October 10, 2009

King Mahendra's Bhagavad Ajjuka - 7th Century Farce from South India


This is the first edition of the first English translation (with the text) of this Sanskrit play by King Mahendra, one of the most famous kings of the Pallava dynasty of 7th century South India.

In this farce, a holy man tries to explain the human soul to a disciple but accidentally transfers his own soul into the body of a recently dead courtesan.

Published in Madras by The Christian Literature Society in 1978, this hardcover book is 126 pages long and in excellent vintage condition. The binding is firm and the pages are clear and unmarked. The only signs of wear are to the dust jacket (several small tears, the largest a 1" one at the lower front corner) and the edges and corners of the cover.

Complete notes and commentary are included. The book measures approximately 8-5/8" x 5-3/4" x 1/2".

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