A History of Agriculture in India v1.c35.s3.3

v1.c35.s3.3

Of the poets and authors of this period, Dandin, Subandhu, Banabhatta and Kalidasa deserve particular mention. Kalidasa in his *Ritusamhara*, ‘The Pageant of the Seasons’, gives charming descriptions of indigenous beautiful trees of India which flower from month to month. In his description of spring, he describes the mango-tree bent with clusters of coppery-red leaves, and their branches covered with light-yellow fragrant blossoms shaken by the March breezes, which kindle the flame of love in the hearts of women. He describes the *asoka*-trees, with their graceful drooping young leaves hanging, like tassels of silk, covered with coral-red blossoms which make the hearts of young women *sasoka* (sorrowful). He describes the jungles of *dhak* (*kimsuka*) resembling a blazing fire, making the earth appear like a newly-wedded bride, with red garments. He aptly compares the scarlet flowers of *dhak* with the bright-red beaks of parrots! In his description of women’s toilet, he mentions that they paint their bodies with the fragrant paste of white sandal and cover their breasts with garlands of white jasmines, and perfume their hair with *champak* blossoms. In the rainy season, they decorate their heads with garlands of *kadamba*, *kesara*, *kakubha* and *ketak* flowers.