|
Young World
Vintage classics
SELINE AUGUSTINE
|
An interesting collection of stories from the ancient literature retold in modern prose.
|
This is a collection of six vintage stories from the ancient classics in Tamil and Sanskrit retold in simple and modern prose. An interesting way to introduce youngsters to the treasures of the literature of our land.
Kalidasa's Shakuntala begins the line-up and it is a tender love story. King Dushyanta, a descendant of the dynasty of the Moon, meets the fair maiden, Shakuntala, the daughter of the sage Kanva and it is love at first sight. The Little Clay Cart by Shudraka written perhaps at the same time as Shakuntala, is a play with ordinary people as its protagonists. A departure from divine beings peopling the works of contemporaries like Kalidasa. The courtesan Vasantasena, depicted with loving detail, is the heroine and the story signifies the victory of people's will.
The Sangam period
Though based on the final kand of the Ramayana, Bhavabhuti's Uttara-ramacharitra sports an ending that is entirely novel. From the Sangam period of literature come the two stories chosen for the collection. The ascetic prince Ilanko Adigal's Silappadikaram tells Kannagi's heart-rending tale and this is retold in The Story of an Anklet. The sequel, Manimekalai, was written by Sattanar, a staunch Buddhist who wears his religion on his sleeve as is evident from his work.
In fine, a good collection of Indian classical tales well-told.
SHAKUNTALA AND OTHER STORIES FROM ANCIENT INDIA, Adithi Rao, Puffin Books. Rs 175.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Young World
|
