Kalidas was the greatest Sanskrit poet and playwright. Kalidas composed works based on the mythology and philosophy of India. Kalidas was a devotee of Shiva.
The name Kalidasa literally means ‘servant of Kali’. Kalidas Chandragupta was one of the Navratnas of Vikramaditya’s court. But in early life it is said that Kalidas was illiterate and foolish. Kalidasa married a princess named Vidyottama.
Mahakavi Kalidas is considered contemporary of Chandragupta Vikramaditya.
Compositions of kalidas
The seven compositions of Vikramaditya’s Navratna Kalidas are famous. Four of these poetry books are-
- Raghuvansh
- Kumarasambhava
- Meghdoot
- Seasonal.
There are three plays-
- Abhigyan Shakuntalam,
- Malvikagnimitra,
- Vikramorvashi.
The following are the most famous compositions of Kalidas and the description described in them-
Kalidas got the most fame from the drama ‘Abhigyan Shakuntalam‘ which has been translated into many languages of the world.
Kalidasa’s other plays ‘Vikramovanshiya‘ and ‘Malavikagnimitra‘ are also examples of excellent theatrical literature.
He has only two epics available- Raghuvansh ‘and’ Kumarasambhava ‘are the only ones to hoist his fame. Kalidasa’s ‘Meghdoot‘ is incomparable from the point of view of poetry. Its beautiful succulent language expresses love and violence and the nature makes the reader fascinated and emotional.
‘Meghdoot’ has also been translated into many languages of the world.
His ‘Ritu Sanhaar‘ is written only for the nature depiction of each season. With the consent of scholars, Kalidasa’s period was first century BC is believed. The basis of this belief is that Kalidasa’s creation period is related during the reign of King Vikramaditya of Ujjaini.
Reference : https://www.indiaolddays.com
