Characteisation in Sirisampige

πŸ“š  Characters in the play Sirisamapige πŸ“š



Sirisampige is a beautiful play written by Chandrashekshar Kambar. The play is known 
for its characterization. The major characters in the play are Sirisampige, Shivanaga, 
Queen Mayavati, Awali-Jawali and Kalinga. They are all beautifully portrayed by the 
author in the plot of the play. 


*Character  Sketch of Sirisampige or Sampige Devi* is the daughter of Pushparaja of Sevantipura. She is the 
titular character in the play. The action of the play moves round the story ofSirisampige. She is introduced in the early part of the play.

Queen Mayavati wants her 
son to marry Sirisampige as she is a beautiful woman. But Shivanag refuses to marry 
any woman as he considers all women are imperfect.He is in pursuit of ideal woman. 
When he fails to find the ideal woman, he is forced to marry Sirisampige. But he does 
not accept her as his wife both in mind and body. 
Sirisampige is very simple and innocent in her acts. 

She does not understand 
psychological conflict in Shivanaga. She is disturbed because he does not stay with her.
Like every traditional wife, she is confined to palace. But the entry of Kalinga creates 
storm in her heart. She tries to play down the temptation but could not resist the 
demands of the body. Shivanaga’s long absence is also responsible for acceptance of 
Kalinga.

In the play, Kalinga represents life force. She says ; “I do not know him, but he 
appears to be already etched on my mind and as I see his handsome form my desire 
rises.”
She is tempted and yields to her/his desires. It does not appear to be a sin for her. It 
becomes natural when Shivanag abandoned his body. But Shivanag is not ready to 
accept the pregnancy caused by Kalinga.

He calls for a trial of Sirisampige and tests her 
purity but Sirisampige wins the trial with the help of Kalinga. She also gains the respect 
from the elders. Her adultery is not recognized by the external world. But Shivanag
feels cheated. However, for Sirisampige, Kalinga does not appear to be a different 
man. She sees Shivanag in him. When Shivanag ask about the truth, she admits her 
relationship with Kalinga.

 Like Shivanaga, who finds is reflection of Lamp Maiden in 
the water, she finds Kalinga as Shivanag’s reflection. When Shivanag blames her for 
immorality, she says:
“That is your ill fortune, my immorality started, my Lord, when you forgot the body 
and began craving for the god and slipped away from our bed”
Sirisampige is a simple woman. She is the mirror that reflects all the human activity. 
She reflects the truth about Shivanag. When Shivanag decides to kill Kalinga, she does 
not stop him. 

She consideres herself already a half widow. By killing Kalinga, Shivanag
chooses his death. She becomes complete widow after the death of Kalinga. She 
remains calm and witness the tragedy till the end. 

The character of Sirisampige is portrayed symbolically in the play. She plays catalyst 
role.

 Shivanaga could not understand the depth of woman. Sirisampige remains a riddle 
for him. He never tries to understand her. Because he is in conflict with his own self. 
Like in Nagmandala, Sirisampige stands as an image beyond the comprehension of 
man.

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

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