CC - I : Briefly comment on the role of Sutradhara in the beginning of Mrichhakatikam

 The Sutradhara says the 'Nandi, and presents of the Prastavana in the beginning of Mrichhakatikam. However, apart from carrying out these customary tasks, he does something more important. The Sutradhara presents us with the condition of the household of Charudatta in a nutshell. It is through him that we come to know that the play is being held in Ujjain, and the nayaka is Charudatta who is a trader of the city. Charudatta himself does not enter the scene, but his Brahmin friend  Maitreya does, and it is through a conversation with him that Charudatta, we are informed, who was once a rich man has fallen to bad times largely owing to his generosity. We are immediately cued into the presence of a dhiraprasanta hero, when we come to know that he has taken this turn of events with resignation and calm. We also known that although the veneration of the Brahmin has not altogether disappeared from the social rubric of the city, yet all is not well-beneath its veneer of prosperity lies abject poverty, crime and desperation. Thus the platform for a political sub-plot is also prepared through the Prastavana presented by the Sutradhara in the beginning of the play.