Tales from the Kathasaritsagara by Somadeva (Penguin Classics)

Description

“Tales from the Kathasaritsagara” is a classic collection of Indian stories compiled by Somadeva, a Kashmiri Brahmin scholar, in the 11th century. The title translates to “Ocean of Streams of Stories” in English. This work is a significant contribution to Sanskrit literature and is known for its vast array of tales, fables, and anecdotes.

The Kathasaritsagara is a retelling of an earlier work, the Brhatkatha, which is believed to have been composed by Gunadhya in Paisachi, a now-extinct language. Somadeva’s version consists of 22 books (kandas), each containing several stories. The tales are interconnected, with one story leading to another, creating a complex and intricate narrative structure.

The collection includes a variety of stories: adventure tales, romances, fables, fairy tales, and moral narratives. Many of the stories feature mythical beings, gods, goddesses, and legendary heroes. The narrative often weaves in elements of magic and fantasy, reflecting the rich storytelling traditions of ancient India.

One of the most famous stories from the Kathasaritsagara is the tale of King Vikramaditya and the Vetala, which involves a series of questions and answers between the wise king and a vampire-like spirit. This narrative has been retold in various forms across different cultures.

The Kathasaritsagara has had a profound influence on later Indian literature, and its stories have been adapted and retold in numerous languages and cultural contexts. The collection remains an essential text for those interested in the rich tapestry of Indian folklore, mythology, and storytelling traditions.