කාලිදාස මහකවියාගේ ජීවන සමය පිළිබඳ විද්වත් මත සමාලෝචනයක් A review of scholarly opinions on the chronology of the great poet Kalidasa

Abstract

This study examines the chronology of the great Sanskrit poet Kälidäsa. As the author of distinguished literary works such as Kumārasambhava, Raghuvamsa, Mälavikāgnimitra, Vikramorvašīya, Abhijñānaśākuntala, and Meghadūta, Kälidäsa represents the highest expression of creative genius in classical Indian literature. However, the absence of autobiographical details in his writings, together with the admiration and reverence accorded to him by later poets, has led to enduring uncertainty regarding the period in which he lived. Consequently, the chronology of Kälidāsa has remained a long-standing problem in the history of Sanskrit literature. This study seeks to identify his historical period through an examination of legends, dramatic and epic literature, inscriptions, astronomical references, and both traditional and modern critical studies. Scholars have proposed a wide range of views concerning Kälidāsa's chronology, placing him within a period extending from the eighth century BCE to the eleventh century CE. The principal problem addressed in this research is the determination of the most historically plausible period among these competing theories. Establishing Kälidāsa's chronology is essential for achieving a deeper understanding of the development of Sanskrit literary history and for interpreting the historical and cultural context of his works with greater accuracy. Accordingly, the objective of this study is to determine Kälidāsa's probable historical period on the basis of internal evidence found in his works together with literary, historical, philological, and scholarly sources. The study is primarily qualitative in nature Methodologies employed include textual and documentary analysis, philological-historical criticism, comparative literary analysis, and astronomical dating Primary sources for the study include the works of Kälidäsa and those of Asvaghosa, Bhāsa, Vätsyäyana, Bäna, and Kalhana, together with inscriptional evidence such as the Mandsaur and Aihole inscriptions. Modern scholarly studies and critical writings were also consulted. Textual references, linguistic and philological evidence, astronomical calculations, historical records, and other primary and secondary materials were comparatively and analytically examined. The evidence, arguments, and counterarguments associated with the major chronological theories were then synthesized and critically evaluated. The study identified approximately ten major theories concerning Kälidāsa's chronology, ranging from the eighth century BCE to the eleventh century CE. Critical analysis demonstrated that attempts to place Kälidāsa in a pre-Christian period are not supported by sufficient historical evidence. Similarly, the association between Kälidāsa and Vikramaditya appears to remain largely within the domain of legend. Comparative examination of similarities with Asvaghosa indicates that Kälidäsa belongs to a later period. Astronomical evidence, although noteworthy, proved insufficient to establish a definitive conclusion independently. The analysis suggests that the period between 350 and 425 CE, corresponding to the reign of Candragupta II of the Gupta dynasty, constitutes the most plausible historical context for Kälidāsa. This conclusion is supported by the linguistic and stylistic characteristics of his works, their historical setting, and corroborative later evidence. References associated with earlier figures such as Bhāsa and Vätsyäyana, as well as later writers including Vatsabhatti, Bäna, and Ravikīrti, further strengthen this conclusion. In addition, historical traditions connected with works such as Kuntaleśvaradautya and Setubandha provide supporting evidence for Kälidāsa's association with the Gupta imperial milieu. The findings of this study contribute to a more precise understanding of the chronology of Kälidäsa and thereby assist in refining the chronological framework of Sanskrit literary history. Establishing Kälidäsa within the Gupta period enables a clearer understanding of the historical, cultural, and socio-political background reflected in his works. Furthermore, the study provides a foundation for future research concerning the historical development of classical Sanskrit literature and its intellectual milieu.