प्रियदर्शिका नाटिका (सम्राट हर्षवर्धन - चतुरङ्क शास्त्रीय नाटिका सान्वय सटीक)

figure which counteracts the effect of poison in the case of the
Vidu who feigns to be bitten by a serpent in the fourth Act
of the Mâl. has its reflex in the King's counteracting the effect
of poison on A'raṇyikâ by means of a charm. And finally
we have the true identity of Mâl. revealed in the Mâl. in the
last Act as that of A'raṇyikâ in the present play. The
similarities of ideas, expressions &c. found between the Priy.
and the Nâgânanda we have pointed out in the notes.
The Nâgânanda is a Nâṭaka in five Acts and stands on a
higher plane than the other two plays which are mere court-
comedies. The play is of a unique type, since it depicts the
grandeur of self-sacrifice in human life. As Dr. Keith
remarks, "Harsha here rises to the task of depicting the
emotions of self-sacrifice, charity, magnanimity, and resolution
in the face of death" The Hero, Jîmûtavâhana, penetrated
with the ideals of Buddhism, is convinced that to sacrifice
oneself for the good of others is the highest duty. He has
accepted the doctrine of non-violence and adheres to it so
firmly that he will not make war even upon his enemy who has
deprived him of his kingdom. When his friend and brother-
in-law, Mitrâvasu, assures him of an easy victory over his
enemy and the consequent restoration of his kingdom to him,
Jîmutavâhana replies:—
स्वशरीरमपि परार्थे यः खलु दद्यामयाचितः कृपया।
राज्यस्य कृते स कथं प्राणिवधक्रौर्यमनुमन्ये॥
'I will give my own life for the sake of another in compassion
unasked; how then can I consent to the cruel slaughter
of men merely for winning a kingdom." Here Harsha
reveals himself in uttering these sentiments Harsha who
had been once the hero of hundred battles and who by his
brilliant victories over his enemies had become the Paramount
Lord in Hindustan, was in the last part of his life a staunch
follower of the Buddhistic doctrine of non-violence (अहिंसा).
(7) THE PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS ON THE PLAY.
VATSARA'JA (THE HERO).
The Hero of the play Priyadarśikâ, Vatsarâja a King of
Kauśâmbî, has many charming legends and stories woven
round his name. It seems that his life full of romantic
adventures, made a deep impression on the popular mind in old