Kamaniya Creative Aura of Kalidas
Kalidas lived during the 4th to 5th century CE and is considered one of the fathers of Indian literature and art. He was primarily a poet and playwright but his works inspired unparalled art as well. He was born in India and classical Sanskrit was his language of expression. However, his works have been translated in many other languages and have found artistic recreations all over the world. He was known as the Mahakavi or great poet.
His works have also been adapted into fashion in creative motifs and designs that showcase his life and works. These are beautifully represented on textiles and fabrics and tell stories that the highly fashionable can relate too and find fantastic panache in their presentation. Kamaniya also has its selection of fine items that uphold the tales of Kalidas and his own life and times.
This brings us to the fact that Kalidas himself was highly fashion conscious. Since he was the court poet of King Vikaramaditya who is said to be a powerful ruler of Ujjain in Kalinga (now a part of Orissa) India, Kalidas dressed immaculately. He was handsome and his attire was carefully chosen for courtly splendour, while befitting his literary aura.
Some claim that Vikramaditya was a fictitious character and the real King behind this name was Chandragupta II. Also there is another interesting claim that Kalidas was actually born in Kashmir and has travelled south for royal patronage. There are apparently references to Kashmir in his drama Abhijnanasakuntalam. Others claim that he was born in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand in Northern India. Whatever his birth place he certainly flourished in the courts of southern kings.
Stories say that Kalidas, whose name suggest that he is a servant of the great Indian Goddess Kali, called upon the great Goddess to bestow him with wit, literary acumen and a high sense of romance. His prayers were answered and he became one of the “nine gems” of the Kings court. Here he created one masterpiece after another. His most famous works are:
Abhijnanasakuntalam is considered his magnum opus. The template of this drama is based on a part of the great Indian epic of the Mahabharata, however the character of Shakuntala was created by Kalidas. It is a drama of seven acts and full of romance. It is the story of love, longing, adversity, separation and the lives of the royals. It also showcased everything about Sanskrit culture. When it is depicted in other forms of art it brings in a sense of tranquility, romance, togetherness, passion and so much more. In fashion it can display a passionate affair in colors, form and elegance represented by the beautiful and one of Kalidas’ most celebrated female character: Shakuntala.
Malavikaagnimitra (Malavika and Agnimitra) is the first drama written by Kalidas and tells the story of the love and royalty. King Agnimitra of Vidisha who was the ruler of the Shungas fell in love with a beautiful maiden Malavika, who served his main queen, Dharini and is also a court dancer. The story has a sense of intrigue that revolves around love, courtly romance and royalty. The love story is playful, witty and has a happy ending when Malavika is finally proclaimed to be of royal birth and becomes one of his queens. It also has some musical and acting skills and theories woven into it. When depicted on other forms of art this drama is an epitome of fine arts (which is described in the drama), beauty, palatial imagery etc.
Vikramorvashi (Urvashii won by Valour) is a drama that tells the story of love, personality and valour. It tells us how the mortal King Pururavas rescues a heavenly beauty named Urvashii from the hands of demons and falls for her. However, when Lord Indra directs him to do so he is obligated to stay away from Urvashii. Pururavas is devastated and his sadness borders on madness. This is uniquely portrayed in his amazing soliloquy who is seen to be searching endlessly for his lover. There are verses dedicated in Prakrit to these soliloquies. However, the drama had a happy ending with him being reunited with Urvashii at the end. This drama when represented on canvas or textile can have a celestial feeling about it.
Meghaduuta meaning Cloud Messenger is a lyrical poem or messenger peom (Sandesha Kavya). The story weaves around a message by an exiled yaksha (nature spirit) (who is banished by his master in Central India) for his beloved wife living in the Himalayas. A request is sent to the meghas or clouds to carry his message to his beloved wife. Other than thoughts of pure love, longing and separation, the poem is a beautiful description of nature as well. In fashion it is well received as a show of elegance and also vivid landscapes as the clouds journey to deliver the message.
Raghuvamsha (Raghu's genealogy) is a mahaakavya or greatest poem. It is considered as his best poem. It is about the lineage and life of the Indian God Rama. It also tells stories of his ancestors and descendants. The poem is in the form of many long descriptions. It discussed ideal standards of royalty and royal illustriousness in stories of Dilipa, Rama and his father Dasaratha, and others, namely Raghu and Agnivarna. The poem elucidates life, times, penance and victories and achievements of this solar dynasty. As another form of art, it can take on much of this and showcase values such as bravery, royalty, good lineage etc.
Rituusamhaara, (Seasonal Cycle) is a poem that celebrates the six seasons of the year. Their changing aura, their beauty, their place in our lives etc. come alive in this poignant piece. When depicted on textiles it can enliven the most vivid colors of each season and you can wear them seasonally according to what is depicted pictorially inspired by this poem.
Kumaarasambhava (Kumaara's Occasioning), which in English can be called “The Birth of the War God,” a mahaakavya (epic poem) that tells the story of how Goddess Parvati won the attention and affection of Lord Siva so that he would rise up into the world of Kumara (i.e. Karttikeya) the God of War with an aim to bring down the demon named Taraka. Apparently, this poem is highly erotic towards the end and many printed versions do not have these portions or cantos to avoid candid details. However, the eroticism is partially there when this poem is depicted as imagery in paintings and fashion design.
Kalidas weaved magic into his words and when his magic is weaved into fabric it is an all new aura. The beauty of his works can beautify any item with grace, eros, mythical magic, history, culture, society of his times and so much more. It brings in a sense of Indianess that will make you feel authentic. What we see as poems and dramas, when transferred to textiles becomes a powerful poetic expression of high art.
Whether the beautiful eyes of his many female characters or the valour of his male protagonists, it showcases perfection in many forms. On one hand you will have motifs like these and on the other hand one can mix and match these to trendy designs. Together they can make a magical combination of an artistic amalgamation of colors, style and designs.