Somadeva was a Kashmiri Saivite Brahmin, who states he was the court poet of King Anantadeva of Kashmir, and the son of a Brahmin called Ramadevabhatta. Somadeva's collection of stories was intended for Queen Suryavati's entertainment. Since then, his stories have gained acclaim all around the world.
Rohini Chowdhury is a children's writer and established literary translator. As a children's writer, she has more than twenty books and several short stories to her credit. Her published writing is in both English and Hindi and covers a wide spectrum of literary genres including novels, short fiction, comics, and non-fiction. As a literary translator, her primary languages are pre-modern (Braj Bhasha and Avadhi) and modern (Khari Boli) Hindi, and English. Her translations include the seventeenth century Braj Bhasha text Ardhakathanak, widely regarded as the first autobiography in an Indian language, into modern Hindi and into English. Her literary interests include mythology, folklore, mathematics and history.
She runs a story website at www.longlongtimeago.com.
Do you know the story of Phalabhuti, who narrowly escaped a grisly fate?
Or of the kind-hearted Jimutavahana, who was willing to give his life to save a snake from death?
Or of young Shringabhuja, who married a rakshasa's daughter?
These are just some of the many tales that make up Somadeva's Kathasaritsagara, a classic work of Sanskrit literature that is full of memorable characters. Within the pages of this book, you will encounter demons and demi-gods, faithful guards and foolish villagers, golden swans, magic pots and even automatons made of wood! Adapted and wonderfully retold by Rohini Chowdhury, this is a timeless classic that will entertain and enchant readers everywhere.
Kathasaritsagara, as rendered by Rohini Chowdhury, is a delightful collection of short stories for young readers. It beautifully showcases our rich cultural heritage and the many treasures of classical Sanskrit literature.
