Description

About the Book

Priyadarsika, one of the best plays in Sanskrit literature, is composed in four acts during 7th century A.D. by Harsha. The theme of this drama has been taken from Gunadhya’s Brihatkatha (1st century A.D.). He adopts the theme of love intrigue on the same line as his great predecessor had done and embellishes it further by harmonising the parts of the plot. The action of the drama moves smoothly and there is noticeable ingenuity. The theme of the play is a love affair of King Udayana of Vatsa with Priyadarsika, daughter of King Dridhavarman.

About the Author

Harsha, an eminent dramatist, was the king of Thaneshwar and Kanauj who reigned from 606 to 648 A.D. and to whose court the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang paid a visit. He was a great patron of letters; Banabhatta, the famous author of prose romances and Mayura, the poet adorned his court. He is an author of three plays: Ratnavali, Priyadarshika and Nagananda. All his three plays are set against the background of the royal palace.