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Top 10 Sensational Facts about Kalidasa

Several ancient and medieval books state that Kalidasa was a famous court poet of a King named Vikramaditya. A legendary King who is believed to have ruled from Ujjain around the 1st Century BCE.

The most popular theory is that Kalidasa flourished during the reign of Chandragupta II, and therefore lived around the 4th-5th century CE.

Several Western scholars have supported this theory, since the days of William Jones and A. B. Keith. Modern western Indologists and scholars like Stanley Wolpert also support this theory. 

More importantly, majority of Indian scholars valued the work of Kalidasa. Among the top were Vasudev Vishnu Mirashi and Ram Gupta. Accordingly, his theory and career extended to the reign of Kamuragupta I (r.414 – 455 CE) and possibly, to that of Skandagupta (r. 455 – 467 CE).

However, it is noted that his earliest paleographical evidence is found in a Sanskrit inscription date back in c. 473 CE. It’s found at Mandsaur’s Sun temple, with some verses that appear to imitate Meghaduta Purva.

In addition, his name was among those mentioned in the poet history together with Bhavavi in 634 CE. The writings found at Aihole, the current day Karnataka, India.

In this list the life, work and historical moments of Kalidasa are revealed. He was a poet and dramatist who lived his life setting pace for other Indian poets. His work is marvelous and purely connects with nature and people as a whole.

1. Mysterious Lifestyle

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In the late 4^th to early 5^th century, civilization was blessed with the birth of a soon to be legend. Kalidasa was born in Kashmir but he later moved southwards to seek the patronage of local rulers to prosper.

He was later known as the Shakespeare of India. As most classical poets, his relationships are historical if not mythical. His life is astonishing due to the fact that not many people can truly testify to his existence or lifestyle in general.

2. Predicted Life

His parents were Shri Bandu Thpu Athwale (father) and Shrimati Honsabhai Bandu (mother). He grew to manhood without formal education but he had remarkable beauty and a graceful manner.

He was on a month long maun-vrat (a vow of silence) this was considered to bring purity of mind and speech. It was practiced by many sages during that period.

3. His memorable work

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Kalidasa was Sanskrit poet and dramatist. People credited him for writing more than forty poems and plays. All of which were praised and highly watched.

His works include Meghaduta, Raghuvamsham  Abhijnanashakuntala and  Shakuntala,  these are among his best pieces. Funnily enough people mistake Ritusamhara as his first work.

4. His Exciting Choice of Themes

Each poem and play he wrote had a small addition of nature or rather seasoned his work Meghaduta which means cloud messenger is also a good reflection of his mind. He portrays different elements of nature in every play made him a great poet.

5. Profound Knowledge

Not only was he good in dramatic arts but also in philosophy, law, economics, zoology, music and fine arts. He was phenomenal in everything he studied or aspired to learn. This painted a picture of a wise man who had so much potential.

6. His Surprising Legacy

He created a name for himself through his simple and lucid style of writings which surpassed in Indian history.  His influence in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century European literature is still remembered to date.

His seven surviving works can attest to that. He was well known amongst other well-known people like, Sir Monier Williams was a Indologist and Humboldt was a philosopher and linguist. His work continued to evoke inspiration among the artistic circle of Europe.

7. Representing

He was able to express and suggest how the Sanskrit language is capable and showed the essence of an Entire civilization. The innovation embraced by generations. 

8. Persistent Legend

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He was one of the ‘nine gems’ of the court during the rule of king Vikramaditya of Ujjain.  He is apparently imitated, though not named, in the Mandasor inscription of 473. However, no one can really tell if he had a more demanding role in the court.

The most convincing addition of Kalidasa to the Gupta dynasty is the characteristics of his work which is evident in most of the cultural values and sophisticated aristocracy. Another popular theory is that he thrived in the reign of Chandragupta II.

9. Popular Pieces

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Malavikagnimitram is based on the events that took place during the reign of Pushyamitra Shunga. This was indeed his first play. It tells the story of love Agnimitra. 

Interestingly, this was the Shunga emperor at Vidisha, for the handmaiden of his chief Queen. It was adapted into a silent film in 1929 by Dadasaheb Phalke. Surprisingly, it was also turned into comic by Kamlesh Pandey.

10. Multiple Kalidasas

Many scholars believe that the works by ‘Kalidasa’ are not by one person. Srinivasachariar, hints at the existence of three noted figures who share the name Kalidasa. These writers include Devendra, Rajasekhara and Abhinanda.

His death has many theories tagged to it. Some say, he was assassinated by a mysterious person in the crowd he was performing. Others say he was found dead in a prostitute’s house.

However, the unconfirmed cause of his death still have some saying he was murdered by the courtesan who wanted to secure an reward he was due to receive.

It is still unclear as to how he exactly died. But his legacy is remembered even after all these years.

He is among the first poets in the World though more recognized in India. Additionally, his poets in his mother tongue.

Of essence to note is that his poet work is among the oldest in history of the world which was found on the writings at Aihole, the current day Karnataka in India. His poet and that of Bhavavi kept this early record found in 634 CE.

In addition, his name was among those mentioned in the poet history together with Bhavavi in 634 CE. The writings found at Aihole, the current day Karnataka, India.

He was a great man who understood how to touch the audience with his plays and poems. His work is still being read to this date.