About the Book: Mudraraksasa (The Signet Ring of Rakshasa)
Mudrarakshasa is a historical play in seven acts written by Vishkhadatta in 6th
Century A.D., in which Chanakya, the minister of king Chandragupta of
Pataliputra, wins over Rakshasa, the minister of the Nandas to the side of
Chandragupta. It is an unique play in many re¬spects. The play is based on a
political theme and it bears testimony to the consummate skill of Visakhadatta
as a dramatist. It does not present any of the recognized dramatic sentiments
(rasa), but introduces a new, hitherto unrecognized sentiment of intense rivalry
between two sharp-witted ministers dedicated to the service of