Author: Mahaling Bhat, Editor: N Thirumaleshwara Bhat

The Vāsavadattā by Subandhu and the Līlāvati Prabandham by Nēmicandra are two renowned Campū Kāvyas (epic poem) in Kannada, which can be traced back to the early half of 700 BCE. K Mahalinga Bhat published a comprehensive analysis of the epic poems in 1966, situating the original works in their cultural and historical contexts. This book highlights the folk-tale motifs, the characterization and delineation of various Rasas, and analyzes the language of the epics. It also includes excerpts in Sanskrit from both works, accompanied by prose translations.

The original stories are characterized by the element of Śṙṅgāra (Romance). In this book, the aspect of romance in the narratives and the lives of the protagonists is seen through a contemporary lens. It highlights societal conditions and norms prevalent between 700 to 600 BCE in Vāsavadattā and Līlāvati Prabandham in a different light. This new edition compiled by N Thirumaleshwara Bhat draws attention to the relevance of epic poems today and the universality of their narrative.

Interested readers may write to us at mup@manipal.edu about purchasing the book.

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