KANNADA DRAMA AND THE BUDDHIST CONCEPT OF IMPERMANENCE

Kannada drama can be significantly connected to the philosophy of Buddhism. Indirect influences of Buddhist philosophy can be traced in many ways in Kannada literature - drama. This research investigates how the literary representation of the Buddhist idea of impermanence is realized in Kannada drama and how this is woven into plots by playwrights. Impermanence is a crucial, all-pervading, and central Buddhist doctrine; what it suggests, however, is that worldly phenomena, be it human existence, relationships, or experiences of any kind, are transitory. Kannada plays have, therefore, for the most part, portrayed ephemerality in love, the impermanence of gains and losses, both personally and socially, and also the calls for justice and injustice, along with personal evolution. Impermanence in Kannada drama is generally well illustrated through character portrayal, events dramatized, and symbolisms placed in the course of the drama that brings out the brevity of human relationships and experiences. This is a theme playwrights use to convey their comments on the passing social and political scenario of the impermanence of power and wealth, human achievements. By striving to look into the multiplicity of impermanence in Kannada drama, this research attempts to underscore the influence of Buddhist philosophy in the themes and motifs shaping the art form. The research also aims to further that at the end of the day; impermanence is a concept used to encourage the need for audiences to make the most life and to feel detached. This therefore research shall substantiate how some of these popular Kannada plays adopted this concept by Buddhist philosophy and explain the relevance of the concept of impermanence is even to the modern society.