Subject
Indic drama Books
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Sūdraka
The Little Clay Cart [Mṛcchakaṭika]
"The Little Clay Cart [Mṛcchakaṭika]" by Sūdraka is a ten-act Sanskrit drama possibly from the 5th century CE. Set in ancient Ujjayini, it tells the story of Cārudatta, a noble but impoverished Brahmin, who falls in love with Vasantasenā, a wealthy courtesan. Their romance faces danger when a vulgar courtier aggressively pursues Vasantasenā. The play blends love, comedy, and political intrigue while breaking tradition by focusing on fictional characters rather than mythology and featuring peasants speaking various dialects.
Rabindranath Tagore
Chitra, a Play in One Act
"Chitra, a Play in One Act" by Rabindranath Tagore is a one-act play first published in English in 1913. Drawing from the Mahabharata, it tells the story of Chitrangada, a warrior princess raised as a boy who falls in love with the hero Arjuna. Desperate to win his heart despite his vow of celibacy, she asks the gods for perfect beauty. But when Arjuna falls for her transformed appearance, Chitra must confront whether love built on illusion can ever become real.
Sūdraka
Het leemen wagentje: Indisch tooneelspel uit Sanskṛt en Prākṛt in het Nederlandsch vertaald
"Het leemen wagentje: Indisch tooneelspel uit Sanskṛt en Prākṛt in het …" is a scholarly translation of an ancient Indian drama, likely written in the late 19th century. This work aims to bridge the gap between Indian literature and Dutch-speaking audiences by making significant Sanskrit texts, specifically the "Mṛcchakaṭikā", accessible in translation. The drama showcases a range of characters and themes including love, societal norms, and the struggles of the impoverished protagonist, Cārudatta, alongside his beloved Vasantasenā. The opening of the text introduces us to the context and purpose of the translation, noting the lack of familiarity with major Indian literary works in the Netherlands. It sets the stage for the central drama, delving into the life of Cārudatta, a Brahmin and impoverished merchant, and his interactions with the playful Vidūshaka, who lightens the atmosphere with his witty commentary. As the scene unfolds, we see Cārudatta's concerns surrounding his poverty and the desire for companionship, all while hints of impending conflict surface. This initial setup establishes a rich backdrop filled with social dynamics and emotional undertones that promise an engaging exploration of its characters in the following acts.
Kālidāsa
Sakoontala; Or, The Lost Ring: An Indian Drama
"Sakoontala; Or, The Lost Ring: An Indian Drama" by Kālidāsa is a Sanskrit play from around the 4th century CE. When King Duṣyanta encounters the innocent Śakuntalā in a forest hermitage, their secret marriage sets off a chain of fateful events. A sage's curse causes the king to forget his bride, and a lost ring becomes her only hope for recognition. Years pass as their lives diverge, but destiny has plans of its own for the separated lovers and the son born of their union.
Kālidāsa
Sacountala, drame en sept actes, mêlé de prose et de vers
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