporary India. The research incorporates both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including thematic analysis of the plays, interviews with theatre practitioners, and audience reception studies. Findings reveal that Elkunchwar's dramatic vision encompasses a critique of both rural feudalism and urban bourgeois values, presenting a complex portrait of a society in transition. The paper concludes that Elkunchwar's work constitutes a significant contribution to postcolonial dramatic literature, offering profound insights into the social and existential dimensions of modern Indian experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]