Kalidas
From ArticleWorld
Kalidasa’s life-a mystery
The great poet and philosopher Kalidas is famous for his literature in Sanskrit. The place and time of Kalidasa’s birth and even his lifespan are not known for sure, neither is his background firmly established. It is only from the characters depicted in his works and names of kings mentioned, that scholars and historians are trying to guess his antecedents and timeline. Obviously and sadly enough for one who is widely read and followed, even his cause and time of death is still a question without an answer. Not much is known about his life and upbringing either. The quality and philosophical depth of the literature and poetry written by Kalidasa point towards as an academic, saintly and learned Brahmin. At the same time, these very famous works by him are romantic sagas. Naturally people infer that he led a colorful life, which is quite on the contrary to the previous view.
Plays
The most famous of Kalidasa’s plays are:
- “Malavikaagnimitra” is a story about a king Agnimitra, who falls in love with a servant, who is in fact a princess by birth.
- “Vikramuurvashiiya”, is an epic about liaison between an earthly king, “Vikram” and celestial nymph, “Urvashi”.
- “Abhignanashakuntala” is one the most famous plays ever written in Sanskrit. This story revolves around the love of Shakuntala, a damsel residing in the jungles and king Dushyanta, who meet by chance.
It has found acclaim not only in India, but also in many foreign countries. It had been translated in many regional languages in India and also in English and German long ago. In recent past it has been enacted on the stage by an Indo-French troupe.
Poems
Kalidas is also credited with writing immortal poems. Kumarasambhava and Meghaduta are two masterpieces of Sanskrit literature. They have been widely adapted for dramas and screen plays, too, of late.