Chandalika | Class 12 English Notes
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 2 min read
Chandalika – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of Chandalika from Class 12 English, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.
Chandalika
This section introduces the play 'Chandalika' by Rabindranath Tagore, a Nobel laureate in Literature (1913) known for his poetry, novels, short stories, and dramas. Tagore's interest in drama began in childhood, influenced by his family's tradition of writing and staging plays. His plays often use music to express delicate emotions and focus on character development and spiritual enlightenment. 'Chandalika' is based on a Buddhist legend involving Ananda, a disciple of Buddha, who asks a chandalika (an untouchable girl) for water. The girl falls in love with him and uses her mother's magic to bind him to her. However, Ananda is overcome with shame and prays to Buddha, who breaks the spell. Tagore transforms this tale into a psychological drama exploring intense spiritual conflict, focusing on the girl's awakening to self-worth and humanity through the monk's acceptance of her. The play challenges social prejudices based on caste and birth, emphasizing love and service over societal discrimination.
📊 Diagram: Rabindranath Tagore 1861-1941 portrait as shown on page 2.
🔗 Connection: Leads into the detailed reading and analysis of Act I of 'Chandalika', focusing on the dialogue between Prakriti and her mother.
Frequently asked questions
In 'The Last Lesson' by Alphonse Daudet, which language was imposed as the official language in Alsace-Lorraine, leading to the last French lesson being taught?
German
What is the central theme of 'The Last Lesson' by Alphonse Daudet?
The importance of preserving one's language and cultural identity
Why does Franz, the main character in 'The Last Lesson', regret not learning French properly earlier?
Franz regrets not learning French properly because he realizes the importance of his mother tongue only when it is about to be lost due to the imposition of German. For example, he feels sorrow and guilt during the last French lesson as he understands the value of his language and culture.
Explain the role of M. Hamel in 'The Last Lesson' and how he symbolizes patriotism.
M. Hamel is the dedicated French teacher who teaches the last French lesson with great emotion and seriousness. He symbolizes patriotism by showing deep love for his language and country, even in the face of defeat. For example, he wears his best clothes and speaks passionately about the importance of French.
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