How the Nagas Were Pleased by Harsha The Shattered Thighs by Bhasa Clay Sanskrit Library Two tragic plays that break the rules both show the hero dying on stage a scenario forbidden in Sanskrit dramaturgy King Harsha s play composed in the seventh century re examines the Buddhist tale

Two tragic plays that break the rules both show the hero dying on stage, a scenario forbidden in Sanskrit dramaturgy King Harsha s play, composed in the seventh century, re examines the Buddhist tale of a magician prince who makes the ultimate sacrifice to save a hostage snake naga The Shattered Thighs, attributed to Bhasa, the illustrious predecessor to ancient Kali Two tragic plays that break the rules both show the hero dying on stage, a scenario forbidden in Sanskrit dramaturgy King Harsha s play, composed in the seventh century, re examines the Buddhist tale of a magician prince who makes the ultimate sacrifice to save a hostage snake naga The Shattered Thighs, attributed to Bhasa, the illustrious predecessor to ancient Kali dasa, transforms a crucial episode of the Maha bh rata war As he dies from a foul blow to the legs delivered in his duel with Bhima, Dury dhana s character is inverted, depicted as a noble and gracious exemplar amidst the wreckage of the fearsome battle scene.