Gopalakelicandrika - A Krsna-Play by Ramakrsna (English, Sanskrit, Paperback, annotated edition)

The Gopalakelicandrika, a comparatively late Sanskrit text (17th Century) describes in dramatized form the traditional tale of the love of Krsna and Radha, and their meetings in the cowherd settlements near Yamuna. The first published edition of 1917 attracted little interest, probably due to the fact that it was in many places unintelligible. The only available manuscript had been transcribed several times from one Indian script to another, and mistakes had been made. That edition has long been out of print. However, a fresh collation of the manuscript in 1940 by the present editor showed that on every page some better readings could be provided. This edition presents a restored and intelligible text, fully annotated. The characteristic features of the manuscript and some grammatical and lexicographical details are discussed. A unique aspect of the drama, which has aroused some dispute, is the question of for what kind of performance the drama was meant. All relevant evidence is discussed and a solution proposed.