Mahakavi Kalidasa or Vidusi Vidyottama: The Learned Princess of Kasi

Description

The book presents a fascinating inquiry into the authorship of the works attributed to Mahakavi Kalidasa, universally regarded as a hallmark of excellence in ancient Indian literature. For the first time, it challenges the accepted narrative of Kalidasa’s authorship by examining the circumstances, social conditions, personalities, and traits of two central figures: the ignorant and unrefined Devadutt, who rose to become Kalidasa, and his learned wife, Vidyottama, the princess of Kashi, renowned as an intellectual giant in Kashi’s scholastic traditions. This inquiry is grounded in the phenomenal research of Dr. Kamal Kishor Mishra, whose extensive study tours spanned locations associated with Kalidasa and Vidyottama, both in India and Sri Lanka. The book incorporates an analysis of legends and narratives from both regions, references to archival manuscripts, architectural evidence, and psychological studies.