The Hitopadesa of Narayana

by A.N.D. Haksar

One of the best-known Sanskrit classics, Narayana's Hitopadesa is a fascinating collection of animal and human fables augmented with polished verse epigrams and gnomic stanzas, amny of which have become proverbial. This satirical, often irreverent and sometimes ribald text has been popular for centuries as a compendium of worldly advice on matters ranging from statesmanship and detailed battleplans to personal conduct and marital fidelity. It has also served generations of students as a model of grammatical and metaphorical excellence.Combining his own literary genius with skilful selections and modifications of material from the Pancatantra and a host of other traditional sources, Narayana has created a refreshingly original masterpiece. this excellent new translation faithfully renders the wit and wisdom of the original.

About the Author:

ADITYA NARAYAN DHAIRYASHEEL HAKSAR has translated various classics from the Sanskrit, including the stories of the Pancatantra, the plays of Bhasa and Dandin's Dasa Kumara Caritam.