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Globalization, Nationalism and the Text of ‘Kichaka-Vadha’

The First English Translation of the Marathi Anticolonial Classic, with a Historical Analysis of Theatre in British India

Rakesh H Solomon editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Anthem Press

Published:15th Jul '14

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Globalization, Nationalism and the Text of ‘Kichaka-Vadha’ cover

The first English translation of ‘Kichaka-Vadha’ is presented alongside the most detailed scholarly analysis based on a comprehensive range of archival documents about this anticolonial Marathi classic to date.

This volume offers the first English translation of one of India’s most celebrated works of anticolonial resistance. It is also the first edition of the play to provide an extensive historical-critical commentary and to draw on a comprehensive range of colonial archival documents.

In addition to providing the first English translation of the anticolonial Marathi classic ‘Kichaka-Vadha’, this volume is the only edition of the play, in any language, to provide an extensive historical-critical analysis which draws on a comprehensive range of archival documents. It is also the first study to locate this landmark text within such an expansive theatre-historical and political landscape. ‘Globalization, Nationalism and the Text of “Kichaka Vadha”’ illuminates the complex policies and mechanisms of theatrical censorship in the British Raj, and offers many rare production photographs.

“I can, wholeheartedly, recommend Solomon’s reliable translation of ‘Kichaka-Vadha’ as an exemplary political prose drama, produced in the ‘golden age’ of Marathi drama. It is a great pedagogical text, and Solomon’s translation brings it to life.” —Kedar A. Kulkarni, “Asian Theatre Journal”


“An extremely well-researched and highly significant contribution to the history and politics of early modern anticolonial theatre in India accompanied by a translation of the Marathi text.” —Phillip Zarrilli, University of Exeter


“This is an important and much-needed book. Beyond making a fascinating play available in English for the first time, Rakesh H. Solomon demonstrates how social unrest acted upon and helped to shape Indian theatrical production and how that production in turn helped to focus and shape the reimagining of India itself.” —John Emigh, Brown University


“‘Globalization, Nationalism and the Text of “Kichaka-Vadha”’ offers an inscape into how modern drama became a strategic tool in the struggle for Indian independence. It provides important insights into the birth of Indian modern drama by noting its hybrid roots and response to the times.” —Kathy Foley, University of California, Santa Cruz, and editor, “Asian Theatre Journal”

ISBN: 9781783082650

Dimensions: 229mm x 153mm x 26mm

Weight: 454g

178 pages