Shakuntala And Other Timeless Tales From Ancient India

The lively stories in this book capture the magic and wonder of six great works from the golden ages of Sanskrit and Tamil Literature: Kalidasa's Abhijnanashakuntalam, the great saga of forgotten love between Shakuntala and the king Dushyanta. Shudraka's Mrichchakatika, the epic romance between the impoverished Charudatta and the courtesan Vasantasena, played out against a backdrop of political intrigue and mystery. Bhavabhuti's Uttararamacharita, the compelling retelling of the story of Rama and Sita. Illanko Adigal's Silappadikaram, the tale of the epic revenge executed by the strong and beautiful Kannagi. Sattanar's Manimekalai, the quest of an extraordinary woman to master the truths that define our existence. Bhasa's Urubhangam, the stirring tale from the Mahabharata that culminates in the final battle between Duryodhana and Bheema at Kurukshetra.This is the ideal introduction to some of the best-known stories from the Indian classics with their eternal themes of love and betrayal, battles and feasts, valiant heroes, beautiful heroines, treacherous villains and loyal friends.

Six unforgettable stories of love and bravery, treachery and injustice, from ancient Indian literature Classical Sanskrit and Tamil writing teem with a myriad characters, and here we meet some truly memorable ones. This collection of six plays, poems and epics retold for children includes ‘Shakuntala’, a heartrending story of the love between the beautiful Shakuntala and King Dushyanta; ‘The Little Clay Cart’, where the evil designs of the king and his family are foiled by the righteous Charudatta and Vasantasena; ‘The Story of an Anklet’, about Kannagi, who wreaks a terrible revenge for the wrong done to her; ‘Manimekalai’, the extraordinary account of a woman’s search for her true calling; ‘The Last Trial of Sita’, in which the playwright gives a whole new ending to the Ramayana, and ‘The Broken Thigh’, about the final, desperate combat between Duryodhana and Bheema on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Accompanied by descriptions of the authors’ lives and the time when the stories were written, these lively retellings are an ideal introduction to some of the best-known stories from the Indian classics.

Translations of Shakuntala and Other Works by Kalidasa: Translations of Shakuntala and Other Works introduces readers to the captivating world of classical Sanskrit literature through the works of Kalidasa, one of the greatest poets and playwrights of ancient India. The book presents English translations of Kalidasa's renowned works, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural and literary heritage of India. Key aspects of Translations of Shakuntala and Other Works: Literary Masterpieces: The book features translations of Kalidasa's most celebrated works, including the timeless play Shakuntala. Readers are immersed in the enchanting narratives, poetic language, and vivid imagery that characterize Kalidasa's writings. Cultural Significance: Kalidasa's works are not only literary treasures but also provide insights into the social, cultural, and philosophical aspects of ancient Indian society. The book offers readers a window into the traditions, beliefs, and values that shaped Indian civilization. Artistic Beauty: Kalidasa's poetic verses are known for their lyrical beauty and evocative descriptions. The translations capture the essence of his writings, allowing readers to appreciate the elegance and artistry of Kalidasa's words. Kalidasa: Kalidasa, an ancient Indian poet and playwright, is hailed as one of the greatest literary figures in Sanskrit literature. While little is known about his life, his works have had a profound influence on Indian literature and culture. Kalidasa's plays, such as Shakuntala and Meghaduta, showcased his mastery of poetic language, vivid imagery, and deep understanding of human emotions. His works continue to be celebrated for their artistic beauty, philosophical insights, and their portrayal of the complexities of love and the human experience. Kalidasa's contributions to classical Indian literature have earned him a revered status among poets and scholars alike.

Shakuntala, also known as The Recognition of Shakuntala and The Sign of Shakuntala is a Sanskrit play by the ancient Indian poet Kālidāsa, dramatizing the story of Śakuntalā. You will love this beautiful epic tale about a queen who loses an enchanted ring and is cursed to be forgotten by her husband.

Regarded as the most important figure in the Classical Sanskrit literary canon, Kalidasa was a poet and playwright who likely lived in the fifth century AD. This collection brings together some of Kalidasa's most well-regarded dramatic works, including the timeless story of Shakuntala, a beautiful maiden who was abandoned at birth and raised in a remote hermitage. Though she later enchants a powerful king who desires to take the young woman as his bride, Shakuntala must overcome a series of obstacles before she can reign as queen.

The Panchatantra is a collection of ancient Indian fables. Many-a-times, the central characters are animals and birds, who show their most identifying characteristics in the various stories, and impart valuable life-lessons and morals. In this book, read a fine selection of six stories from the treasury of Panchatantra Tales. Read about the three little fish friends, one wise, one smart and one foolish; about silly monkeys who thought they could light a fire with red berries and more!

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

This volume narrates the tales of three valiant and powerful heroines of Indian and Hindu literature - Ganga, Shakuntala and Damayanti. The tales are retold and presented for children, in simple language and accompanied with colorful illustrations. We hope that these classic and timeless tales continue to inspire generations. River Ganga is regarded as Mother to all Indians. She gave us life and spirit from the earliest times.The history of man always begins at the banks of rivers, because the rivers carry life-giving water. They nourish the plants, the animals and mankind with equal care. The wise men of yore, who lived and meditated on the banks of rivers, knew this and worshipped the rivers as agents of divine power.To the Hindus, Ganga is divine and, therefore, pure and holy. The tale of Ganga is symbolic of the power and the glory of a great river. The tale of Shakuntala appears in the epic Mahabharata. It is a timeless tale of love that stands the test of time and adversity. The tale has inspired millions of poets, and even the great poet Kalidas wrote his famous Shakuntalam based on it. Similar to Shakuntala, the story of Nala-Damayanti is also a classic and timeless tale of star crossed lovers. It also shows the courage of Damayanti, who faced extreme adversities but never gave up hope. With her resolve she was able to get back her true love.

The Tales From Kalidasa Is A Conscious Effort To Produce A Book For Children And Youth, Based On The Outstanding Workds Of Kalidasa, The Greatest Literary Genius Of Ancient India. These Tales Would Convey To The Young Readers Some Idea Of The Authors Rich Imaginations And His Superb Skill In Weaving Various Incidents And Episodes In Absorbing Stories, And Also Of Indian Culture Which Has Found Expression In His Works. The Book Would Also Be Of Particular Interest To Readers Abroad, Both Indians And Foreigners, Interested In Indian Culture And Civilization.

A collection of Sanskrit plays by Kalidasa who influenced late eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century European literature. His work is noted for its portrayal of the unity of duty to one's family, religion, and society and the normative role of nature in the human world. His characters constantly make choices to uphold obligations to the institutions of faith, kin, and country in the face of terrible ethical dilemmas, thereby illustrating the ideal of virtue. In regard to the natural (nonhuman) world, Kalidasa assumed the fundamental unity of all life and recognized the dignity and value of nonhuman life.