Aśvaghoṣa

Aśvaghoṣa was a revered poet and his timeline is not very certain. His works were translated into Chinese, Tibetan and German languages and a German scholar discovered some manuscripts that contained fragments of a couple of dramas written by Aśvaghoṣa and there it is mentioned that āryasuvarṇākṣiputrasya āryāśvaghoṣasya kṛtiṣu śāradvatīprakaraṇam । or śārikāputraprakaraṇam । or śārīputraprakaraṇam This statement describes Aśvaghoṣa as a man of Sāketa (Ayōdhyā) who was the son of Suvarṇākṣi and it is deduced that he lived in the period before 5th century AD as a Chinese translation of his work done in 5th century AD is available. As per the Chinese translations he is believed to be a contemporary of Emperor Kaniṣka who ruled from Puruṣapura now called Peshawar. By this way of thinking it is construed that Aśvaghoṣa’s timeline was prior to that poet Kālidāsa and poet Bāṇa and hence in that sense he was a pioneer that wrote the first Mahākāvya in Sanskrit and also dramas in Sanskrit. Though Hindu by birth, Aśvaghoṣa became a Buddhist later in his life

It appears that though the timelines are not very concrete, Kālidāsa and Aśvaghoṣa were influenced by each other as can be seen below. There are same words and same comparisons in both the sentences.
buddhagataṃ cakarṣa bhāryānurāgaḥ punarācakarṣa ।
so vismayāt naiva yayau na tasthau taraṃstaraṅgeṣviva rājahaṃsaḥ ॥

This is in Saundarānanda and Aśvaghoṣa described Nanda’s predicament in this manner. Aśvaghoṣa says that Nanda though attracted by Buddha’s words is also equally pulled by his wife’s love. He appeared like a swan being pulled by waves front and back.
Kālidāsa in his Kumārasambhavam also said, na yayau na tasthau – Pārvatī on the apparance of Śiva after her penance śailādhirājatanayā na yayau na tasthau neither moved forward not went back.
Though this does not give any concrete evidence to the timeline the influence is very evident, that he lived during 1st or 2nd century CE.

Aśvaghoṣa was a Sanskrit poet who lived in India during the 1st or 2nd century CE. He is considered one of the greatest Indian poets and is known for his contributions to both Sanskrit literature and Buddhist philosophy. Aśvaghoṣa’s most famous work is the Buddhacarita, an epic poem that tells the story of the life of the Buddha. The work is notable for its vivid and detailed descriptions of the Buddha’s life and teachings, as well as its use of poetic language and intricate meter. The Buddhacarita is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of Sanskrit literature and has been translated into many languages.

In addition to his poetic works, Aśvaghoṣa also wrote several important philosophical treatises, including the Saundarānanda and the Vajrasūcī. These works explore the principles of Buddhism and its practical applications for leading a virtuous life.

Overall, Aśvaghoṣa’s contributions to Sanskrit literature and Buddhist philosophy have had a lasting impact on Indian culture and continue to be studied and celebrated today.

Aśvaghoṣa’s contribution to Sanskrit literature is significant and varied. He is known for his poetic works, such as "Buddhacarita" and "Saundarānanda," which are considered masterpieces of Sanskrit poetry. These works describe the life of the Buddha and his teachings, and they are regarded as some of the finest examples of Buddhist literature. In addition to his poetry, Aśvaghoṣa was also a playwright, and his plays were known for their philosophical depth and insight into human nature. His most famous play, " Śākuntalā," is still widely performed and studied today and is considered a classic of Indian literature. The play deals with themes such as love, loss, and redemption, and it is a powerful exploration of the human condition. Aśvaghoṣa’s contribution to Indian philosophy is also significant. He was a key figure in the development of the Yogācāra school of Buddhism, which emphasizes the importance of meditation and introspection in achieving enlightenment. Aśvaghoṣa’s writings on Yogācāra philosophy, such as the "Mahāyānasaṅgraha," are still studied by scholars of Buddhist philosophy today.

Overall, Aśvaghoṣa’s contribution to Sanskrit literature is vast and varied. His works continue to inspire and influence people around the world, and his legacy in Indian literature and philosophy remains an important part of India’s cultural heritage.

• Buddhacarita, the story of Buddha was a Mahākāvya written by Aśvaghoṣa.