Chitra, first published in English in 1913, is a poetic drama by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Inspired by a story from the Mahabharata, the play centers on Princess Chitrangada of Manipur, a strong and courageous woman raised as a warrior by her father.

Chitra falls in love with the hero Arjuna but fears that her natural appearance and warrior-like upbringing may not attract him. She prays to the gods for beauty and is temporarily transformed into a woman of extraordinary charm. Arjuna falls in love with this new, enchanting version of her — unaware of her true identity.

As the story unfolds, Chitra struggles between illusion and authenticity. Ultimately, she chooses to reveal her true self, seeking love based on truth rather than superficial beauty. The play beautifully conveys the message that genuine love is rooted in honesty and inner worth.

Major Themes:

• Inner beauty vs. external appearance

• Identity and self-acceptance

• Love and truth

• Feminine strength and individuality

Key Features:

• Based on a tale from the Mahabharata

• Written in poetic and lyrical style

• Strong female protagonist

• Philosophical and symbolic depth

• Widely studied in literature courses

Chitra – Rabindranath Tagore is a timeless poetic drama that celebrates authenticity, courage, and the power of true love, reflecting Tagore’s profound literary and spiritual vision. 🎭📖

PUBLISHER: MACMILLAN

BINDING: PAPER BACK

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

PAGES: 77