Vol. 1, Issue 8, Part M (2015)

Abstract
This paper is an exploration of Śūdraka’s views on poverty as expressed in his Prakaraṇa, the Má¹›cchakatikaṁ through the character of Cārudatta. A study of Má¹›cchakatikaṁ gives psychological insights into the mind of a person of high virtues who has fallen into bad days due to his exceptional generosity and yet doesn’t compromise with his principles even in the face of death. The paper makes a close reading of Cārudatta situation who has lost his wealth and has fallen into days of penury but cannot shed off his generosity. He gives away all of his material wealth and yet lives with the wealth of his virtues. It is because of his noble and generous character that the heroine Vasantasenā falls in love with him.