Prof Dr Avinash Kolhe reviews Mahogatha, a powerful Hindi theatrical adaptation of three stories by Mahasweta Devi, exploring tribal struggles, caste injustice, resistance, and the enduring relevance of her literary and political vision in contemporary India.

Mahogatha, produced by Kalli Billi Productions and directed by Mangesh Satpute, is a compelling Hindi stage adaptation of three iconic stories by Mahasweta Devi. Reviewed by Prof Dr Avinash Kolhe, the play examines caste oppression, tribal resistance, gender injustice, and state violence through emotionally charged performances and evocative stagecraft.

On 14th January 2026 concluded the birth centenary year of Mahasweta Devi [1926-2026], the doyen of Indian literature. She is known for novels like Aranye Adhikar, Rudali, Hajar Churashir Maa and more. Hazar Churashir Maa and Rudali were made into Hindi films, with which she got a wider audience. To salute her memory and contribution, Kalli Billi Productions of Savitri Medhatul mounted a collage of three stories, titled Mahogatha, which literally means ‘great story’.

Mahasweta Devi was a leftist who devoted her life to protecting the rights of tribals of West Bengal and surrounding areas. This was in addition to having a full-time job as a professor of English Literature at Jadavpur University, West Bengal. Her dedication to the cause earned her numerous awards like the Ramon Magsaysay Award and first the Padma Shri, later the Padma Vibhushan.

Tribal Resistance and Women’s Voices
Swati Medhatul, a senior theatre person, decided to bring to theatre some selected stories of Mahasweta Devi. After careful reading, she picked up three stories: Draupadi, Bahen and Rudali and created a 90-minute show in Hindi aptly titled Mahogatha, a meaningful play on Mahasweta Devi’s name. These stories depict the raw life of the tribals, the wretched of the earth. The tribals might be poor but are politically charged and fight for their just rights. Governments, whether alien like the British or our own, have been trampling upon the rights of the tribals of India. Mahasweta Devi saw this from close quarters and penned it in the form of stories. No wonder these stories reverberate with life.

Medha picked up three well-known stories of Mahasweta Devi. The stories selected by Medha had female protagonists. Medha brought them under one narrative, Mahogatha, and created this unique and riveting play. The script talks about how the tribals, especially women, fight for their rights with their blood and often with their lives. The script often uses the technique of flashbacks. The tribals, the most neglected section of Indian society, often go unheard and their struggles and sacrifices remain unwept and unsung. Mahogatha, a play in Hindi, is ably directed by Mangesh Satpute, who ensures that the audience fully sympathises with the tribals and the injustice they face even today. In the end, Mahogatha forces you to wake up and take notice.

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Strong Performances and Authentic Stagecraft
Mangesh Satpute got his cast to understand their roles well. Medha herself played an important role and portrayed the frustration and anger of a tribal woman. This woman knows that the police will kill her husband, and she has nothing but a sickle to fight and protect herself. Her resolve to fight this losing battle touches the hearts of the audience.

Then there are Hrudaynath Jadhav, Vikram Hota and Mukti Sadhana, who do justice to their roles. The lights by Prakash Humane and sets by Dr Sumit Patil lend authenticity to the story of the tribals. The ample use of Warli art was quite apt and communicative.
Do not go anywhere near this play if you are looking for entertainment. This is not meant to make you laugh! The play forces you to understand caste-based and class-based injustices in republican India and how justice is nowhere to be seen near this section of society.

Human Rights Watch, Dignity And Justice, Rights Under Threat, People Over Power, Civil Liberties, Freedom And Equality, Justice Delayed, Documenting Truth, Rights Matter,