THE CONQUESTS OF RAGHU.
The piece translated below is important, as it throws light on the geography of India at the time of the poet, i.e., in the sixth century after Christ.
1.
EASTWARD marched Ayodhyâ’s monarch, Conquering many a sturdy foe, Till he reached the mighty ocean, On whose shores the palm trees grow.
2.
Suhma’s[^2] monarch saved his kingdom, Bowing to the conqueror brave,— Supple cane-twigs bend as meekly ’Neath the strong resistless wave.
3.
Bengal’s kings came with their war-boats, Bravely fought, but fought in vain; And the victor built a pillar Where great Gangâ meets the main.
4.
Rice transplanted yields a harvest! So unto the victor brave, Conquered kings to thrones restored Presents and rich offerings gave.
5.
Tuskers formed a bridge most wondrous O’er the broad Kapisâ’s stream;[^3] Utkal’s monarch[^4] led the victor To Kalinga’s mighty realm.[^5]
6.
Fiercely fought Kalinga’s monarch On his tusker great in height; But in vain his arrows showered On the victor, proud in might!
7.
And on beds of spreading betel Soldiers sat and drank the wine; And Kalinga’s fame and glory With the wine they seemed to drain!
8.
But the great and noble victor Placed the king again on throne, Gave him back his wealth and empire, Robbed him of his fame alone!
9.
Southward marched Ayodhyâ’s monarch By the azure sparkling sea, And through forests of the nut-palm Marched his soldiers bold and free!
10.
Crossed Kâverî, mighty river, Stopped where steep Malayas rise; Steeds they tied in spicy forests, Tuskers to the sandal trees.
11.
Mighty Pândyas,[^6] brave in combat, Vainly with great Raghu fought; And with pearls from Ceylon’s island Mighty Raghu’s grace they sought.
12.
Across the lofty Sahya mountains[^7] Mighty Raghu forced his way, Far Kerala’s[^8] soft-eyed maidens Saw his troops and fled away.
13.
Northwards now Ayodhyâ’s monarch Went the Persian chiefs[^9] to quell; Pale-faced Yavan[^10] women wept For the chiefs who fought and fell.
14.
Fiercely fought each western warrior On his fiery warlike horse; But the victor’s swords and arrows Swept and thinned the hostile force.
15.
Now the victor’s warlike soldiers Rested in the fields of vine,[^11] Spread the deer-skin on the heather, Gaily quaffed the fresh grape-wine.
16.
Northwards then great Raghu travelled, And his tuskers crossed the sands; Scented pollen on them showered, Wafted from the northern lands.
17.
Fiery Huns are fierce and warlike,[^12]— Vainly fought with Kosal’s chief! Women with their ruddy faces Wept for warriors in their grief.
18.
Kamboja’s great and sturdy warriors[^13] Quailed before Ayodhyâ’s king; Gold and fiery steeds of battle They unto the victor bring.
19.
Then the hosts of mighty Raghu Climbed the heights of Himalay, Beating back the stubborn hill-tribes, Eastwards now they forced their way.
20.
And they crossed great Gangâ’s waters, Crossed Lohitya’s[^14] sea-like wave; And the lord of Prâgjyotisha^15 Quaked before the victor brave.
21.
With the tuskers of his country Kâmrup’s lord had met his foes,— Now those tuskers came as presents To where Raghu’s tents arose.
22.
Thus great Raghu, king of monarchs, Conquering nations far and wide, Back returned to fair Ayodhyâ, Ruled with glory and with pride.
Abridged from Kâlidâsa’s Raghu-vansa, IV.