Description
Kathā Sarit Sāgara (Ocean of the Streams of Story), translated by Charles Henry Tawney in two volumes, is a vast 11th-century collection of Indian tales compiled by Somadeva. The work, framed as a narrative within a narrative, presents a rich tapestry of fables, legends, and moral stories, exploring themes of fate, love, wisdom, and virtue. Volume 1 introduces tales of kings, sages, and mystical beings, including the Vikram and Betal cycle. Volume 2 continues with more stories, deepening the exploration of morality and human nature. Tawney’s translation (1880-1884) is crucial for understanding ancient Indian culture, literature, and storytelling traditions.