BHAVABHUTI

flourished AD 700 Indian dramatist and poet, whose dramas, written in Sanskrit and noted for their suspense and vivid characterization, rival the outstanding plays of Kalidasa. A Brahman of Vidarbha (the part of central India later called Berar), Bhavabhuti passed his literary life chiefly at the court of Yasovarman of Kanauj. He is best known as the author of three plays: Mahaviracarita (Exploits of the Great Hero), which gives in seven acts the main incidents in the Ramayana up to the defeat of Ravan a and the coronation of Rama; Malati Madhava, a domestic drama in 10 acts abounding in stirring, though sometimes improbable, incidents; and Uttararamacarita (The Later Deeds of Rama), which continues the story of Rama from his coronation to the banishment of Sita and their final reunion. This last play, though containing far less action than the other two, shows Bhavabhuti at the height of his power in characterization and in presenting suspense and climax.