Bhāsa is one of the earliest Indian playwrights in Sanskrit, predating Kālidasa. Estimates of his floruit range from the 4th century BCE [1] to the 4th century CE; [2] the thirteen plays attributed to him are commonly dated closer to the first or second century CE. [3]

Bhāsa (born 3rd century ad, India) was the earliest known Sanskrit dramatist, many of whose complete plays have been found. In 1912 an Indian scholar discovered and published the texts of 13 of Bhāsa’s dramas, previously known only by the allusions of ancient Sanskrit dramatists.

Oct 31, 2023 · Bhasa’s writings have exerted a far-reaching influence on subsequent Sanskrit playwrights and dramatists. His imaginative storytelling, character development, and thematic explorations have served as a source of inspiration for generations of dramatists and poets who followed in his footsteps.

As in Sanskrit literature, the original poet means Balmiki that form means the original playwright who means Bhāsa. The name of Bhāsa is first heard in the introduction to Kālidāsa's play "Mālāvikāgnimitraṁ". Then some of the extraordinary features of his plays can be known in Bāṇabhatta's poetry.

Bhasa is regarded as the father of Sanskrit drama and is one of the oldest known classical playwrights in the history of Sanskrit literature. His masterwork, Svapnavasavadattam, was frequently cited in commentaries from the 9th to the 12th centuries CE.

Bhasa is one of the oldest known classical playwrights in the history of Sanskrit literature and may well be known as the father of Sanskrit drama. A prolific poet and dramatist, he was venerated by Kalidasa, Banabhatta, Rajashekhara and critics such as Abhinavagupta.

Bhasa has always been counted as the most influential playwrights of his time by Indologists, Indian commentators and anthologists. His style of writing was different that the other contemporary playwrights of his time.