Naiṣadhacarita

poem by Śrīharṣa

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July 1, 2026

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The Nalaishadhacarita, also known as the Nala, is a popular Sanskrit poem by the 12th-century Indian epic poet Sriharsha. It retells the tale of Nala, the king of Niṣadha, and his love, princess Indumati, from the Mahabharata. The poem, comprising 22 cantos, is celebrated for its vivid descriptions and emotional depth, narrating a love story that overcomes obstacles to end in marriage. While praised for its metrical skill, it has also faced criticism for occasional obscurity and excessive ornamentation. The Nalaishadhacarita is considered one of the great mahākāvyas (epic poems) in Sanskrit literature.12

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South Asian arts
The mahākāvya
Less artificial is the Naiṣadhacarita (“The Life of Nala, King of Niṣadha”), written by the 12th-century poet Śrīharṣa and based on the story of Nala and Damayantī in the Mahābhārata. An example of another kind of excess indulged in by mahākāvya writers is the Rāmacarita (“Deeds of Rāma”), by…
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Less artificial is the Naiṣadhacarita (“The Life of Nala, King of Niṣadha”), written by the 12th-century poet Śrīharṣa and based on the story of Nala and Damayantī in the Mahābhārata. An example of another kind of excess indulged in by mahākāvya writers is the Rāmacarita (“Deeds of Rāma”), by…
Read More