Mudrarakshasa is a historical play of the nataka type in seven acts written by Visakhadatta in 6th Century A.D. in which Chanakya, the minister of king Chandragupta of Pataliputra, wins over Rakshasa, the minister of the Nandas to the side of Chandragupta. It is an unique play in many respects. The play is based on a political theme and it bears testimony to the consummate skill of Visakhadatta as a dramatist. It does not present any of the recognized dramatic sentiments (rasa), but introduces a new, hitherto unrecognized sentiment of intense rivalry between two sharp-witted ministers dedicated to the service of their respective kings.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ramesh Chandra
Dr. Ramesh Chandra is currently Principal Scientist & Head. Crop Improvement & Production Division at Central Institute for Sub Tropical Horticulture, Lucknow. He has over 30 years of experience in micropropagation, in vitro conservation & molecular biology of potato, mango, guava, papaya, litchi etc. he was instrumental in initiating & shaping potato biotechnology at Central Potato Research Institute. Shimla and initiated biotechnology research at CISH, Lucknow. Dr. Chandra has undergone tissue culture and molecular biology training at Peru, Phillippines and China as visiting scientist. He worked with John Dodds, Tissue Culture Specialist of International Potato Centre, Lima, Peru on potato micropropagation and in vitro germplasm management. He has almost 125 research publications including a book on Comprehensive Potato Biotechnology to his credit. Dr. Chandra has traveled widely and participated in various national and international conference. He is a life member of many scientific societies and fellow of Indian Society of Genetics and Plant Breeding. He has successfully completed research projects funded by DBT, UPDASP, NATP and running five research projects funded by different agencies.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Vishakadatta
Vishakadatta, an eminent dramatist, introduces himself as the grandson of the Vassal king Vateshvaradatta, son of king Bhaskaradatta in the introductory section of his play Mudrarakshasa. He is credited with another play called Devichanragupta which deals with the Huna invasion during the reign of Chandragupta. A fine scholar Vishakdatta had a good command of metres and figures of speech and was well acquainted with dramaturgy, logic, astrology, and philosophy. His dramatic art and knowledge of Arthashastra are evenly balanced in Mudrarakshasa. He broke fresh ground in Sanskrit drama and gained fame with this play only.
There are no reviews yet.