ABSTRACT
In Mrichchha-katik G. B. Deval reverence for the original classic is evinced by his careful listing of and justification for the changes he made. Its core is the romance between Charudatta, a happily married Brahmin merchant reduced to penury by his goodness and generosity, and Vasantasena, a beautiful, accomplished, and wealthy courtesan. A theatre afficianado, S. K. Kolhatkar wrote his first play at 17, and acted in a Sanskrit play as a student of Deccan College. Affected by facial paralysis at an early age in Vidarbha and conscious of his ungainly physique and gait, he shunned company and spent time reading. The first playwright to be counted among the classic authors of social plays was Gadkari who in his short life produced drama, poetry, and humorous pieces. Born in Gujarat, he is said to have written a Gujarati play at a young age.
