Question

How many cantos (Sargas) are there in the Mahakavya 'Raghuvamsha'?

• A. 20
• B. 19
• C. 18
• D. 17

Hint:

For competitive exams, it's beneficial to memorize the canto counts of the major Sanskrit Mahakavyas:
\(\bullet\) Raghuvamsha (Kalidasa) = 19 cantos.
\(\bullet\) Kumarasambhava (Kalidasa) = 17 cantos (though traditionally only 8 are considered authentic).
\(\bullet\) Kiratarjuniya (Bharavi) = 18 cantos.
\(\bullet\) Shishupalavadha (Magha) = 20 cantos.
\(\bullet\) Naishadhiyacharita (Shriharsha) = 22 cantos.
This basic factual recall is frequently tested.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
'Raghuvamsha' is one of the most celebrated 'Mahakavyas' (great epics) in Sanskrit literature, composed by the illustrious poet Kalidasa. A Mahakavya, by definition, is a lengthy poetic composition typically divided into several 'Sargas' (cantos or chapters), narrating the glorious deeds of noble heroes, often covering historical or mythological lineages. 'Raghuvamsha' specifically recounts the legendary history of the Raghu dynasty, a lineage of solar kings to which Lord Rama belonged. Knowing the number of cantos is a fundamental piece of information for any student of Sanskrit literary history.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Kalidasa's 'Raghuvamsha' is comprised of precisely 19 (Navadasha) cantos. This epic poem chronicles the history of the Solar Dynasty, starting from its mythical progenitor, King Dilipa, and extending through various illustrious kings, including Raghu (from whom the dynasty derives its name), Aja, Dasharatha, and the most famous, Lord Rama. The narrative eventually concludes with the tragic portrayal of the decadent King Agnivarna.

The thematic progression through the 19 cantos can be broadly outlined as follows:
\(\bullet\) Cantos 1-2: Focus on King Dilipa and Queen Sudakshina's penance, their devotion to the cow Nandini, and the birth of their son, Raghu. These cantos establish the ideals of Dharma (righteousness) and self-sacrifice characteristic of the lineage.
\(\bullet\) Cantos 3-5: Detail the glorious reign and martial exploits of King Raghu, including his famous 'Digvijaya' (conquest of all directions) and his immense generosity. These cantos explain why the dynasty is called 'Raghu-vamsha'.
\(\bullet\) Cantos 6-8: Describe the life of King Aja, Raghu's son, including his wedding to Indumati and his profound sorrow after her untimely death. This section showcases Kalidasa's ability to portray human emotions deeply.
\(\bullet\) Cantos 9-15: Form the heart of the epic, dedicated to the life and adventures of Lord Rama. This extensive portion covers his birth, education, exile, the abduction of Sita, the war with Ravana, his return to Ayodhya, and the subsequent events including the banishment of Sita and the birth of Lava and Kusha.
\(\bullet\) Cantos 16-18: Detail the reigns of Rama's descendants, particularly Kusha (Rama's son) and subsequent kings, highlighting their virtues and occasional lapses.
\(\bullet\) Canto 19: Describes the reign of King Agnivarna, who succumbs to a life of luxury and sensual indulgence, leading to the decline and eventual end of the illustrious dynasty. This canto provides a poignant contrast to the high ideals of the earlier kings.

Kalidasa's 'Raghuvamsha' is celebrated not only for its narrative sweep but also for its poetic beauty, its mastery of 'Upama' (similes), and its profound insights into kingship and human values. The precise number of cantos is a well-established fact in the study of Sanskrit classical literature and is often a direct question in examinations.

Step 4: Final Answer:
There are 19 cantos in the Mahakavya 'Raghuvamsha'. Therefore, Option (B) is the correct answer.