This page has not been fully proofread.

PREFACE.
 
T affords us much pleasure to be the first to
publish this rare and excellent comment-
ary on Meghasandesa-the well known poem of
the world famous Kalidasa. The poem itself is
the first of its kind and is very popular being
short and sweet. It is written in the peculiarly
charming style of Kalidasa and consequently is
a very great favourite with all lovers of Sanskrit
literature. No other evidence is needed for this
statement but the fact that since the days of
Kalidasa a host of imitators have sprung up who
have composed several Sandesakavyas in close
imitation of this splendid masterpiece. Further
this precious little poein is commented upon by
not less than twenty commentators-good, bad
and indifferent. Of all these commentaries that of
Mallinatha is considered to be the best and it
would be thought presumptuous on the part
of any one if he were to state that there exists
another commentary for this poem which excels
Mallinatha's in every way and which makes the