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Naga-Mandala: Play With A Cobra is a contemporary Kannada play by Girish Karnad. This book presents the English translation of the play. Summary of the Book This play questions an essential principle in Indian society: who is the husband, the man who marries a girl and cares only for sexual excitement or one who takes care of her? Rani is a young bride whose husband Appanna spends most of his time with a concubine. Rani tries to win his affections, resorting to a love potion. However, she spills the potion on a nearby anthill and a cobra consumes it. Naga, the cobra, takes the form of a man and is completely smitten by Rani. He visits her each night in the form of her husband and Rani begins to experience a new life. She becomes pregnant and tells her husband the good news. He immediately calls her adulterous, revealing that he has not impregnated her. Soon, Rani’s life turns upside down as she tries to prove her faithfulness. However, the Naga is still smitten by her and will do anything to keep her. About Girish Karnad Girish Karnad is an Indian writer, playwright, screenwriter, actor and movie director known for his work in the Kannada language. He was presented the 1998 Jnanpith Award, the highest literary honour conferred in India. Karnad is known for his plays which incorporate history and mythology to study contemporary issues. This play was adapted into a film, directed by T. S. Nagabharana. It starred Prakash Raj and Vijayalakshmi.