Two plays of ancient India : The little clay cart, The minister's seal
J. A. B. van Buitenen (Translator, Writer of introduction), Śūdraka, Viśākhadatta
The central plot of The Little Clay Cart, ascribed to Sudraka (ca. A.D. 400), is devoted to the fortunes of Carudatta, a Brahmin with every appealing attribute of the romantic hero, and the delightful Vasantena, a courtesan whose beauty of person and character make her a fit match for Carudatta. Each in a different way is menaced by the villian Samsthanaka, and this primary plot is interwoven with subplots: a political revolt; the love affair of a Brahmin/burglar and a member of Vasantasena's household. Other characters include Maitreya, the confidant of Carudatta; a Libertine; the forces of the law; gamblers; a msseur who becomes a wandering monk. The play abounds in humor, including the Malapropian speech of Samsthanaka, and ends on a note of Buddhist compassion and charity
Print Book, English, 1968
Columbia University Press, New York, 1968