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CONTENTS
Pages p.1 to p.10
1. PERIOD OF LIFE AND ACTIVITY
Difficulties in determining the dates of Sanskrit poets, of Kālidāsa - Two limits of discussion : First century B. C.; Sixth century A.D.
Evidence for Gupta Age view : Fourth century more plausible than sixth or fifth - Suggestive references to Gupta kings and to events in the reign of Candragupta II - Influence on Vatsabhatti - Similarity to Kāmasutra - Envoy in Kuntaleśvara-daut ya likely to be Kalidasa himself – Setubandha of Pravarasena, Kalidasa's hand - Golden Age of Guptas consistent with Kālidāsa's rich literature.
Evidence for first century B. C. view : Possibility of the existence of Vikramaditya and new era in first century B. C. - Relation between Ašvaghoşa and Kalidasa - Reference to Agnimitra Sunga as a living king in the epilogue of the first play - Bhitā medallion - Evidence of ancient culture, language and grammar - New evidence of sculptural art; literature and art as mirrors.
2. LITERARY WORKS
p.11 to p.39 Difficulties in determining works - Lack of historical sense, historical records - problem for critical scholarship - general agreement : 1. Řtusamhära 2. Meghadūta 3. Kumārasambhava 4. Raghuvamsa 5. Malavikagnimitra 6. Vikramorvasiya 7. Abhijñānasākuntala
3. GLIMPSES OF PERSONALITY
p.40 to p.63 1. Lack of information about the poet and his times - Silence des
pite desire for fame - Literary convention ? — Life illuminating
literature -- Example of Wordsworth. 2. Legends and traditional tales : suggestive points : Poetic inspira
tion by a divine miracle -- connection with royal family - skill at poetic games and generosity of mind -- loose private life.
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