Mudrarakshas


Subhash Chandra better known by his pen name Mudrarakshas, was a Hindi writer, journalist, activist, thinker and critic from Lucknow, India.

Early life

He was born in Lucknow on 21 June 1933 and died in the city on 13 June 2016, after illnesses due to old age.
Mudrarakshas received his M.A. degree in Hindi from Lucknow University and worked in Kolkata based Gyanodaya Magazine in 1950s. He joined All India Radio, Delhi as a script editor in 1962 and worked there as an instructor till 1976.

Career

Mudrarakshas has also been a doyen of Awadhi Folk Art Forms including Nautanki, Bhand, Swang Sapera, and Bharthari etc. A recipient of President of India's Sangeet Natak Academy and several other awards authored more than 60 books and directed several plays, Mudrarakshas has been known for his writings on Dalits and minorities. He also worked in All India Radio and has been a leader in drama writing and direction. He was also well known as a director, and has about thirty stage productions to his credit.
Known for his uncompromising principles, and straightforward writing style, he quit work in 1976 and continued as a writer till his death.

Awards

He received many awards including
Awards – Sahitya Bhushan, Kaifi Azmi Award, Sarvoday Sahitya Award, Sangeet Natak Academy Ratna Sadasyata Award, Rashtriya Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
Titles Conferred on him – Dalit Ratna, Shudracharya, Lok Natya Shiromani.

Plays

Yours Faithfully Daku Ala Afsar Tendua Santola Marjeeva Tilchatta Gufayein Ginipig
  • ''Badbakht Badshah''

English Literature

The Hunted
  • ''Re-reading Jesus''

Novels

Madelin Makbara Achla Ek Manahsthiti Shanti Bhang Bhagoda Hum Sab Mansaram Narkiya Dandvidhan Ardhvrat Hastakshep Shok Samvad Shabd Dansh Mera Naam Tera Naam
  • ''Gyarah Sapno Ka Desh''

Short Story Collections

Pratihinsa Tatha Anya Kahaniyan Nihatthe 21 Shreshth Kahaniyan 10 Pratinidhi Kahaniyan Meri Kahaniyan Mudrarakshas Sankalit Kahaniyan
  • ''Shreshth Dalit Kahaniyan''

Satirical Works

Mathuradas Ki Dairy Rakshas Uchav Prapanchtantra Suno Bhai Sadho
  • ''Ek Aur Prapanchtantra''

Critical and Analytical Works

Dharmgranthon Ka Punarpaath Mudrarakshas Srajan Evam Sandarbh Bhartiya Arthtantra Nishane Pe Bahas Chaurahe Pe Beech Bahas Main Alochana Aur Rachna Ki Uljhane Kalateet Bhagat Singh Hone Ka Matlab Nemichandra Jain Dharm Banam Andhvishwas Bhartiya Sanskriti Aur Vampanth Sahitya Samiksha – Paribhashayein Aur Samasyayein Bhartiya Sanskriti Ke Chitra Nitshe
  • ''Gospello Ka Punarpaath''

Children's Literature

Chitipuram Ke Bhure Lal Sarla Billu Aur Jala
Mudrarakshas also worked as an editor for the Hindi magazine Anuvaarta and made significant contributions to literary discourse through his critiques and analyses.