1. Dr TN Satheesan

Abstract 01: Dr. T.N. Satheesan

Humor – Means of protest in Mahishasataka

 Mahishasataka is a Sanskrit poem by Vanchesvara Diksita, who lived in Tanjavur in the eighteenth century. It is a work consisting of 100 verses in praise of a buffalo. The title itself shows the humor and sarcasm in the content of the poem. In the beginning the poet states that through praising a buffalo he aims to excoriate the political leadership of his time, who are intent to harass him. He wished to punish them by the rod of speech. The unique way of dissent against the unlawful and unethical action of the ruling class is more than a personal one; it ridicules the decadence in the system and aims to cleanse the society. The first part of the poem criticizes the king and his courtiers. The second section equates the king with a buffalo. The concluding part unleashes sharp criticism against society and polity. The poet is very harsh in criticizing the king as well as the people surrounded to him. He not only criticizes them but disapproves the evil practices prevailing in the society also.

 My paper is an attempt to highlight the way in which a poet articulates dissent against contemporary society and records his protest against the ruler and the corrupt practices of his administration. It examines the extent to which humor as a tool could be used to attack the establishment, while still keeping in mind of the aesthetic value of the literary work.