Kalidasa
Prelims:
Ancient Indian
History & Culture
Mains:
GS Paper I –
Indian Culture
Current affairs:
The
novel Kaho Kalidasa! written by Yugul Joshi and published by
Manjul Publishing House, was launched at the Indira Gandhi National Centre
for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi.
Highlights:
About Kaho Kalidasa:
1.
Kaho
Kalidasa! is a novel
written by Yugul Joshi and published by Manjul Publishing House.
2.
The
book explores Kalidasa’s life, literary works and creative sensibilities,
particularly through clues and emotions reflected in his writings.
3.
It
examines major themes in Kalidasa’s literature, including love, separation,
responsibility and nature, with special emphasis on the portrayal of
female characters.
4.
As
reliable biographical information about Kalidasa is limited, the novel uses literary
imagination and his own works to explore the lesser-known dimensions of his
life and personality.
5.
The
title Kaho Kalidasa! represents an intimate call to Kalidasa,
creating a dialogue between the classical poet and the present day.
About Kalidasa:
1.
Kalidasa
was one of the greatest Sanskrit poets and dramatists of India. IGNCA
describes him as “Kavikulaguru” (Master of the Poet fraternity) and an
outstanding figure of Sanskrit literature.
2.
Kalidasa
is believed to have
lived approximately between A.D. 380 and 415.
3.
His
writings combine poetry, drama, nature, human emotions and Indian cultural
values. His works reflect themes connected with Dharma, Artha, Kama and
Moksha.
4.
Multidisciplinary
Knowledge: His writings
display familiarity with fields including philosophy, Vedic learning,
polity, economy, ethics, astronomy, agriculture, botany, music, dance, theatre,
painting and sculpture.
Major Works of Kalidasa:
Mahakavyas
(Epic Poetry):
1.
Raghuvamsha narrates the lineage and heroic deeds
of the Raghu or Solar dynasty.
2.
Kumarasambhava describes Parvati’s penance, her
marriage to Shiva and the birth of Kumara (Kartikeya).
Lyric Poetry:
1.
Meghaduta tells the story of an exiled Yaksha who
sends a message to his beloved through a cloud.
2.
Ritusamhara provides a poetic portrayal of the six
seasons and their relationship with nature.
Dramas:
1.
Abhijnanashakuntalam narrates the story of Shakuntala,
drawing upon earlier Indian literary traditions.
2.
Malavikagnimitram portrays the love story of Malavika and
King Agnimitra.
3.
Vikramorvashiyam depicts the love story of the celestial
nymph Urvashi and King Pururavas.
Source: PIB - https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2303359®=3&lang=1