Svapnavāsavadattā

Svapnavāsavadattā, meaning "The Dream of Vāsavadattā," is the most celebrated work by the ancient Indian Sanskrit dramatist Bhāsa. Written around the 3rd century CE, it tells the story of a king who loses and eventually reclaims his kingdom from an usurper.1

Bhāsa was a pioneering playwright, known for adapting themes from India's great epics, the Rāmāyana and the Mahābhārata, into dramatic form. He also notably deviated from traditional Sanskrit dramaturgy by depicting violent scenes, such as battles and killings, directly on stage. His innovative style and literary motifs significantly influenced later playwrights, including the renowned 5th-century dramatist Kālidāsa.12