active 12th century Sriharsa

Śrīharṣa, often written Sriharsha or Shriharsha, was a 12th-century Indian poet and philosopher who wrote in Sanskrit. He is best known for the Naishadha Charita (or Naishadhiya Charita), a richly ornate retelling of the story of Nala and Damayanti that is widely counted among the great mahakavyas of Sanskrit literature.

The details of his life are uncertain, but standard reference sources place him in northern India and connect him with the courtly world of Kannauj. He is also associated with the philosophical work Khaṇḍanakhaṇḍakhādya, which helped secure his reputation beyond poetry.

What makes Śrīharṣa memorable today is the combination of literary brilliance and intellectual sharpness in his writing. His work rewards readers who enjoy elaborate style, emotional intensity, and the long classical tradition of Sanskrit epic poetry.