Two tragic plays that break the rules: both show the hero dying on stage, a scenario forbidden in Sanskrit dramaturgy. King Harsha's play, composed in the seventh century, re-examines the Buddhist tale of a magician prince who makes the ultimate sacrifice to save a hostage snake ("naga"). The Shattered Thighs, attributed to Bhasa, the illustrious predecessor to ancient Kali dasa, transforms a crucial episode of the Maha bh rata war. As he dies from a foul blow to the legs delivered in his duel with Bhima, Dury--dhana's character is inverted, depicted as a noble and gracious exemplar amidst the wreckage of the fearsome battle scene.
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Two tragic plays that break the rules: both show the hero dying on stage, a scenario forbidden in Sanskrit dramaturgy. King Harsha's play, composed in the seventh century, re-examines the Buddhist tale of a magician prince who makes the ultimate sacrifice to save a hostage snake ("naga"). The Shattered Thighs, attributed to Bhasa, the illustrious predecessor to ancient Kali dasa, transforms a crucial episode of the Maha bh rata war. As he dies from a foul blow to the legs delivered in his duel with Bhima, Dury--dhana's character is inverted, depicted as a noble and gracious exemplar amidst the wreckage of the fearsome battle scene.
Imprint | New York University Press |
Country of origin | United States |
Series | Clay Sanskrit Library |
Release date | March 2009 |
Availability | Expected to ship within 12 - 17 working days |
First published | March 2009 |
Translators | Andrew Skilton |
Dimensions | 165 x 114 x 23mm (L x W x T) |
Format | Hardcover - Trade binding |
Pages | 380 |
ISBN-13 | 978-0-8147-4066-8 |
Barcode | 9780814740668 |
Categories | |
LSN | 0-8147-4066-9 |