2.2. Characterisation of Gargyayana

Gargyayana is the vidushaka in the play. He is ugly and old as described by Pingalaksha who calls him an old monkey (jarathamarkatah ). 13 He is witty and humorous. In the first act, on waking from sleep, he finds his limbs benumbed and at once comes to the conclusion that his blood has been drunk to the last drop stealthily in his sleep by the demonesses roaming about in the Sahya Ranges. Again when the two birds, Kanaka and Kalamanjari are introduced to the king, he cracks a joke by playing a pun on the word 'Dvija' stating that he and the birds belong to the same caste. As the confident of the king, he assists him very much in his love matters. In the second act, when the king is suffering intensely from pangs of love, he not only 13 Ibid., Act. III, p.73 14. tavabhiya anabhijnatadursanah rudhirapana- kutuhalinyah amusya sahyasailasya paryantakantara- samcarinyah sthalajaluka 212111204: 221 21812-21. Ibid., Act. I, p.13

consoles him but also brings cooling materials for him. He patiently applies on the ailing body of his friend the various cooling materials one by one and thus try to alleviate his agony. Again, in the fourth not, he goes to bring painting materials for his friend when the latter desires to paint a portrait of his beloved. He is simple and fearful by nature. He can be easily hoodwinked, as done by Pingaleksha, in th second act of the drame. He is baffled at the mysterious dis appearance of the necklace and is not easily convinced by his friend's explanation. He has a keen sense of propriety and is very sensitive. He congratulates Kala.. manjari for her timely efforts in bringing about an early union of his friend with the Vidyadhara princess. Further, in the fourth set, when Rasacandrika comes to meet the king, he makes a discreet exit under the protext of going to sleep. 591 Thus Cargyayana appears as one of the best characters wrought by the hand of Balakavi. He can be compared to Maitreya in Mrichakatiks. But, he excels him in intelligence, industry and perspicsciousness. 15 kalamancari, satyametat tadrkam tava pandityam ! ayam punah kalaharanam na sahate ! Ibid., Act.II, p.65