Ashvaghosha was an ancient Indian poet and philosopher, known for his significant contributions to Buddhist literature. He lived around the 1st century CE and is best known for his epic poem, the Buddhacharita, which narrates the life of Gautama Buddha. His works played a crucial role in the development of Buddhist thought and literature. In addition to the Buddhacharita, Ashvaghosha is credited with writing the Saundarananda, a poem that explores themes of love and renunciation. His writings are characterized by their rich language and deep philosophical insights, making him a key figure in the history of Indian literature and Buddhism.