CBCS Sem-1 "Mrichchhakatika": Character and role of the Vidushaka, Maitreya

Comment on the character and function of Maitreya in Mrichchhakatika

Maitreya the vidusaka of Mrichchhakatikais not the conventional vidusaka of the Sanskrit drama. He has a peculiar appearance and a peculiar manner of taking upon events and circumstances. His references to and partiality for eatables and receiving gifts, his block headedness for some extent, his quaint similes often referring to himself, his caste and creed his peculiar mannerisms and jokes at his own cost in several cases and his usual timidity are some of the characteristics he has in common with the Vidusaka of other plays. He is also a friend and confident of the hero. But there are many points in which he differs from the conventional Vidusaka.

Maitreya is first of all a staunch friend of the hero Carudatta and stands by him in his bad days when all other friends have forsaken him. He is proud of his friend Carudatta to such an extent that he would take cudgels for him as soon as he finds any one giving him the slightest insult. He is ready to do anything for his friend, particularly to give him relief. At times he is very simple and with his queer questions creates humour. His general knowledge and common sense is however very scanty and is habituated to receiving gifts. He is however, too practical almost to the point of selfishness. But sometimes his love and regards for his friend evokes from him some sound counsels for the overtly noble sentimental Carudatta, which however he wouldnot press too far. Like a practical man of the world, he does not care much for integrity and is prepared for any falsehoodif that would save him from some calamity.

As a vidusaka Maitreya has also a knack for creating humourand relieve the tension of a situation. His method of looking at matters is rather superficial. He can hardly gobehind appearances. Naturally therefore he is hasty in hisjudgements and at the sametime very prompt and outspoken inexpressing them. Though easily irritable he is yet easy tocool down. But the most notable of all is his fidelity tohis friend which he has proved by offering his own life to save Carudatta.

Thus Sudraka presents him as a good foil to Carudatta’s character whosevirtues of piety and integrity stand out brightly on theback ground of the counsels offered to him by Maitreya on several occasions.