Character of Maitreya:-

Character of Maitreya:-

v  Introduction & As vidusaka:-

            Vidusaka in Sanskrit dramas in generally the friend and confidant of the hero in love-matter. He supposed to be a humour character and create laughter by his dress, speech and gestures. His humour is usually based upon references to eatable. Generally, he is stereotyped and stale character. But here Maitreya is a brilliant exception to this age –old tradition. He is totally unlike the normal Vidusaka in Sanskrit dramas

v His appearance:-

            Of course, being a Vidusak, he has certain fixed traits of his class. His appearance is some why ugly. Sakara often call him ‘crow-foot-headed’, and he himself compares the shape of his head to the knee of a young camel. He is a Brahmin. He has no depth of learning. He can simple recited the Vedic mantras. While moving through the apartment of Vasantsena’s house he feels heavenly pleasure. He dislike the dull daily routine of typical Brahmin and a love of lazy life led obo other people’s food.

v a loyal friend of Charudatta:-

            His is a loyal and devoted friend of Charudatta. He stands by him through thick and think. Other so called friends leave Charudatta when his fortune declines, while he follow Charudatta a faithful dog follows its master. He is always ready to give up his life for him. In many respects, Charudatta prefers him even to his wife and the son. When the ornament are stole, Charudatta is afraid that he may commit suicide  rather than hear about his disgrace. He is very clever and practical. He warns Charudatta against his association with a courtesan. His love for Charudatta is beyond comparison, Charudatta’s poverty arouses deep sympathy and affection in his heart, he never forsakes Charudatta whatever may happen., the charge of murder against the innocent Charudatta make him hot angry. He goes to the court and defends him through forceful words. He makes a bold and wise pleas of r justice. He also attack Sakara in the court with is merciless tongue and his stick which is as crooked and the villains’ heart.

v His sharply criticism:-

            Maitreya sharply criticses every inconsistency and short-coming. He does not exclude Charudatta and even himself from criticism. Though he put on a clown’s cap, his statements are full of jest, wit, satire, parody and subtle practical wisdom, he does not make himself  a laughing stock for others. His unshaped head contains a early wise brain. His observations are rooted in deep reflection, cool intellect and practical wisdom. He reminds us of Shakespeare’s Touchstone,

…………..In his brain

He hath strange places cramm’d

with observations…….

v Conclusion:-

            Thus Shudraka has successfully and effectively presented the portrait of Mailtray,. He has tuned an ordinary and uninteresting Vidusaka into a real living personality. There can not be more appropriate description of Maitreya than Charudatta’ phrase “Sarva-Kala-Mitra.’ A friend in need, Maitreya is a friend indeed.