Description in the Javanese wayang retellings: Son of Maerah and Gorawangsa, who was disguised as Basudewa. His features demonstrate his mixed ancestry, both human and ogre. As an adult he was acknowledged by Basudewa, but he plotted with [Suratimantra] to take over the [Mandura] kingdom. When Basudewa's children were little, they were sent to Widarakanda, to be looked after by [Antagopa] and [Nya_Sagopi], out of fear that Kangsa might want to harm them. Kangsa is eventually killed by Kakrasana (Baladewa) and Narayana (Kresna).
Notes on the Indian retellings: Kamsa is a brother of Devaki. After Devaki marries Vasudeva, the /aakashavani/ (divine prophecy from the skies) announces that Kamsa will die at the hands of her eighth child. Upon hearing this, Kamsa imprisons both Devaki and Vasudewa, and kills every child born to them. He is, however unsuccessful in killing the seventh and eighth child of the couple, Krishna, who kills Kamsa, proving the prophecy correct.
Hardjowirogo, 1948. Sejarah Wayang Purwa. Balai Pustaka, Jakarta, pp. 153-155 H. Solichin, Suyanto, Sumari, Undung Wiyono, Sri Purwanto, 2017. Ensiklopedi Wayang Indonesia. Mitra Sarana Edukasi, Jakarta, pp. 212-218 (Vol. V). Heru S Sudjarwo, Sumari, Undung Wiyono, 2010. Rupa dan Karakter Wayang Purwa. Kakilangit Kencana, Jakarta, pp. 796-797. Purwadi, 2013. Mengenal Gambar Tokoh Wayang Purwa dan Keterangannya. Cendrawasih, Surakarta, p. 141. Sudibyoprono, R.R., Suwandono, Dhanisworo, Mujiyono, 1991. Ensiklopedi Wayang Purwa. Balai Pustaka, Jakarta, pp. 276-278.