Kalidasa

Un dels poemes més encisadors que ha donat mai la literatura oriental, i que ara oferim per primera vegada en català. Asseguren els entesos que els poetes indis mai no van suposar que la bellesa fos indescriptible, i no hi ha dubte que aquest poema exquisit i alhora emocionant és la prova evident d'aquesta afirmació.

Kalidasa probably lived in the fifth century of the Christian era. This date, approximate as it is, must yet be given with considerable hesitation, and is by no means certain. No truly biographical data are preserved about the author, who nevertheless enjoyed a great popularity during his life, and whom the Hindus have ever regarded as the greatest of Sanskrit poets. We are thus confronted with one of the remarkable problems of literary history. For our ignorance is not due to neglect of Kalidasas writings on the part of his countrymen, but to their strange blindness in regard to the interest and importance of historic fact. No European nation can compare with India in critical devotion to its own literature. During a period to be reckoned not by centuries but by millenniums, there has been in India an unbroken line of savants unselfishly dedicated to the perpetuation and exegesis of the native masterpieces. Editions, recensions, commentaries abound; poets have sought the exact phrase of appreciation for their predecessors: yet when we seek to reconstruct the life of their greatest poet, we have no materials except certain tantalising legends, and such data as we can gather from the writings of a man who hardly mentions himself.

In "The Birth of the War-God," the illustrious poet Kálidása weaves a rich tapestry of mythology and epic narrative, exploring the birth of the divine warrior Skanda through a lush, lyrical style characteristic of classical Sanskrit literature. The poem is not merely a celebration of martial valor but also an exploration of complex themes such as destiny, duty, and the divine interplay of creation and destruction. Kalidsas profound command of language and vivid imagery brings forth a world where gods and mortals intertwine, inviting readers into a timeless narrative that reflects the cultural fabric of ancient India. Kalidsa, often hailed as one of the greatest Sanskrit poets and dramatists, lived during the Gupta period, a time marked by significant advancements in art, literature, and philosophy. His works illustrate a deep appreciation for nature and a keen understanding of human emotion, likely shaped by his life experiences and the socio-cultural milieu of his time. This rich background informs the epic grandeur and spiritual depth permeating "The Birth of the War-God," offering an insightful perspective into the mythological traditions he sought to immortalize. Recommended for readers interested in ancient literature, mythology, and the interplay of divinity and humanity, this poem stands as a testament to Kalidsas genius. The intricate layers of his narrative provide not only aesthetic pleasure but also profound philosophical insights, making it an essential addition to any literary collection.

In "Sakoontala; Or, The Lost Ring," Kalidasa masterfully weaves a rich tapestry of love, destiny, and the treacherous nature of memory, encapsulated within the framework of a classical Indian narrative. This poignant play, based on the ancient Mahabharata, follows the enchanting love story of Sakoontala and King Dushyanta. Kalidasas literary style is characterized by its exquisite use of imagery, lyrical language, and the intricate exploration of human emotions, set against the backdrop of vibrant nature, likely reflecting the lush landscapes of his homeland. The play serves as a compelling commentary on the complexities of love and identity in a socio-cultural context steeped in tradition and mythos. Kalidasa, revered as one of the greatest poets and dramatists in the classical Indian canon, drew inspiration from both his personal experiences and the rich cultural heritage of ancient India. His works often blend romantic idealism with philosophical depth, reflecting a profound understanding of human relationships. Living during a golden age of Indian literature, Kalidasas insightful portrayal of characters and their conflicts reflects the sociopolitical environment of his time, as well as his intimate grasp of the natural world. "Sakoontala" beckons readers longing for a deep dive into classic literature woven with themes of love, loss, and redemption. It engenders empathy through its timeless exploration of personal identity amid change, making it an essential read for anyone interested in literatures ability to evoke timeless truths. This beautiful and tragic tale is not only a feast for the senses but also a profound meditation on human connection.

In "The Birth of the War-God," Kálidāsa weaves an intricate tapestry of myth and emotion, exploring the divine origins of Karttikeya, the war-god of Hindu tradition. Through lush imagery and elegant

La storia di Sakuntala e una grande storia d'amore, una vicenda archetipica, che puo essere messa accanto a quelle di Tristano e Isotta o di Morgana e Artu. La bellissima Sakuntala e figlia di un asceta e di una ninfa celeste. Di lei s'innamora perdutamente il re Dusyanta che la incontra nella foresta durante una battuta di caccia. Ma alla magia amorosa se ne oppone un'altra, nefasta, legata alla potente maledizione di un asceta. E questa provochera l'oblio dell'amore in Dusyanta, una separazione dolorosa e insanabile. Eppure alla fine si giungera al riconoscimento di Sakuntala e la forza del grande amore tornera ad agire.

Translated by Sir Monier Monier-Williams, K.C.J.E.

Translator: Ralph T. H. Griffith

Kumārasamm.bhava o “El Origen de Kumāra” es un poema épico-lírico de Kālidāsa, el más famoso autor de la literatura clásica india, cuya época de actividad se fecha alrededor del año 400 d.C. A lo largo de sus ocho cantos van desfilando los sucesos que conducen a la unión de Śiva y Pārvatī, dos de las más importantes deidades del panteón hindú; el fruto de esta unión habrá de ser Kumāra, el futuro dios de la guerra que logrará derrocar la tiranía del demonio Tāraka. La descripción del Himālaya y de su hija Pārvatī (canto I) dan paso a la asamblea de los dioses —que acuden a Brahmā apesadumbrados por el dominio del malvado demonio— (II), la quema del dios del Amor por haber perturbado la profunda ascesis de Śiva (III), el lamento de Rati, la esposa de Kāma (IV), el severo ascetismo de Pārvatī, que consigue ablandar el espíritu de Śiva (V), la petición de mano (VI), la ceremonia nupcial entre ambos dioses, celebrada en la capital del Himālaya (VII), y finalmente el goce de los placeres sensuales a que se entregan los recién casados, que contemplan la puesta de sol y la llegada de la noche (VIII). Con el elaborado estilo de la poesía kāvya, en el que la ornamentación y el virtuosismo formal predominan sobre el hilo conductor de la narración, Kālidāsa despliega su arte descriptivo a lo largo de 614 estrofas que reflejan los más variados aspectos de la vida y la cultura de la India clásica: teología, naturaleza, mortificación ascética, erotismo... Pero la verdadera protagonista del relato es la joven diosa Pārvatī, la “hija de la Montaña”, la diosa Madre que personifica la tierra y la fertilidad; el poeta refleja en ella toda la ternura y profundidad del alma femenina, en un retrato similar al de Śakuntalā.

Kalidasa (siglo IV), poeta y dramaturgo, es a menudo considerado como la figura más grande de la literatura sánscrita clásica. Fue autor de varias obras dramáticas —entre ellas la famosa pieza El rec

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Hindu literature: Comprising The Book of good counsels, Nala and Damayanti, The Ramayana, and Sakoontala Kalidasa, Valmiki, and Toru Dutt