Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c10.s2.t19.15

v2.c10.s2.t19.15

Bāṇa, though he tried his best to disguise was still unable to hide his great disapproval of Sīladitya. In front of Sīladitya, Bāṇa's pride was depressed by self-abasement, so flattery became inevitable. He understood people's misery and suffering, and this aroused a sense of mission in his heart as a literati. And it was probably because of these reasons that Bāṇa began to hate Sīladitya and seized every single opportunity to criticise Sīladitya and his reign in an extreme and relentless way. Bāṇa's compliment and praise to Sīladitya meant nothing. So each time some specific contents were involved, Bāṇa would make good use of his sharp writing technique to strike home, unexpectedly and fiercely. Though the description might have nothing to do with the truth, Bāṇa successfully wrote the truth about Sīladitya and his reign in his book. Sīladitya usurped the throne and was made about being king with strong military power. He was also cruel and relentless to his people. During the time he stayed with Sīladitya, Bana might not have received noble status, but his excellent literary attainments had allowed him to reach and stay on the top of the Sanskrit literature world. Bāṇa and Sīladitya established reputations for each other.