BAAKI ITIHAAS is a thought-provoking one-act play by Badal Sircar, a celebrated Indian dramatist. The play is an introspective exploration of human existence, the meaning of history, and the stories that remain untold.
The narrative begins with two characters, Sharad and his wife Vasanti, discussing a puzzling event: the suicide of a seemingly ordinary person, Sitanath. The man left no note or explanation for his act, leaving Sharad deeply curious. Through an imagined reconstruction of his and her wife's lives, Sharad and Vasanti attempt to piece together the motives behind their inexplicable decision.
As the historian dives deeper, the story shifts to examine Sitanath’s existential anguish. A man disillusioned with the cyclical nature of history, Sitanth feels that human struggles and achievements are ultimately forgotten or rendered meaningless over time. His despair is mirrored by Sharad, who shares his existential frustrations. Their act of suicide emerges as a rebellion against the mundane and a declaration of the futility of human attempts to immortalize oneself through history.
Through its minimalist structure and poignant dialogue, Baaki Itihaas challenges traditional narratives and encourages audiences to reflect on the hidden, unrecorded layers of history—those shaped by ordinary people and forgotten over time. Sircar’s masterful storytelling blurs the line between the personal and the universal, making the play a profound commentary on the human condition.
This play remains a testament to Sircar's ability to address complex philosophical questions through intimate, relatable stories, leaving audiences with more questions than answers.
