“Andha Yug” (The Blind Age) is a play written by Dharamvir Bharati in 1951, which is a powerful critique of the societal and moral decay of India during the time of the Mahabharata war. The play explores the themes of ethical values, morality, and the consequences of their destruction.

• The play is set in the final days of the Mahabharata war, and it focuses on the character of Duryodhana, the Kaurava prince who has been blinded by his own ego and ambition. The play portrays a society that has lost its moral compass, where individuals are guided by their own selfish desires rather than any sense of duty or ethics.
• The destruction of ethical values in the play is depicted through the character of Duryodhana, who has abandoned all sense of morality and is willing to do anything to achieve his goals. He is willing to sacrifice his own family members and friends to maintain his power and status. His mother, Gandhari, tries to counsel him to return to his senses, but he refuses to listen, highlighting the breakdown of family values and relationships.
• The play also portrays the destruction of traditional Indian values such as dharma (duty), artha (wealth), and kama (pleasure). The characters are more concerned with accumulating wealth and pleasure than with doing what is right. The play shows how these values have been corrupted by greed and power, leading to a society that is morally bankrupt.
• The character of Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas, is portrayed as a symbol of moral virtue. She is selfless, compassionate, and true to her duty. Her character serves as a contrast to Duryodhana’s selfishness and highlights the importance of ethical values.
• The play also critiques the destruction of traditional Indian social institutions such as the family and community. The characters are more concerned with their individual interests than with the well-being of their families and communities. This breakdown of social institutions leads to a sense of chaos and disorder.
• The destruction of ethical values in “Andha Yug” can be seen as a commentary on the societal problems that India was facing at that time. The play was written during a period when India was going through a phase of rapid modernization and urbanization, which was leading to a decline in traditional values and morals.

“Andha Yug” is a powerful critique of the destruction of ethical values in Indian society during the time of the Mahabharata war. The play portrays a society that has lost its moral compass, where individuals are guided by their own selfish desires rather than any sense of duty or ethics. The character of Duryodhana serves as a symbol of this destruction, while Kunti represents moral virtue. The play highlights the importance of traditional Indian values such as dharma, artha, and kama, and critiques the breakdown of social institutions such as the family and community.