“English” Notes Chapter 2.5 A Play Class 9 Maharashtra Board

1. About the Play

• “Andher Nagari” is a satirical play that shows the foolishness of an unjust king and his blind legal system.
• The king, Chaupat Raja, makes illogical and absurd decisions.
• The play teaches us how a foolish ruler can destroy a kingdom.

2. Main Characters

1. Chaupat Raja – The foolish and unjust king of Andher Nagari.
2. Sage (Guru) – A wise man who understands the king’s stupidity.
3. Disciple (Shishya) – A student of the sage who gets trapped in the king’s system.
4. Thief – A robber who blames others when his partner dies.
5. Merchant – Owner of the weak wall that collapsed.
6. Bricklayer, Mortar-Maker, Potter – All get blamed for the weak wall.

3. Summary of the Play

• The sage and his disciple arrive in Andher Nagari, where everything is sold at the same price (one paisa per item).
• The sage warns the disciple that a land ruled by a foolish king is dangerous, but the disciple stays.
• A thief’s friend dies when a weak wall collapses, so he complains to the king.
• The king orders a trial, and the blame shifts from the merchant to the bricklayer, mortar-maker, potter, and goldsmith.
• Finally, the king orders the disciple to be hanged just because the noose fits him.
• The sage tricks the king by saying whoever is hanged will become the next great ruler.
• The foolish king orders himself to be hanged instead and dies.
• The sage saves his disciple, and the play ends with a lesson about wise leadership.

4. Important Themes in the Play

Foolishness of Blind Justice

• The king makes decisions without logic, proving that blind justice leads to chaos.

Absurdity of a Bad Ruler

• Chaupat Raja is a senseless ruler who executes people randomly.

Cleverness vs. Foolishness

• The sage’s wisdom saves his disciple, showing that intelligence wins over foolishness.

The Dangers of an Unjust System

• The play warns that a kingdom without fairness will collapse.

5. Lessons from the Play

• A wise leader makes a strong kingdom.
• Justice should be fair, not blind and foolish.
• Greed and foolishness lead to destruction.
• One must be careful while choosing where to live.