Person of the day | 29 july 2025

Kalidasa is widely regarded as the greatest poet and dramatist in classical Sanskrit literature. Often referred to as Mahakavi Kalidasa, he flourished during the Gupta period — considered the golden age of Indian culture. His masterpieces like Abhijnana Shakuntalam, Meghaduta, Raghuvamsa, and Kumarasambhavam reflect not just poetic brilliance, but also deep insight into human emotions, nature, and Indian philosophy.

Kalidasa’s works are celebrated for their rich imagery, elegant language, and spiritual depth. His dramas and poems continue to influence Indian literature, art, and even modern civil services preparation. For UPSC aspirants, understanding Kalidasa is not only essential from the perspective of Indian heritage and culture, but also enriches essay writing, ethics, and GS Paper 1.