Kālidāsa and the Bastard Son • An Attempt to Read Kālidāsa’s Nāṭakas Politically Cover Image

Kālidāsa and the Bastard Son • An Attempt to Read Kālidāsa’s Nāṭakas Politically
Kālidāsa and the Bastard Son • An Attempt to Read Kālidāsa’s Nāṭakas Politically

Author(s): Péter Száler
Subject(s): Philology
Published by: Akadémiai Kiadó
Keywords: Abhijñānaśākuntala; Gupta Empire; Kālidāsa; Sanskrit dramas; Skanda Gupta; Vikramorvaśīya

Summary/Abstract: Kālidāsa’s nāṭakas, namely the Abhijñānaśākuntala and the Vikramorvaśīya are undisputedly among the greatest works of Sanskrit literature. Thus it is not surprising that there have already been many excellent literary interpretations focusing on these works. My aim is not to augment this list, but instead I intend to shed some light on the less-investigated political message of these dramas. In other words, I am attempting to re-read Kālidāsa’s plays as pieces of political theatre.

  • Issue Year: 75/2022
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 33-50
  • Page Count: 18
  • Language: English