How many of the 5 mahakaavyas of Bharat can you name?
If the answer is 0, 1 or thereabouts then definitely read this thread
In school, we are taught 7 wonders, works of Shakespeare, key Mughal emperors but for basics of Indian literature we rely on twitter threads. Read on.
Sanskrit poetry has 2 main types
1) Sravya Kavyas (for listening)
2) Drsya Kavyas (stage play).
The Sravya kavyas are of 3 major types
1) Gadya Kavyas(Classical Prose Writings)
2) Padya Kavyas (Poetry)
3) Champu Kavyas (Mixed Writings)
Mahakavyas are grand epics under the 'Padya Kavya' category with strict rules on qualification. It should be divided into specific cantos, it should be inspired by Itihasa of Ramayan or Mahabharat or be based on some highly regarded person & have specific rasas
Based on above qualifiers there are 5 commonly accepted Mahakaavyas
1. Kumarasambhavam by Kalidasa
2. Raghuvamsha by Kalidasa
3. Kirataarjuniya by Bharavi
4. Shishupalavadham by Maagha
5. Naishadhiyacharitam by Sri Harsha
Kumārasaṃbhavam the finest work of Kālidāsa is about the birth of Kumara (Kārtikeya). It has details of goddess Pārvatī conjugal life with Śiva in the eighth The English renderings of these Sanskrit plays avoid erotic and explicit aspects due to moral tastes of modern audience
Raghuvamsa by Kalidasa is stories related to the Raghu dynasty, -the family of Dilipa and his descendants up to Agnivarna, including Raghu, Dasharatha and Rama.
Kiratarjunya by Bhairavi describes the combat between Arjuna and Lord Shiva (in the guise of a kirāta, or "mountain-dwelling hunter").
Naishada Charita - poem in Sanskrit on the life of Nala, the king of Nishadha. Written by Sriharsha
Shishupala Vadha - is a work of classical Sanskrit poetry (kāvya) composed by Māgha in the 7th or 8th century
Buddhist philosopher and poet Asvaghosa's work Buddha charita (story of Buddha) is also sometimes considered a 6th Mahakaavya but generally we only refer to the other 5
If you like our threads and videos do follow/subscribe/like/share/comment on our tweets and Youtube videos. Please spread the word and help us grow.
Share this Scrolly Tale with your friends.
A Scrolly Tale is a new way to read Twitter threads with a more visually immersive experience.
Discover more beautiful Scrolly Tales like this.