The New “Drama” in Kṛṣṇa’s Līlā

Abstract

This article critiques the increasing academic trend of translating the Sanskrit term līlā- ("play, sport") as "drama" when referring to Kṛṣṇa's divine activities. It argues that "drama" introduces problematic connotations of representation and temporality that clash with the uniqueness and timeless nature traditionally ascribed to līlā-. Examining Sanskrit and New Indo-Aryan dictionaries, the article finds limited support for this translation and suggests the conflation may stem from the academic focus on līlā plays and interpretations in Western scholarship. The author concludes that "play" or "sport" are more accurate translations, urging a re-evaluation of the prevalent use of "drama" in this context.