Who is the classical Sanskrit poet who composed the famous lyrical work "Meghdoot" (Meghaduta)?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to the field of classical Sanskrit literature. "Meghdoot" or "Meghaduta", which means the "Cloud Messenger", is one of the most celebrated lyric poems in Sanskrit. Knowing its author is a standard requirement in Indian literature and culture related examinations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The title of the work is "Meghdoot" or "Meghaduta".
• You are asked to identify the poet who composed it.
• The options list several well known Sanskrit poets and playwrights.

Concept / Approach:
"Meghdoot" is traditionally attributed to Kalidasa, who is often regarded as one of the greatest poets and dramatists in Sanskrit. The poem describes a Yaksha sending a message to his distant wife through a cloud. Other poets in the options wrote important works but not "Meghdoot". Remembering which classical piece belongs to which author is essential for literature based questions.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Kalidasa is associated with works such as "Abhijnanasakuntalam", "Raghuvamsa", "Kumarasambhava" and "Meghaduta". Step 2: Look at the options and see that Kalidasa is listed as option a. Step 3: Review the other names. Vishakhadatta is known for "Mudrarakshasa". Bhavabhuti wrote plays like "Uttararamacharita". Bharavi is known for "Kiratarjuniya". Banabhatta wrote prose works such as "Harshacharita". Step 4: None of these other authors is associated with "Meghdoot". Step 5: Therefore, the correct answer is Kalidasa.

Verification / Alternative check:
Handbooks of Sanskrit literature and Indian cultural history consistently list "Meghaduta" under Kalidasa's name. The poem's style and themes are also often compared with his other works. Because multiple independent academic sources concur on this attribution, you can be confident that Kalidasa is the poet of "Meghdoot".

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Although Vishakhadatta, Bhavabhuti, Bharavi and Banabhatta are all important Sanskrit writers, they are linked with different major works. Attributing "Meghdoot" to any of them would go against widely accepted literary tradition and historical scholarship. As the question asks specifically for the author of "Meghdoot", only the name that correctly matches this work can be accepted.

Common Pitfalls:
Sometimes students confuse the works of different Sanskrit poets because they are all studied together in courses and anthologies. Another pitfall is remembering that Kalidasa wrote several famous classics but forgetting exactly which titles belong to him. A helpful strategy is to group his works together mentally: two long poems ("Raghuvamsa" and "Kumarasambhava"), a lyrical poem ("Meghaduta") and several famous plays. This makes it easier to answer questions about any one of them.

Final Answer:
The classical Sanskrit work "Meghdoot" was composed by Kalidasa.