Shakuntala and Other Timeless Tales from Ancient India

Book excerpt: 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.