In a powerful reimagining of two of Rabindranath Tagore’s most celebrated dance dramas—Chitrangada and Chandalika—this translated volume brings to life the poetic brilliance and radical humanism of one of India’s greatest literary icons. Written at the cusp of the 19th and 20th centuries, these works transcend time through their lyrical beauty, compelling storytelling, and strikingly progressive themes.

Chitrangada, penned in 1892, is inspired by an episode from the epic Mahabharata and tells the tale of the warrior princess of Manipur and her romantic entanglement with Arjuna, the valiant Pandava prince. But beyond its mythological framework, the drama is a poignant exploration of identity, self-worth, and the feminine voice in a patriarchal world. Through Chitrangada, Tagore crafts a heroine who reclaims her agency and chooses how she wishes to be seen—beyond surface beauty and societal expectations.

Chandalika, composed in 1938 and based on a Buddhist legend, revolves around a low-caste girl whose encounter with a compassionate monk shatters her inherited notions of self and status. This intense and introspective work interrogates the deep-seated prejudices of caste and untouchability while celebrating the transformative power of spiritual and social awakening.

Together, these two dance dramas serve as artistic and philosophical testaments to Tagore’s vision of womanhood, dignity, and personal freedom. Blending lyrical poetry, expressive song, dramatic narrative, and abhinaya (performative acting), Tagore created a unique genre that broke ground during the colonial era—a genre that continues to resonate for its artistic depth and socio-political relevance.

This translation seeks to preserve the original rhythm and soul of Tagore’s works while offering a fresh interpretation for contemporary readers. Through the evolving journeys of Chitrangada and Chandalika, the volume invites us to witness the unfolding of feminist consciousness and human dignity, long before such ideals became central to global discourse.

Reputed authors say about this book:

"This sleek book is a very sensitively executed effort at bringing Nobel Laureate Gurudeb Tagore’s two dance dramas, Chitrangada, and Chandalika to a global audience, by Lopamudra Banerjee, a poet, the lyrical intensity of whose writings, has always left me spellbound. These enchanting tales of transformation, embodying the essence of womanhood, not only captivate, but carry within themselves the heady aroma of flowers, which engulfs you completely by the time you finish reading them. Like two splinters of golden sun rays they are sure to illumine and scintillate the literary world."

~ Dr. Santosh Bakaya 

[Author of ‘Ballad of Bapu’, ‘Where are the lilacs?’, ‘Under the Apple Boughs’, ‘Flights from my Terrace’ and ‘A Skyful of Balloons’]

"Lopamudra Banerjee’s translations of two of Rabindranath Tagore’s classic dance dramas — Chitrangada and Chandaalika — point to her deep engagement as much with feminist narratives as they do with translating Tagore. In rendering these two important musical plays with strong female protagonists into English, Banerjee uses her poetic sensibilities to charming effect. Her translations of these two works also reflect her keen understanding of Tagore’s text and its power to transform."

~ Bhaswati Ghosh 

[Poet, award-winning translator of ‘My Days With Ramkinkar Baij’, Editor-at-large, Café Dissensus journal]