14 Nov Prelims Bits: Kalidasa and his contributions to Indian art and culture
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and topic details Kalidasa and his major literary works:
Syllabus mapping:
GS- Indian Art and culture: literature and Scholars
For Prelims:
Kalidas and his major works and period?
Why in the News:
The Vice President recently inaugurated the 66th ‘All India Kalidasa Festival’ in Ujjain, celebrating the life and works of Kalidasaa, one of ancient India’s greatest poets and playwrights. This annual festival honors Kalidasaa’s contributions to Sanskrit literature and showcases performances and discussions inspired by his works, fostering cultural heritage and classical Indian arts.
Kalidasa and his major literary works:
Life and Background
Period: Likely lived around the 4th-5th century CE during the Gupta era.
Court Poet: Associated with King Vikramāditya, possibly Chandragupta II.
Location: Speculated to have ties to Ujjain, Kashmir, and Kalinga.
Legacy: Considered one of ancient India’s greatest poets and playwrights, revered as one of the “seven avatars of Brahma” in Sikh texts.
Epic Poems:
Kumārasambhava: Focuses on the birth and youth of Pārvatī, her union with Śiva, and the birth of their son, Kumāra (Kartikeya).
Raghuvaṃśa: Chronicles the lineage and stories of the Raghu dynasty, including celebrated kings like Raghu and Rāma.
Minor Poems:
Meghadūta (The Cloud Messenger): A love poem in which a Yakṣa sends a message to his beloved through a cloud, known for its lyrical beauty.
Shyamala Dandakam: Describes the beauty of the goddess Matangi.
Plays:
Abhijñānaśākuntalam (Recognition of Śakuntalā): Tells the story of Śakuntalā and King Duṣyanta, celebrated internationally and translated widely.
Mālavikāgnimitram (Pertaining to Mālavikā and Agnimitra): Explores King Agnimitra’s love for a servant girl, who is revealed to be a princess.
Vikramōrvaśīyam (Ūrvaśī Won by Valor): The tale of King Pururavas and the celestial nymph Ūrvaśī, involving love, separation, and reunion.
Influence and Translations
Global Impact: Works like Abhijñānaśākuntalam influenced European literature; admired by Goethe and translated into multiple languages.
Translations: Sir William Jones published an English translation of Śakuntalā in 1791, introducing Kalidasaaa’s work to Western audiences.
Legacy and Recognition
Cultural Icon: His name appears in inscriptions from as early as 634 CE and is honored in both Indian and Western literary traditions.
Popular Recognition: Revered in Indian culture and celebrated for his refined expression of nature, human emotions, and philosophical themes.
Kalidasa’s contributions to Indian culture:
Masterful Poet and Playwright: Kalidasa is regarded as one of ancient India’s greatest poets and playwrights, with works that exemplify the richness of Sanskrit literature.
Epic Narratives: His epic poems, such as Kumārasambhava and Raghuvaṃśa, explore themes of love, heroism, and divine relationships, contributing significantly to the narrative tradition in Indian literature.
Influential Plays: His play Abhijñānaśākuntalam is celebrated for its emotional depth and intricate character development, influencing both Indian and global theatrical traditions.
Cultural Symbol: Revered as one of the “seven avatars of Brahma” in Sikh texts, Kalidasa’s works are integral to the spiritual and cultural fabric of India.
Nature and Emotion: His poetry is renowned for its exquisite depiction of nature and human emotions, reflecting the philosophical and aesthetic ideals of the time.
Global Impact: His works, particularly Abhijñānaśākuntalam, have had a profound influence on European literature, inspiring writers like Goethe and being translated into numerous languages.
Enduring Legacy: Kalidasa’s contributions have left an indelible mark on Indian culture, fostering a lasting appreciation for poetry, drama, and the arts that continues to thrive today.
Download Plutus IAS Current Affairs ENG 14 Nov 2024 pdf
Prelims Question:
Q. Which of the following statements about Kalidasa is/are correct?
1. Kalidasa is believed to have lived during the Gupta era and is associated with King Vikramāditya.
2. His notable works include the epic poems Kumarasambhava and Raghuvaṃsa
3. Kalidasa is recognized as one of the “seven avatars of Brahma” in Hindu texts.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2, and 3
D. 1 only
ANSWER: C
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