7th-Century Indian Books (Study Guide) - Ratnavali, Nagananda, Priyadarsika (Paperback)

This is nonfiction commentary. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Chapters: Ratnavali, Nagananda, Priyadarsika. Source: Wikipedia. Free updates online. Not illustrated. Excerpt: Ratnavali is a Sanskrit drama about a beautiful princess named Ratnavali, and a great king named Udayana. It is attributed to the Indian emperor Harsha (606 C.E. - 648 C.E.). It is a Natika in four acts. One of the first textual references to the celebration of Holi, the festival of Colours have been found in this text . The astute minister Yougandharayana plans Udayana's marriage with Ratnavali, the daughter of Vikramabahu. This plan is motivated by a sage's prediction that the person who would marry her would become a Sarvabhauma (emperor). But Udayana is already married to Vasavadatta, who happens to be Vikramabahu's niece. Naturally, Vikramabahu rejects Yougandharayana's plan for fear of wounding Vasavadatta's feelings. Yougandharayana then spreads a rumour that Vasavadatta has died in a fire at Lavanaka. After hearing this, Vikramabahu agrees to the marriage of Ratnavali to Udayana. The marriage takes place with great pomp, but because of a custom, the bride and groom do not see each other's face clearly during the marriage, and can only see each other after some traditional rites after they reach Kaushambi. Ergo, after the marriage, the couple are escorted back to Kaushambi in a ship. Unfortunately the ship wrecked on the way. Udayana is rescued and is taken back to Kaushambi. Ratnavali is also rescued, but in a separate path, by a merchant and brought to Kaushambi. Yougandharayana comes to know of her rescue, puts her in Vasavadatta's custody renaming her as Sagarika, without disclosing her identity as the princess. Once, in the cupid festival, Sagarika sees Udayana, but does not recognize him as her husband. She is wonder-struck by his beau...More: http: //booksllc.net/?id=430452