Alienation in the Works of Badal Sircar: A Critical Study of Modern Indian Drama

Abstract

Alienation is one of the most dominant themes in modern literature, reflecting the psychological, social, and existential crisis of human beings in a rapidly changing world. In modern Indian drama, Badal Sircar presents alienation as a condition of isolation, repetition, and meaninglessness. His plays portray individuals trapped in mechanical routines, disconnected from society, and struggling to find identity. This paper examines the theme of alienation in Sircar’s major plays such as Evam Indrajit, Baki Itihas, Pagla Ghoda, and Bhoma. Using textual and theoretical approaches, the study explores how Sircar represents alienation through structure, characterization, and dramatic technique. The paper also analyses how his concept of Third Theatre attempts to overcome alienation by reconnecting theatre with common people. The study concludes that alienation is not only a thematic concern but also the foundation of Sircar’s dramatic vision.