AGRICULTURAL MYTHS AND FERTILITY
RITUALS IN KALIDASA'S WORKS
M. K. Shridhar

   India was mainly an agricultural country. Our ancient literature contains copious information regarding different techniques adopted by them. Agriculture is associated with ancient myths, beliefs, rituals and customs. The Vedic texts and the epics refer to concepts associated with agriculture. The post-epic period or the classic age is also not lagging behind in the presentation of these concepts and Kalidas stands as a pre-eminent person giving ample information about the myths associated with agriculture in all his seven works.

   Kalidasa's Kumara Sambhavam can be termed as a treatise on fertility rituals. The birth of the solar luminaries is associated with the corresponding agricultural myths in his great poem Raghu Vamsham. The various vratas undertaken by the heroines of his plays reveal the discreet customs associated with the fertility of the the Mother Earth. The Megha Sandesam has a number of references to the barrenness of land and the barrenness of the women. On the contrary, the `Rtu Samharam' gives a pen picture of various customs prevailing in the land associated with agriculture. Thus, Kalidasa has emphasised the inseparable relationship of man with Nature, and vice-versa through a series of customs, myths in a palatable and agreeable manner.

   This paper deals with rituals, myths, customs and beliefs, traditions and taboos associated with agriculture in the works of Kalidasa in a broad way and the sense and purpose of ecology and ancient agriculture through it.

 
About the Author :-

M.K.SRIDHAR
B.Sc. in Science, M.A. in Sanskrit, M.A. in English,
Diploma in National Service Schemes, Diploma in German.

Lecturer in Sanskrit, National College Bangalore since 1979.
Published about 20 research papers on diverse topics relating to Sanskrit literature.
Attended many Seminars and Conferences and read papers.
Edited more that 20 magazines on varied topics relating to Sanskrit, Adventure & National Service Schemes.
As President of the National College Mountaineering Association, arranged 100 and odd treks and expeditions in South India and Nepal.
Organised more than 100 programmes & Seminars, memorial lectures etc., as Secretary of the Akhila Karnatak Samskrit Parishat. Participating in the programmes of AIR and Doordarshan.

                                                                                                                               Address :-

  No.2003, 'Archana',8th Main, 
23rd cross,Banashankari II Stage,Bangalore 560 070.