Kalidasa, who lived between the fourth and fifth century CE, is generally hailed as the greatest poet and playwright of classical Sanskrit literature in ancient India. His plays and writings are mostly inspired by Hindu Puranas and philosophy. The only remaining works of his are three plays, two epic poems, and two shorter poems. The six pieces recognized as genuine include the plays Abhijnanashakuntala ("The Recognition of Shakuntala"), Vikramorvashi ("Urvash