Each nation has its one author who defines a nation's literature for a lifetime. William Shakespeare is known for England. But did you know that India had its own Shakespeare and he lived centuries before the birth of the English playwright?
Who is Known as the Shakespeare of India?
Kalidasa is called the Shakespeare of India. He was a poet, playwright and the most popular and celebrated figure in Indian literature who wrote in Sanskrit. There is no one that can express love, nature, human emotions and Indian mythology in such a gorgeous manner like he does even after hundreds of years.
Who Was Kalidasa?
Kalidasa, an ancient Indian poet, playwright who lived from 4th to 5th century CE. A large number of his works are inspired by the Hindu Puranas, the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the ancient Indian philosophy.
Little is known about his private life. Legends however, have it that he was a court poet of the kingdom of Ujjain. Beyond doubt, his writing had an impact on Indian literature and culture. It is evident from the Dasam-granth that Kalidasa was highly regarded.
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Major Works of Kalidasa
Kalidasa left behind a rich collection of literary works that are still studied and admired today. His surviving works include three plays, two epic poems, and two shorter poems.
His most famous works are:
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Abhijnanashakuntalam: This one is his most popular play. All about the story of King Dushyanta and Shakuntala, a young woman who grew up in a hermitage in the forest. It handles the themes of love, parting and separation.
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Meghaduta: This is a lyrical poetry in which a yaksha, a celestial being, sends a message to his beloved through a cloud. He describes Indian landscapes, rivers, mountains, cities in the poem.
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Kumarasambhava: It is an Epic poem that narrates the story of birth of Kartikeya, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
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Raghuvamsha: This is an epic poem about the days of the Raghuvamsha (Raghu's dynasty) from which Lord Ram is born.
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Why is Kalidasa Called the Shakespeare of India?
It is a popular saying which is very accurate that “Shakespeare is the Kalidasa of England, and the Kalidasa is the Shakespeare of India.” Both writers have a rare skill, the ability to convey human emotions in a profound and beautiful manner. They both used a lot of imagery and made characters that are believable even today.
Kalidasa made a great impact on Sanskrit literature similar to Shakespeare upon English. His plays were well-plotted, eminently poetic and equipped with language that was truly ahead of his time.
Kalidasa is not limited to being the Shakespeare of India. He has been one of the greatest minds of literature. His writings are still read, performed and studied in India and everywhere in the world.
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