A landmark in Indian theatre.

Ghasiram Kotwal by Vijay Tendulkar is a powerful political satire that uses historical context to critique contemporary issues of power, corruption, and social injustice.

• The play, set in 18th-century Pune under the Peshwa rule, follows the rise and fall of Ghasiram. From the grandeur of 18th-century Pune to the burning questions of today, this play transcends time, blending theatre, music, and dance into an unforgettable spectacle.

• The play begins with an invocation to lord Ganesha with a nandi which is a traditional way to begins even modern theatrical performance.  The Brahmins of Pune introduce themselves and we can see the morally corrupt situation in Pune. Nana Phadnavis who is the Diwan (Chief Secretary) of Pune is also corrupt and visits the lavani dancer. Ghasiram is working with the Lavani dancer. He is impressed by the wit of Ghasiram. Ghasiram being a Brahmin goes to collect alms at the Peshwa’s festival the next day. However, he is ill-treated there and is charged with pickpocketing and imprisoned for the offense. He then decides to take revenge. So, the play continues to reach the next part of this play.

• Ghasiram barters his own daughter Lalitagauri to get the post of Kotwal (police chief) of Pune from Nana.Having got the post, he begins to enforce strict rules in the city. He starts asking for permits for everything and starts throwing people in jail for the smallest offenses. When the commoners come to Nana with a complaint, he dismisses them & is deeply indulged with Gauri. In the meantime, Gauri becomes pregnant by Nana and dies during childbirth. Nana asks her body thrown in the river in secret. He convinces Ghasiram that the title he enjoys is only because of his patronage. The situation goes out of hand when a few brahmins visitors to the city are put in jail and die from suffocation due to inadequate ventilation in their custody. The Brahmin of Pune then complains to the Peshwa.

• The Peshwa summons Nana who orders Ghasiram to be killed in the most inhumane way possible. Nana ignores his summons; the Brahmins then surround his palace protest. To save his skin Nana finally gives orders for execution of Ghasiram.

• The play explores the themes of violence, both physical and psychological, and the exploitation of women, particularly Ghasiram’s daughter, Gori, who is sacrificed for political gain.