Dramas of Mahakavi Kalidasa

Mahakavi Kalidasa is one of the greatest poets and dramatists in the world. He composed seven masterpieces in Sanskrit. These include three dramas, two epic poems and two lyric poems. This Course will introduce his three dramas – Malavikagnimitram, Vikramorvashiyam and Shakuntalam.

A total of 7 video lectures by Prof. Gauri Mahulikar, divided into 7 lessons, are made available to the registered students.

What You will Learn

• Introduction of Mahakavi Kalidasa

• Discuss the constituents of a drama according to the Natyashastra

• Learn to appreciate Kalidasa’s rich Sanskrit language

• Literary criticism of selected verses, mainly based on Rasa and Dhvani theory

Why should I do this Course?

त्रैगुण्योद्भवमत्र लोकचरितं नानारसं दृश्यते । नाट्यं भिन्नरुचेर्जनस्य बहुधाप्येकं समाराधनम् ॥

"Actions of people inspired by the 3 gunas and varied in rasas are witnessed here in this world. Verily, Nāṭya is the common platform that entertains people with different tastes," says Mahakavi Kalidasa in his Malavikagnimitram.

This Course on Kalidasa has taken the cue from the above quote. It promises universal appeal in this journey that takes the student through an interesting tour of the three plays – Malavikagnimitram, Vikramorvasiyam and Shakuntalam. The source, overall plot, sentiments and highlights of the dramas will be focussed upon. The student is sure to get a taste of the creative genius of the Mahakavi!.

Requirements

• Any individual, of any age, desirous to learn the Sanskrit literature authored by Kalidasa can register for the course. Though the dramas are in Sanskrit, lectures are in English; therefore working knowledge of English is necessary.
• Good internet connection

Course Details and Duration

• The course on Dramas of Mahakavi Kalidasa comprises 7 lessons covering 7 video/audio sessions and 7 objective type questionnaires.
• The recommended duration for completion of the Dramas of Mahakavi Kalidasa course is within 2 months.

Course Access, Query Resolution Process, Grading and Certification

• Students can access the course following the User Guideline document that is also sent to registered students to their email address.
• Students have to attempt the lessons sequentially. For each lesson the student should watch the audio or video file and then attempt the questionnaire.
• All questionnaires are objective based and on completion of each Lesson/ questionnaire the marks and grade for that lesson will be displayed to the student on the dashboard.
• Students can download the answer key on completion of a questionnaire.
• In case of queries or doubts on the subject matter students are encouraged to use the discussion forum. Details of the same will be sent to students on registration. A detailed query resolution process guideline will also be provided.
• The Course is deemed complete on completion of all lessons /questionnaires, and a final grade will be awarded.
• Grading system for certification.
• 80% and above 'O' Grade
• 60% and above 'A+' Grade
• 50% and above 'A' Grade
• Below 50% 'B' Grade

• Those who successfully complete the course will be given a ‘Course Completion Certificate’ of merit signed by Pujya Swami Swaroopananda, Head of Chinmaya Mission worldwide. The digital copy of the same will be sent to your registered email ID.

Course Content

The course on Dramas of Mahakavi Kalidasa comprises 7 lessons.

Lesson 1: Introduction

                ● Introduction to Mahākavi Kālidāsa

                ● Anecdotes associated with the Mahākavi and his compositions

                ● Overview of dramas in Sanskrit literature comprising of the types and constituents

                ● Dramas of Kālidāsa

Lesson 2: Mālavikāgnimitram

                ● Storyline of the play

                ● Critical appreciation of the literary merits

                ● Highlights for rasāsvāda

Click here for a detailed Course Content

Course Contributors

Prof. Gauri Mahulikar

Dr Anusha

Br. Ved Chaitanya

Home Study Course Scholarship Initiative

Envisioned to be a platform to impart knowledge, CIF has always made it a point to make the courses accessible to all the sincere seekers. Students, who are keen to pursue a particular course but have difficulty affording the course fee, can send an email to the homestudycourses@chinfo.org stating the same. They will be given financial assistance to enrol for the course based on the genuineness of request, keenness to study and eligibility.

One can also be a part of this noble venture by contributing to the Home Study Course Scholarship Fund. To know more, send an email to the homestudycourses@chinfo.org.

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