The Serpent Speaks: Folkloric Imagination and Feminine Desire In ‘Nagamandala’

Abstract

This paper explores the confluence of folklore, myth, gender, and feminine desire in Girish Karnad's play Nagamandala. Drawing from Kannada oral traditions, the play constructs a world where fantasy becomes a medium to explore real socio-cultural constraints, especially those concerning women in patriarchal societies. Central to this exploration is the symbol of the serpent, who metamorphoses into a figure of love, longing, and eventually, emancipation for the female protagonist, Rani. By analysing the intersection of the folkloric imagination and gender politics, the paper illustrates how Karnad employs indigenous narrative forms to critique traditional roles and highlight suppressed female voices. Through close reading and theoretical framing, the study shows how myth and folklore are not just aesthetic devices but powerful tools for cultural and psychological subversion, enabling an emotional and transformative catharsis for both characters and audience.