Malavika And Agnimitra

King Agnimitra of Vidisha Was the Shunga Dynasty To have ruled Magadha Kingdom Around 152 BCE. He was in love with Malavika, A maid to the chief Queen Dharini. His childhood friend Gautam Was his partner in crime. Malavika was a student of Guru Ganadas. And one of his best proteges. His rival was Hardatt, in the field of dance Both wanted to know who was the good mentor. King Agnimitra was besotted By the portrait of pretty Malavika, A chambermaid, who stood next to the queen Dharini in a royal painting. Gautam was Agnimitra's childhood friend And, aware of his king's infatuation, Set up a contest between the two gurus With the hope that Ganadas sponsor Malavika to dance in front of the king. Guru Ganadas had chosen Malavika To perform as his chief disciple. Malavika danced to the king's delight. ‘My heart suspected in her portrait Some forgery of beauty but now I think The painter dozed and failed in his duty.' This was king's first impression of her beauty. ‘Her long eyes, moon glow face, arms curving Gently from her shoulders, a delicate chest With firm high breasts, her hips ample yet hands Could encompass her waist.' The king observed. Her voice was sweet and innocent like her looks. She sang the part of a beloved yearning For her lover. The King felt as if she was Calling out to him. The feat came to an end. Malavika smiled at the king when she left A glimpse of her teeth and shy eyes did the trick. He saw Malavika for real. No more Contest was he interested in and left. It became evident that the king had an eye For Malavika and the queen took note of it. As her feet hurt after a fall from the swing, The chief queen deputed Malavika to perform Dohada dance underneath the Ashoka tree, Which act can induce the buds flower soon. If the tree blossom with in the short time, The queen promised to grant a wish of her. The queen's maid adorned Malavika's feet Gautam conveyed king's love message to her. The younger queen Iravati invited King Agnimitra to the royal garden To welcome the spring by sharing a ride With her on the swing. She waited for him. The king was reluctant to meet Iravati Lest she should find out his shifted passion. ‘From a weapon made of hope comes a pain That crushes hearts! Is your flowered arrow, Love, both cruel and tender, sweet and harsh? ' The king was desperate to secure Malavika. ‘Broad hipped, slender-waisted, bosom full and bold.' The king seeing her behind exclaimed. Malavika was pleased in knowing the king's love But was worried how the queen would take it. The king said to himself, 'How charming The amorous vexation of a young woman! When he tried to embrace Malavika, She avoiding the king with a gesture. Her arms became a shield for her breasts, Pressed in his hot embrace; to his wishes Her turning away and such moves would form In passion's charming game to her lover. The king's feelings for maid Malavika Was conveyed by Iravati to Dharini. Malivika with her friend maid was kept In the dungeon with an order to set free Them on production of the queen snake ring. Gautam helped the King to set free Malavika He feigned a snake-bite. To invalidate the bite The physician wanted a snake mark talisman. Dharini gave her ring with an image of a snake Innocently, to be misused to get Malavika released from the dungeon. The Ashoka tree was in bloom in five days. Malavika to get her wish from the queen. The King of Vidarbha had surrendered. The two dance maids brought from Vidarbh desh Recognized Malavika as their princess. Malavika was not a maid as presumed. The queen was happy to know that the love Her husband had was that of royal blood. The queen fulfilled the wish of Malavika By getting her married to Agnimitra. ‘A great river conveys to the mighty ocean The waters of lesser streams.; the faithful wife Doesn't refuse her lord the rival he esteems.' 26.08.2020 (The passages within quotation marks are based on The text of Sanskrit scholar Kalidas in 4th century)