A new English translation of Raghuvaṃśa by the celebrated Sanskrit poet Kalidasa, who inspired such modern writers as Goethe and Tagore.
For a millennium and a half, Kalidasa's works--from The Cloud Messenger to The Recognition of Shakuntala--have delighted audiences in India and beyond. Although the renowned poet and dramatist inspired many literary works over the centuries, little is known about his life. He likely lived in central India in the late fourth or early fifth century. Kalidasa's The Lineage of the Raghus, or Raghuvaṃśa, belongs to the Sanskrit literary tradition of mahākāvya, or court poem. It recounts the lives of ancient kings in the sūryavaṃśa, the Solar Dynasty who ruled from the capital city of Ayodhya. The poem describes, among other episodes, the quest for offspring by Dilipa, a descendant of the primordial king Manu; the world conquest of his son Raghu, which offers a panorama of the Indian subcontinent; the exploits of the famous Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu; and the debaucheries of Agnivarna, which jeopardize the future of the lineage. This volume presents a new edition of the Sanskrit text in the Devanagari script alongside a fresh English translation of this enduring epic.The most translated play in the history of Sanskrit literature, Shakuntala is a story that transcends time and proves that come what may, love triumphs. The beautiful Shakuntala is basking in wedded bliss. Fate has been kind to her. She has had the good fortune to meet, fall in love, and marry Dushyanta, the king of Hastinapur. Once her father arrives, she would ask for his blessings and venture to spend the rest of her days happily with her husband. This popular classic is a must-read for all! - It is the greatest work by classical Indian playwright Kalidasa - It was the first Indian drama to be translated into a western language - This classic has been cherished by many generations - The characters and gripping plots will keep the readers hooked - An excellent collectable for gifting and personal keepsake
The Recognition of Sakuntala is the celebrated Sanskrit drama by Kalidasa, widely recognized as the greatest poet and dramatist of the classical Sanskrit language. Written sometime in the 4th or 5th century AD, The Recognition of Sakuntala tells of the epic love story of King Dusyanta and Sakuntala, the adopted daughter of a religious sage. Dusyanta meets Sakuntala while on a hunting trip and marries her quickly, full of love and passion for her. Tragedy befalls the young couple when Dusyanta is returning to court and Sakuntala accidentally offends a visiting sage and is cursed in retribution. The effect of the curse is that Dusyanta has completely forgotten Sakuntala and his love for her until he sees the ring that he has left for her. Kalidasa's erotic and romantic play was first translated into English in 1789 and caused a sensation throughout Europe for its scandalous subject matter and tone. The German writer Goethe was particularly enthralled with the tale and was inspired by its vivid descriptions and lyrical verse. The Recognition of Sakuntala continues to be performed and studied all over the world and endures as a masterpiece of Sanskrit literature. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.