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Tales from the Kathasaritsagara
Literally translated as "ocean of the sea of stories, " the KATHASARITSAGARA is thought to have been compiled around A.D. 1070 for the queen of Kashmir. Unlike those more familiar classics, this work contains no hidden moral lessons. Instead, it is an uninhibited and bawdy celebration of earthly life. This edition includes ten of the original eighteen books.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1080
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About the author
Somadeva
72 books16 followersSomadeva Bhatta
11th century Kashmiri writer
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somadeva
11th century Kashmiri writer
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somadeva
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 11, 2021
Said to be written in the eleventh century but likely containing stories much older that are lost in the mists of time, if ever recorded on parchment or leaf but surviving in the oral traditions, Kathasaritasagara or the Ocean of the Sea of Story is a classic of Sanskrit literature. Not only a repository of multiple tales in a distinctive style it is one of the earliest examples of the cycle of stories style that influenced other world classics like Arabian Nights. These cycles of stories, however, have a very characteristic feel that is very Indian, Brahmanic, and pre-medieval and deeply imprinted with the metaphysics, mythology, sociology, culture as well as topography of a particular, historical as well as semi-mythical time and place. Arshia Sattar's adroit translation captures the myriad facets, novelty and flavors of the narratives while ensuring great flow and intelligibility, often abbreviating excessive and less interesting details and simplifying plot and genealogical complexities.
On a lighter note, two things that the wise were best served avoiding at the time and place these stories are set in were: giving offense to any powerful deity or celestial/semi-celestial being and taking a bath outdoors in a pool, river, stream or tank (especially on part of desirable women). The first could almost always invite a curse that could mean having to suffer several lives in lesser and less desirable forms while the second could invite someone's lustful gaze, unwanted attention, and even abduction. Many stories within stories are of those who invited such fates. And fate & karma appear to be the overwhelming determinants of the affairs of humans and well as the variety of celestials, semi-celestials, demons and others who populate these stories.
This is a world of tremendous diversity and interaction and where good intent and deeds play an important role along with craftiness, resourcefulness and initiative. At the same time, there isn't much hope for progress if superior beings are annoyed or resentful and hence diplomacy, decorum and appeasement are vital. The celestials routinely engage with the mortals, fall in love or develop enmity, get demoted or elevated, and ultimately seek a release from it all. The wicked are not always unsuccessful and life of the world is not always looked upon with contempt and disdain (as in the Jatakas) but meant to be lived and lived well. The stories are often playful and seldom didactic though a certain moral and ethical framework does permeate them. Even then it is persuasive to consider and has been pointed out by many that these stories are very different from other contemporary works as moral instruction or philosophizing is not their intent.
Reincarnation is a recurrent theme. Asceticism exists alongside worldliness. Sages as well as courtesans are protagonists. There are interesting concepts which furnish great convenience to lovers such as the instantaneous gandharva marriage upon coming into contact. At the same time, it is hard to overlook several attitudes and prejudices of the time (which have not quite gone away a millennium later) such as: a deep mistrust of women (despite many strong, righteous and assertive female characters in the stories) bordering frequently on misogyny; a clear caste and class bias against forest the low-caste born at the bottom of the rung as well as forest dwellers (Candalas/Chandalas; Sudras; Nisadas, Mlecchas; various nomadic or forest dwelling people like Bhils, Matangas, Pulingas, Saavaras); and, an appreciation and elevation of royalty, high-birth, always the Brahmin and to a certain extent the warrior class. All this is quite noticeable and acerbic to modern sensibilities.
The stories are drawn from eighteen individual books that constitute the Kathasaritasagara and often combine the mundane with the fantastical - with talismanic powers, glorious boons, objects with special miraculous characteristics, and various modes of air travel figuring prominently. We find here, as Arshia Sattar explains, histories, legends, myths, para-epic tales, folk tales, animal tales, riddles and gnomic stories - thus a vast variety of story forms. We find too here some of the story cycles that are important, known and well established works in their own right, such as the animal fables of pancatantra and Vikram and the Vitala stories (twenty-five tales of the Vitala).
Of particular interest to me was the vast variety of cast members. Quite part from the known Hindu gods (who don't appear that frequently), Buddhist figures and innumerable kings, there are the various malevolent beings, ghosts, creatures and demons (the Asuras, Brahmarakasas, Kusmandas, Raksasas, Vetalas, and Pisacas). We also have inferior deities - (ganas; guhyakas) - as well as a variety of celestials and semi-celestials, the spiritually elevated and the miraculously endowed (Apsaras, Bodhisattvas, Kapalikas, Kinnaras, Lokapalas, Munis, Nagas, Pasupatas, Rsis, Siddhas, Valakhilyas, Vasus, and Vidyadharas). The possibilities of interaction and the diversity of their nature are thus limitless even if certain typologies of quests, contestations and conflicts at times repeat, such as the deceptive wife or paramour; the cursed brahmin or warrior seeking escape from a lower existence through atonement and penance; the lovesick mortal or semi-divine in pursuit of his/her love interest and the outcomes of such amorous pursuits etc. Ultimately good invariably confronts wickedness and wisdom takes on stupidity or cleverness encounters gormlessness, even if the primary purpose of the story is not to preach but to entertain. The stories are set in the real and fabled cities of an ancient landscape (including Pataliputra, Vetasa, Mathura, Ayodhya, Ujjayini, Varanasi, Kausambi), sacred mountains, earthly pleasure gardens and celestial heavens, as well as the deep forest of the Vindhyas, are quite evocative, and often transport one to a very different lived and imagined experience.
Upakosa and her suitors; the courtesan who fell in love; the city of unchaste women, Niscayadatta subdues a Yaksini; the courtesan's tricks; the three fastidious Brahmins; the false ascetic, and, King Brahmadatta and the golden swans are some of the many engaging stories in the collection.
In summation, I really enjoyed this eleventh century Sanskrit classic - The Ocean of the Sea of Story - that brings together tales of various genres from 18 different books in an ancient landscape and a vast cast of mortals, the semi-celestial and celestial. Though not meant to be moralistic and preachy a certain ethical framework permeates these, even as fate & karma determine many outcomes. The excellent translation transports one to a very different lived and imagined landscape and is truly evocative. This significant collection of cycles of stories of course influenced many important pieces of world literature that came later, such as the Arabian Nights.
On a lighter note, two things that the wise were best served avoiding at the time and place these stories are set in were: giving offense to any powerful deity or celestial/semi-celestial being and taking a bath outdoors in a pool, river, stream or tank (especially on part of desirable women). The first could almost always invite a curse that could mean having to suffer several lives in lesser and less desirable forms while the second could invite someone's lustful gaze, unwanted attention, and even abduction. Many stories within stories are of those who invited such fates. And fate & karma appear to be the overwhelming determinants of the affairs of humans and well as the variety of celestials, semi-celestials, demons and others who populate these stories.
This is a world of tremendous diversity and interaction and where good intent and deeds play an important role along with craftiness, resourcefulness and initiative. At the same time, there isn't much hope for progress if superior beings are annoyed or resentful and hence diplomacy, decorum and appeasement are vital. The celestials routinely engage with the mortals, fall in love or develop enmity, get demoted or elevated, and ultimately seek a release from it all. The wicked are not always unsuccessful and life of the world is not always looked upon with contempt and disdain (as in the Jatakas) but meant to be lived and lived well. The stories are often playful and seldom didactic though a certain moral and ethical framework does permeate them. Even then it is persuasive to consider and has been pointed out by many that these stories are very different from other contemporary works as moral instruction or philosophizing is not their intent.
Reincarnation is a recurrent theme. Asceticism exists alongside worldliness. Sages as well as courtesans are protagonists. There are interesting concepts which furnish great convenience to lovers such as the instantaneous gandharva marriage upon coming into contact. At the same time, it is hard to overlook several attitudes and prejudices of the time (which have not quite gone away a millennium later) such as: a deep mistrust of women (despite many strong, righteous and assertive female characters in the stories) bordering frequently on misogyny; a clear caste and class bias against forest the low-caste born at the bottom of the rung as well as forest dwellers (Candalas/Chandalas; Sudras; Nisadas, Mlecchas; various nomadic or forest dwelling people like Bhils, Matangas, Pulingas, Saavaras); and, an appreciation and elevation of royalty, high-birth, always the Brahmin and to a certain extent the warrior class. All this is quite noticeable and acerbic to modern sensibilities.
The stories are drawn from eighteen individual books that constitute the Kathasaritasagara and often combine the mundane with the fantastical - with talismanic powers, glorious boons, objects with special miraculous characteristics, and various modes of air travel figuring prominently. We find here, as Arshia Sattar explains, histories, legends, myths, para-epic tales, folk tales, animal tales, riddles and gnomic stories - thus a vast variety of story forms. We find too here some of the story cycles that are important, known and well established works in their own right, such as the animal fables of pancatantra and Vikram and the Vitala stories (twenty-five tales of the Vitala).
Of particular interest to me was the vast variety of cast members. Quite part from the known Hindu gods (who don't appear that frequently), Buddhist figures and innumerable kings, there are the various malevolent beings, ghosts, creatures and demons (the Asuras, Brahmarakasas, Kusmandas, Raksasas, Vetalas, and Pisacas). We also have inferior deities - (ganas; guhyakas) - as well as a variety of celestials and semi-celestials, the spiritually elevated and the miraculously endowed (Apsaras, Bodhisattvas, Kapalikas, Kinnaras, Lokapalas, Munis, Nagas, Pasupatas, Rsis, Siddhas, Valakhilyas, Vasus, and Vidyadharas). The possibilities of interaction and the diversity of their nature are thus limitless even if certain typologies of quests, contestations and conflicts at times repeat, such as the deceptive wife or paramour; the cursed brahmin or warrior seeking escape from a lower existence through atonement and penance; the lovesick mortal or semi-divine in pursuit of his/her love interest and the outcomes of such amorous pursuits etc. Ultimately good invariably confronts wickedness and wisdom takes on stupidity or cleverness encounters gormlessness, even if the primary purpose of the story is not to preach but to entertain. The stories are set in the real and fabled cities of an ancient landscape (including Pataliputra, Vetasa, Mathura, Ayodhya, Ujjayini, Varanasi, Kausambi), sacred mountains, earthly pleasure gardens and celestial heavens, as well as the deep forest of the Vindhyas, are quite evocative, and often transport one to a very different lived and imagined experience.
Upakosa and her suitors; the courtesan who fell in love; the city of unchaste women, Niscayadatta subdues a Yaksini; the courtesan's tricks; the three fastidious Brahmins; the false ascetic, and, King Brahmadatta and the golden swans are some of the many engaging stories in the collection.
In summation, I really enjoyed this eleventh century Sanskrit classic - The Ocean of the Sea of Story - that brings together tales of various genres from 18 different books in an ancient landscape and a vast cast of mortals, the semi-celestial and celestial. Though not meant to be moralistic and preachy a certain ethical framework permeates these, even as fate & karma determine many outcomes. The excellent translation transports one to a very different lived and imagined landscape and is truly evocative. This significant collection of cycles of stories of course influenced many important pieces of world literature that came later, such as the Arabian Nights.
August 10, 2023
This collection of tales is, for the most part. more than a thousand years old. The publication of this collection dates back to AD 1050. The amazing thing is that some of the tales were familiar to me from past reading: One was expanded by Thomas Mann into his novelette The Transposed Heads, and a number of the tales were published by Sir Richard F. Burton as Vikram and the Vampire, where I read them a number of years ago.
Tales from the Kathasaritsagara is so ancient that it is not just part of Indian culture, but of world culture as well. It's also a fun read, very much like the Tales from the Arabian Nights.
Tales from the Kathasaritsagara is so ancient that it is not just part of Indian culture, but of world culture as well. It's also a fun read, very much like the Tales from the Arabian Nights.
February 10, 2020
Indian mythological stories are centuries old. Most traveled by word of mouth. The oral format met with a change in spoken language and changed its structure again. The preservation of stories in script occurred much late. Sadly, many scriptures are lost in time or remain unreadable to today’s generation.
A few centuries ago, we humans started to translate ancient scriptures and hence now many books are available for readers.
Kathasaritasagar by Somadeva is an ocean of stories, which has influenced the global storytelling culture. Be it The Arabian nights or the Grimm’s.
The stories in this book are retold from ten of the eighteen books of the original Kathasaritasagara. The most remarkable feature of the Kathasaritasagara is that unlike other texts of the time, it offers no moral conclusions, no principles to live by and is throughout a celebration of earthly life. It exhibits stories with joy, sorrow, triumphs, defeat, petty desires and noble aspirations. The characters in the stories here are not in search of moksha, rather they seek money, power, and success.
The narration is peeling layers of the stories until reaching the gist if any. The frame of storytelling keeps moving from one plot to another. Keeping a link between stories.
If the readers are aware of Panchatantra stories or folklores that are centuries old, you might find a few of them in the book.
The narration is complex for many readers yet this is simplified if we go for Indian epics and slokas. Repetition of a few stories would help the reader to understand interlinkage.
The foreword by Wendy Doniger adds beauty to the research and her stimulus can be seen in translator, Arshia Sattar’s work.
A book that mythology enthusiast would appreciate.
A few centuries ago, we humans started to translate ancient scriptures and hence now many books are available for readers.
Kathasaritasagar by Somadeva is an ocean of stories, which has influenced the global storytelling culture. Be it The Arabian nights or the Grimm’s.
The stories in this book are retold from ten of the eighteen books of the original Kathasaritasagara. The most remarkable feature of the Kathasaritasagara is that unlike other texts of the time, it offers no moral conclusions, no principles to live by and is throughout a celebration of earthly life. It exhibits stories with joy, sorrow, triumphs, defeat, petty desires and noble aspirations. The characters in the stories here are not in search of moksha, rather they seek money, power, and success.
The narration is peeling layers of the stories until reaching the gist if any. The frame of storytelling keeps moving from one plot to another. Keeping a link between stories.
If the readers are aware of Panchatantra stories or folklores that are centuries old, you might find a few of them in the book.
The narration is complex for many readers yet this is simplified if we go for Indian epics and slokas. Repetition of a few stories would help the reader to understand interlinkage.
The foreword by Wendy Doniger adds beauty to the research and her stimulus can be seen in translator, Arshia Sattar’s work.
A book that mythology enthusiast would appreciate.
March 13, 2020
These are some of the most ancient tales in existence, and the framework is cleverly set up. You can lose yourself, story within story, until you no longer remember which frame you are in. Much is made of the fact that these stories are not 'moralistic' - they are in the nature of folktales and riddles, populated by a wide variety of characters, where a monkey is as likely to be a hero as a prince is.
This is why I have given it 3 stars. I took away 2 stars because of the extreme misogyny of some of the stories. Women are either wickedly lustful and meet a bad end, or stupidly pious and justly rewarded. They are often depicted as fickle, disloyal, and untrustworthy. Men often have multiple wives, and yet the reverse is never okay.
This attitude is a reflection of the time period within which these stories were told and circulated, but it didn't make for very pleasant reading. I sure am glad I didn't live in those times.
This is why I have given it 3 stars. I took away 2 stars because of the extreme misogyny of some of the stories. Women are either wickedly lustful and meet a bad end, or stupidly pious and justly rewarded. They are often depicted as fickle, disloyal, and untrustworthy. Men often have multiple wives, and yet the reverse is never okay.
This attitude is a reflection of the time period within which these stories were told and circulated, but it didn't make for very pleasant reading. I sure am glad I didn't live in those times.
March 15, 2020
A book that is wonderful for young readers so that they got to know more about our god's stories like Shiva and Parvati.this book is full of our cultural values and knowledge .it also introduced them to a all new world of Sanskrit literature .
February 17, 2020
The Kathāsaritsāgara ("Ocean of the Streams of Stories") is a famous 11th-century collection of Indian legends, fairy tales and folk tales as retold in Sanskrit by a Shaiva named Somadeva. The stories in this book are retold from 10 of the 18 books of the original Kathasaritasagara.
Mythology is a vast topic and there is so much to read and learn and this book was one such experience for me. I barely knew the stories here.
This made me ponder how little we know about our culture and our mythology.
Mythology is a vast topic and there is so much to read and learn and this book was one such experience for me. I barely knew the stories here.
This made me ponder how little we know about our culture and our mythology.
March 1, 2024
Composed about a thousand years back, though it’s said to have been in circulation much earlier in India .
Full of sentences like : ‘moved like a wave of beauty tossed by the winds of youth’ and ‘ knowledge of weapons is useless to a coward in battle’ . Ha ha .
That said, I wish there were more cowards around when I see the morons in Gaza butchering each other these these days . Beauty and winds of youth tossing along are fine , though . Silly , but harmless enough !
Full of sentences like : ‘moved like a wave of beauty tossed by the winds of youth’ and ‘ knowledge of weapons is useless to a coward in battle’ . Ha ha .
That said, I wish there were more cowards around when I see the morons in Gaza butchering each other these these days . Beauty and winds of youth tossing along are fine , though . Silly , but harmless enough !
February 26, 2025
Nice, fun read. Ancient, lost stories. Pity much of it is lost, but glad at least parts of it are still available. A bit of misogyny and misandry. Vikram and Betal and a bit of panchatantra also seem to be part of this massive collection.
December 4, 2023
Arshia Sattar is one of my favourite authors. This is one of the first books she had translated. Very interesting set of stories. It was like a bowl of spaghetti, story within a story ...a complex mix. This did make the reading challenging but fascinating at the same time. Full of metaphors and simple insights, this is a great compilation.
January 2, 2023
Indian Mythology is so varied and vibrant and this collection translated by Arshia Sattar has made the tales more accessible for the 21st century reader. In eleventh century Kashmir, amidst the violence and bloodshed all around, Somadeva composed his tales for the Queen Suryamati, a princess of Jalandhara and wife of King Ananta of Kashmir. This collection is further divided into ten categories, ranging from the tales of the married life of Shiva and Parvati, to the stories included in the Panchatantra and stories of the reigns of the various Indian kings.
When I say, I do not remember reading a more diverse collection of stories laden with fantasy elements of demons and talking fishes to stories of housewives and seduction. Where Kathasaritsagara wins as a piece of fiction was that it was written masterfully just for entertainment purposes in an age where stories were religious and needed to provide a strong moral conclusion. Gods often play important roles in stories like the ones in Greek and Roman Mythology, and the presence of the Hindu Gods might primarily consider it as a Hindu text, but Kathasaritsagara is anything but religious in its tone. Stories of love and lust, wins and defeats, joys and sorrows and of simply celebrating life have been composed by Somadeva and which went on to inspire the world about the pleasures of storytelling.
The stories chosen by Sattar provide an entire overview of the huge collection of stories in the original text compiled in Sanskrit at about 300 pages. Her Indianness is quintessential in her translation and showcases the beauty of upholding the true essence of the stories. "Tales from Kathasaritsagara" will be appreciated by Mythology lovers and by all who seek to read a good story.
When I say, I do not remember reading a more diverse collection of stories laden with fantasy elements of demons and talking fishes to stories of housewives and seduction. Where Kathasaritsagara wins as a piece of fiction was that it was written masterfully just for entertainment purposes in an age where stories were religious and needed to provide a strong moral conclusion. Gods often play important roles in stories like the ones in Greek and Roman Mythology, and the presence of the Hindu Gods might primarily consider it as a Hindu text, but Kathasaritsagara is anything but religious in its tone. Stories of love and lust, wins and defeats, joys and sorrows and of simply celebrating life have been composed by Somadeva and which went on to inspire the world about the pleasures of storytelling.
The stories chosen by Sattar provide an entire overview of the huge collection of stories in the original text compiled in Sanskrit at about 300 pages. Her Indianness is quintessential in her translation and showcases the beauty of upholding the true essence of the stories. "Tales from Kathasaritsagara" will be appreciated by Mythology lovers and by all who seek to read a good story.
May 30, 2022
The book has catchy cover. I read the blurb and introduction and immediately fell in love with this book. Kathasaritsagara was composed by Somdeva in elevanth century in Kashmir. It was originally written in Sanskrit. It consists of some fresh stories. Stories that started from Shiva narrating a new story to Parvati. Following by stories by Vararuchi. The stories are woven in stories closely. So I had to pay keen attention not to miss anything. I liked the story how Patliputra was founded. The book also includes stories that have Lanka and Vibhishana too. Author has also included the story of Chanakya and how Chandragupta become king. I never heard of that story before. It’s quite interesting. The stories are divided in sections such as Kathapitha, Kathamukha, Shaktiyashas, etc. The stories include priests, monks, animals, kings, brahmins, housewives, merchants, rakshashas, pishachs, animals, gods, cities and forests too. The tales are so interesting that you can hardly resist reading them. Once you pick this book up, you can’t put it down. I liked the language and vocabulary used by the author. Author translated majority but left few words that are Sanskrit but used in English too. The narration style of the author is captivating. It’s like watching a movie. All the tales are so interesting and I haven’t heard them before. A must read for mythology lovers. Strongly recommended from my side.
February 2, 2020
This book is a collection of mythological tales from Kathasaritsagara which was written by Somadeva in AD 1070,so tales are originally written in Sanskrit and translated later in various languages too.
It is saying that these tales are originally told by lord Shiv to mata Parvati, Once she told Siva that ' Tell me a story that is new and amusing. ' and how the story heard by Ganas of Shiva and Parvati cursed them and they took rebirth on earth and how other stories related to each one of them is really interesting and engaging too.There are lots of intresting stories regarding how some Rajya and things developed on earth.
Language is not so easy because of Sanskrit and Hindi words used in between.
It is not an easy read for everyone and recommend to those who love to read mythology.
It is saying that these tales are originally told by lord Shiv to mata Parvati, Once she told Siva that ' Tell me a story that is new and amusing. ' and how the story heard by Ganas of Shiva and Parvati cursed them and they took rebirth on earth and how other stories related to each one of them is really interesting and engaging too.There are lots of intresting stories regarding how some Rajya and things developed on earth.
Language is not so easy because of Sanskrit and Hindi words used in between.
It is not an easy read for everyone and recommend to those who love to read mythology.
September 10, 2021
Good stories. But only read it if you can handle the random slut shaming and misogyny in this book
September 26, 2024
The original author in Sanskrit Somadeva was a Kashmiri Shaivite Brahmin who lived in the eleventh century during the times of King Anantadeva. The book is said to behave been composed in around 1070 AD for the wife of King Anantadeva, Queen Suryamati. However Kathasaritsagara is only one part of the larger text called “Brihatkatha” written by Gunadhya, a mythical figure from Lord Shiva’s abode.
Arshia Sattar, a PhD holder in South Asian Languages and Civilizations from the University of Chicago, teaches Indian literature at several institutions in India and is contributes to several journals and magazines. She has been working with the Valmiki Ramayana for thirty five years.
Story Line:
The book is divided into 10 parts each consisting of many chapters that make one story each. The 10 parts Kathapitha, Kathamukha , Lavanaka, Madanamanchuka, Ratnaprabha, Alankaravati, Shaktiyashas, Shashankavati, Padmavati, Vishamashila are all interwoven around Naravahandatta, one of the seven eternal rulers of Vidhyadharas. They are entwined within each other in such a way that one story leads to another story and then another and another. Its like an endless thread of stories one within each other that have morals attached to each and every story at the end. The reader enjoys them while reading and imagining how ancient tales used to be narrated over bed time or by gurus to their disciples/students. At some point or the other, I am sure that the reader misses the point where he started and may have to go back to find the previous reference. Its such a complex web of stories that is exciting to sail through. Though there have been some stories taken from Panchatantra and Vikram Betaal, most of them might be new to the reader or never heard before, even from our grandparents. The best part is to know how Gods and Goddesses (particularly Shiva and Parvati) were part of the daily life of commoners as well as the elite across the country, as they very frequently interact with them whenever they are propitiated or wished. I started thinking as to whether Shiva and Parvati and other Gods were actually humans with some magical powers, who were worshipped as Gods later. In fact all Gods seemed to be Super Humans. Out of all, one story really surprised me to the core. This story in Alankaravati is about Sita and her two twin sons. Here Sita is said to have only one biological son called Lava with Rama. His twin brother Kush is said to be made by Valmiki out of the blades of Kush grass, later projected to the world as twin brothers born to Sita. This needs more research and facts brought out by experts. Definitely there must be some concrete evidence to prove this when such tale has been in circulation in the 11th century itself. Rest all stories seemed to be real folklores that bring out the real lifestyle, cultures and traditions of people and kings who lived in not so ancient times. Most of the morals of the stories are relevant even today and have great impact on today’s lifestyle of general public in the country.
Pros : The collection of stories have great significance and relevance to how society was functioning in those times. Though there is a mention of Chaturvarna system in force actively, there seemed to be no major hatred or exploitation by the upper castes over lower castes. Moreover, both good and bad people have been portrayed equally with relevant stories with morals ending in a tragedy for the bad ones. On the lighter note, one can find across the length of the book, scores of beautiful novel Hindu names for their new born sons and daughters. Also, I loved how Gods are portrayed as not the invisible ones but those who regularly interact and invite deserving mortals to their abodes to and fro. Wish it could be the same today also. This I think used to motivate those who were narrated these stories to be virtuous and pious in order to be in the good books of the powerful Gods and Goddesses.
Cons: There seems to be a lot of literature that belittles women throughout. Most of the stories are having some reference or the other to portray women as the lustful ones and those who were not faithful to their husbands or one man, but always luring other men for physical pleasures. This is very disturbing to a rational reader. Men on the other hand were shown as loyal to their wives and lovers but fought with each other just to win over their faith on their spouses. Was this the kind of society that existed at that time? Food for thought.
My rating : 2.5 out of 5
Arshia Sattar, a PhD holder in South Asian Languages and Civilizations from the University of Chicago, teaches Indian literature at several institutions in India and is contributes to several journals and magazines. She has been working with the Valmiki Ramayana for thirty five years.
Story Line:
The book is divided into 10 parts each consisting of many chapters that make one story each. The 10 parts Kathapitha, Kathamukha , Lavanaka, Madanamanchuka, Ratnaprabha, Alankaravati, Shaktiyashas, Shashankavati, Padmavati, Vishamashila are all interwoven around Naravahandatta, one of the seven eternal rulers of Vidhyadharas. They are entwined within each other in such a way that one story leads to another story and then another and another. Its like an endless thread of stories one within each other that have morals attached to each and every story at the end. The reader enjoys them while reading and imagining how ancient tales used to be narrated over bed time or by gurus to their disciples/students. At some point or the other, I am sure that the reader misses the point where he started and may have to go back to find the previous reference. Its such a complex web of stories that is exciting to sail through. Though there have been some stories taken from Panchatantra and Vikram Betaal, most of them might be new to the reader or never heard before, even from our grandparents. The best part is to know how Gods and Goddesses (particularly Shiva and Parvati) were part of the daily life of commoners as well as the elite across the country, as they very frequently interact with them whenever they are propitiated or wished. I started thinking as to whether Shiva and Parvati and other Gods were actually humans with some magical powers, who were worshipped as Gods later. In fact all Gods seemed to be Super Humans. Out of all, one story really surprised me to the core. This story in Alankaravati is about Sita and her two twin sons. Here Sita is said to have only one biological son called Lava with Rama. His twin brother Kush is said to be made by Valmiki out of the blades of Kush grass, later projected to the world as twin brothers born to Sita. This needs more research and facts brought out by experts. Definitely there must be some concrete evidence to prove this when such tale has been in circulation in the 11th century itself. Rest all stories seemed to be real folklores that bring out the real lifestyle, cultures and traditions of people and kings who lived in not so ancient times. Most of the morals of the stories are relevant even today and have great impact on today’s lifestyle of general public in the country.
Pros : The collection of stories have great significance and relevance to how society was functioning in those times. Though there is a mention of Chaturvarna system in force actively, there seemed to be no major hatred or exploitation by the upper castes over lower castes. Moreover, both good and bad people have been portrayed equally with relevant stories with morals ending in a tragedy for the bad ones. On the lighter note, one can find across the length of the book, scores of beautiful novel Hindu names for their new born sons and daughters. Also, I loved how Gods are portrayed as not the invisible ones but those who regularly interact and invite deserving mortals to their abodes to and fro. Wish it could be the same today also. This I think used to motivate those who were narrated these stories to be virtuous and pious in order to be in the good books of the powerful Gods and Goddesses.
Cons: There seems to be a lot of literature that belittles women throughout. Most of the stories are having some reference or the other to portray women as the lustful ones and those who were not faithful to their husbands or one man, but always luring other men for physical pleasures. This is very disturbing to a rational reader. Men on the other hand were shown as loyal to their wives and lovers but fought with each other just to win over their faith on their spouses. Was this the kind of society that existed at that time? Food for thought.
My rating : 2.5 out of 5
August 30, 2022
The Kathasaritsagara, or the ocean of stories, was composed in Sanskrit by Somadeva in eleventh-century Kashmir.
I agree with Ms Arshia, the tales from the Kathasaritsagara have been largely ignored despite of parts of it like the Panchtantra and Vikram and Betaal stories are widely popular. This marvellous book comes in the picture to just change this fact and introduces us to the tales forgotten or ignored otherwise.
It's a continuous effort from Ms Sattar, of last thirty years when she started translating Somadeva's works from the Kathasaritsagara.
The book cover appears so gorgeous and lavish, instantly attracting me towards it. The book brings back nostalgic memories of childhood when we used to read the Panchtantra and Vikram-Betaal tales, though this book has a plethora of stories about our Gods and about priests, monks, gamblers, courtesans, kings and bandits, merchants and housewives, talking animals, divine and demonic beings. The translation is beautiful, leaving behind the commonly used terms such as rishi, muni, karma, dharma, ashrama intact for their beauty and that fact that they have already been adapted in English language as well. This book is one meant to be read by everybody. The stories are beautifully narrated and arranged in related sequence that makes the reading experience worthwhile.
I agree with Ms Arshia, the tales from the Kathasaritsagara have been largely ignored despite of parts of it like the Panchtantra and Vikram and Betaal stories are widely popular. This marvellous book comes in the picture to just change this fact and introduces us to the tales forgotten or ignored otherwise.
It's a continuous effort from Ms Sattar, of last thirty years when she started translating Somadeva's works from the Kathasaritsagara.
The book cover appears so gorgeous and lavish, instantly attracting me towards it. The book brings back nostalgic memories of childhood when we used to read the Panchtantra and Vikram-Betaal tales, though this book has a plethora of stories about our Gods and about priests, monks, gamblers, courtesans, kings and bandits, merchants and housewives, talking animals, divine and demonic beings. The translation is beautiful, leaving behind the commonly used terms such as rishi, muni, karma, dharma, ashrama intact for their beauty and that fact that they have already been adapted in English language as well. This book is one meant to be read by everybody. The stories are beautifully narrated and arranged in related sequence that makes the reading experience worthwhile.
December 9, 2022
Definitely not an 'unputdownable' book.
The description of gods and goddesses appearing before humans on Earth.. the way it is written as if it's a daily routine is quite unbelievable.( the book claims to have stories from 11th century).
This book can be read more as a moral story book.
Wouldn't recommend it as a serious read.
The description of gods and goddesses appearing before humans on Earth.. the way it is written as if it's a daily routine is quite unbelievable.( the book claims to have stories from 11th century).
This book can be read more as a moral story book.
Wouldn't recommend it as a serious read.
September 18, 2020
Tales from the Kathasaritsagara is a Sanskrit text, written by Somadeva, around 1070 CE and this retelling is translated from Sanskrit, to English by Rohini Chowdhury. 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘒𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘴𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘢, translates to ‘𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺’.
The story begins with Parvati demanding Shiva to tell her a story that no one has ever heard. Afterwards, begans a tale of wonder and amusement. As you'll read through it, you'll be amazed, shocked, bewildered, surprised and this book will continue to evoke in you these emotions throughout it. The book follows a story-within-a-story pattern. I warn you, for you need to be extremely focused while reading this book, otherwise you'll be lost between the pages of this book. I'm not joking, because this book really needs you to be focused while reading it, as it opens several stories within the ongoing stories. The half of the book narrates the adventures of a 𝘝𝘪𝘥𝘺𝘢𝘥𝘩𝘢𝘳 prince, 𝘕𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘢.
The english translation is vibrant. The writing style is engrossing and lucid. If you want to know how beautiful and wonderful is Sanskrit Literature, then this is the book, you should begin with!
𝘒𝘢𝘳𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘬𝘢 was a sci-fi kind of story and although, I liked all the stories equally, this ought to be my most favourite one. I can't believe that a tale like this, written over almost thousand years ago, is similar to a modern sci-fi tale. Towards the end of the book, you'll get silly stories of silly people and these silly stories are as short as a paragraph. The stories behold humorous titles like 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘰𝘰𝘭 𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘔𝘪𝘹𝘦𝘥 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘯 𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘈𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘏𝘢𝘥 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘖𝘹, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘔𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘋𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘸, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦. I also liked these stories in particular as I read them laughing heartily. In the 12th chapter, you'll get something of Vikram and Vetala. But the thing is that the king's name, here, is not Vikram, but Trivikramasena.
I highly recommend this book to everyone!
The story begins with Parvati demanding Shiva to tell her a story that no one has ever heard. Afterwards, begans a tale of wonder and amusement. As you'll read through it, you'll be amazed, shocked, bewildered, surprised and this book will continue to evoke in you these emotions throughout it. The book follows a story-within-a-story pattern. I warn you, for you need to be extremely focused while reading this book, otherwise you'll be lost between the pages of this book. I'm not joking, because this book really needs you to be focused while reading it, as it opens several stories within the ongoing stories. The half of the book narrates the adventures of a 𝘝𝘪𝘥𝘺𝘢𝘥𝘩𝘢𝘳 prince, 𝘕𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘢.
The english translation is vibrant. The writing style is engrossing and lucid. If you want to know how beautiful and wonderful is Sanskrit Literature, then this is the book, you should begin with!
𝘒𝘢𝘳𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘬𝘢 was a sci-fi kind of story and although, I liked all the stories equally, this ought to be my most favourite one. I can't believe that a tale like this, written over almost thousand years ago, is similar to a modern sci-fi tale. Towards the end of the book, you'll get silly stories of silly people and these silly stories are as short as a paragraph. The stories behold humorous titles like 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘰𝘰𝘭 𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘔𝘪𝘹𝘦𝘥 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘯 𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘈𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘏𝘢𝘥 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘖𝘹, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘔𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘋𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘸, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦. I also liked these stories in particular as I read them laughing heartily. In the 12th chapter, you'll get something of Vikram and Vetala. But the thing is that the king's name, here, is not Vikram, but Trivikramasena.
I highly recommend this book to everyone!
February 20, 2020
The 'Tales from the Kathasaritasagara' is a collection of great stories written by Somadeva - A Kashmir Saivite who wrote them to entertain Queen Surya ATI, wife of the Kashmir Ruler during the eleventh century.
The original book written in Sanskrit is spread across 18 volumes of books. In this English translated version by #arshiasattar, we find stories from 10 of the 18 volumes.
Kathasaritasagara is not just a story written to appease someone, but it is an ageless collection of stories that do have an universal appeal. The magic of these stories are that they do not preach morals or ethics like the Panchatantra, but it does make you ponder deep into the characters and introspect the various situations and it's result in life.
The narration of the book is Complex as the stories, one after the other is woven together. Many of the times we find the story repetitive, yet once you read the book completely you will get the inner meaning. The English language is kept simple, but few of the Sanskrit words might confuse the beginners. However the book is extremely interesting and as a mom having read Kathasaritasagara, I believe I now have more stories to say to my little one.
The stories are made from histories, legends, myths, animal tales, folk tales, para-epic tales and so on. To sum it up, #kathasaritasagara is a book that celebrates all the living beings and their existence on the earth.
Publisher: @penguinindia @penguinclassics
Rating: 4 / 5
The original book written in Sanskrit is spread across 18 volumes of books. In this English translated version by #arshiasattar, we find stories from 10 of the 18 volumes.
Kathasaritasagara is not just a story written to appease someone, but it is an ageless collection of stories that do have an universal appeal. The magic of these stories are that they do not preach morals or ethics like the Panchatantra, but it does make you ponder deep into the characters and introspect the various situations and it's result in life.
The narration of the book is Complex as the stories, one after the other is woven together. Many of the times we find the story repetitive, yet once you read the book completely you will get the inner meaning. The English language is kept simple, but few of the Sanskrit words might confuse the beginners. However the book is extremely interesting and as a mom having read Kathasaritasagara, I believe I now have more stories to say to my little one.
The stories are made from histories, legends, myths, animal tales, folk tales, para-epic tales and so on. To sum it up, #kathasaritasagara is a book that celebrates all the living beings and their existence on the earth.
Publisher: @penguinindia @penguinclassics
Rating: 4 / 5
February 19, 2011
Kathasaritsagara ("ocean of the streams of stories") is a famous 11th-century collection of Indian legends, fairy tales and folk tales as retold by a Saivite Brahmin named Somadeva.
Nothing is known about the author other than that his father's name was Ramadevabatta. The work was compiled for the entertainment of the queen Suryamati, wife of king Anantadeva of Kashmir (r. 1063-81).
It consists of 18 books of 124 chapters and more than 21,000 verses in addition to prose sections. The principal tale is the narrative of the adventures of Naravahanadatta, son of the legendary king Udayana. A large number of tales are built around this central story, making it the largest existing collection of Indian tales. It notably also contains recensions of the Panchatantra in Book 10; and the Vetalapancavimsati or Baital Pachisi, in Book 12.
The Katha-sarit-sagara is generally believed to derive from Gunadhya's Brhat-katha, written in Paisachi dialect from the south of India. But the Kashmirian Brhat-katha from which Somadeva took inspiration may be quite different from the Paisachi one as there were two versions of the Brhat-katha extant in Kashmir, as well as the related Brhatkatha-sloka-samgraha of Buddhasvamin from Nepal. Like the Panchatantra, tales from this (or its main source book the Brhat-katha) travelled to many parts of the world.
Nothing is known about the author other than that his father's name was Ramadevabatta. The work was compiled for the entertainment of the queen Suryamati, wife of king Anantadeva of Kashmir (r. 1063-81).
It consists of 18 books of 124 chapters and more than 21,000 verses in addition to prose sections. The principal tale is the narrative of the adventures of Naravahanadatta, son of the legendary king Udayana. A large number of tales are built around this central story, making it the largest existing collection of Indian tales. It notably also contains recensions of the Panchatantra in Book 10; and the Vetalapancavimsati or Baital Pachisi, in Book 12.
The Katha-sarit-sagara is generally believed to derive from Gunadhya's Brhat-katha, written in Paisachi dialect from the south of India. But the Kashmirian Brhat-katha from which Somadeva took inspiration may be quite different from the Paisachi one as there were two versions of the Brhat-katha extant in Kashmir, as well as the related Brhatkatha-sloka-samgraha of Buddhasvamin from Nepal. Like the Panchatantra, tales from this (or its main source book the Brhat-katha) travelled to many parts of the world.
February 13, 2020
I was attracted towards Indian mythologies. The stories have travelled far & wide. Of everything I heard about them through elders in the family and the classic TV serials, I got more and more inquisitive.
Mythological stories were spread by the word of mouth in the olden days & slowly, different versions of it came as books. A lot of tales have been translated into different languages. Kathasaritasagar by Somadeva, a Penguin classic is a collection of such tales.
The original Kathasaritasagar has 18 books. The stories in this book are a retelling from 10 of those 18 original books. The narration is brilliant and I surprisingly didn't find the book to be preachy. The characters are bold & tell stories of joy, win, sorrow, triumph.
A new reader might find it tough to get through the stories & may find them repetitive, but, when you read it completely you will understand the relation & how they are interlinked. I liked reading the stories & would like to retell them to Tia sometime.
I'd rate this one a 4.5/5 read & it is a must read for people who find joy in reading mythology.
March 15, 2020
Let's accept is Indian mythology is complicated. There are stories within stories. Each prime character has a bunch of experiences that give moral tales, and ability to learn, for generations to come.
Kathasaritsagara by Somadeva is often known as the Ocean of stories or the ocean of the streams of story. It is legacy but complicated to understand if we read Sanskrit verses. No wonder the book has been translated multiple times, the tales are fascinating.
This book a Puffin Classic adapted and retold by Rohini Chowdhury shines here especially for the simplification.
The book comes in 2 parts. The first part shows how the Katha Sarit Sagara came into origin with Shiva telling a story to Parvati and cascade of events that lead to the propagation of the story worldwide.
The second part has the main tales of Kathasaritsagara which are around Prince Naravahanadatta and his journey of becoming the emperor of all the vidyadharas.
I would have loved to see illustrations in this children's book.
Being a Children's lit it's apt for 10+ years old. Yet recommended for readers of all ages.
Kathasaritsagara by Somadeva is often known as the Ocean of stories or the ocean of the streams of story. It is legacy but complicated to understand if we read Sanskrit verses. No wonder the book has been translated multiple times, the tales are fascinating.
This book a Puffin Classic adapted and retold by Rohini Chowdhury shines here especially for the simplification.
The book comes in 2 parts. The first part shows how the Katha Sarit Sagara came into origin with Shiva telling a story to Parvati and cascade of events that lead to the propagation of the story worldwide.
The second part has the main tales of Kathasaritsagara which are around Prince Naravahanadatta and his journey of becoming the emperor of all the vidyadharas.
I would have loved to see illustrations in this children's book.
Being a Children's lit it's apt for 10+ years old. Yet recommended for readers of all ages.
Read
March 24, 2020Kathasaritasagara, by Roshni Chowdhury, is a delightful collection of stories for young readers. These stories depict and highlight our rich cultural heritage and many classical sanskrit literature.
This book is about kings and queens, demons and demigods, palaces and gardens, magic pots and automatons made of wood. This book is like a fairytale, where everything seems like a fantasy yet real.
This book is about faithful servants, noble and kind kings, beautiful queens and brave sons. A beautiful and amusing read, sure enough to entertain and enchant young readers. Ideal for kids aged 10 and above. As there are certain words that night he difficult for the kids to read and understand.
This book is about perseverance, about believing in yourself, about trusting others with your life, about seeing the good in everything and everyone and most important, about patience and hard work to achieve something. It is a very good example to prove to the kids that if you set your mind to achieve something, you most certainly will. I think more than my daughter, I enjoyed reading this book.
This book is about kings and queens, demons and demigods, palaces and gardens, magic pots and automatons made of wood. This book is like a fairytale, where everything seems like a fantasy yet real.
This book is about faithful servants, noble and kind kings, beautiful queens and brave sons. A beautiful and amusing read, sure enough to entertain and enchant young readers. Ideal for kids aged 10 and above. As there are certain words that night he difficult for the kids to read and understand.
This book is about perseverance, about believing in yourself, about trusting others with your life, about seeing the good in everything and everyone and most important, about patience and hard work to achieve something. It is a very good example to prove to the kids that if you set your mind to achieve something, you most certainly will. I think more than my daughter, I enjoyed reading this book.
February 18, 2020
Kathasaritasagara is said to be
adopted from Guṇāḍhya's Brihatkatha (source : Wikipedia) and compiled and retold by Somadeva in sanskrit.
The book contains string of stories weaved and integrated into each other, the book starts with Goddess Parvati cursing Lord Shiva's guna Pushpadanta for eve's dropping and ends up cursing gana Malyavan for trying to protect Pushpadanta and the story takes off from there.
All the stories are intertwined and is an extremely interesting read.
I enjoyed reading this book and this book was part of several of our dinner table discussions.
It's an easy read and a good one if you enjoy reading mythology.
Kathasaritasagara was originally said to be written in Paiśācī, which is unfortunately a lost and a dead language.
I give this book 4 out of 5, would have given it a 5 if I had any information/confirmation on the authenticity of Somadeva's writing 👍🏼 (Book was translated in Sanskrit, would have been great if we had access to the book in it's original form)
adopted from Guṇāḍhya's Brihatkatha (source : Wikipedia) and compiled and retold by Somadeva in sanskrit.
The book contains string of stories weaved and integrated into each other, the book starts with Goddess Parvati cursing Lord Shiva's guna Pushpadanta for eve's dropping and ends up cursing gana Malyavan for trying to protect Pushpadanta and the story takes off from there.
All the stories are intertwined and is an extremely interesting read.
I enjoyed reading this book and this book was part of several of our dinner table discussions.
It's an easy read and a good one if you enjoy reading mythology.
Kathasaritasagara was originally said to be written in Paiśācī, which is unfortunately a lost and a dead language.
I give this book 4 out of 5, would have given it a 5 if I had any information/confirmation on the authenticity of Somadeva's writing 👍🏼 (Book was translated in Sanskrit, would have been great if we had access to the book in it's original form)
February 13, 2020
The 'Kathasaritasagara' -The ocean of stories ' is a collection of stories which is said to have been compiled by a Kashmiri Saivite Brahmin called Somadeva for the queen who ruled Kashmir in 11th century. The most remarkable feature of this is that unlike other texts of the time, it offers no moral conclusions, no principles to live by and is throughout a celebration of earthly life. The stories in this book are retold from ten of the eighteen books of the original Kathasaritasagara.
Those timeless stories were originally in sanskrit which may not be heard by many of us today. But these stories requires such an updating even more than the other classics do. And such wonderful translation in English by Arshia Sattar gives it such a fresh voice which is easier to understand.
If you like reading or knowing about the mythology stories, but unable to because of the language or the right source, then you should definitely pick the book.
Those timeless stories were originally in sanskrit which may not be heard by many of us today. But these stories requires such an updating even more than the other classics do. And such wonderful translation in English by Arshia Sattar gives it such a fresh voice which is easier to understand.
If you like reading or knowing about the mythology stories, but unable to because of the language or the right source, then you should definitely pick the book.
February 13, 2020
Somdeva's "Tales from the Kathasaritasagara" is a vast collection of stories, fairytales and fantasy.
The stories in this book are retold from ten of the eighteen books of the original Kathasaritasagara. A very lovely collection of magical stories about vidhyadharas, curses, rebirths, gods and sages. As an aspiring writer i really loved the vocabulary of the book, it's a little complex for a newbie reader but very well goes with the flow. The stories inside the stories sometimes gets very confusing and you have really trace back to understand who started telling what story. 😉
How it is different from the other story collections of its times is? unlike the stories of panchatantra etc, it doesn't tell you the way to live or doesn't set a standard for good or bad. The stories usually end without telling you what is right or wrong and leaves it on your own to decide. I would definitely suggest if you are love fantasy.
The stories in this book are retold from ten of the eighteen books of the original Kathasaritasagara. A very lovely collection of magical stories about vidhyadharas, curses, rebirths, gods and sages. As an aspiring writer i really loved the vocabulary of the book, it's a little complex for a newbie reader but very well goes with the flow. The stories inside the stories sometimes gets very confusing and you have really trace back to understand who started telling what story. 😉
How it is different from the other story collections of its times is? unlike the stories of panchatantra etc, it doesn't tell you the way to live or doesn't set a standard for good or bad. The stories usually end without telling you what is right or wrong and leaves it on your own to decide. I would definitely suggest if you are love fantasy.
March 29, 2020
Katha-sarit-sagara by Somadeva is the Ocean of the streams of story- A classic work of Sanskrit literature that is full of memorable characters.
The stories from this book is adapted and retold by Rohini Chowdhury.
This book is divided into 2 parts.
Part 1: Parvati asks Lord Shiva to tell her a story that no one had ever heard before, where he told about adventures of seven Vidyadhara princess only to her but it is overheard and it came down to earth and spread wide across throughout the world.
Part 2 : It is the main tales of Katha-sarit-sagara where it has the adventures journey of Prince Naravahanadatta and how he became an emperor of the Vidyadharas, story of kind hearted Jimutavahana and many more short tales within the stories.
You read and enjoy the tales as the narration is easy to understand to retell its stories in oral form to our children's.
Age recommended for 10 years and up.
The stories from this book is adapted and retold by Rohini Chowdhury.
This book is divided into 2 parts.
Part 1: Parvati asks Lord Shiva to tell her a story that no one had ever heard before, where he told about adventures of seven Vidyadhara princess only to her but it is overheard and it came down to earth and spread wide across throughout the world.
Part 2 : It is the main tales of Katha-sarit-sagara where it has the adventures journey of Prince Naravahanadatta and how he became an emperor of the Vidyadharas, story of kind hearted Jimutavahana and many more short tales within the stories.
You read and enjoy the tales as the narration is easy to understand to retell its stories in oral form to our children's.
Age recommended for 10 years and up.
February 10, 2020
If you step in the OCEAN there is NO end as like if you read Katha-sarit-sagara it pulls you away as there is no obvious end to a story line. It is a famous 11th-century collection of stories from 18 volumes which has the story of Indian legends, fairy tales and folk tales ie retold in Sanskrit by Kashmiri Saivite Brahmin named Somadeva.
The stories in this book are retold from 10 of the 18 books originally. You can find the stories of Indra and Ahalya, Chanakya, formation of Pataliputra and sage Valmiki creating Kusa from a blade of grass is amusing.
One story sure to catch everybodys attention is that of King Vikrama and the Vampire.
Here the language is difficult as it maintained the essence of origin stories.
I would recommend this book for higher age group who are interested in reading Indian mythology. .
The stories in this book are retold from 10 of the 18 books originally. You can find the stories of Indra and Ahalya, Chanakya, formation of Pataliputra and sage Valmiki creating Kusa from a blade of grass is amusing.
One story sure to catch everybodys attention is that of King Vikrama and the Vampire.
Here the language is difficult as it maintained the essence of origin stories.
I would recommend this book for higher age group who are interested in reading Indian mythology. .
September 1, 2008
Stories that have come down from original Indian myths and tales that were originally passed along by word-of-mouth, later compiled in Sanscrit by the supposed author, Somaveda. The literary structure is as "frame" stories where one story leads to another, and so forth. These stories where the predecessor to well known stories such as the Arabian Nights, the Decameron, Caterbury Tales, etc., which employ the same literary strategy.
These stories do not have religious underpinnings, but there is evidence of Buddhist belief (e.g., reincarnation), and many of the stories do have a moral point. Mostly though they are to be read for enjoyment, and introduction to a culture from which much western thought can be identified.
These stories do not have religious underpinnings, but there is evidence of Buddhist belief (e.g., reincarnation), and many of the stories do have a moral point. Mostly though they are to be read for enjoyment, and introduction to a culture from which much western thought can be identified.
February 13, 2020
SOMADEVA
Tales from the Kathasaritasagara
Kathasaritasagara is the vast ocean of stories which was originally written by a Kashmiri Saivite Brahmin called Somadeva in AD 1070. The stories in this book are retold from ten of the eighteen books of the original Kathasaritasagara and translated to make narration easy as to reach many readers by Arshia Sattar.
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As like mythology stories this too offers no moral conclusions, no principles to live by and it's throughout a celebration of earthly life.
The stories tell us human psychology, both of men and women and how not to behave like some people who went for lust and luxuries at young age and lost out on the balance of their life.
Page count :264
Rating : 4.1/5
Tales from the Kathasaritasagara
Kathasaritasagara is the vast ocean of stories which was originally written by a Kashmiri Saivite Brahmin called Somadeva in AD 1070. The stories in this book are retold from ten of the eighteen books of the original Kathasaritasagara and translated to make narration easy as to reach many readers by Arshia Sattar.
.
As like mythology stories this too offers no moral conclusions, no principles to live by and it's throughout a celebration of earthly life.
The stories tell us human psychology, both of men and women and how not to behave like some people who went for lust and luxuries at young age and lost out on the balance of their life.
Page count :264
Rating : 4.1/5
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February 20, 2020This book is all about earthly beings and thier zest for noble aspirations, money, lust and power.
The vast number of stories which are interlinked might make you go back to check who started what. But these stories doesn't preach. There are no conclusions, no principles and no preach on what is good or bad.
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Though translated one, yet it holds the essence and the dialect of Sanskrit here and there, which might be difficult for some to understand.
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Few of my favorite stories are Formation of Pataliputra, vikram and the Vampire, The Courtesan's Tricks, Madanamancuka.
If you are a Mythology buff like I am, then this book among the rare gems which is worth re-reading. I am definitely going for the round two of reading as reading once is not just enough for your book soul.
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