FOREWORD
According to Ancient Hindu Tradition, Srlkrsna is the eighth incarnation of God Visnu. His life is portrayed in the Great Epic- the Mahabharata, and his discourse is sung in the Song Celestial- the Bhagavadgita.
A class of literature in the form of K avya in classical Sanskrit sprang up on the episodes of his exploits and on the theme of his sayings as early as the Renaissance centuries of the Gupta rule. The development was completed in the age of Magha who composed Stsupalavadham and further in the days of Jayadeva, the author of Gitagovinda.
The tradition has continued up till now. In between Magha (700 A.DJ and the modern age there have flowed scores of Kavyas in Sanskrit on the theme of Srikrshna. But these have remained neglected through want of proper studies by Research Scholars in our Universities.
Dr. Raj Kumari Kubba is the first lady scholar who has made an attempt to meet this long-felt need. Her present contribution is the study of three Krsna-Kavyas : the Srolrsmavokaua of Sankarakavi, the Rukminikalyana of Rajacl1gama:t;li Dlksita and Harivilasa of Lolimbaraja. The three, like scores of other Kavyas have suffered neglect at the hands of Sanskrit scholars, for, no systematic study of these Kavyas has been made hitherto.
Dr. Raj Kumari deserves our high praise inasmuch as she has presented to us a complete study of the three Kavyas comprising a detailed analysis of the contents of the text, the poetic evaluation of composition and the historical background. Not only that, she has presented the social, religious and historical conditions of the contemporary society as revealed by the text. She has made this study quite interesting and illustrative by including citations, by pointing out merits (gunas) and demerits (dosas) of the Kavyas, as well as the metres of verses in the compositions. It is my earnest desire that Research scholars in our Universities should take up such-like studies by way of introducing literary works to the interested Readers
Preface
The present work is an attempt to bring out a study of three Krsnamahakavyas not much known to the world of Sanskrit. These are the Srikrsnavijaya of Sankara (1500 A. D). the Rukminikalyana of Rajacudamani Dlksita (1600 A. D.) and the Harivilasa of Lolimbaraja (1700)
The Sisupalavadha of Magha (700 A.D.) and the Gltagovinda of Jayadeva (1200 A.D.) also deal with the theme of Srikrsna and have influenced the later literary activity to a great extent. The Krsnakavyas composed after 1200 A.D. have also played a definite role and contributed much in shaping and enriching the Indian art and culture. But, unfortunately these later Krsnakavyas, though of high order, have suffered neglect at the hands of Sanskrit scholars. No systematic study regarding these has been carried out so far. This posed a greater challenge for Sanskrit scholars. It was on this account that I felt inclined to direct my efforts towards this field of study. I hope that the present study will open a new vista in the field of study of later Sanskrit Kavyas.
This Book is divided into three parts. Besides, an introduction of the tradition of Krsnakavyas opens the book.
Part I consists of four chapters, which deal with the study of Srkrsnavijaya by the poet Sankara. Chapter I supplies a detailed information regarding the contents of the text and its author Chapter II presents a poetic evaluation of the Srikrsnavijaya. Chapter III depicts the social and religious conditions of the contemporary society as revealed by Srikrsnavijaya. Chapter IV discusses the historical importance of the Srikrsnavijaya. Part II contains four chapters and presents the study of Rukminikalyana of Rajacudamani Dtksita. Chapter I gives elaborate information about the text and the author. Chapter II presents a literary evaluation of Rukmintkalyana. Chapter III deals with the social, religious and political conditions of the contemporary society. Chapter IV discusses the historical importance of the work. Part III deals with a study of Harivilasa by Lolimbaraja and is divided into three Chapters. In Chapter I the contents of the text and the authorship of the Kavya have been discussed. Chapter II presents an evaluation of literary aspect of Harivilasa. Chapter III gives us information regarding the social and religious conditions of contemporary society as depicted in the Kavya.
The salient features of the book have been brought out at the end by way of Resume.
At the very outset, I must express my deep sense of gratitude for my teachers, without whose kind help, valuable suggestions, guidance and blessings, this book would not have seen the light of the world of scholars.
I am highly grateful to all my friends, colleagues and the members of my family, who have encouraged and rendered possible help in giving the present shape to this work.
Words fail to thank DR. P.N. KAWTHEKAR, an internationally reputed Sanskrit scholar and Indologist, an Ex- Vice-chancellor, Vikram University and Chairman, Central Sanskrit Board, Ministry of education, New Delhi, who has documented this book with a scholarly foreword.
Last but not the least, I must thank Sri Sham Lal Malhotra, Proprietor Eastern Book Linkers, 5825, New Chandrawal Road, Delhi for undertaking the arduous task of printing within the limit of scheduled time. He deserves my sincere thanks for excellent get- up and flawless printing of this book.
I shall feel highly delighted and gratified, if my present attempt inspires Sanskrit scholars to take interest in this field further.
**Contents and Sample Pages**
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