EXAMINING CULTURAL CONFLICT: IDENTITY AND TRANSFORMATION IN GIRISH KARNADS NAGA-MANDALA

Naga-mandalais a compelling exploration of cultural conflict, identity, and transformation within the socio-cultural framework of India. The play interweaves traditional folk narratives with contemporary existential dilemmas, offering a nuanced commentary on gender dynamics, societal norms, and individual agency. The tale of Rani, a young woman trapped in a patriarchal marriage, serves as a lens to examine the intricate interplay of cultural traditions and personal identity. Her transformative journey, shaped by mythological elements like the mystical serpent (naga), underscores the tension between rigid societal expectations and the fluidity of human identity.Karnad employs folklore as a narrative device to critique oppressive structures and highlight the potential for personal and collective transformation. The magical realism in Naga-mandala bridges the chasm between myth and reality, allowing for a reimagining of cultural identity that transcends traditional binaries of male and female, individual and community. The play also raises critical questions about the construction of gender and the evolving roles within familial and societal contexts.The present paper examines how Naga-mandala portrays the complexities of cultural identity as both a personal and collective construct, highlighting the conflicts that arise from societal rigidity and individual aspirations. Through its layered narrative, the play challenges audiences to rethink the narratives that define cultural and personal identities, urging a broader acceptance of transformation and hybridity in a globalized context.