The first play composed by the great poet Kalidasa is
Malavikagnimitram. Often it is called Kalidasa Malavikagnimitram, as an
honor to Kalidasa. This beautiful play of intrigue grips its readers and
keeps them glued till the very end. The plot of the play is cleverly
constructed and it revolves around the King's love interest who is a
maid in the royal palace. The construction of love plots and many
incidents that make the story move further are commendable and are
beautifully described, without deviating from the central theme. A short
summary of the play Malavika Agnimitram has been given below.
The plot is a comedy that involves romantic relationships between a King
and a humble maid. It is the tale of King Agnimitra's love for Malavika,
who is an unheard of maid in the royal palace. It is said that this lady
was proficient in dance and music. The way situations crop up between
them and the way they handle it amidst confusion and jealousy is
applaudable. There are many scenes of light hearted comedy, confusion
and confrontation that make Malavikagnimitram one of the finest works of
Kalidasa.
Thoroughly enjoyable, this play is the first work of Kalidasa. The skill
with which he employs comedy, confusion and romance in a potpourri of
romantic drama is truly the work of a genius. The smooth flow of the
events adds to the continuity of the play. Though the play lapses in
some aspect, yet on the whole, it bears the trademark of the workmanship
of Kalidasa. Agnimitra, though passionate is a bit passive and uses the
help of his minister to help him win over Malavika and make her his
queen. This play is a must read if you want to enjoy the purity of
literature.
