The Classical Examples
Tradition identifies five works as model mahākāvya:
- Raghuvaṃśa by Kālidāsa: the Raghu dynasty, in 19 cantos (about 1564 verses)
- Kumārasambhava by Kālidāsa: the wedding of Shiva and Parvati, and the birth of Kumara, in 17 cantos
- Kirātārjunīya by Bharavi: a battle between Arjuna and Shiva from the Mahabharata, 18 cantos
- Śiśupāla-vadha by Māgha: the slaying of Shishupala by Krishna, 22 cantos (about 1800 verses)
- Naiśadha-carita by Sri-Harṣa: on the life of King Nala and Queen Damayanti, 22 cantos
To this list, sometimes a sixth one is also added.
- Bhaṭṭikāvya, by Bhaṭṭi: describes the events of the Ramayana and simultaneously illustrates the principles of Sanskrit grammar, 22 cantos
Read more about this topic: Mahakavya
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