A History of Indian Literature v3.c35.s7.40

v3.c35.s7.40

It is, however, particularly the realistic descriptions of books VII and VIII that present to us Kalhaṇa as a true poet. Impressive is the description of the tragic death of Sūryamatī (VII, 472 ff.). This prominent lady was the wife of King Ananta. She had taken under her control the weak king and the reins of administration, so much so that she compelled him even to forego the throne in favour of her son Kalaśa. This had had an evil consequence and led the father and the son to strife and conflict. Several times cunning Suryamatī succeeded in bringing about temporary peace. But after a short reconciliation Kalaśa stepped into open enemity against his father, whose position now became wholly untenable. One day there took place a violent scene between Ananta and his wife : he rebuked her bitterly and even expressed his doubt regarding Kalaśa being his legitimate son. The insulted lady got offended and she overwhelmed him with abuses. Then the deeply hurt king again went into despair and committed suicide. Suryamatī, however, then decided to follow him unto death as a satī. Then in a solemn manner she cursed each one of them who had ruined them and had caused dissension among them: then with an oath she proved herself above suspicion in the matter of being faithful to her husband and burnt herself with smiling eyes in the flames of the funeral pile, and (VII, 479).