Author Description

This book is the first study in depth of a major aspect of Indian culture, the Sanskrit court epic. Focusing on the long neglected Haravijaya, David Smith begins a fundamental revaluation of classical Sanskrit poetry. He subjects the formal poetics (Alamkara-sastra) to radical criticism while the poetry itself is approached in several ways: as an expression of court society, as a religious statement, as symbolism and, not least, in its own terms. The "Haravijaya" theme is Siva's destruction of the demon Andhaka, aided by the goddess. The poet Ratnakara, writing in ninth century Kashmir, set out to achieve a masterpiece. His attempt is studied here in a way that makes the poem accessible to all those interested in Indian culture and in poetry and religion in general. Readership:scholars and students of Sanskrit literature, religious literature, and Indian culture and religion.