A.N.D. Haksar's translation of the short tale Madhav & Kama: A Love Story from Ancient India is an interesting read for those interested in prose (or mostly prose) writings from the Sanskrit language. While differing from the literary standards of Dandin or works like Kadambari for its simplistic plot structure and avoidance of the excessively descriptive passages, the author of the original manuscript must have been aware of the earlier romance narratives in Sanskrit literature. Madhavanala Kamakandala Katha, unfortunately, lacks the excitement or engaging stories of Dandin. Here, a brahmin and a courtesan fall in love, consummate their relationship, are separated after a king banishes Madhav, and reunited after King Vikramaditya defeats Kama Sena. With the exception of being more sensual and erotic than, say, ancient Greek romances, this tale reads like a weaker, less developed version of a romance, akin to Ephesian Tale. Because it is a story from several centuries ago, divinities and miraculous events happen, such as the resurrection of the two lovers. It also extolls the importance of caste and merit, for both are necessary for the ideal individual. Again, hardly a surprise. We will have to revisit this text after reading more Sanskrit texts.
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