Kshama Devi Rao - Makers of Indian Literature

Pandita Kshama Devi (1890-1953) a laureate par excellence had her creativity firmly rooted her in deep knowledge of Indian tradition and culture. With her imaginative, innovative and research spirit, Kshama Devi enriched the contemporary Sanskrit writings by many new facets and modes. She is one such writer in the tradition of modern Sanskrit Literature, whose writings portray the experiences of common man- specially, the woman's struggle and aspiration, in an authentic way. The broad world of the literary accomplishments of Kshama Devi is comprised of Epics, lyric Poetry, Biography, Story, and Plays etc. The central theme of her entire writing is 'svarāja' (freedom).

Radhavallabh Tripathi (1949), the original book author, has served as Vice Chancellor of Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan (Deemed University) at Delhi for five years (2008-13). He worked as Visiting Professor at Silpakorn University, Bangkok for three years. He retired as Professor from Dr. Harisingh Gour University, Sagar (M.P., India) as Professor in February 2014. Widely acclaimed for his original contributions to the study of Natyaśāstra and Sahityaśāstra, Prof. Tripathi has published more than 200 books, and has received several national and international awards.

The present work is an attempt at introducing the life-history, writings and the inner literary world of Kshama Devi Rao, a front runner of modern Sanskrit literature. Pandita Kshama Devi was a laureate par excellence whose creative spirit had emanated from her direct contact with Europe and European Literature. However, her creativity is firmly rooted her in deep knowledge of Indian tradition and culture. With her imaginative, innovative and research spirit, Kshama Devi enriched the contemporary Sanskrit writings by many new facets and modes. She is one such writer in the tradition of modern Sanskrit Literature, whose writings portray the experiences of common man- specially, the woman's struggle and aspiration, in an authentic way. The broad world of the literary accomplishments of Kshama Devi is comprised of Epics, lyric Poetry, Biography, Story, and Plays etc. The central theme of her entire writing is 'svarāja' (freedom).
Sahitya Academy provided me the opportunity of writing this book for which I am grateful to the Academy and its officials. The details which were provided by Dr. Rishabh Bharadwaj, Dr. Balram Shukla, and Prof. Rajendra Nanavati for completing this book are invaluable. Dr. Pravin Pandya went all through this script and modified it. After a prolonged deliberation with him, I have used the adjective 'kavi' (poet) in place of kavayitrī (poetess) for Kshama Devi everywhere.
I hope that this effort would help esteemed readers to develop a better understanding of modern Sanskrit Literature.

**Contents and Sample Pages**