A History of Indian Literature v3.c35.s6.39

v3.c35.s6.39

Almost all the heroes of the solar race whose carreers and achievements have been sung by Kālidāsa are weal as kings. All of them devote, as said in I. 8, their childhood to the study of sciences, strive for worldly success in youth and in old age, like pious hermits, resort to sylvan life for the purpose of meditation. As rulers they extend the boundaries of their empire and administer a noble and honest government for the welfare of their subjects. They are of strictly Brāhmaṇical faith and solemnly observe all the religious ceremonies of the states, holding the arch-priest in the highest esteem. Such an ideal king among them is Dilīpa, grandson of Vivasvān, about whom Kālidāsa says (I, 18) :—