On the Identity of the Buddha-vinoda-kavya
By Sushil Kumar De
Summary
In this textual study the author clarifies the identity of a Sanskrit poem known variously as “Buddha‑vinoda‑kāvya”, “Rākṣasa‑kāvya” and “Vinoda‑vinoda‑kāvya”. By examining manuscripts from the Berlin Library, the Asiatic Society and the University of Bombay, he demonstrates that these titles refer to the same work. The poem consists of twenty or more verses and has been attributed to different authors, including Kālīdāsa and Ravideva, leading to confusion. The author shows that the Berlin manuscript attributes it to Ravideva of Mālava, while another names Kaviśāṃkara; he argues that Ravideva is probably the real author. He further compares the commentaries appended to the manuscripts, noting that one commentary is misidentified as Kālīdāsa’s. The note discusses differences between the anonymous commentary published in the Kāvyamālā series and other glosses, offering variant readings of specific verses. The article thus settles the text’s authorship and correct title and provides guidelines for future editors.
Conclusion
The author concludes that the so‑called “Buddha‑vinoda‑kāvya” should be correctly identified as a poem by Ravideva, preserved under several misleading titles. Recognising the proper authorship and consulting multiple manuscripts will allow scholars to produce a reliable edition. This clarification resolves confusion in catalogues and emphasises the importance of critical textual scholarship.