Indian dramatist and poet, whose dramas, written in Sanskrit and noted for their suspense and vivid characterization, rival the outstanding plays of Kālidāsa.

A Brahman of Vidarbha (the part of central India later called Berār), Bhavabhūti passed his literary life chiefly at the court of Yaśovarman of Kanauj. He is best known as the author of three plays: Mahāvīracarita (“Exploits of the Great Hero”), which gives in seven acts the main incidents in the Rāmāyaṇa up to the defeat of Rāvaṇa and the coronation of Rāma; Mālatī Mādhava, a domestic drama in 10 acts abounding in stirring, though sometimes improbable, incidents; and Uttararāmacarita (“The Later Deeds of Rāma”), which continues the story of Rāma from his coronation to the banishment of Sītā and their final reunion. This last play, though containing far less action than the other two, shows Bhavabhūti at the height of his power in characterization and in presenting suspense and climax.