कौमुदीमहोत्सवः - Kaumudi Mahotsava (A Historical Drama)

$34
Item Code: MZB986
Author: M. Ramakrishna Kavi & S.K. Ramanatha Sastri
Publisher: Deccan Archaeological and Cultural Research Institute, Hyderabad
Language: SANSKRIT
Edition: 2015
Pages: 110
Cover: PAPERBACK
Other Details 9.50 X 6.50 inch
Weight 180 gm
Fully insured
Fully insured
Shipped to 153 countries
Shipped to 153 countries
More than 1M+ customers worldwide
More than 1M+ customers worldwide
100% Made in India
100% Made in India
23 years in business
23 years in business
Book Description
Introduction
Ms. Material:- The manuscript of this drama was obtained on loan in British Malabar by the members of the peripatetic party instituted by Madras Government. A copy was, taken from it at the G.O. Mss. Library and the manuscript was returned to the owner. The present edition is based upon another direct copy from the same original. All efforts to obtain a second copy proved fruitless. The original copy is on the palm-leaf of scrotal kind and the copying may not be older than 150 years. The same volume contains another drama called Abhiramachitralekha probably a work of the 13th century. The superscript on the covering leaf mentions only the latter work.

The name of the drama:- There is no mention of the name of the drama in the prologue and no colophon at the end to indicate the work or its author. The scribe at the close of the copy wrote Kaumudimahotsava without any apparent connection with the rest of the work. It was inferred that the drama might have been known by that name. The words of the Sutradhara in the prologue Punopyqyam aparah pratyasidati Kaumudimahotsavah may support this conjecture. Of course kaumudimohotsava was a common annual autumnal festival celebrated at Pataliputra and there are reference to it in Mudrarakshasa. Here the two words Punah and aparah are significant of a differnet type of enjoyment. The editors gave that name to this drama when they brought the Ms. to the G.O. Mss. Library and the same is adopted here.*

The author:- It is here that conjecture has its full play. In the prologue the letters that mention the name of the poet are worm-eaten in the original manuscript and the space occupied by them can contain two letters only. The letters following are Kaya nibaddham which suggest that the author belongs to the fair sex and her name is consecrated in three letters. It was guessed as Vffika. A close examination of the leaf revealed a part of ja underneath the worm-eaten portion which further strengthens that ja may be the latter half of conjunct consonantal sound. In accepting this we shall have to meet with difficulties. In the fourth act (page 35 verse 19)Vijaya is mentioned, in a significant manner. Vijja seems to be the Prakrit form of Vidya and does not bear any philological relation with Vijaya. In the same verse Anantanarayana', the chief diety of Trivandrum, may indicate that either the poet's name was it or any princess Vijaya was the devotee to the god Anantanarayana of Trivandrum. Then the drama must be a Malabar production. The last verse Bharata-vakya contains another significant word Nilakantha whose name is familier to us as the author of Kalyana-saugandhika which in some respects bears close resemblance to the Bharata dramas of Bhasa. Nilakantha may be assigned to 850 A.D. But Kaumudimahotsava differs in style and thought from the works of either Ananatanarayana (author of Chandrikajanamejaya) or Nilakantha who lived at Paramakudi in Tinnevelly District. This work is not found quoted any-where with or without name as far as we could ascertain. The diction appears to be a maiden attempt of a great poet and the prose simple and fluent has dignity in expression.

The plot of the drama as revealed in the Fourth Act is a commonplace political act eclipsed by the amours of the hero and heroine. Chanhassen the military commandant of Sundaravarman, a king of Magadha, conspired with the Licchavis, hereditary enemies of his lord and brought about their attack on Pataliputra. In the contest between Sundaravarman and the Licchavis, the former died on the battle field. Chandasena became the king. Mantragupta, the minister of Sundaravarman, secreted the prince Kalyanavarman with a few ministers' sons to a place called Pampa in the Vindhyas, while he himself in various disguises watched an opportunity to regain the throne for the prince. Some years passed before he could muster forces and defeat the traitor. At last Kalyanavarman was installed on the Magadha throne. The drama was staged on the occasion of his coronation.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages





Frequently Asked Questions
  • Q. What locations do you deliver to ?
    A. Exotic India delivers orders to all countries having diplomatic relations with India.
  • Q. Do you offer free shipping ?
    A. Exotic India offers free shipping on all orders of value of $30 USD or more.
  • Q. Can I return the book?
    A. All returns must be postmarked within seven (7) days of the delivery date. All returned items must be in new and unused condition, with all original tags and labels attached. To know more please view our return policy
  • Q. Do you offer express shipping ?
    A. Yes, we do have a chargeable express shipping facility available. You can select express shipping while checking out on the website.
  • Q. I accidentally entered wrong delivery address, can I change the address ?
    A. Delivery addresses can only be changed only incase the order has not been shipped yet. Incase of an address change, you can reach us at help@exoticindia.com
  • Q. How do I track my order ?
    A. You can track your orders simply entering your order number through here or through your past orders if you are signed in on the website.
  • Q. How can I cancel an order ?
    A. An order can only be cancelled if it has not been shipped. To cancel an order, kindly reach out to us through help@exoticindia.com.
Add a review
Have A Question

For privacy concerns, please view our Privacy Policy

Book Categories