Fixing up of Some Variants from Kālidāsa
By Tapasvi Shambhuchandra Nandi
Summary
Textual integrity is a challenge when dealing with ancient authors. This study seeks to fix corrupted or uncertain readings in works attributed to Kālidāsa. The author surveys manuscripts of plays and poems, identifying passages where scribal errors, regional variations or later interpolations have introduced inconsistencies. By comparing different witnesses and consulting commentaries, the paper proposes emendations that restore metre, syntax or coherence. Examples include correcting miswritten compounds and re‑ordering lines to resolve narrative gaps. The author also addresses the principles guiding textual emendation: respect for authorial style, awareness of linguistic evolution and caution against conjectural changes. The study serves as a model for editors working on classical Sanskrit literature.
Conclusion
Through careful collation and critical judgement, the author demonstrates how textual criticism can recover more authentic readings of Kālidāsa’s works. Such efforts deepen our appreciation of his artistry.