For audiences in the 1960s, the play mirrored the "Nehruvian era." Just as India had started with great optimism after independence only to face the harsh realities of war and economic struggle, Tughlaq’s reign begins with hope and ends in chaos.
The characters of Tughlaq and Fakhr-un-Nisa are central to the play, and Karnad's portrayal of them is both nuanced and thought-provoking. Tughlaq is a complex figure, driven by a mix of motivations that are both idealistic and self-serving. Fakhr-un-Nisa, on the other hand, is a strong and intelligent woman who challenges Tughlaq's decisions and provides a voice of reason in the play. tughlaq by girish karnad text
