Garhwali, Kumaoni, Himalayan Literature

Bhawani Dutt Thapliyal : The Father of Modern Garhwali Drama
Bhishma Kukreti

Garhwal, Himalaya had long tradition in playing different folk dramas . These dramas are having forms lyrical, semi prose and prose. There are universal fork dramas played all over Garhwal ( Himalaya ), some folk plays are played in specific areas and others are played by individuals and forgotten. Credit goes to Bhawani Dutt Thapliyal for creating and staging first ever modern Garhwali (Himalayan ) drama in this earth.

Bhawani Dutt Thapliyal was born in village- Khaid, Patti Mawalsyun of Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand., in 1867.

Bhawani Dutt Thapliyal joined government service and worked with district board department.

Bhawani Dutt Thapliyal wrote ‘Jay-Vijay ‘ first ever Garhwali (Himalayan) modern drama in 1911 and second modern Garhwali (Himalayan) drama ‘ Bhakt Prahlad’ in 1914.
However, from staging point of view, ‘Prahlad’ is first ever modern drama staged in 1930 . The audience praised the drama very much and this drama is stage more than fifty times in many Indian cities . Though the drama was written in 1914, the drama is still craze among the drama creators for staging and audience as well because of its social awareness theme, dramatic value, twist in the tale, sharp , satiric and witty dialogues, emotional story, and simple but vibrant language.
Bhawani Dutt Thapliyal expired on 29th April, 192

Copyright @ Bhishma Kukreti, Mumbai, India, 2009