| As far as literary merits are concerned, Meghdoot (cloud Messenger)
is the most excellent work. The readers are fascinated by the simplicity
of its diction, portrayal of nature and delicate expression of love and
the agony of love. Meghdoot has also been translated into various languages
of the world. On the other hand, Ritu Samhara is totallky devoted to nature
and its changing mood through different seasons. Kalidasa was a contemporary
of the Gupta ruler Chandragupta Vikramaditya (4th 5th century A.D.). The
legend goes that early in his life, Kalidasa was illiterate and a dullard.
Some pandits who had been defeated in discourse by a highly intelligent
princess Vidyottma, got herself married to Kalidasa in a deceitful manner
out of jealousy. When the reality came out she felt very disturbed and annoyed.
It is said that she strongly admonished Kalidasa for his ignorance. Kalidasa
was very much shocked andhe took a vow to become a learned man. So he left
his home in this pursuit and returned only after he had become a man of
profound learning. |
