Author: Bani Basu
Sipra Bhattacharya/
Translator(s)/Editor: Sipra Bhattacharya
Publisher: Stree
Year: 2004
Language: English
Pages: 501
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8185604614
Description
This empire of Magadha will gradually spread all over Jambudwipa, somewhere near Rajgriha, an enormous center of education will come up, similar to Takshashila. Perhaps it will be centred on the Dhamma of Tathagatha.
These words of Chanak, a scholar from Gandhara, are prescient. Like the Buddha, Chanak advocates the Rajsangha, a peaceful union of States, in place of an aggressive empire. Such revolutionary ideas, many stirring events and unexpected resolutions are depicted in Bani Basu’s new Jataka, which by its very nature must focus on a particular birth of the Buddha.
Long established sates like Gandhara and Madra are in decline while Magadha, the Middle country, a newcomer, is one the rise. Classes and castes too are in upheaval with the wealthy merchants increasing their power and status at the expense of Brahmins and Kshatriyas. Freedom is in the very air for men and women, but will it bear fruit? Are renunciation and immersion in spirituality advocated by that extraordinary god-like being, the Buddha, the way forward? Or are life and spiritual joy opposed to each other?
In a tale that grapples with history, there is a huge cast of people: the Buddha and the members of his sangha, King Bimbisara and his patricidal son, Ajatashatru, as well as some who could have been real. There are many female characters like Bishakha, a brilliant, independent young woman, her remarkably wise and capable mother, the Lady Sumana, Queen Kshema who joins the order of Buddhist nuns, learned and respected courtesans Amrapali and Jitasoma, to common folk. Translated for the first time into English from the original Bengali, Basu’s portrayal of this brilliant age with the Buddha as its tragic heart will dazzle and move the reader.
Contents
Map of India: At the Time of the Buddha ca 6th Century B C
Part One
Part Two
Glossary
A Note by the Author
A Note by the Translator