Vishakdatta

VISHAKADATTA

Vishakhadatta (6th Century) 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 hailed, most probably, from Bihar or Bengal. He has been credited with two other works Devichandragupta and Abhisarikavancitaka

Devichanragupta deals with the Huna invasion during the reign of Chandragupta.

A fine scholar Vishakhadatta 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.

Vishakhadatta occupies a significant place in the history of Sanskrit literature because he started the tradition of writing purely political plays devoid of the emotions of love and humour.

Mudrarakshasa is a historical