Description of Īhāmṛga

Īhāmṛga^[1] is a one-act play or a play in four acts. The hero is necessarily a vehement (Uddhata) character, whether a divine or a human being. The whole plot hinges round the acquisition of a woman, mostly a celestial damsel, who is difficult to obtain. There are feuds and combats on her account, leading to a tragic end, though the actual death of the hero is to be tactically avoided from the stage. The plot of the play is of a mixed kind, partly, invented by the poet and partly, legendary. It is necessary to bring the leaders of the episode (Patākā Nāyaka) on the stage. They could be mortal or divine, but ever-ready to rise to the occasion and help the hero. According to Viśvanātha the number of such auxiliaries should be ten, making a total of twelve characters in all^[2].