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Synopsis This work gives the history and culture of the time of Kalidasa who is regarded as the greatest poet and dramatist of India. The author does not rely upon the traditions which regard Kalidasa as the court poet of Vikramaditya, the founder of Vikrama era dated 57 B.C. These traditions seem to have twisted and tainted the actual facts. He has tried to co-relate the cultural data of Kalidasa's works with the archaeological evidence for determining the age. Kalidasa appears to be the court-poet of Chastana, the founder of Saka era dated 78 A.D. He was married to Vasanti, daughter of Bhimasukala, King of Varanasi, who may be identified with the Kushana Emperor Wim Kadphises. He was sent as ambassador to the kingdom of Kuntala who seems to be Kuntala Satakarni. He might have helped Hala in writing he Prakrit work Gathasaptasati. First, the author discusses the literary background of Kalidasa. Then, he examines the different theories relating to his date. It is followed by the sources, both direct and collateral for reconstructing the history and culture of Kalidasa. He belonged to Avanti but his exact birth place is not known. Somehow, he remained associated with Ujjain for considerable time. Facts about the life of the poet have been inferred from his words. Kalidasa appears to be of Saka nationality for the practice of assuming names ending with "dasa was prevalent during his time among the Sakas and the Abhiras. His works in chronological order have also been briefly described in the present volume. Geographical, social and economic conditions of the time of Kalidasa have been dealt with, so also the religion, art, education, literature and sciences of his time. This study, written in a lucid and expressive style, is appended with Bibliography, Maps and Illustrations.