Malavikagnimitram The Dancer And The King

by Kalidasa; Reddy, Srinivas

• ISBN13: 9780143424086
• ISBN10: 0143424084
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2015-01-01
• Publisher: India Penguin

Summary

Believed to be Kalidasa's first work, Malavikagnimitram is the love story of King Agnimitra and the court dancer Malavika. The tale unfolds through humorous palace interludes, vivid descriptions of fine arts and the cunning machinations of court players. Even in this early work, Kalidasa's characteristic penchant for romance, art and natural beauty is evident at every delightful turn of the plot. He transforms a simple tale of forbidden love into an engrossing courtly drama filled with beauty, humour and wit.

Srinivas Reddy's engaging translation captures to perfection the joyous vigour of the young dramatist's voice.

Author Biography

Kalidasa, perhaps the most extraordinary of India's classical poets, composed seven major works: three plays, two epic poems and two lyric poems. According to legend, he lived at the end of the fourth century, and was one the 'nine jewels' in the court of the Gupta king Chandragupta II. Although very little is known about his life, Kalidasa's popularity has endured for centuries.