Author: V S Naravane
Publisher: Roli Books
Year: 1998
Language: English
Pages: 208
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8174360042
Description
This selection, now available in paper back edition, offers fascinating glimpses of life in ancient India. Retold in modern English idiom, and presented in a lively, fluent style, these stories are marked by an amazing diversity of atmosphere, situation, attitudes and characterization.
This selection from the Panchantantra, Kadambari and Kathasaritsagara encompass myth, legend, mystery and fantasy. Palace intrigues, power struggles, tragic schism, resourceful stratagems are delineated with beauty and power in the Panchatantra. Kadambari is studied with uplifting imagery, brilliant descriptions and sensitive depictions of the female psyche and the urgency of passion. In the Kathasaritsagar, Parvati and Vibhishana, courtiers and merchants appear before our eyes in the different phases of love, anger, and human inventiveness.
These stories reveal the continuity of Indian tradition through the centuries, and convey the unique, distinctive flavor of Indian life and culture.
Contents
Preface
THE PANCHATANTRA
BOOK I
DISRUPTION OF FRIENDSHIP
The Servant's Revenge
The Crow and the Snake
The Rabbit who outwitted a Lion
The Goldsmith's Ingratitude
The Blue Jackal
How Krathanaka was Betrayed
The Thoughtful Enemy
BOOK II
THE ENMITY OF OWLS AND CROWS
The Owl's Coronation
The Clever Rabbit
Three Rogues and a Brahman
The Mouse maiden's Wedding
The Cunning Snake
KADAMBARI
KATHASARITSAGARA
King Brahmadatta and the Golden swans
How Madanasena Kept Promise
Sundarasena and Mandaravati
Which is the Wickeder Sex ?
The story of King Udayana
Labdhadatta and The power of Karma
Glossary