By NNN-PTI,
New Delhi : Noted Kashmiri writer Kshemendra’s 11th century Sanskrit classic about the life and travels of a courtesan has now been translated into English.
Former diplomat A.N.D Haksar has translated the ‘Samaya Matrika,’ a satirical tale by Kshemendra about a courtesan living thousands of years ago and the social conditions prevailing then.
Releasing the book, ‘The Courtesan’s Keeper: Kshemendra’s Samaya Matrika- A Satire on Kashmir,’ in the capital, Haksar who has previously translated ten other Sanskrit books into English said, “It is unusual because there are only a few examples of satire in Sanskrit literature. The brilliance of original work and the fact that it had not been translated before, prompted me to take it up for translation.”
Sanskrit has long been considered a language of religion and philosophy, and an inherent part of Indian culture and it is heartening that there is renewed interest amongst people in the ancient language, said the former diplomat.
“As for Kashmir, I have chosen it as an example because of its long tradition of Sanskrit writing,” he said.
Describing the importance of Sanskrit, Haksar said in its time, it occupied in India a position similar to English today.
“It was the language of academic thought, higher learning, of culture and authority, and of elites across regional divide,” he said.
“Each of these faces reflected in its vast literature, though most of it is not too well known,” he added.