Ancient and Medieval Indian Poets, Patrons, and Works

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering major poets, patrons, works, and key historical facts from ancient and medieval Indian literature.

Banabhatta

Asthana Kavi in King Harsha's court under patron Harshavardhana; major works include Kadambari and Harsha Charita.

Kalidasa

One of the greatest Sanskrit poets and a member of King Vikramaditya's Navaratnas under patron Chandragupta II; major works include Kumarasambhava, Raghuvamsa, Meghdoota, Ritusambara, Abhijan Shakuntalam, Malvikagnimitram, and Vikramorvashi.

Amarsimha

Renowned Sanskrit lexicographer and one of the Navaratnas under patron Chandragupta II; major works include Amarkosha and Namalinganusasana.

Harisena

Fourth-century poet, panegyrist, and government official under patron Samudragupta; composed the Prayag Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar inscription).

Shudraka

Early user of Maharashtri Prakrit and an Abhira king under patron Indranigupta; major works include Mrichchakatikam, Padmaprabhritaka, and Vinavasavadatta.

Vishakhadutta

Great Sanskrit poet and playwright from the Gupta era under patron Harshavardhan; major works include Mudra Rakshasa and Devichandraguptam.

Ashvaghosa

Buddhist poet and philosopher famous for his epic narratives under patron Kanishka; major works include Buddhacharitra and Saundarananda.

Ravikirti

Renowned court poet of Pulakeshin II under patron Pulakesin II; author of the Aihole Inscription.

Jinasena

Jain monk and scholar from the Digambara tradition under patron Amoghavarsha; major works include Adipurana, Mahapurana, and Harivamshapurana.

Dandin

Expert in Sanskrit grammar and prose romance under patron Narsimhavarman; major works include Dasakumaracarita and Kavyadarsa.

Bhavabhuti

Famous Sanskrit dramatist of the 8th century, often compared to Kalidasa, under patron Yasovarman; major works include Malatimadhava and Mahaviracharita.

Rajashekhara

Sanskrit poet and critic in the court of Gurjara Pratiharas under patron Mahendrapala; major works include Karpuramanjari and Kavyamimamsa.

Magha

Poet who worked in the court of Varmalata and was known for his epic poetry in Gujarat under patron King Varmalata; major work is Sishupalavadha.

Bharavi

6th-century poet under patron Yasodharman; famous for the epic Kiratarjuniyam.

Jayadev

12th-century poet under patron Laksmanasena, famous for his depiction of Radha and Krishna; major work is Geet Govinda.

Thiruvalluvar

Esteemed Tamil philosopher and poet; author of the renowned Thirukkural.