कुमारसम्भवम् (महाकवि कालिदास - संस्कृत मूल एवं हिन्दी अनुवाद)
Kumarasambhavam of Kalidasa with Hindi Commentary
by महाकवि कालिदास / पं. सीताराम चतुर्वेदी
Page 12 of 268
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One distinctive feature of Kâlidâsa's poetry is his love of
nature. It is his vivid and life-like descriptions of natural
scenery and natural objects, such as the Himâlaya, Mânasa lake,
ocean, the Ganges, etc, which have won for him the title of
"Poet of Nature" His descriptive powers are remarkable and
while describing nature he strikes us as a part and parcel of it.
One thing worth noticing in this connection is that he ascribes
human feelings and even actions to inanimate objects of nature,
which makes the scene very effective (See Kumara 5—17, 25)
This is known in English as "Pathetic fallacy" and, in this
respect, he may be compared to Wordsworth of English
literature.
Kâlidâsa has also succeeded in entering deep into human
heart. His observation of its workings and feelings is remark-
able and the manner in which he gives vent to them has added
much to his glory. In the words of Humboldt "Tenderness in
the expression of feelings and richness of creative fancy have
assigned to him his lofty place among the poets of all nations"
(See Kumara 5—1, 26, 67 and 58). His poetry is also profusely
interspersed with the statement of "Universal truths". (See
Kumara 5—45, 64, 75, 82 and 86). This shows his correct
reading and vast experience of the workings of human mind
and nature surrounding it.
Of figures of speech, simile is his favourite and his poetry
abounds in exceptionally charming use of it. (See Kumara
5—52, 61). But he does not seem to have neglected other
important figures of sense. Thus he is equally rich in the
employment of fancy (उत्प्रेक्षा) (see Kumara 5—25, 27 and 41),
*corroboration (अर्थान्तरन्यास) (see Kumara 5—5, 31 and 64) and
illustration (दृष्टान्त) (see Kumara 5—4), and one should not be