Malavikagnimitram: The Dancer And The King - Tapa blanda

Believed to be Kalidasa's first work, Malavikagnimitram is the love story of King Agnimitra and the court dancer Malavika. The tale unfolds through humorous palace interludes, vivid descriptions of fine arts and the cunning machinations of court players. Even in this early work, Kalidasa's characteristic penchant for romance, art and natural beauty is evident at every delightful turn of the plot. he transforms a simple tale of forbidden love into an engrossing courtly drama filled with beauty, humour and wit. Srinivas Reddy's engaging translation captures perfection the joyous vigour of the young dramatist's voice.

Srinivas Reddy began studying Sanskrit with his grandfather. Later he trained in classical South Asian languages and literatures at Brown University and University of California, Berkeley. In 2010 his translation of Krishnadevaraya's Telugu epic Amuktamalyada was published as the Penguin Classic The Giver of the Worn Garland. Srinivas is also a concert sitarist and has given numerous recitals around the world. He now lives in Ahmedabad and teaches at IIT Gandinagar.