Raghuvamsam

Long considered as Kalidasa’s greatest work Raghuvamsam is an epic poem in classical Sanskrit. It recounts the legendary tales of the Raghu dynasty whose scions include Rama the hero of the Ramayana. In this majestic mahakavya Kalidasa invokes the whole gamut of literary flavours ranging from the erotic and the heroic to the tragic horrific and peaceful. The forbears and the descendants of Rama are all brought to life. Within these pages we see the ideal couple Dilipa and Sudakshina their son Raghu’s valour and generosity the tragic love of Aja and Indumati the travails of Dasaratha the feats of Kusha and Atithi and finally the dynasty’s downfall with Sudarshana and Agnivarna. Composed in nineteen cantos this mesmerizing lyrical and very accessible new translation of Raghuvamsam will continue to enthrall readers with its insights into ancient India its land people and seasons and its social and cultural values that are still relevant today. About the Author 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.