Mudrarakshasa of Visakhadatta

by M.R. Kale

The Mudrarakshasa is a historical play and is mainly concerned with Candragupta's elevation to the throne of Magadha or South Bihar, on the fall of the Nanda dynasty, and the adoption of measures to strengthen his rule by Canakya, the renowned politician of his time. The events represented in the play cover a period of about a year, as shown further on, and it is necessary, for a clear understanding of the intricate policy of Canakya during this period, that the reader should have an insight into the history of the time. It includes the commentary of Dhundiraja, English translation, critical and explanatory notes, Introduction and various readings.