Works of Bhasa

The following are the works commonly attributed to Bhasa:

1. Svapnavasavadattam – The most famous play by Bhasa, it revolves around the story of King Udayana and Queen Vasavadatta, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and royal intrigue.

2. Pratijnayaugandharayana – This play focuses on the story of King Udayana and his minister Yaugandharayana, who helps the king regain his kingdom.

3. Madhyama-vyayoga – A one-act play based on an episode from the Mahabharata, dealing with Bhima and a Brahmin family.

4. Dutaghatotkacha – A one-act play depicting Ghatotkacha as a messenger of the Pandavas during the Mahabharata war.

5. Dutavakya – Another one-act play, where Krishna acts as a messenger to the Kauravas on behalf of the Pandavas, urging them to avoid war.

6. Urubhanga – A one-act play that portrays the death of Duryodhana after being mortally wounded by Bhima during the Mahabharata war. It is known for its sympathetic portrayal of Duryodhana.

7. Karnabhara – This play focuses on the tragic hero Karna and the burden he bears on the day of the Mahabharata war.

8. Panchatantra – This is an adaptation of the famous collection of animal fables. However, the attribution of this work to Bhasa is debated.

9. Abhisheka Nataka – A play that dramatizes the coronation of Rama after his victory over Ravana.

10. Balacharita – A play depicting the early life of Lord Krishna.

11. Avimaraka – A romantic drama involving a prince and a nymph, showcasing themes of love and adventure.

These plays are significant for their simplicity, directness, and emotional depth, and they have had a profound influence on the development of classical Sanskrit drama. Bhasa’s works are known for their strong character development, powerful dialogue, and innovative use of existing mythological and epic narratives.