How did Kālidāsa contribute to Indian literature?

Kālidāsa made a lasting contribution to Sanskrit literature through his poetry and plays. Works such as Meghadūtam (The Cloud Messenger) and the play Abhijñānaśākuntalam are admired for their lyrical beauty, vivid images of nature and clear expression of human emotions. Kālidāsa's language and style became models for later poets and dramatists.