Naishadha Charita, also known as Naishadhiya Charita (), is a poem in Sanskrit on the life of Nala, the king of Nishadha. Written by Sriharsha, it is considered one of the five mahakavyas (great epic poems) in the canon of Sanskrit literature. It was composed by Śrī Harṣa in the court of Gahaḍavāla King Jayachandra. Contents Naishadha Charita presents the story of Nala's early life; his falling in love with Damayanti, their marriage, and honeymoon. This mahakavya is divided into two parts – Purva and Uttara, each of them containing eleven cantos or divisions. Its story is that of Nala and Damayanti, the daughter of Bhima, the king of Vidarbha. This story is first related in the 3rd part of Vanaparva of the Mahabharata, where the treatment is different. The language of the Naishadha Charita is highly elaborate and polished, with continual play upon words and variety of metres. Shishupala Vadha of Magha and Naishadha Charita of Sriharsha are considered tests for scholars; of the Naishadha it is said that Naishadham Vidvad-aushadham, that it is the "Scholars’ tonic". Characters The main characters of the poem are: Nalaking of Naishadha DamayantiNala's beloved, and later his wife Saraswatigoddess of learning Indraking of heaven Gods as suitors to Damayanti Plot The first canto begins with an elaborate description of Nala, his physical beauty, valour and other qualities. The minstrels visiting the court of Nala bring the news of Damayanti, the daughter of King Bhimna, as an accomplished and charming lady. Love for that princess was thus kindled in Nala. Unable to bear it, he went to a pleasure garden in his palace where seize a beautiful he saw swan. It cried in horror and was let off by the kind prince. It went to Kundinapura, the capital city of King Bhima, and managed to find Damayanti in a garden there. The swan gave her a good picture of Nala and assured her of its services in fostering mutual affection between her and Nala. It flew to Nala and apprised him of Damayanti's enviable attainments. King Bhima was informed of his daughter's ailment, which was virtually love-sickness, by the innocent and inexperienced companions of Damayanti. Thereupon, Bhima, made arrangements for the swayamvara (an ancient Indian practice whereby a girl chooses a husband from a list of suitors) of his daughter. Meanwhile, Indra, the king of the gods, learnt from Narada the news of Damayanti's