Carudattas

Carudattas is a figure who appears in several ancient Indian Sanskrit plays, most notably in the *Mṛcchakaṭikā* (The Little Clay Cart), attributed to Śūdraka. In this play, Carudattas is a wealthy but impoverished merchant of Ujjain. He is depicted as a generous and virtuous man who has fallen on hard times due to his excessive charity and love of luxury.

The plot of the *Mṛcchakaṭikā* revolves around Carudattas's relationship with Vasantasenā, a beautiful and accomplished courtesan. Despite his financial difficulties, Carudattas falls deeply in love with Vasantasenā, and she reciprocates his affections, valuing his noble character over his wealth. Their love affair faces numerous obstacles, including the jealousy of a powerful courtier named Samsthānaka, who also desires Vasantasenā.

Carudattas is often portrayed as a sympathetic protagonist, facing unjust accusations and a death sentence. The play highlights themes of love, social inequality, justice, and the triumph of good over adversity. While the *Mṛcchakaṭikā* is the most prominent work featuring Carudattas, he may have been a character in earlier, now lost, dramatic traditions. His story serves as a classic example of a tragic hero whose fortunes are restored through circumstances beyond his control, ultimately leading to a happy resolution.