Mudrarakshasa

play by Vishakhadatta

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

The Mudrarakshasa is a Sanskrit play by Vishakhadatta, believed to have been written around the 5th century CE. It dramatizes the political maneuvering and intrigue during the Mauryan dynasty, specifically focusing on the relationship between a ruler and his trusted minister. The play highlights the paradox of a ruler needing to place complete trust in his minister, even while that minister is effectively ruling the state. The title, "Minister Rakshasa and His Signet Ring," hints at the central role of Minister Rakshasa in the narrative.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

South Asian arts
The theatre
…a rare semi-historical play called Mudrārākṣasa (“Minister Rākṣasa and his Signet Ring”), apparently was a courtier at the Gupta court. His play is a dramatization of the Machiavellian political principles expounded in the book Artha-śāstra, by Kauṭilya, who appears as the hero of the play.
Read More
…a rare semi-historical play called Mudrārākṣasa (“Minister Rākṣasa and his Signet Ring”), apparently was a courtier at the Gupta court. His play is a dramatization of the Machiavellian political principles expounded in the book Artha-śāstra, by Kauṭilya, who appears as the hero of the play.
Read More

Artha-shastra
…century ce) in his play Mudrarakshasa (“Minister Rakshasa and His Signet Ring”).
Read More
…century ce) in his play Mudrarakshasa (“Minister Rakshasa and His Signet Ring”).
Read More