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Dasakumaracharitam 
of Dandi 
(The Adventures of Ten Princes) 
 
Translated by  
P. W. Jacob 
 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
2 
 
Table of Contents 
TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE ............................................................................... 3 
PRONUNCIATION OF PROPER NAMES ........................................................... 6 
STORY BEGINS. ........................................................................................... 7 
ADVENTURES OF SOMADATTA ................................................................... 33 
ADVENTURES OF PUSHPODBHAVA ............................................................. 40 
FURTHER ADVENTURES OF RJAVHANA ................................................... 63 
ADVENTURES OF APAHRAVARMA ............................................................ 74 
ADVENTURES OF UPAHRAVARMA .......................................................... 113 
ADVENTURES OF ARTHAPLA ................................................................... 133 
ADVENTURES OF PRAMATI ....................................................................... 152 
ADVENTURES OF MITRAGUPTA ................................................................ 168 
ADVENTURES OF MANTRAGUPTA............................................................. 201 
ADVENTURES OF VISRUTA ........................................................................ 217 
LITERAL TRANSLATIONS ............................................................................ 242 
PROPER NAMES, ETC., OCCURRING IN THE TALES .................................... 251 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
3 
TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE 
 
The Sanskrit work entitled "Dasakumaracharitam, or the 
Adventures of Ten Princes," though printed more than 
twenty five years ago, has not, as far as I can ascertain, 
been translated into any European language. Many parts 
of it are written in such a turgid "Oriental" style, that a 
close translation would be quite unsuitable to the English 
reader. Such passages have therefore been much 
condensed; others, which are hardly decent or, as in the 
speech of the parasite in the last story, tedious and 
uninteresting, have been omitted; but in general the 
original has been pretty closely adhered to, and nothing 
has been added to it.  
The exact date of the composition of the 
"Dasakumaracharitam" is not known. It is supposed to 
have been written about the end of the eleventh century, 
and was left unfinished by the author; but as the story of 
the last narrator is almost finished, not much could have 
been wanting to complete the work, and the reader may 
easily imagine what the conclusion would have been.  
Some of the incidents correspond with those of the 
"Arabian Nights," but the stories on the whole are quite 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
4 
different from anything found there, and give a lively 
picture of Hindoo manners and morals. Unscrupulous 
deception, ready invention, extreme credulity and 
superstition, and disregard of human life, are strongly 
illustrated.  
The belief in the power of penance, which was supposed 
to confer on the person practicing it not merely personal 
sanctity, but even great supernatural powers, was very 
generally entertained among the Hindoos, and is often 
alluded to here; as is also transmigration, or the birth of 
the soul after death in a new body, human or brute. 
Sufferings or misfortunes are attributed to sins committed 
in a former existence, and in more than one story two 
persons are supposed to recollect having many years 
before lived together as husband and wife.  
Much use also is made of the agency of supernatural 
beings; for besides numerous gods, the Hindoos believe, 
or at least believed, in the existence of innumerable 
beings, in some degree immortal, but liable to be killed 
even by men, swarming in the air, generally invisible, but 
sometimes assuming a human or a more terrible form; 
occasionally beneficent, but more commonly injurious to 
human beings.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
5 
At the time when the original work was written, India 
appears to have been divided into a large number of small 
kingdoms or principalities, the rulers of which are here 
termed "Rja," a word almost adopted into our language, 
but which. I have rendered by the equivalent and more 
familiar term "King."  
The numerous uncouth names, which cannot well be 
shortened or translated, will, it is feared, cause some 
annoyance to the reader. As many as possible have been 
omitted, and of those which occur a list is given in the 
Appendix, together with a few terms which seemed to 
require explanation. This will save the reader the trouble 
of, referring, when a name recurs, to the place where it is 
first mentioned in order to find out to whom it belongs.  
The Appendix also contains a few pages of a very close 
literal translation, which will enable the reader to form 
some idea of the nature and style of the original, and to 
see how far it has been departed from in the preceding 
pages.  
P. W. J. 
GUILDFORD, December, 1872.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
6 
PRONUNCIATION OF PROPER NAMES 
The vowel __, is always to be pronounced as in father. 
The vowel a, as in America, or as u in dull, i in bird, &c. 
The vowel e, always as a in cake. 
The vowel __, as e in cede, or ee in reed. 
The vowel i, as in pin. 
The vowel __, as in flute. 
The vowel u, as in bull. 
Pati is therefore pronounced putty, &c. 
 
 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
7 
Story begins. 
 
 
There was formerly, in the most fertile part of India, a city 
called Pushpapuri, the capital of Magadha, magnificent as 
a mine of jewels, abounding in every kind of wealth, 
surpassing all other cities in splendour and prosperity.  
The sovereign of this city and country was Rjahansa, 
whose armies were formidable with countless elephants 
and horses, whose glory was unsullied as the moon in a 
cloudless sky, or the plumage of the swan, and whose 
fame was sung even by celestial minstrels. Though a 
terror to his enemies, he was beloved by all his subjects, 
and especially by the learned and pious brahmans, who 
were continually employed in prayers and sacrifices to the 
gods, for the welfare of the king and his people.  
The queen Vasumati was worthy of such a husband. She 
was of high birth and of a sweet temper, and so great was 
her beauty that it seemed as if the god of love had formed 
her for his own special delight, by uniting in her single 
person everything that is most beautiful in the world.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
8 
Among the king's counsellors were three appointed to the 
highest offices of state, men of great probity and 
intelligence, who had been long in his father's service and 
enjoyed his entire confidence. Their names were, 
Dharmapla, Padmodbhava, and Sitavarma.  
The first of these had three sons, Sumantra, Sumittra, and 
Kmapla; the second, two, Susruta and Ratnodbhava; 
and the last had also two, Sumati and Satyavarma.  
Of these sons the lastmentioned renounced worldly cares 
and employments, devoted himself to religious meditation, 
and leaving home as a pilgrim, travelled into many 
countries in order to visit the holy places which they 
contained.  
Kmapla was of an opposite character; he thought only 
of present pleasure, frequented the company of gamblers 
and harlots, and roamed about the world seeking 
amusement and dissipation.  
Ratnodbhava became a merchant, and in the way of traffic 
made many long journeys by land and sea. The other 
sons, after their fathers' death, succeeded to their offices, 
according to the custom of the country. When Rjahansa 
had reigned some years, war broke out between him and 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
9 
the king of the adjoining country of Mlwa, the haughty 
and ambitious Mnasra, whom he marched to encounter 
with a numerous army, making the earth tremble with the 
tread of his elephants, and disturbing even the dwellers in 
the sky with the clang of kettledrums louder than the roar 
of the stormy ocean.  
Both armies were animated by equal rage, and terrible 
was the battle; the ground where they met was first turned 
to dust by the wheels of the chariots and the trampling of 
men and beasts, and then into mud through the streams 
of blood which flowed from the slain and wounded.  
At last Rjahansa was victorious, the enemy was 
completely defeated, their king taken prisoner, and all 
Mlwa lay open to the conqueror. He, however, having no 
wish to enlarge his dominions, released his prisoner on 
very easy terms, and returning to Pushpapuri, thought 
only of governing his own kingdom in peace, not expecting 
after such generous treatment any further trouble from his 
ambitious neighbour.  
Though prosperous and happy in every other respect, the 
King of Magadha had one great cause of sorrow and 
anxietyhe had no son to succeed him. Therefore, at this 
time he made many prayers and offerings to Nryana the 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
10 
Creator of the World, who, having been thus propitiated, 
signified to the queen in a dream that she would bear a 
son; and not long afterwards her husband was gratified by 
the news of her pregnancy.  
When the proper time arrived the king celebrated the 
ceremony called Simanta1 with great magnificence, and 
invited several of the neighbouring kings to be present on 
the occasion; among them was the King of Mithila, with his 
queen, a great friend of Vasumatito congratulate whom 
she had accompanied her husband.  
One day after this, when the king was sitting in council 
with his ministers, he was informed that a certain 
venerable Yati was desirous to see him. On his admission 
the king perceived that he was one of his secret 
emissaries; dismissing, therefore, the rest of the 
counsellors, he withdrew to a private apartment, followed 
by one or two of his most confidential ministers and the 
supposed Yati. He, bowing down to the ground, said in 
answer to the king's inquiry, "In order the better to perform 
your Majesty's commands, I have adopted this safe 
disguise, and have resided for some time in the capital of 
                                                          
1
 A religious ceremony on behalf of a woman at a certain period of 
pregnancy 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
11 
Mlwa, from whence I now bring very important news. The 
haughty Mnasra, brooding over his defeat, unmindful of 
your generous forbearance, and only anxious to wipe off 
his disgrace, has been for a long time endeavouring to 
propitiate with very severe penance the mighty Siva, 
whose temple is at Mahkla, and he has so far 
succeeded that the god has given him a magic club, very 
destructive of life and conducive to victory."  
"Through this weapon, and the favour of Siva, he now 
thinks himself a match for you. He has for some time been 
strengthening his army, and will probably very soon 
invade this country. Your Majesty having received this 
information, will decide what ought to be done."  
On hearing this report the ministers consulted together 
and said to the king, "This enemy is coming against us 
favoured by the gods, and you cannot hope to resist him; 
we therefore advise that you should avoid fighting, and 
retire with your family and treasure to a strong fortress."  
Although they urged this advice with many reasons, it was 
not acceptable to the king, who determined to march at 
the head of his army against the invaders. When, 
however, the enemy had actually entered the country, the 
ministers succeeded in persuading their master to send 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
12 
away the queen and her attendants, and a part of the 
treasure, to a strong fortress in the forest of Vindhya, 
guarded by veteran soldiers.  
Presently the two armies met, the battle raged furiously, 
and Mnasra, eagerly seeking out his former conqueror, 
at last encountered his chariot. Wielding the magic club, 
with one blow he slew the charioteer and caused the king 
to fall down senseless.  
The horses being freed from control, suddenly turned 
round, dashed off at full speed from the field, and never 
stopped till, utterly exhausted, they had dragged the 
chariot with the still insensible king very near to the 
fortress to which the queen had retreated.  
Meanwhile, some of the fugitives from the battle, having 
reached the fortress, told the queen what had happened, 
and she, overwhelmed by grief at the death of her 
husband, determined not to survive him. Perceiving her 
purpose, the old brahmans and faithful counsellors, who 
had accompanied her, endeavoured, to dissuade her, 
saying, "O glorious lady, we have no certain information of 
the king's death: moreover, learned astrologers have 
declared that the child to be born of you is destined to 
become a mighty sovereign, therefore do not act rashly or 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
13 
end so precious a life while the least hope remains."  
Apparently influenced by these reasons, eloquently urged, 
the queen remained silent, and seemed to renounce her 
purpose, but at midnight, unable to sleep, and oppressed 
by intolerable grief, she rose up, and evading her sleeping 
attendants and the guards outside, went into the forest, 
and there, after many passionate lamentations and 
prayers that she might rejoin her beloved husband, she 
formed a rope by twisting a part of her dress, and was 
preparing to hang herself with it from the branch of a tree, 
very near to the place where the chariot was standing 
concealed by the thick foliage.  
Just then the king, revived by the cool night wind, 
recovered consciousness, and hearing his wife's voice, 
softly called her by name. She, hardly believing her 
senses for joy, cried out loudly for help, and soon brought 
to her assistance some of the attendants, who carried him 
gently into the fort, where his wounds were dressed and 
found not to be dangerous.  
After a short time, more of those who had escaped joined 
the king; and when he was sufficiently recovered, the 
charming Vasumati, instructed by the ministers, said to 
him, "All your dominions are lost except this fortress; but 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
14 
such is the power of fate; prosperity, like a bubble on the 
water, or a flash of lightning, appears and disappears in a 
moment. Former kings, Rmachandra and others, at least 
as great as yourself, were deprived of their kingdoms, and 
suffered for a long time the hardships of adversity; yet, 
through patience and perseverance and the will of fate, 
they were at last restored to all their former splendour. Do 
you therefore imitate them, and, laying aside all anxiety, 
devote yourself to prayer and meditation."  
To this advice the king gave ear, and went to consult a 
very celebrated rishi, Vmadeva, intending, under his 
directions, to engage in such penance as might lead to the 
accomplishment of his wishes.  
Having been well received by the holy man, he said to 
him: "O father, having heard of your great piety and 
wisdom, I have come hither for guidance and help in a 
great calamity. Mnasra, King of Mlwa, has overcome 
me, and now holds the kingdom which ought to be mine. I 
will shrink from no penance which you shall advise, if by 
such means I may obtain the favour of the gods, and be 
restored to my former power."  
Vmadeva, well acquainted with all past, present, and 
future events, thus answered him: "O friend, there is no 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
15 
need of penance in your case; only wait patiently; a son 
will certainly be born to you who will crush all your 
enemies and restore your fortunes." Then a voice was 
heard in the air, saying, "This is true."  
The king, fully believing the prophecy of the muni, thus 
miraculously confirmed, returned to the forest, resolved to 
await patiently the fulfilment of the promise; and shortly 
afterwards the queen brought forth a son possessing all 
good marks2, to whom his father gave the name of 
Rjavhana.  
About the same time also sons were born to his four 
ministers. They were named severally Pramati, 
Mitragupta, Mantragupta, and Visruta, and were brought 
up together with the young prince.  
Some time after the birth of these children, a certain muni 
brought a very beautiful boy to the king, and said: "Having 
gone lately into the forest to collect kusagrass3 and fuel, 
I met a woman, evidently in great distress. When I 
                                                          
2
 The Hindoos attach much importance to certain marks on the body, 
such as the lines on the hands, etc 
3
 Kusagrass, or kuskus, is used for strewing the floor of a sacrificial 
enclosure, for laying offerings on, and for other sacred uses. 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
16 
questioned her, she wiped away her tears, and told me, 
with a voice broken by sobs, that she was a servant of 
Prahravarma, King of Mithila that he, with his family, had 
gone to Pushpapuri, to be present at the Simanta festival 
of the queen, and had stayed there some time after the 
departure of the other guests; that at that time the King of 
Mlwa, furnished with a magic weapon, had invaded the 
country; that in the battle which ensued, Prahravarma 
had assisted his friend with the few soldiers who 
accompanied him, and had been taken prisoner, but had 
been liberated by the conqueror; that on his return he had 
been attacked in the forest by Bheels, and had repulsed 
them with difficulty. 'I and my daughter,' she continued, 
'who had charge of the king's twin children, were 
separated from the rest in the confusion, and lost our way 
in the forest. There we suddenly came upon a tiger. In my 
fright, I stumbled and fell, and dropped the child, which I 
was carrying, on the carcass of a cow with which the tiger 
had been engaged. At that moment an arrow struck and 
killed the tiger. I fainted away, and when I recovered, I 
found myself quite alone; my daughter had disappeared, 
and the child, as I suppose, was carried off by the Bheels, 
who shot the beast. After a time I was found by a 
compassionate cowherd, who took care of me till my 
wounds were healed; and I am now wandering about in 
the hope of finding the boy, and of hearing some tidings of 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
17 
my daughter and the other child.' After giving me this 
account, she went on her way again, and I, distressed that 
the son of your majesty's friend should be in such hands, 
determined to set out in search of him.  
"After some days I came to a small temple of Durg, 
where a party of Bheels were about to make the child an 
offering to the goddess, in the hope of obtaining success 
through her favour; and they were then deliberating in 
what manner they should kill him, whether by hanging him 
on the branch of a tree and cutting him to pieces with 
swords, or by partly burying him in the ground and 
shooting at him with arrows, or by worrying him with young 
dogs.  
"Then I went up to them very humbly, and said: 'O Kirtas, 
I am an old brahman; having lost my way in the forest, I 
laid down my child whom I was carrying, while I went 
away for a moment to try to find an opening out of the 
dense thicket; when I came back he was gone. I have 
been searching for him ever since; have you seen him?' 
'Is this your child?' said they. 'O yes!' I exclaimed. 'Take 
him, then,' they replied; 'we respect a brahman.' Thus I got 
possession of the boy, and, blessing them for their 
kindness, took him away as quickly as possible, and have 
now brought him here, thinking he will be best under your 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
18 
majesty's protection."  
The king, though grieved at the calamity of his friend, 
rejoiced that the child was saved from such a death; and 
giving him the name of Upahravarma, had him brought 
up as his own son.  
Not long after this, Rjahansa went to bathe at a holy 
place, and in returning, as he passed by a group of 
Chandlas, he observed a woman carrying a very 
beautiful boy. Being struck by the appearance of the child, 
he said "Where did you get this beautiful boy, who is like a 
king's son? Surely he is not your own child! pray tell me."  
She answered: "When the Bheels attacked and plundered 
the King of Mithila near our village, this child was picked 
up and brought to me by my husband, and I have taken 
care of him ever since."  
The king being convinced that this was the other child of 
his friend, the King of Mithila, by fair words and gifts 
induced the woman to give him up, and took him to the 
queen, giving him the name of Apahravarma, and 
begging her to bring him up with her own son.  
Soon afterwards, a disciple of Vmadeva brought a 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
19 
beautiful boy to the king, and said "As I was returning from 
a pilgrimage to Rmatirtha, I saw an old woman carrying 
this child, and asked her how she came to be wandering 
there. In answer to my questions, she told me her story, 
saying, 'I was the servant of a rich man, named Klagupta, 
living in the island of Klayavana, and I waited on his 
daughter Suvritta. One day a young merchant, named 
Ratnodbhava, son of a minister of the King of Magadha, 
arrived in the island, and having become acquainted with 
my master, he married his beautiful daughter.  
"'After some time, he was desirous of visiting his family, 
and being unwilling to leave behind his young wife, who 
was then not far from childbirth, he took her with him, and 
me as her nurse.  
"'We embarked on board a ship, and had at first a 
favourable voyage; but when approaching the land, we 
were overtaken by a storm, and a great wave broke over 
the ship, which went down almost immediately. I found 
myself in the water near my young mistress, and managed 
to support her till we got hold of a plank, by means of 
which we at last reached the shore. Whether my master 
was saved or not I do not know, but I fear that he perished 
with the rest of those on board, whom we never saw again.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
20 
"'The coast where we landed appeared to be uninhabited, 
and the poor lady, being unable to walk far, after much 
suffering of mind and body, gave birth to this child under a 
tree in the forest. I have just left her, in the hope of finding 
some village where I may obtain assistance; and by her 
wish I have brought the child with me, since she is 
incapable of taking care of it.'  
"The woman had hardly finished speaking when a wild 
elephant, breaking through the bushes, came suddenly 
upon us, and she was so frightened that she let the child 
fall, and ran away.  
"I hid myself behind a tree, and saw the elephant take up 
the child with his trunk, as if about to put it into its mouth. 
At that moment he was attacked by a lion, and let the child 
fall. When the two beasts had moved from the spot, I 
came from my hidingplace just in time to see the child 
taken up by a monkey, who ran up a high tree. Presently 
the beast let the child drop, and as it fell on a leafy branch, 
I took it up uninjured by the fall, or the other rough 
treatment which it had received.  
"After searching for the woman some time in vain, I took 
the child to my master, the great muni Vmadeva, and I 
have now brought it to you by his command."  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
21 
The king, astonished at the preservation of the child under 
such adverse circumstances, and hoping that 
Ratnodbhava might have escaped from the shipwreck, 
sent for Susruta to take charge of his brother's child, to 
whom he gave the name of Pushpodbhava.  
Some days after this the queen went up to her husband 
with a child in her arms, and told him, when he expressed 
his surprise "Last night I was suddenly awakened from 
sleep and saw a beautiful lady standing before me, 
holding this child. She said to me: 'O queen, I am a 
Yaksha, daughter of Manibhadra, and wife of Kmapla, 
the son of your husband's late minister, Dharmapla; by 
command of Kuvera, I have brought this my child to you, 
that he may enter the service of your son, who is destined 
to become a mighty monarch.'  
"I was too much astonished to ask her any question, and 
she, having laid down the child near me, disappeared."  
The king, greatly surprised, especially that Kmapla 
should have married a Yaksha, sent for the child's uncle, 
Sumittra, and committed the boy to his care, giving him 
the name of Arthapla.  
Not long after this another disciple of Vmadeva brought a 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
22 
very beautiful child to the king, and said: "My lord, I have 
lately been on a pilgrimage to several holy places, and on 
my way back, happening to be on the bank of the river 
Kvari, I saw a woman carrying this child, and evidently in 
great distress. On being questioned by me, she wiped 
away her tears, and with difficulty told me her story, 
saying, 'O brahman, Satyavarma, the youngest son of 
Sitavarma, a minister of the King of Magadha, after 
travelling about a long time, visiting all holy places as a 
pilgrim, came to this country, and here married a 
Brahman's daughter, named Kli. Having no children by 
her, he took as his second wife her sister Gaur, and by 
her he had one son, this child.  
"'Then the first wife, envious of her sister, determined to 
destroy the child; and having, with some false pretence, 
enticed me, when I was carrying the child, to the bank of 
the river, she pushed us in. I contrived to hold my charge 
with one hand, and to swim with the other till I met with an 
uprooted tree carried down by the rapid current. To this I 
clung, and after floating a long distance, was able at last 
to land at this place; but in getting away from the tree I 
disturbed a black serpent which had taken refuge there, 
and having been bitten by it, I now feel that I am dying.' As 
she spoke, the poison began to take greater effect, and 
she fell on the ground.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
23 
"After trying in vain the power of charms, I went to look for 
some herb which might serve as an antidote; but when I 
returned the poor creature was dead.  
"I was much perplexed at this occurrence, especially as 
she had not told me the name of the village from which 
she came, nor could I conjecture how far off it might be, so 
that I was unable to take the child to its father.  
"Therefore, after collecting wood and burning the body, I 
have brought the child to you, thinking that he will be best 
taken care of under your protection."  
The king, astonished that so many children should have 
been brought in such a wonderful manner, and distressed 
at not knowing where to find Satyavarma, gave the child 
the name of Somadatta, and committed him to the care of 
his uncle, Sumati, who received him with great affection.  
These nine boys, thus wonderfully collected together, 
became the associates and playfellows of the young 
prince, and were educated together with him.  
When they were all nearly seventeen, their education was 
regarded as complete, for they had not only been taught 
the vedas and the commentaries on them, several 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
24 
languages, grammar, logic, philosophy, &c., but were well 
acquainted with poetry, plays, and all sorts of tales and 
stories; were accomplished in drawing and music, skilled 
in games, sleight of hand and various tricks, and practised 
in the use of weapons. They were also bold riders and 
drivers of horses and elephants; and even clever thieves, 
able to steal without detection; so that Rjahansa was 
exceedingly delighted at seeing his son surrounded by a 
band of such brave, active, clever companions and faithful 
followers. One day about this time Vmadeva came to 
visit the king, by whom he was received with great respect 
and reverence. Seeing the prince perfect in beauty, 
strength, and accomplishments, and surrounded by such 
companions, he said to Rjahansa: "Your wish for a son 
has indeed been fully gratified, since you have one who is 
all that you could desire. It is now time for him to go out 
into the world and prepare himself for the career of 
conquest to which he is destined.".  
The king listened respectfully to the advice of the muni, 
and determined to be guided by it; having therefore given 
his son good advice, he sent him forth at a propitious 
hour, to travel about in search of adventure, accompanied 
by his nine friends.  
After travelling for some days, they entered the forest of 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
25 
Vindhya, and when halting there for the night they saw a 
roughlooking man, having all the appearance of a Bheel, 
but wearing the sacred cord which is the characteristic of 
a brahman.  
The prince, surprised at such an incongruity, asked him 
who he was, how he came to be living in such a wild 
place, and how, with all the appearance of a forester, he 
was wearing the brahminical cord.  
The man, seeming to be aware that his questioner was a 
person of importance, answered respectfully, "O prince, 
there are in this forest certain nominal brahmans, who, 
having abandoned the study of the vedas, religious 
obligations, and family duties, are devoted to all sorts of 
sinful practices, and act as leaders of robber bands, 
associating with their followers and living as they live.  
"I, Matanga by name, am the son of one of these, and was 
brought up to be a robber like them. Since I have been 
grown up I have often assisted in plundering expeditions, 
when they would fall suddenly on some defenceless 
village, and carry away not only all the property on which 
they could lay their hands, but several of the richest of the 
inhabitants, whom they would keep prisoners till a ransom 
had been paid, or till, compelled by torture, they confessed 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
26 
where their money was concealed.  
"On one of these occasions, when my companions were ill-
treating a brahman, I was seized by a sudden feeling of 
compassion and remonstrated with them. Finding words of 
no avail, I stood before him, and was killed by my own 
men while fighting on his behalf.  
"After death I went down to the regions below, and was 
taken before Yama, the judge of the dead, sitting on a 
great throne inlaid with jewels.  
"When the god saw me prostrate before him he called one 
of his attendants and said: 'The time for this man's death 
is not arrived, and moreover, he was killed in defending a 
brahman; therefore, after showing him the tortures of the 
wicked, let him return to his former body, in which he will 
in future lead a holy life.'  
"By him I was shown some sinners tied to red hot iron 
bars, some thrown into great tubs of boiling oil, some 
beaten with clubs, some cut to pieces with swords; after 
which my spirit reentered the body, and I awoke to 
consciousness, lying alone, grievously wounded, in the 
forest.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
27 
"In this state I was found by some of my relations, who 
carried me home and took care of me till my wounds were 
healed.  
"Shortly after this I met with the brahman whom I had 
rescued, and he, grateful for the service which I had 
rendered him, read to me some religious books, and 
taught me the due performance of religious rites, 
especially the proper way of worshipping Siva.  
"When he considered me sufficiently instructed, he quitted 
me, giving me his blessing, and receiving many thanks 
from me for his kindness.  
"Since then I have separated myself from all my former 
associates, and have lived a life of penance and 
meditation in this forest, endeavouring to atone for my 
past sins, and especially seeking, to propitiate the mighty 
deity who has the half moon for his crest; and now, having 
told you my history, I have something to communicate 
which concerns you alone, and beg you to withdraw with 
me to hear it in private."  
The two then went aside from the rest of the party, and the 
stranger said, "O prince, last night, during sleep, Siva 
appeared to me and addressed me thus: 'Matanga, I am 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
28 
pleased with your devotions; they shall now have their 
reward. North of this place, on the bank of the river which 
flows through the Dandaka forest, there is a remarkable 
rock, glittering with crystal and marked with the footsteps 
of Gaur. Go thither; in the side of the rock you will see a 
yawning chasm, enter it and search till you find a copper 
plate with letters engraved on it; follow the directions 
therein contained, and you will become King of Ptla. 
That you may know this not to be a mere dream, a king's 
son will come to this place tomorrow, and he will be your 
companion in the journey.'  
"I have in consequence anxiously awaited your coming, 
and now entreat you to go with me to the place pointed 
out in the vision."  
The curiosity of the prince was much excited by Matanga's 
story, and he readily promised to be his companion; 
fearing, however, that his friends would be opposed to his 
purpose, he did not on his return tell them anything of 
what he had heard, and at midnight, when they were all 
fast asleep, he slipped away without disturbing them, and 
went to join Matanga, who was waiting for him at a place 
which had been agreed on, and the two walked on till they 
came to the rock indicated by Siva in the vision.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
29 
Meanwhile, the rest of the party, uneasy at the 
disappearance of the prince, sought for him all over the 
forest, and not finding him, determined to disperse, and 
continue the search in different countries; and having 
arranged where to meet again, took leave of each other, 
and set out separately in different directions.  
Matanga, entirely believing the vision, and rendered still 
more confident by the companionship of the prince, 
fearlessly entered the cavern, found the copper plate and 
read the words engraved on it. Following the directions 
therein contained, they went on in darkness, groping their 
way through long passages, till at last they saw light 
before them and arrived at the subterranean country of 
Ptla.  
After walking some distance further, they came to a small 
lake, surrounded by trees, with a city in view.  
Here they stopped, and Matanga begging the prince to 
watch and guard against interruption, collected a quantity 
of wood and lighted a large fire, into which he threw 
himself with many charms and incantations, and presently 
came forth with a new body full of youth, beauty, and 
vigour, to the great astonishment of his companion.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
30 
Hardly was this change effected, when they saw coming 
towards them from the city a procession, headed by a 
beautiful young lady splendidly dressed, and adorned with 
very costly jewels. Approaching Matanga, she made a low 
obeisance, and, without speaking, put a very precious 
gem into his hand. Being questioned by him, she 
answered, with tears in her eyes and in a soft musical 
voice, "O excellent brahman, I am the daughter of a chief 
of Asuras, and my name is Kalind; my father, the ruler of 
this subterranean world, was slain by Vishnu whom he 
had offended, and as he had no son, I was left his heir 
and successor, and suffered great distress and perplexity.  
"Some time ago I consulted a very holy Siddha, who had 
compassion on me, and told me, 'After a time, a certain 
mortal, having a heavenly body, will come down here from 
the upper world; he will become your husband, and reign 
prosperously with you over all Ptla'.  
"Trusting to this prophecy, I have waited impatiently, 
longing for your coming as a Chtaka longs for rain, and 
am now come, with the consent of my ministers and 
people, to offer you my hand and kingdom."  
Matanga, delighted at such a speedy fulfilment of the 
promise given in the vision, gladly accepted her offer, and 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
31 
with the approbation of his companion, was soon 
afterwards married to her amid great festivity.  
Rjavhana was treated with great respect and kindness 
by Matanga and his bride; but after seeing all the wonders 
of the place, his curiosity was satisfied, and he was 
desirous of returning to the upper world.  
At his departure, a magic jewel was given him by Kalind, 
which had the power of keeping off from the possessor of 
it hunger, thirst, fatigue, and other discomforts; and 
Matanga accompanied him for a part of the way. Walking 
through darkness as before, the prince at last reached the 
mouth of the cavern and came forth into the open air.  
Having missed all his companions, he was uncertain 
where to direct his steps, and wandered on till he came to 
a large park, outside a city, where a great concourse of 
people was assembled, and he there sat down to rest.  
As he sat watching the various groups, he saw a young 
man enter the park, accompanied by a lady and followed 
by a numerous retinue, and they both got into one of the 
swings placed there for the amusement of the festal crowd.  
Presently the eye of the newcomer rested on the prince; 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
32 
with signs of great joy he jumped down, exclaiming, "O 
what happiness! That is my lord Rjavhana," and, 
running to him, bowed down to his feet, saying "Great is 
my good fortune in meeting you again." Rjavhana, 
affected by equal pleasure, warmly embraced him, saying, 
"O my dear friend Somadatta, how happy I am to see you 
once more!"  
Then they sat down together under a shady tree, and the 
prince inquired: "What have you been doing all this time? 
Where have you been? Who is this lady? And how did you 
get all these attendants?" Somadatta, thus questioned, 
began the recital of what he had done and seen.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
33 
ADVENTURES OF SOMADATTA 
 
My lord, having great anxiety on your account, I wandered 
about in various countries. One day, when stooping to 
drink from a cool, clear stream, near a forest, I saw 
something bright under the water, and having taken it up, 
found it to be a ruby of very great value.  
Exhausted by fatigue and the scorching heat of the sun, I 
went into a small temple to rest, and saw there a brahman 
with a number of children, all looking wretched and half-
starved. He seemed to regard me as a possible 
benefactor, and when questioned, readily told me his 
story; how his wife had died, leaving him with the care of 
all these children, and how, having no means of 
subsistence, he had wandered about in the hope of 
obtaining some employment; but had got nothing better 
than the charge of this small temple, where the offerings 
were not sufficient to support him and his family.  
I asked him"What is that camp which I see at some 
distance?"  
He answered"The Lord of Lta, Mattakla by name, 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
34 
hearing again and again of the great beauty of 
Vmalochana, daughter of Vraketu, sovereign of this 
country, asked her in marriage, and was refused. Being 
determined to obtain her, he raised an army and besieged 
Ptali, the capital city. Vraketu finding himself unable to 
resist the enemy, purchased peace by giving up his 
daughter, and Mattakla, thinking that the marriage can be 
celebrated with greater magnificence in his own country, 
has deferred it till his return. He is now on his way home 
with a small part of his army, the rest having been 
dismissed; and he is staying at present near this forest to 
enjoy the pleasures of the chase. The princess is not with 
her intended husband, but under the care of Mnapla, 
one of her father's officers, who is said to be very 
indignant at the surrender of the lady; you may see his 
camp at no great distance from the other."  
While thanking the poor man for his information, a thought 
came into my mindhere is a very poor and deserving 
man, I will give him the jewel which I have found; and I did 
so.  
He received the gift with profuse thanks, and set out 
immediately to try to dispose of it; while I lay down there to 
sleep.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
35 
After a time I was awakened by a great clamour, and saw 
the brahman coming towards me with his hands tied 
behind him, driven along, with blows of a whip and much 
abuse, by a party of soldiers.  
On seeing me, he called out, "There is the thief; that is the 
man who gave me the jewel."  
Upon this the soldiers let him go, and, seizing me, refused 
to listen to my remonstrances, or to my account of the 
manner in which I had found the ruby. They dragged me 
along with them, and having put fetters on my feet, thrust 
me into a dungeon, saying, "There are your companions," 
pointing at the same time to some other prisoners 
confined in that place.  
When I recovered my sensesfor I was half stunned by 
the violence with which I had been pushed inI said to my 
fellowprisoners, "Who are you, and what did the soldiers 
mean by calling you my companions? for you are quite 
strangers to me."  
Those prisoners then told me the story of the King of Lta, 
which I had already heard from the brahman, and further 
said, "We were sent by Mnapla to assassinate that king, 
and broke into the place where we supposed him to be. 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
36 
Not finding him, we were unwilling to come away empty-
handed; we therefore carried off everything of value 
within our reach and made our escape to the forest. The 
next morning there was an active pursuit, our hidingplace 
was discovered, we were all captured, and the stolen 
property taken from us, with the exception of one ruby of 
great value, which had disappeared. The king is 
exceedingly angry that this cannot be found; our assertion 
that we have lost it is disbelieved, and we are threatened 
with torture tomorrow, unless we say where it is hidden."  
Having heard the robbers' story, I was convinced that the 
ruby in question was the one which I had found and given 
to the brahman, and I now understood why these men 
were supposed to be my accomplices.  
I told them who I was, how I had found the jewel, and had 
been unjustly arrested on account of it, and exhorted them 
to take courage and join me in an attempt to escape that 
night. To this they agreed, and at midnight we managed to 
overpower the jailors and knock off our fetters; and having 
armed ourselves with weapons which we found in the 
prison, we cut our way through the guards, and reached 
Mnapla's camp in safety. The next day, men sent by the 
King of Lta came to Mnapla, and said"Some robbers, 
who were caught after breaking into the king's dwelling, 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
37 
have made their escape, and are known to have come 
here; give them up immediately, or it will be the worse for 
you."  
Mnapla, who only wanted an excuse for a quarrel, 
having heard this insulting message, his eyes red with 
anger, answered,"Who is the King of Lta, that I should 
bow down to him? What have I to do with that low fellow? 
Begone!"  
When the men returned to their master and told him the 
reception they had met with, he was in a furious rage, and, 
disregarding the smallness of the force which was with 
him, marched out at once to attack Mnapla, who was 
quite prepared to meet him.  
When I entered the camp, after my escape, Mnapla, 
who received from his servants an exaggerated account of 
my coolness, dexterity, and courage, had treated me with 
great honour, and now I offered my services in the 
approaching fight. They were gladly accepted, and I was 
furnished with an excellent chariot and horses guided by a 
skilful charioteer, a strong coat of mail, a bow and two 
quivers full of arrows, as well as with other weapons.  
Thus equipped, I went forth to meet the enemy, and 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
38 
seeking out the leader, soon found myself near him. First 
confusing him with arrows poured upon him in rapid 
succession, I brought my chariot close to his, and 
suddenly springing into it, cut off his head at a blow.  
Seeing the king fall, his soldiers were discouraged, and 
fled; the camp was taken, much booty gained, and the 
princess led back, to her father. He having received an 
account of the victory, and of my share in it, through a 
messenger sent from Mnapla, came forth to meet us 
when we entered the city, and received me with great 
honour. After a time, as I continued daily to increase in 
favour with him, he bestowed on me the hand of his 
daughter, and declared me his successor.  
Being thus arrived at the height of prosperity and 
happiness, I had but one cause of sorrowmy absence 
from you. I am on my way to Mahkla, to worship Siva 
there. I have stopped at this place, hoping, at a festival so 
much frequented, I might at least hear some tidings of 
you, and now the god has favoured his worshipper, and 
through this happy meeting all my wishes are fulfilled.  
Rjavhana, who delighted in valour, having heard 
Somadatta's story, while expressing his sorrow for his 
undeserved imprisonment, congratulated him on the 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
39 
happy result of it, and told him his own adventures.  
He had scarcely finished the relation of them when a third 
person came up, and the prince, warmly greeting him, 
exclaimed, "O, Somadatta, here is Pushpodbhava." Then 
there were mutual embracings and rejoicings, after which 
they all three sat down again, and Rjavhana said: 
"Somadatta has told me his adventures, but I know 
nothing of the rest of my friends. What did you do when 
you missed me that morning in the forest?" Then 
Pushpodbhava respectfully spoke as follows: 
* * * * * 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
40 
ADVENTURES OF PUSHPODBHAVA 
 
My lord, your friends being convinced that you had gone 
on some expedition with the brahman, and knowing 
nothing of the direction which you had taken, were greatly 
perplexed. At last we agreed to separate, each going a 
different way, and I, like the rest, set out by myself. One 
day, being unable to bear the heat of the noonday sun, I 
sat down in the shade of a tree at the bottom of a 
mountain. Happening to look up, I saw a man falling from 
the rock above, and he came to the ground very near me.  
On going up to him, I found that he was still alive, and 
having revived him by throwing cold water over him, and 
by other means, I found that he had no bone broken, and 
did not appear to have received any serious injury.  
When he was sufficiently recovered, I asked him who he 
was and how he came to fall from the precipice. With tears 
in his eyes, and a feeble voice, he said: "My name is 
Ratnodbhava; I am the son of a minister of the King of 
Magadha; travelling about as a merchant, I came, many 
years ago, to the island of Klayavana. There I married a 
merchant's daughter, and going with her by sea to visit my 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
41 
relations, was overtaken by a violent storm, during which 
the ship sank, and I was the only person saved.  
"After reaching the shore, I wandered about for some time 
in a strange country, and, unable to bear my misery, was 
about to put an end to my life, when I was stopped by a 
Siddha, who assured me that after sixteen years I should 
find my wife. Trusting to this promise, I have endured life 
through all these years; but the appointed time having 
passed without any sign of the fulfilment of the prophecy, I 
could hold out no longer, and threw myself from the top of 
this precipice."  
At that moment the voice of a woman in distress was 
heard not far off, and saying to him whom I recognised as 
my father, "Take courage, I have good news for you; only 
wait a moment," I ran off in the direction of the place 
whence the voice had proceeded, and soon came in sight 
of a large fire and two women near it, the one trying to 
throw herself into the flames, the other struggling to 
prevent her. Going to the help of the latter, I soon got the 
lady away, and brought her and her companion to the 
place where my father was lying. I then said to the old 
woman, "Pray tell me what all this means? How came you 
to be in such a place, and why did the lady wish to destroy 
herself?"  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
42 
With a voice broken by sobs, she answered me: "This 
lady, whose name is Suvritta, is the daughter of a 
merchant in the island of Klayavana, and the wife of 
Ratnodbhava. While crossing the sea with her husband, 
there was a great storm, the ship sank, and this lady and I, 
her nurse, were the only persons saved. A few days 
afterwards she gave birth to a son in the forest; but 
through my illfortune the child was lost, having been 
seized by a wild elephant. Afterwards we two wandered 
about in great misery, and she would have put an end to 
her life had we not met with a holy man, who comforted 
her with the assurance that after sixteen years she would 
be reunited with her husband and son. Relying on this 
prophecy, she consented to wait, and we have spent all 
these years living near his hermitage; but the sixteen 
years were ended some time ago, and having lost all 
hope, she was about to end her wretched life by throwing 
herself into a fire which she had made, when you so 
opportunely came to my assistance."  
Hearing this story, my father was unable to speak from 
astonishment. I made him known to my mother, and 
myself to both of them, to their very great joy; and my 
mother seemed as if she would never weary of kissing 
and embracing me.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
43 
After a time, when we were all more composed, my father 
began to inquire about the king and his own relations, for 
during all these years he had heard nothing of them. I told 
him everythinghow the king had been defeated, and had 
been living in the forest; your birth, and the wonderful 
preservation of myself and my companions; how we had 
all set out together; how we had lost you, and how I was 
now searching for you.  
As soon as my father was able to walk, I placed him and 
my mother under the care of a certain muni, not very far 
off, and set out again on my travels. Just at this time I had 
heard that under the ruins of an ancient city, overgrown by 
trees, a great treasure was supposed to be concealed; 
and as I possessed a magic ointment which, when applied 
to the eyes, enabled me to see through the ground, I 
determined to try to dig it up. I therefore got together some 
strong young men with the promise of good pay, went to 
the place, and succeeded in finding a large quantity of 
gold and silver coin. While I was thus engaged, a caravan 
of merchants came to that neighbourhood, and halted 
there for a day or two. Taking advantage of this 
opportunity, I purchased of them sacks for holding the 
coin, and some strong oxen to carry them. I then 
dismissed my men, well satisfied with their share, and 
joined the caravan, where I soon made friends with the 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
44 
leader, the son of a merchant at Oujein, to which place he 
was then going.  
On our arrival at the city, he introduced me to his father, 
Bandhupla, by whose means I obtained permission from 
the King of Mlwa to reside there. When I had taken a 
house, safely deposited the money, and established my 
parents in it, I was anxious to set out again in search of you.  
Bandhupla, seeing this, said to me: "You have already 
spent much time in searching for your friend, and may 
spend much more in the same manner to no purpose, if 
you have no clue to guide you. Now I am skilled in augury 
and the language of birds; it is probable that I may obtain 
some indications for you; wait, therefore, patiently for the 
present. Meanwhile, my house is always open to you."  
To this I agreed, and having great pleasure in his society, 
was much with him, and soon had other attractions there, 
for I fell in love with his beautiful daughter, Blachandrika.  
Though I had not declared my passion, I was convinced, 
from her looks and from many things which I observed, 
that she was equally in love with me, and therefore 
anxiously sought an opportunity of speaking to her in 
private.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
45 
One day, Bandhupla, wishing to obtain information about 
you by listening to the voices of birds, went with me into a 
park near the city, and while he waited under the trees, 
hearing the birds, I walked on, and had the good fortune to 
see my beloved alone, in another part of the park.  
Although she was evidently pleased at seeing me, and did 
not reject my suit, I observed that she was distressed and 
dispirited, and inquired the cause.  
She told me, "Some time ago the old king abdicated in 
favour of his son Darpasra, who is now gone on a 
pilgrimage to the Himlaya Mountains, having first 
appointed as joint regents the two sons of his father's 
sister, Charmavarma and Druvarma.  
"The former of these two alone has the management of 
affairs; for the latter, given up to evil deeds, makes use of 
his power only for the indulgence of his licentious passions.  
"He has seen me during my attendance on the Princess 
Avantisundari, has endeavoured to seduce me, and I am 
in constant fear of his violence, for he hesitates at nothing 
in the indulgence of his wicked desires."  
She told me this reluctantly, and with much agitation; but I 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
46 
comforted her with the assurance of my love, and the 
promise of finding some means to free her from his 
annoyance.  
After some reflection, I said to her, "This is the plan which 
I propose. Your friends must give out in public that a 
certain Siddha has declared'Blachandrika is guarded by 
a demon, who will allow no man to have intercourse with 
her without his consent. Whoever, therefore, wishes to 
marry her, must first pass one night in company with her 
and one female friend, and if he comes out uninjured, or is 
able to overcome the demon, he may then safely marry 
her.'  
"If Druvarma, on hearing this, shall be alarmed, and 
abstain from further annoyance, so much the better; if, on 
the other hand, he persists in his wicked purpose, do you 
appear to consent, and say, 'If you think you can 
overcome the demon, I am willing to meet you, but it must 
be openly, in your own house; and then, whatever 
happens, no blame can fall on my family.'  
"To this proposal he will be sure to agree, and you may go 
to his house without fear, for I will accompany you, 
disguised as a woman, and will manage to kill that wretch, 
without danger to you or myself, after which there will be 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
47 
no obstacle to our marriage; for, when I ask your father, 
he will certainly consent, seeing the great love between 
us, for he has shown great regard for me, and knows my 
property and connections. But you must tell him now what 
has been arranged between us, that he may be induced to 
spread abroad the report about the demon, and to consent 
to your going to Druvarma's house."  
Blachandrika was delighted with my plan, and promised 
to do her best to carry it out. She had full confidence in my 
courage and skill, and felt sure that I should succeed in 
what I had undertaken. Then, reluctantly leaving me, and 
looking back again and again, she walked slowly home.  
After quitting her I returned to her father, who was well 
satisfied with the result of his observations, and told me 
that he had ascertained that after thirty days I should meet 
you; and we walked together to his house, talking over the 
matter.  
After a few days, Blachandrika informed me that 
Druvarma, undeterred by the report which was now 
spread about the city, that she was haunted by a demon, 
had continued his importunities, and that she had 
consented to go to his house that evening.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
48 
Meanwhile I had secretly made my preparations, and 
concealed in a lonely place everything required for my 
disguise. At the proper time, when it was quite dark, I went 
there, changed my dress, met the lady, and accompanied 
her to the house of the prince, who received us with great 
respect; and not having the slightest suspicion of my being 
other than what I seemed to be, sent away all his 
attendants, and conducted us to a room in a small 
detached building. There he seated her on a beautiful soft 
couch, inlaid with jewels, and expressing his great delight 
at seeing her, brought forth and offered to us both very 
handsome presents of dresses, ornaments, perfumes, &c. 
After some conversationas if no longer able to restrain 
himselfhe sat down beside her, and, regardless of my 
presence, threw his arms round her, and kissed her again 
and again.  
This was more than I could bear; suddenly seizing him by 
the throat, I threw him on the ground, and despatched him 
with blows of hand, foot, and knee, before he could call 
out or give an alarm.  
Then we both screamed out loudly, and I rushed forth, as 
if in a great fright, calling out, "Help! help! the horrible 
demon is killing the prince!"  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
49 
Hearing this, and seeing my apparent agitation, the 
attendants and guards hastened in great confusion to the 
room, where they found the prince dead, and the lady so 
agitated that she was unable to give an account of what 
had happened; the demon had of course disappeared.  
Some police were in attendance, suspicious of fraud, but 
even they did not imagine two women to be capable of 
such an act of violence, and the general opinion was that 
the story of the demon was founded on truth, and that the 
prince well deserved the fate he had met with.  
Blachandrika was therefore suffered to leave: I had 
already escaped in the first alarm and confusion, had 
changed my dress, and reached home in safety.  
No further inquiry was made, and no suspicion fell on me; 
I duly married my beloved, and as no harm happened to 
me, the demon was supposed to have been propitiated.  
The day indicated by my wife's father having arrived, I 
came here, fully expecting to see you, and now my 
happiness is complete.  
When Rjavhana had heard this story, he again related 
his own adventures; after which he took leave of 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
50 
Somadatta, saying, "Come to me as soon as possible, 
when you have paid your devotions at Mahkla, and 
have taken your wife and her attendants home;" and he 
then accompanied Pushpodbhava into the city of Avanti.  
There he was hospitably received in the house of his 
friend, who introduced him by his real name to 
Bandhupla, but gave out in the city that he was a young 
brahman, worthy of all honour for his learning and ability; 
and the prince remained for some time in that city, treated 
with great respect and consideration by all who became 
acquainted with him.  
* * * * * MARRIAGE OF AVANTISUNDARI.  
During the stay of Rjavhana at Avanti, the season of 
spring arrived, when the great festival of Kma is 
celebrated. The trees, breaking into flower, were filled with 
the song of birds and the hum of bees, and their branches 
were waved by the soft south wind, blowing, loaded with 
perfume, from the sandal groves of Malaya. The lakes and 
pools were thickly covered with lotus blossoms, among 
which innumerable waterbirds were sporting, and the 
feelings of all were influenced by the charms of the 
season, and prepared for the worship of the god of love.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
51 
On the day of the festival, the parks and gardens were 
crowded with people, some engaged in various sports, 
some walking about or sitting under the trees, looking at 
the players.  
Among them was the Princess Avantisundari, who was 
sitting on a sandy spot, under a large tree, attended by her 
women, especially by her dear friend Blachandrika, and 
making offerings to the god of various perfumes and 
flowers.  
The prince also walked in the park with his friend 
Pushpodbhava; and wishing to see the princess, of whose 
grace and beauty he had already heard, contrived to 
approach; and being encouraged by Blachandrika with a 
gesture of the hand, came and stood very near her.  
Then, indeed, having an opportunity of observing her, he 
was struck by her exceeding beauty. She seemed to him 
as if formed by the god of love with everything most 
beautiful in the world; and, as he gazed, he felt more and 
more entranced, till almost unconsciously he was deeply 
in love.  
She, indeed, seeing him beautiful as Kma himself, was 
almost equally affected, and, pervaded by strong feeling, 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
52 
trembled like the branch of a creeping plant agitated by a 
gentle wind.  
Then he thought, "Never have I seen anything so lovely. 
She must have been formed by some singular accident, 
for there is no one like her in the world."  
She, indeed, ashamed to look openly at him, and half 
concealing herself among her attendants, looked at him 
stealthily from time to time, and while he had all his 
thoughts fixed on her, was saying to herself, "Who can he 
be? Where does he come from? Happy the maidens 
whose eyes are delighted with such beauty! happy the 
mother who has such a son! What can I do? how can I 
find out who he is?"  
Meanwhile Blachandrika, quick in discrimination, 
perceived the impression they had made on each other; 
and not thinking it desirable to declare his name and rank 
before the other attendants, or in such a public place, 
introduced him to the princess, saying, "This is a very 
learned and clever young brahman, a friend of my 
husband, worthy of your notice. Allow me to recommend 
him to your favourable consideration."  
The princess, delighted at heart, but concealing her 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
53 
feelings, motioned to the prince to sit down near her, and 
gave him betel, flowers, perfumes, &c., through one of her 
attendants.  
Then Rjavhana, more deeply in love even than the 
princess, thought to himself, "There surely must be some 
reason for this very sudden attraction which I feel towards 
her. She must have been my beloved wife in a former 
existence. Perhaps a curse was laid upon us; and now 
that is removed. If so, the recognition ought to be mutual; 
at all events I will try what I can do to produce the same 
feeling in her which exists in my mind."  
While he was considering how this might be 
accomplished, a swan approached the princess, as if 
expecting to be fed or caressed; and in sport, she desired 
Blachandrika to catch it.  
Inspired by this circumstance with a happy thought, 
Rjavhana said to the princess, "Will you allow me to tell 
you a short story? There was formerly a king called 
Samba. When walking one day together with his beloved 
wife at the side of a small lake in the pleasuregrounds, he 
saw a swan asleep, just under the bank. Having caught it, 
he tied its legs together, put it down again on the ground, 
and saying to his wife, 'This bird sits as quiet as a muni; let 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
54 
him go where he likes,' amused himself with laughing at its 
awkward attempts to walk. Then the swan suddenly 
spoke: 'O king, though in the form of a swan, I am a 
devout brahman; and since you have thus, without cause, 
illtreated me while sitting quiet here, engaged in 
meditation, I lay my curse upon you, and you shall endure 
the pain of separation from your beloved wife.'  
"Hearing this, the king, alarmed and distressed, bowed 
respectfully to the ground, and said, 'O mighty sage, 
forgive an act done through ignorance.'  
"Then that holy person, having his anger appeased, 
answered, 'My words cannot be made of no effect. I will, 
however, so far modify the curse that it will not take place 
during your present existence; but in a future birth, when 
you are united to the same lady in another body, you must 
endure the misery of separation from her for two months, 
though you will afterwards enjoy very great happiness with 
her; and I will also confer on you both the power of 
recognising each other in your next existence,'I beg of 
you therefore not to tie this bird which you were wishing to 
catch."  
The princess, hearing this story, was quite ready to 
believe it; and from her own feelings was convinced that it 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
55 
really referred to a previous existence of herself, now 
brought to her recollection; and that the love which she felt 
springing up in her heart was directed towards one who 
had formerly been her husband. With a sweet smile, she 
answered: "Doubtless Samba tied the bird in that way on 
purpose to obtain the power of recognition in another birth; 
and it was very cleverly managed by him."  
From that moment they seemed perfectly to understand 
each other, and sat without speaking, their hearts full of 
happiness.  
Presently the mother of the princessthe queen of the ex-
king Mnasra, who had also come with her attendants 
into the park, joined her daughter; and Blachandrika 
having seen her approaching, made a sign to the prince, 
upon which he and his friend slipped on one side, and hid 
themselves behind some leafy bushes.  
After the queen had stayed a short time talking to her 
daughter and looking at the games, she set out to return, 
and the princess accompanied her.  
Before going, she turned round, as if addressing the swan, 
but intending the speech for the prince, who was anxiously 
watching her from his hidingplace, "Though you came 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
56 
near me so lovingly just now, I may not stay longer with 
you: I must leave you and follow my mother: do not forget 
me or imagine that I neglect you, for I am still fond of you."  
With these words she walked slowly away, looking with 
longing eyes in the direction of her lover.  
On their return to the palace, the princess heard from 
Blachandrika a full account of Rjavhana and his 
adventures, through which she was even more in love 
than before; and having no opportunity of seeing him 
again, became listless and indifferent to her usual 
occupations, lost her appetite, wasted away, and at last 
lay on her bed, burning with fever.  
In vain did her devoted attendants use all their efforts to 
diminish the heat by means of cold water, fanning, and 
other remedies; and she, seeing their distress, said to her 
faithful Blachandrika: "Ah, dear friend, all you can do is to 
no purpose; they call Kma the god with five arrows; but 
surely this is a wrong name, for I feel as if pierced by him 
with hundreds of arrows. They call the wind from Malaya 
cooling; but to me it only increases the fever, as if blowing 
up the fire which consumes me: my own necklace, the 
contact of which was formerly agreeable, now feels as if 
smeared with the poison of serpents. Give up your 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
57 
exertions; the prince is the only physician who can cure 
me; and how can he come to me here?"  
Then Blachandrika thought to herself: "Something must 
be done, and that without delay, or this violent passion of 
love will surely cause her death. I will at least see the 
prince, and try if it is possible to bring about a meeting."  
Having thus resolved, she begged the princess to write a 
few lines to her lover; and committing her to the care of 
the other attendants, she went to the house of her 
husband. There she found Rjavhana almost in the 
same state as the princess, burning with fever, throwing 
himself about restlessly on his couch, and bemoaning his 
hard fate to his friend.  
On seeing Blachandrika, he started up, saying, "Oh, how 
welcome is the sight of you! I am sure you must be the 
bearer of good news. Sit down here and tell me about my 
darling."  
She answered: "The princess is suffering like yourself, 
longing to see you; and has now sent me with this letter."  
Eagerly opening it, he read 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
58 
"BelovedHaving seen your beauty, delicate as a flower, 
faultless, unrivalled in the world, my heart is full of longing. 
Do you likewise make your heart soft."  
Having read this, he said: "Your coming here is refreshing 
to me as water to a withered plant; you are the wife of my 
very dear friend, Pushpodbhava, and I know how attached 
you are to my darling, therefore I can speak freely to you. 
Tell her that when she left the grove that day she carried 
off my heart with her, and that I long to see her even more 
than she longs for me; tell her only not to despond; the 
entrance to her apartments is indeed difficult, but I will 
contrive to see her by some means or other. Come back 
soon, and, having thought over the matter, I will tell you 
what is to be done." With this message, Blachandrika 
went to rejoice her friend; and the prince, though much 
comforted, could not remain quiet, but walked to the park, 
to have the pleasure of seeing at least the place where he 
had first met his charmer. There he stayed a long time 
together with his friend, looking at her footsteps in the 
sand, the withered flowers which she had gathered and 
thrown down, the place where she had sat, and the shrubs 
from which he had watched her, and listening to the 
murmur of the wind among the leaves, the hum of the 
bees and the song of the birds. Presently, they saw 
approaching them a brahman, splendidly dressed, 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
59 
followed by a servant. He, coming up to the prince, 
saluted him; and the prince, returning the salute, asked 
who he was. He answered "My name is Vidyeswara. I am 
a famous conjurer, and travel about exhibiting my skill for 
the amusement of kings and nobles. I have now come to 
Oujein, to show off my skill before the king." Then, with a 
knowing smile, he added, "But what makes you look so 
pale?"  
Pushpodbhava, thinking to himself this is just the man to 
help us, answered, "There is something in your 
appearance which induces me to look on you as a friend, 
and you know how sometimes intimate friendship arises 
from a very short acquaintance; I will therefore tell you 
why my friend is thus sad. Not long ago, he, the son of a 
king, met the Princess Avantisundari on this very spot, 
and they fell in love with each other. From the impossibility 
of meeting, both are suffering, and the prince is brought 
into this condition which you see."  
Vidyeswara, in reply, looking at the prince, said, with a 
smile, "To such as you, with me for an ally, nothing is 
impossible. I will, through my skill, contrive that you shall 
marry the princess in the presence of her father and his 
court; but you must follow my directions exactly, and she 
must be informed of her part in the affair through some 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
60 
trusty female friend."  
Then, having given the necessary directions, the conjurer 
went his way. Rjavhana also returned to the house, and 
when he had given Blachandrika, who came again in the 
evening, the directions received from the conjurer, and a 
loving message of encouragement for the princess, he 
anxiously awaited the morrow, unable to sleep from the 
thought of the expected happiness, and fluctuating 
between alternate hopes and fears. In the morning, 
Vidyeswara, having collected a large troop of followers, 
went to the palace and announced himself to the 
doorkeeper, saying, "Tell the king the great conjurer is 
arrived." Mnasra, who had heard of his great skill, and 
was desirous of seeing it, ordered him to be immediately 
admitted, and, after the usual salutations, the performance 
began.  
First, while the band was playing, peacocks' tails were 
waving, and singers imitating the plaintive notes of birds, 
to excite the feelings and distract the attention of the 
hearers, the conjurer turned round violently several times, 
with his eyes halfclosed, and caused great hooded 
serpents to appear and vultures to come down from the 
sky to seize them.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
61 
After this, he represented the scene of Vishnu killing 
Hiranyakasipu, chief of the Asuras, to the great 
astonishment of the spectators; then, turning to the king, 
he said, "It is desirable that the performance should end 
with something auspicious; I propose, therefore, to 
represent a royal marriage, and one of my people will act 
as your daughter, another as a prince, endowed with all 
good qualities. But first I must apply to your eyes this 
ointment, which will give you preternatural clearness of 
vision." To all this the king consented.  
Meanwhile, the princess had contrived to slip out 
unobserved, and stood among the conjurer's people. 
Rjavhana also stood ready, and the performance 
began. Thus, under the disguise of a piece of acting, the 
conjurer, being a brahman, was able to complete the 
marriage with all proper rites and ceremonies without any 
suspicion on the part of the king that it was his own 
daughter whom he saw before him; and the others, also 
unsuspecting, only admired the skill of the conjurer in 
making the actress so like the lady whom she 
represented. When the performance was ended, the 
conjurer, having been liberally rewarded by the king, 
dismissed his hired attendants and departed.  
In the confusion and excitement caused by the conjurer's 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
62 
performance, Rjavhana and the princess slipped 
unnoticed into her apartments, where he was safe, for the 
present at least, her attendants being all devoted to her, 
and careful to keep the secret.  
He was thus able to enjoy the society of his bride without 
interruption; to give her a full account of his life and 
adventures, and to teach her many things of which she 
was ignorant; so that she became more and more 
attached to him, and admired his knowledge and 
eloquence as much as she had before admired his beauty.  
* * * * * 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
63 
FURTHER ADVENTURES OF RJAVHANA 
 
Thus the princess, listening with delight and astonishment 
to the sweet and eloquent words of her husband, and he 
never tired of contemplating her beauty and enjoying her 
caresses, lived for some time in the greatest happiness, 
without care or anxiety for the future.  
 
One night, when both were sleeping, the prince had a 
remarkable dream. He seemed to see an old swan, whose 
legs were tied together with lotus fibre, approach the 
bedside; at that moment he awoke with a feeling of 
pressure on his feet, and found himself bound with a 
slender silver chain, bright as the rays of the moon. The 
princess awoke at the same time, and seeing her husband 
thus fettered, screamed out loudly in her fright. The 
attendants in the adjoining apartments, hearing the 
scream, thought something dreadful must have happened. 
They rushed into the room, added their cries to hers, and 
forgetting all their former precautions, left the doors open, 
so that the guards outside, hearing the clamour, entered 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
64 
and saw the prince.  
When about to seize him, they were awed by his dignity, 
and contented themselves with giving information to the 
regent, Chandavarma, who, on receiving it, came 
immediately to the place.  
Looking at the prince with eyes burning with the fire of 
anger, he began to recollect him, and said, "So! this is that 
conceited brahman who has been deceiving the people; 
making them believe that he is wonderfully clever; the 
friend of that fellow the husband of the wicked 
Blachandrika, the cause of my brother's death. How is it 
possible that the princess should have fallen in love with 
such a paltry wretch, overlooking a man like me? She is a 
disgrace to her family, and shall soon see her husband 
impaled on a stake."  
Then, with his forehead disfigured by a fearful frown, he 
continued to abuse the prince; and having tied his hands 
behind him, dragged him from the room.  
Rjavhana, naturally brave, and encouraged by belief in 
that former existence the remembrance of which had so 
wonderfully arisen in his mind, bore all the insults with 
firmness, and saying to the princess, "Remember that 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
65 
speech of the swan, have patience for two months, and all 
will be well," submitted quietly to the imprisonment.  
When the exking and queen were informed of what had 
happened, they were greatly distressed on their 
daughter's account, and exerted themselves to save the 
life of their soninlaw; but the regent, in whom all authority 
was vested, resisted their entreaties; and only on 
condition of their resigning some of the few privileges 
which still remained to them did he consent to defer the 
execution till he had communicated with Darpasra, and 
learned his pleasure on the subject. He confiscated the 
property of Pushpodbhava, and threw him and his family 
into prison; and being about to march against the King of 
Anga, and unwilling to leave the prince behind, lest he 
should be liberated by the old king, he caused a wooden 
cage to be made, in which his prisoner was shut up and 
carried with the army.  
Treated thus like some wild beast, roughly shaken and 
neglected, Rjavhana would have suffered greatly had 
he not been protected by the magic jewel given to him in 
Ptla, and which he had contrived to conceal in his hair.  
Chandavarma had some time before this asked in 
marriage Amblika, the daughter of Sinhavarma, King of 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
66 
Anga, and, indignant at a refusal, was now marching 
against him, to take vengeance for the insult, and get 
possession of the princess. Advancing therefore with a 
large army, he prepared to besiege Champa, the capital 
city.  
Sinhavarma, being of a very impatient and impetuous 
disposition, would not wait for the arrival of the allies who 
had been summoned to his assistance, and were then on 
the march; but throwing open the gates, went forth to meet 
the enemy.  
A terrible battle ensued, in which both kings performed 
prodigies of valour. At last Sinhavarma was taken 
prisoner, and his army so completely defeated, that the 
conqueror entered and took possession of the city without 
opposition.  
Chandavarma, having now the princess in his power, 
determined to make her his wife at once: he therefore 
treated her father with more consideration than he would 
otherwise have done, though he put him in confinement, 
and caused it to be proclaimed throughout the city that the 
wedding would be celebrated with much splendour the 
next morning.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
67 
Just then a messenger arrived from Kailsa, bringing a 
letter from Darpasra, in which he had written, "O fool! 
should there be any pity for the violator of the harem? If 
the old king, my father, now in his dotage, was foolish 
enough to favour the criminal for the sake of his worthless 
daughter, you had no need of his permission, and ought 
not to have been influenced by him. Let that vile seducer 
be immediately put to death by torture, and his paramour 
be shut up in prison till I come."  
Chandavarma, who had intended to march against the 
allies advancing for the assistance of his captive, on 
receiving these commands, gave orders to his attendants, 
saying, "Tomorrow morning take that vile wretch from his 
cage, and set him at the palace gate. Have ready, also, a 
fierce elephant, suitably equipped, which I shall mount 
immediately after the wedding, to overtake my army in 
march against the enemy; and as I set out, I will make the 
elephant trample the life out of that criminal."  
Accordingly, the next morning, the prince was brought by 
the guards to the gate of the palace, and the elephant 
placed near him.  
While he stood there, calmly awaiting death, which now 
seemed inevitable, he suddenly felt his feet free, and a 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
68 
beautiful lady appeared before him.  
She humbly bowing down said: "Let my lord pardon his 
servant for the injury which she has unconsciously 
caused. I am an Apsaras, born from the rays of the moon. 
One day, as I was flying through the air, wearing a white 
dress, a swan, mistaking me for a lotus flower, attacked 
me. While struggling to keep off the bird, the string of my 
necklace broke, and the pearls fell on the grey head of a 
very holy rishi, bathing, in the clear water of a Himlayan 
lake.  
"In his anger, he cursed me, saying: 'O wicked one, for 
this offence you are condemned to be changed into a 
piece of unconscious metal.'  
"When, however, I entreated forgiveness, he was so far 
appeased, that he modified the curse, and granted that I 
should still retain consciousness, and remain as a fetter 
on your feet for two months only.  
"The change took place immediately, and I fell to the 
ground, turned into a silver chain.  
"About this time, Vrasekhara, a Vidydhara, partly of 
human descent, had become acquainted with Darpasra, 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
69 
then performing penance on the great mountain; and 
thinking he might get assistance from him in a feud in 
which he was involved, had made an alliance with him, 
and engaged to marry his sister, the Princess 
Avantisundari.  
"Being desirous of visiting his intended bride, he flew 
through the air to Avanti. On his way he saw the silver 
fetter, descended to the ground, picked it up, and 
continued his flight.  
"Having made himself invisible, he entered without 
difficulty the apartment of the princess, and was 
astonished and enraged on finding her lying in your arms. 
His first impulse was to kill you; but some irresistible 
influence restrained him, so that he contented himself with 
putting the silver fetter on your feet, and departed without 
otherwise disturbing you.  
"You have, in consequence, suffered all this misery. Now 
my transformation is ended, and you are so far free; tell 
me what I can do for you in atonement for the suffering 
which I have caused?"  
The prince, not thinking of himself, said only, "Go at once 
to her who is dearer to me than life, and comfort her with 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
70 
news of me."  
At that moment a great clamour was heard, and some 
persons, rushing from the interior of the palace, called out, 
loudly, "Help! help! Chandavarma is murdered! killed by 
an assassin, who stabbed him as he was about to take the 
hand of the princess; and that man is now moving about 
the palace, cutting down all who attempt to seize him."  
Rjavhana, when he heard this, without losing a 
moment, and before the guards had perceived his feet to 
be unfettered, with a sudden spring leapt on the elephant 
intended for his destruction; and having thrust off the 
driver, urged the beast at a rapid pace, pushing aside the 
crowd right and left as he went.  
Having got into the courtyard, he shouted with a loud 
voice, "Who is the brave man that has done this great 
deed, hardly to be accomplished by a mere mortal? Let 
him come forth and join me; we two united are a match for 
a whole army."  
The slayer of Chandavarma hearing this, came out of the 
palace, and quickly mounting the elephant, who held down 
his trunk to receive him, placed himself behind the prince.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
71 
Great was their mutual astonishment and joy when they 
recognised each other, the prince exclaiming, "Is it 
possible? Is it really you, my dear friend Apahravarma, 
who have done this deed?" and the other saying, "Do I 
indeed see my Lord Rjavhana?" Having thus 
recognised and embraced each other, they turned the 
elephant round, and passing through the crowd in the 
courtyard, went into the main street, now thronged by 
soldiers. Through these they forced their way, employing 
with good effect the weapons placed on the elephant for 
the use of Chandavarma.  
Before, however, they had gone far, they heard the noise 
of battle at a distance, and saw the soldiers in front of 
them scattered in all directions.  
Soon they saw coming towards them a very welldressed, 
handsome man, riding on a swift elephant. On reaching 
them, he made obeisance to the prince, saying, "I am sure 
this is my Lord Rjavhana;" and then turning to 
Apahravarma, said, "I have followed your directions 
exactly, and hastened on the advancing allies. We have 
just now encountered and utterly defeated the enemy, so 
that there is no fear of any further resistance."  
Then Apahravarma introduced the stranger to the prince, 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
72 
saying, "This is my dear friend Dhanamittra, well worthy of 
your respect and consideration; for he is as brave and 
clever as he is handsome. With your permission, he will 
liberate the King of Anga, and reestablish the former 
authorities; meanwhile, we will go on to a quiet place, and 
wait there for him and the princes who have come so 
opportunely to our assistance."  
Rjavhana agreed to this. They went a little further, and 
dismounted at a pleasant cool bank, shaded by a large 
banian tree, and close to the Ganges.  
When they had been for some time seated there, 
Dhanamittra returned, accompanied by Upahravarma, 
Pramati, Mitragupta, Mantragupta, Visruta, Prahravarma 
King of Mithila, Kmapla lord of Benres, and 
Sinhavarma King of Anga.  
The prince, astonished and delighted at such an 
unexpected meeting, warmly embraced his young friends, 
and very respectfully saluted, as a son, the elder men 
introduced by them. Many questions were asked on both 
sides. After some conversation, Rjavhana told them his 
own adventures, and those of Somadatta and 
Pushpodbhava, and then begged his friends to relate theirs.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
73 
Apahravarma spoke first.  
* * * * * 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
74 
ADVENTURES OF APAHRAVARMA 
 
My Lord, when you had gone away with the brahman, and 
we were unable to find you, I wandered about searching 
for you like the rest of your friends.  
One day I heard by chance of a very famous muni, living 
in a forest on the banks of the Ganges, not far from 
Champa, who was said to have supernatural knowledge of 
past and future events.  
Hoping to obtain some information about you, I 
determined to seek him out, and accordingly came here 
for that purpose. Having found the way to his dwelling, I 
saw there a miserablelooking man, very unlike the holy 
devotee whom I had pictured to myself. Sitting down, 
however, beside this person, I said, "I have come a long 
way to consult the celebrated rishi Mrchi, having heard 
that he is possessed of very wonderful knowledge. Can 
you tell me where to find him?"  
Deeply sighing, he answered: "There was, not long ago, 
such a person in this place; but he is changedhe is no 
longer what he was."  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
75 
"How can that be?" I asked.  
"One day," he replied, "while that muni was engaged in 
prayer and meditation, he was interrupted by the sudden 
arrival of a famous actress and dancer, called 
Kmamanjari, who, with dishevelled hair and eyes full of 
tears, threw herself at his feet.  
"Before he had time to ask the meaning of this, a confused 
crowd of her companions came up, headed by an old 
woman, the mother of Kmamanjari, apparently in great 
agitation and distress.  
"When they were all a little quieted, he asked the girl the 
meaning of her tears, and for what purpose she had come 
to him.  
"She answered, apparently with great respect and 
bashfulness, 'O reverend sir, I have heard of your great 
wisdom, and your kindness to those who are willing to 
give up the pleasures of this world for the sake of the next. 
I am tired of the disgraceful life I am leading, and wish to 
renounce it.' Upon this, her mother, with her loose grey 
hairs touching the ground, interrupted her, and said, 
'Worthy sir, this daughter of mine would make it appear 
that I am to blame, but indeed I have done my duty, and 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
76 
have carefully prepared her for that profession for which, 
by birth, she was intended. From earliest childhood I have 
bestowed the greatest care upon her, doing everything in 
my power to promote her health and beauty. As soon as 
she was old enough, I had her carefully instructed in the 
arts of dancing, acting, playing on musical instruments, 
singing, painting, preparing perfumes and flowers, in 
writing and conversation, and even to some extent in 
grammar, logic, and philosophy. She was taught to play 
various games with skill and dexterity, and how to dress 
well, and show herself off to the greatest advantage in 
public; I hired persons to go about praising her skill and 
beauty, and to applaud her when she performed in public, 
and I did many other things to promote her success, and 
to secure for her liberal remuneration; yet, after all the 
time, trouble, and money which I have spent upon her, just 
when I was beginning to reap the fruit of my labours, the 
ungrateful girl has fallen in love with a stranger, a young 
brahman, without property, and wishes to marry him and 
give up her profession, notwithstanding all my entreaties, 
and representations of the poverty and distress to which 
all her family will be reduced if she persists in her purpose; 
and because I oppose this marriage, she declares that 
she will renounce the world, and become a devotee.'  
"The muni compassionately said to the girl: 'You will never 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
77 
be able to endure the hardships of such a life as you 
propose to leada life so different from that to which you 
have been accustomed. Heaven may be attained by all 
who duly perform the duties of their station; take my 
advice then, give up all thoughts of an undertaking which 
you will never accomplish, comply with your mother's 
wishes, return with her, and be content with that way of life 
in which you have been brought up.'  
"With many tears, she replied: 'If you will not receive me I 
will put an end to my wretched life.'  
"Finding her so determined, the muni, after some 
reflection, said to the mother and her companions: 'Go 
away for the present; come back after a few days; I will 
give her good advice, and you will no doubt find her tired 
of living here, and quite ready to return.'  
"Thereupon they all went away, and she was left alone 
with the muni. At first she kept at a distance from him, 
taking care not to interrupt him in his meditations, but 
waiting on him unobtrusively, rendering him many little 
services, watering his favourite trees, and gathering 
sacred grass, and flowers for offerings to the gods. Then, 
as he became more accustomed to her, she would amuse 
him with songs and dances, and at last began to sit near 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
78 
him and talk of the pleasures of love.  
"One day, as if in all simplicity, she said 'Surely people are 
very wrong in reckoning virtue, wealth and pleasure as the 
three great objects of life?'  
"'Tell me,' he answered, 'how far do you regard virtue as 
superior to the other two?'  
"'A very wise man like you,' she replied, 'can hardly learn 
anything from an ignorant woman like me; but since you 
ask, I will tell you what I think. There is no real acquisition 
of happiness or wealth without virtue; but the latter is quite 
independent of the other two. Without it, a man is nothing; 
but if he fully possesses it, he is so purified by it that he 
may indulge in pleasures occasionally, and any sin 
connected with them will no more adhere to him than dust 
to a cloud. Look at all the stories of the amours of the 
gods. Are they the less worshipped on that account? I 
think, therefore, that virtue is a hundred times superior to 
the other two.' With many such specious arguments as 
these, and by her winning ways, she contrived to make 
him madly in love; so that, forgetting all his religious duties 
and former austerities, he thought only how to please her.  
"When she perceived this, she said to him 'Let us stay no 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
79 
longer in the forest, but go to my house in the town, where 
we can have many more enjoyments.' Utterly infatuated, 
he was ready to do her bidding; and she, having procured 
a covered carriage, took him in the evening to her own 
house.  
"The next day there was a great festival, at which the king 
was accustomed to appear in public and converse 
familiarly with his subjects. On such occasions he would 
often be surrounded by actresses and dancing girls.  
"On that day Kmamanjari persuaded the muni to put on a 
gay dress and accompany her to the park where the 
festival was held; and he, thinking only of her, and 
miserable if she were away from him even for a short time, 
consented to go. On their arrival there, she walked with 
him towards the king, who, seeing her, said, with a smile: 
'Sit down here with that reverend man.' And all eyes were 
directed towards him.  
"Presently one of the ladies rose up, and, making a low 
obeisance to the king, said: 'My lord; I must confess 
myself beaten by that lady; I have lost my wager and must 
now pay the penalty.'  
"Then a great shout of laughter arose; the king 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
80 
congratulated Kmamanjari, and presented her with 
handsome ornaments.  
"After this she walked away with the astonished muni, 
followed by a great crowd, shouting applause.  
"Before reaching her own house, she turned round to him 
with a low obeisance, and said: 'Reverend sir, you have 
favoured me with your company a long time; it will be well 
for you to attend now to your own affairs.'  
"Not having his eyes yet opened, he started as if 
thunderstruck, and said: 'My dear, what does all this 
mean? What has become of the great love which you 
professed for me?'  
"She smilingly answered: 'I will explain it all.'  
"'One day, that lady whom you saw in the park had a 
dispute with me as to which was the most attractive. At 
last she said: "You boast of your powers, forsooth; go and 
try them on Mrchi. If you can persuade him to 
accompany you here, then indeed you may triumph; I will 
acknowledge myself your inferior."  
"'This was the reason of my coming to you; the trick has 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
81 
been successful; I have won my wager, and have now no 
further occasion for you.'  
"Bowed down by shame and remorse, the unhappy man 
slunk back to his hermitage, miserable and degraded, 
bitterly lamenting his folly and infatuation, but resolved to 
atone for it by deep repentance and severe penance.  
"I am that wretched man; you see, therefore, that I am 
now quite unable to assist you. But do not go away; 
remain in Champa. After a time I shall recover my former 
power."  
While he was telling me this sad story, the sun set, and I 
remained with him that night. The next morning, at 
sunrise, I took leave of him, and walked towards the city. 
On my way thither, as I passed a Buddhist monastery, I 
was struck by the appearance of a man sitting at the side 
of the road near it. He was extraordinarily ugly; his body 
naked, with the exception of a rag round his waist; and his 
face so covered with dirt, that the tears he was shedding 
left furrows as they rolled down his cheeks.  
Moved by compassion, I sat down near him, and inquired 
the reason of his distress, at the same time adding, "If it is 
a secret, I do not wish to intrude upon you."  
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82 
"'My misfortunes are well known,' he answered; 'I can 
have no objection to telling you if you wish to hear them.' 
Then he began:  
"My name is Vasuplika; but from my ugliness I am 
generally known as Virpaka,the deformed. I am the son 
of a man of some importance here, who left me a large 
fortune.  
"Among my acquaintance there was a person called 
Sundaraka, remarkably handsome, but poor. Between us 
two some mischievous persons strove to excite a rivalry, 
pitting my money against his beauty and accomplishments.  
"One day, in a large assembly, having got up a dispute 
between us, they said: 'It is not beauty or wealth, but the 
approbation of the ladies, which stamps the worth of a 
man; therefore, let the famous actress, Kmamanjari, 
decide between you, and agree that she shall say who is 
the best man.' To this we both assented, and she, having 
been previously prepared for the part which she was to 
perform, was brought into the room, and passing by my 
rival with scorn, sat down by my side, and, taking a 
garland from her own head, placed it on mine.  
"Greatly flattered and delighted by this preference, and 
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83 
blinded by a mad love for her, which I had not ventured to 
express, I most readily gave myself up to her seductions, 
and in a very short time she obtained such an influence 
over me that everything I possessed was at her disposal. 
Before long, she had so plundered me, and led me into 
such extravagance, that I was reduced to the most abject 
poverty, and had nothing I could call my own but this 
miserable rag which you now see me wear.  
"Cast off by her, blamed and reproached by the elder 
men, laughed at and despised by those who had been my 
companions in prosperity, I knew not where to turn; and as 
a last resource I entered this Buddhist monastery, where I 
obtain a bare subsistence.  
"Distressed by the cutting off of my long hair, and by 
numerous restrictions as to eating, drinking, and sleeping, 
like a newlycaught elephant; and hearing every day 
abuse of those gods whom I used to worship; filled with 
remorse for my departure from the religion of my 
ancestors; I am utterly miserable and only wish for death."  
Having heard this pitiable story, I did what I could to 
comfort him, and said, "Do not despair; I have heard 
already of that wicked woman, and think I shall be able to 
find some means of making her restore to you a part at 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
84 
least of your property."  
After leaving him, I went into the city, and finding, from 
popular report, that it was full of rich misers, I resolved to 
bring them to their proper condition by taking away their 
useless wealth.  
Occupied by this thought, I went into a gaminghouse, 
where I was much interested and amused by watching the 
players and observing their tricks, their sleightofhand, 
their bullying or cringing behaviour to each other; the 
reckless profusion of the winners, the muttering despair of 
those who had lost.  
While overlooking a game of chess, I smiled and made 
some remark about a bad move of one of the players, 
upon which his opponent, turning to me with a sneer, said 
"No doubt you think yourself very clever, but wait till I have 
finished off this stupid fellow, and I will play you for any 
stake you like."  
When the game was over, accepting his challenge, I sat 
down to play, and won altogether sixteen thousand dnars. 
Half of this sum I kept for myself, and half I divided 
between the gaminghouse keeper and the players who 
were present. The latter were loud in praise of my 
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85 
generosity, and of the skill which I had shown in beating 
that boaster; the former asked me to dine with him, and I 
often went to his house and became very intimate with 
him, and obtained from him much information, especially 
such as had reference to my purpose.  
One very dark night, fully directed by him, I set out, 
determined on robbery, equipped with a dark dress, a 
short sword, a spade, a crowbar, a pair of pincers, a 
wooden man's head4, a magic candle, a rope and 
grapplingiron, a box with a bee in it5, and some other 
implements.  
Selecting a house where I knew there was much money, I 
made a hole in the wall, and finding all quiet, enlarged it, 
entered boldly, and carried off much booty.  
As I was returning, looking cautiously about me, I came 
suddenly upon a young woman, who was much alarmed 
at seeing me. Perceiving her agitation, I spoke to her 
kindly, and assured her that I would much rather assist 
than injure her.  
                                                          
4
  To be pushed in through opening in a wall, so as to receive any blow 
which might be given 
5
  To be let loose that it might put out the lights 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
86 
Encouraged by my words, she told me her story: "My 
name is Kulaplika; I am the daughter of a rich merchant 
in this city, and was from childhood engaged to the son of 
another rich man, named Dhanamittra: he, however, being 
of a very generous disposition, when he had succeeded to 
his father's property was preyed on by pretended friends 
and reduced to comparative poverty. Seeing this, my 
father refused his consent to our marriage, and, in spite of 
my reluctance, is determined to give me to a rich man, 
called Arthapati. To escape this marriage, I have slipped 
out from home by a secret passage, rarely used, and am 
going to the house of my lover, who is expecting me and 
will take me away to some other country; pray do not 
detain me, but accept this." So saying, she put one of her 
ornaments into my hand. I did not refuse it, but walked by 
her side, intending to escort her to her destination.  
We had, however, only gone a few steps, when I saw 
coming towards us, at no great distance, a large body of 
the citizen guard. Without losing a moment, I said to the 
trembling girl, "Don't be alarmed; say that I have been 
bitten by a serpent, and I will manage the rest."  
By the time they reached us I had thrown myself on the 
ground, and lay as if insensible, and she stood over me, 
crying. On being questioned, she answered, with many 
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87 
tears, and in evident distress: "My husband and I, coming 
from the country, lost our way, and have only lately 
entered the city. Just now he was bitten by a serpent, and 
is all but dead. Is there any one among you skilled in 
charms who can recover him?"  
Among the guard there chanced to be a very conceited 
man, who had often boasted of his skill, and was now 
delighted to have an opportunity of displaying it. He stood 
over me while the others waited, and, with many 
gesticulations, muttered various charms supposed to be 
efficacious in such a case; but finding all of no avail, said 
at last, "Ah! it is too late; the poor man is past all 
remedies: what a pity I did not see him sooner!" Then, 
joining his companions, who were impatient to be off, he 
turned to the sobbing girl and said: "He was evidently 
fated to die; who can prevail over fate? It is useless to 
lament; nothing more can be done now; wait a little while, 
and when we come back we will remove the body."  
As soon as they were out of sight I rose up, took her to the 
house of Dhanamittra, and said to him: "I met this lady just 
now; I have brought her safely here, and now restore the 
ornament which she gave me in her fright; for, though I am 
a robber, I would not steal from one like her."  
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88 
Delighted at seeing her, he answered: "O, sir, you have 
indeed rendered me a great service in bringing this dear 
one in safety here; such conduct is very extraordinary in a 
man of your way of life, and I am quite unable to 
understand your motives for acting thus. At all events, I 
am under very great obligation to you; command my 
services in future."  
After some further talk, I asked him: "Friend, what do you 
now intend to do?"  
"It will be impossible," he answered, "for me to live here if I 
marry her without her father's consent; I propose, 
therefore, to leave the town with her this very night."  
"A clever man," I replied, "is at home in any place. 
Wherever he goes he may say this is my country. But, in 
travelling, many hardships must be enduredhunger, 
thirst, fatigue, and dangers from men and wild beasts;-
how will this tender girl be able to bear them?  
"You seem to be wanting in wisdom and forethought in 
thus abandoning home and country. Take courage! be 
guided by me, and you shall marry her and live 
comfortably here. But first we must take her back to her 
father's house."  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
89 
To this he consented without hesitation, and we set out at 
once. Guided by her, we entered through the secret 
passage, carried off everything of value, and got away 
without exciting alarm.  
Having hidden our booty in some old ruins, we were going 
home, when we fell in with some of the city guard. 
Fortunately, there chanced to be an elephant tied up at 
the side of the road. We quickly, therefore, unfastened the 
rope, mounted him, and urged him at full speed; and 
before the watchmen could recover from their confusion, 
were out of sight. Halting the elephant close to the wall of 
a deserted garden, we got over it with the help of the trees 
growing there, escaped on the other side, and reached 
home undetected, where we bathed and went to bed.  
The next day we walked out carefully dressed, and were 
amused at hearing an exaggerated account of our 
adventures of the preceding night, which had caused 
much alarm and excitement in the city.  
I had hoped, by robbing the old man, to prevent the 
marriage of his daughter with Arthapati. But this hope was 
frustrated; for the latter was not only willing to take 
Kulaplika without a dowry, but even made presents to 
her father; and it was settled that the marriage should take 
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90 
place at the end of a month.  
Finding this to be the case, I felt that something more 
must be done; and having hit upon a plan which I thought 
would be effectual, I gave Dhanamittra directions how to 
act.  
Accordingly, a few days afterwards, he went to the king, to 
whom he was previously known, and having asked for a 
private audience, said: "A very wonderful thing has 
happened to me, of which it seems right that your majesty 
should be informed. You have known me as Dhanamittra, 
the son of a very rich man. During my prosperity, I was 
engaged to the daughter of a wealthy merchant; but when 
I was reduced to poverty, he refused his consent to our 
marriage, and is now about to give her to another.  
"Driven to despair by the double loss of fortune and wife, I 
went into a wood near the city, intending to put an end to 
my wretched life.  
"There, when in the act of cutting my throat, I was stopped 
by a very aged devotee, who asked the cause of the rash 
act.  
"'Poverty, and contempt,' I answered.  
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91 
"'There is nothing more foolish and sinful than suicide,' he 
replied. 'A man of sense will endure adversity rather than 
escape from it in such a manner. Wealth, when lost, may 
be regained in many ways; but life in none. A broken 
fortune may be repaired; a cut throat can never be joined 
again. But why should I preach to you thus? Here is a 
remedy for your misfortunes. This leather bag will give you 
abundant wealth. I have used it for assisting the 
deserving; but now I am old and infirm, and am not long 
for this world. I give it to you.  
"'Go home; if you possess anything wrongfully acquired, 
restore it to the right owner, and give away the rest of your 
property to brahmans and the poor. When this has been 
done, put away the purse carefully; and in the morning it 
will be found full of gold. Remember that whoever 
possesses it must comply with these conditions, and that it 
will yield its treasures only to a merchant like yourself, or 
to an actress.'  
"With these words, he handed me the purse, and 
immediately disappeared.  
"I have now brought the purse to your majesty, to know 
your pleasure concerning it."  
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92 
The king, though much astonished, believing the story, 
told him to keep and enjoy it; and in answer to his 
entreaty, promised that any one attempting to steal it 
should be severely punished.  
After this, Dhanamittra, making no secret of his acquisition 
of the purse, disposed of all his property somewhat 
ostentatiously, leaving himself absolutely nothing but the 
clothes which he wore; and in the morning, having filled 
the purse with goldthe proceeds of the robberyhe 
showed it to his neighbours, who were fully convinced of 
its magic powers.  
The fame of the purse was thus spread abroad; and we 
were able to account for our newlyacquired wealth, 
without incurring any suspicion as to the manner of 
obtaining it.  
At this time; for reasons which will presently appear, I 
induced Vimardaka to enter the service of Arthapati; and 
directed him to use all possible means to excite his master 
against Dhanamittra. In this he had no difficulty; for the 
father of Kulaplika, hearing of his sudden acquisition of 
wealth, did not even wait to be asked, but of his own 
accord renewed the former engagement, and rejected 
Arthapati.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
93 
About that time it was publicly announced that a younger 
sister of KmamanjariRgamanjari by namewould 
make her first appearance as a dancer and singer. Great 
expectations having been raised, a large number of 
spectators, including myself and my friend Dhanamittra, 
were present at the performance.  
I was struck by her beauty the instant she appeared on 
the stage; but when I heard her sweet voice, and saw her 
graceful movements, I was perfectly enchanted, and 
unable to take my eyes off her for a moment.  
The performance being ended, she withdrew, followed by 
the longing eyes and loud applause of the spectators; and 
giving, as I fancied, a significant look at me.  
The next day I was anxious, restless, and unable to eat; 
and could do nothing but roam about listlessly, or lie on 
the couch, thinking of her, and making the excuse of a bad 
headache.  
My friend, seeing me in this state, easily guessed the 
reason of it, and said to me in private: "I know the cause of 
your uneasiness, and can give you good hopes. That girl 
is virtuous, whatever her mother and sister may be; and 
having watched her closely at the performance, I am 
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94 
convinced that she was much struck with you; therefore, if 
you are willing to make her your wife, there will be no 
great difficulties to overcome as far as she is concerned; 
for, resisting all seductions and the persuasions of her 
wicked mother and sister, she has declared: 'No man shall 
have me except as a wife; and I must be won by merit, not 
by money.'  
"On the other hand, her mother and sister, fearing lest she 
should be withdrawn from the stage, have gone to the 
king, and obtained, through many tears and entreaties, a 
decree that if any man shall take the girl, either in 
marriage or not, without her mother's consent, he shall be 
put to death like a robber. Therefore, when you have 
gained her love, you must also obtain the mother's 
consent; and that can only be done by means of a large 
bribe; she will not listen to any other inducement."  
"I am equal to all this," I answered; "I will win the young 
lady, and find means to satisfy the old one." And I lost no 
time in accomplishing my purpose. It was first necessary 
to make acquaintance with Kmamanjari, and to this end I 
found out a woman often employed by her as a 
messenger, and having gained her over by bribes, sent, 
through her, a number of small presents, till at last 
Kmamanjari was disposed in my favour, and received me 
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95 
at her house. Meanwhile I contrived to have secret 
interviews with her beautiful sister, who consented to be 
my wife. As soon as this was settled, I said to 
Kmamanjari, "I am desirous of obtaining your mother's 
consent to my marriage with your sister, who has 
accepted me. I know that if she ceases to perform, you will 
lose a large income; and, therefore, offer you in return 
something better and more certain. Procure for me the 
desired permission, and you shall have Dhanamittra's 
magic purse, which I will safely steal for you."  
Delighted at the thought of possessing inexhaustible 
wealth, she agreed to this; the mother's consent was 
formally given; and on the day of my marriage I secretly 
handed over the promised purse.  
Very soon after, Vimardaka, by my directions, in a large 
assembly, began to abuse and insult Dhanamittra, who, 
as if much astonished, said: "What does all this mean? 
Why should you annoy me? I am not aware that I have 
ever given you offence."  
He answered furiously: "You purseproud wretch, do you 
think I will not take my master's part? Have you not robbed 
him of his intended wife, by bribing her father? Do you 
think he has no cause for anger against you? His interests 
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96 
are mine; I am ready to risk my life for him, and I will pay 
you off. Some day you shall miss that purse, the source of 
the riches with which you are so puffed up." Saying this, 
he rushed out of the place in a rage; and though nothing 
was done at the time, his words were not forgotten.  
Then Dhanamittra went to the king, and declaring that he 
had lost the purse, mentioned his suspicion of Arthapati, 
and the reason for it. He, having heard nothing of what his 
servant had said, when summoned and asked "Have you 
a confidential servant named Vimardaka?" answered 
without hesitation, "Certainly; he is a very trustworthy man, 
entirely devoted to my interest."  
"Bring him here to me."  
Thus commanded, he searched everywhere for his 
servant, but was unable to find him; and for a good 
reason, for I had furnished the man with money, and sent 
him to Oujein, to look for you.  
The supposed thief having disappeared, his master was 
put in prison till further evidence could be procured, for no 
one but those in the secret doubted that he was the 
instigator of the theft.  
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97 
Meanwhile Kmamanjari, anxious to make use of the 
magic purse, proceeded to fulfil the conditions attached to 
its use. She went secretly to Virpaka, and restored the 
money of which she had robbed him, and then gave away 
all her furniture, clothes, and ornaments. This, however, 
she did so incautiously, that attention was drawn to it; 
upon which Dhanamittra went again to the king, saying: "I 
suspect that the actress, Kmamanjari, has got my purse; 
for though notoriously avaricious, she is giving away 
everything she possesses, and there must be some strong 
reason for such a proceeding."  
In consequence of this information, she was summoned to 
appear the next day, together with her mother; and the 
two women came in great alarm to consult me.  
I said to Kmamanjari: "No doubt you are suspected of 
having the purse. This suspicion has arisen from your own 
imprudence, in giving away your property so openly. I 
much fear that you will have to give it up, and you will be 
fortunate if you escape without worse consequences. But 
you must on no account implicate me; for then I should be 
put to death, all my property would be confiscated, your 
sister would die of grief, and you would be utterly ruined."  
She answered, with many tears: "It is indeed my own fault, 
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98 
but you shall be safe. That niggardly wretch, Arthapati, is 
known to be intimate with me. I will say that I received it 
from him; and, as he is already suspected of stealing it, I 
shall probably be believed."  
To this I agreed, and the next day, when questioned, she 
at first denied all knowledge of the purse, then admitted 
having received it, but refused to say from whom, and at 
last, when threatened with torture, confessed, apparently 
with great reluctance, that Arthapati was the giver; and 
this being considered sufficient evidence against him, he 
was condemned to death.  
Then Dhanamittra interceded for him, saying. "A decree 
was formerly made by one of your ancestors, that no 
merchant or trader should be put to death for theft. I 
humbly entreat, therefore, that his life may be spared."  
To this the king consented, the poor wretch was banished, 
and all his property confiscated, a portion of it being given 
to Kmamanjari, at the earnest entreaty of Dhanamittra, 
who got back his purse, and shortly afterwards married 
Kulaplika.  
Having thus performed the promise to my friend, I 
increased my own wealth, and kept up the reputation of 
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99 
the purse by going on with my robberies, and so 
impoverished the rich misers, that some of them were glad 
to receive a morsel of food from the beggars to whom they 
had formerly refused help, and who were now enriched by 
my liberality.  
Still no suspicion fell on me; but fate is allpowerful, and it 
was decreed that I should be caught at last.  
One night, sitting with my charming wife, intoxicated, 
partly with wine and partly with her sweet caresses, I was 
seized with madness, and started up, saying: "All the 
wealth in the city is not too much for you; I will fill the 
house with jewels for your sake." Then, like a furious 
elephant who has broken his chain, I rushed out, in spite 
of her remonstrances, with a drawn sword, and attacked a 
body of police, who happened to be passing. Shouting 
out, "This is the robber!" they soon overpowered me, and I 
fell to the ground.  
The shock sobered me at once, and all the horror of the 
situation into which I had brought myself by my folly came 
into my mind. I thought to myself, my intimacy with 
Dhanamittra is well known; suspicion will fall on him; and 
unless I can turn it off, he, as well as my wife, will be 
arrested tomorrow; and I quickly formed a plan by which 
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100 
they, and perhaps I myself, might be saved. But no time 
was to be lost; and as they were about to take me away, I 
called out to my wife's nurse, Sringlika, who had followed 
me, "Begone, old wretch! and tell that vile harlot your 
mistress, and her paramour, Dhanamittra, that she will 
never see her ornaments, nor he his magic purse again. I 
care not for life, if I am revenged on those two wretches."  
The old woman being remarkably quickwitted, at once 
understood my object in speaking thus, and very humbly 
accosting the police said: "Worthy sir, I entreat you to wait 
a moment, while I ask your prisoner where he has hid the 
ornaments of my mistress."  
To, this they assented, and coming to me, she said: "O, 
sir, your jealousy is without cause; whatever attentions 
that man may have paid my mistress, she is not to blame. 
Now that you are taken from her, she will have no means 
of support, and must go on the stage again. How can she 
do this without her ornaments? Take compassion on her, 
and say where you have hid them."  
Then, as if my anger were appeased, I answered: "Why 
should I, who am about to die, harbour resentment? Come 
close, and I will whisper where I have put them." In this 
manner I managed to give her a few hurried instructions. 
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101 
She went away, with many blessings on me, and thanks to 
the men for their kindness; and I was taken to the king's 
prison.  
At that time the governor of the prison was a very 
conceited young man, named Kantaka, who had lately 
succeeded to the office by the death of his father. When I 
was brought in, looking at me in a very contemptuous 
manner, he said: "So you are the thief who has committed 
so many robberies. If you do not give up the stolen 
property, and especially the magic purse, you shall suffer 
every possible variety of torture before you are put to 
death."  
I answered, smiling, "Even though I should give up all the 
other stolen property, I will never let the purse go back to 
that wretch Dhanamittra, my greatest enemy. You may try 
all your tortures; you will never get this secret out of me."  
Finding the fear of torture to have no effect, the next day 
he tried promises; and so went on from day to day, with 
alternate soothing and threatening.  
Meanwhile, my wounds were attended to, and I was well 
fed; so that I had regained my strength when, one day, 
Sringlika made her appearance, well dressed, and with 
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102 
cheerful countenance.  
To my surprise, she was allowed to speak to me in 
private. She said to me, joyfully "Your plan has 
succeeded. As you directed, I went to Dhanamittra and 
told him, from you: 'You must go to the king, and say, "The 
magic purse so lately restored has again been stolen by 
one whom I regarded as a friend a certain gambler, the 
husband of the actress Rgamanjari. He has taken it from 
spite, being jealous of his wife, to whom, from kindness, I 
often made presents. He is now in prison for other 
offences; and if, he is put to death immediately, as he 
deserves, I fear that I shall never recover my purse. I pray, 
therefore, that he may not be executed before he has 
confessed where it is concealed. For he admits having 
taken it; but declares that he will not give it up, unless his 
life is spared." Your friend, admiring your ingenuity, and 
having full confidence in your resources, immediately went 
to the king and obtained his request, so that your life is 
safe for the present.'  
"Meanwhile, with the help of gifts furnished by my 
mistress, I have formed an intimacy with the nurse of the 
Princess Amblika, and have been introduced by her to 
the princess, whose favour I have gained by telling her 
amusing stories, and whom I have induced to feel an 
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103 
interest in the misfortune of my mistress.  
"One day, when I was standing near her in the gallery 
round the courtyard of the palace, Kantaka, having some 
business or other, passed through below us. Picking up a 
flower which the princess had dropped, I let it fall on his 
head; and when he looked up to see from whose hand it 
came, I managed to make the princess laugh at 
something which I said; and the conceited fool, thinking 
that it was she who had dropped it to attract his attention, 
went away looking quite pleased and confused.  
"That same evening I received a present for my mistress, 
a small basket marked with the signet of the princess, and 
containing articles of no great value. This I took to 
Kantaka; and begging him to observe the strictest 
secrecy, made him believe that the princess had sent it to 
him. He was even delighted when, another day, I brought 
him a dirty dress, telling him that she had worn it.  
"Finding him quite ready to believe this, and convinced 
that she was in love with him, I kept up an imaginary 
correspondence, bringing very loving messages from her, 
which I invented, and receiving many from him in return, 
which I took care not to deliver. His presents, of course, I 
kept for myself.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
104 
"In this manner I have raised his hopes very high; and to 
encourage him still further, I said: 'I have heard from a 
learned astrologer, with whom I am acquainted, that you 
have certain marks upon you which indicate that you will 
one day be a king. This love on the part of the princess 
tends to the fulfilment of the prediction. You are therefore 
on the high road to fortune. If you have spirit enough to 
pursue it, all you have to do now is to obtain a secret 
interview with the lady; the rest will follow in due time.'  
"'But how can I manage this?' he asked. 'The wall of the 
garden,' I replied, 'communicating with the princess's 
apartments, is separated from those of the gaol by a 
space of a few yards only. You could not get over these 
walls; but you might make an underground passage, and 
slip in unobserved; and I will take care that there shall be 
someone to receive and conduct you to the princess. 
When once with her, you are safe; for all her attendants 
are attached to her; not one would betray the secret.'  
"'But how can I make this underground passage?' he 
asked. 'I cannot dig it myself, or employ workmen.'  
"'Have you no clever thief here,' I replied, 'accustomed to 
such work?'  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
105 
"'Well suggested,' he answered. 'I have just the right man.'  
"'Who is he?' I said.  
"'That man who has stolen the magic purse,' said he. 'If he 
will set to work with a good will he will soon dig his way 
through.'  
"'Very good,' I answered. 'You must persuade him by 
promising to let him go when the work is done. But it 
would never do for him to be in the secret; therefore, when 
he has finished, put on his fetters again, and report to the 
king that he is exceedingly obstinate; that you have tried 
all other means to make him confess, and that nothing 
remains but to put him to torture. No doubt the king will 
give orders accordingly; and you can easily manage so to 
inflict it that he shall die under it. When he is dead, your 
secret will be safe; you can visit the princess as often as 
you like; and, doubtless, in the end the king, rather than 
disgrace his daughter, will consent to your marriage; and 
as he has no other child, will make you his successor.'  
"With this proposal he was quite delighted; and has been 
treating you well, that you may have strength for the work. 
He intends to ask you to begin tonight; and has sent me 
to persuade you, believing me to be devoted to his 
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106 
interests, and looking forward to some great reward when 
he has got his wish."  
Having heard this from the old woman, I gave her great 
praise, and said: "Lose no time. Tell him I am quite ready 
to do the work."  
After this, Kantaka came to me, told me what he wanted, 
and swore a solemn oath that I should be liberated when 
the work was done; and I, in return, swore to keep his 
secret.  
Then he took off my fetters; I got a bath and a good 
dinner, and presently set to work in a dark corner, under 
the wall. Soon after midnight the work was done, and an 
opening made into the courtyard of the women's 
apartments.  
Before returning, I thought to myself "This man has sworn 
an oath which he intends to break: for the preservation of 
my own life, therefore, I shall be justified in killing him."  
Having formed this resolution, I went back to the prison, 
where Kantaka was waiting for me. He told me it was 
necessary to replace my fetters for the present; and I 
appeared to acquiesce. But as he was stooping to fasten 
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107 
them, I gave him a violent kick; and before he could 
recover himself, I had snatched a short sword which he 
wore, and cut off his head.  
I then returned to Sringlika, who had remained in the 
prison, and said to her: "I am not disposed to have had all 
this toil for nothing. Tell me the way into the ladies' rooms. 
I will go there and steal something before I make my 
escape."  
Having received her directions, I passed again through the 
tunnel which I had made, came up into the courtyard; and 
from thence entered a large, lofty room lighted by jewelled 
lamps, where a number of women were sleeping.  
There, on a couch ornamented with beautifully carved 
flowers and resting on lions' feet, I saw the princess, 
covered only by a thin silken petticoat, half sunk into a soft 
white featherbed, like lightning on an autumn cloud.  
Fast asleep, as if wearied by much play, she lay in a very 
graceful attitude, with her delicate ankles crossed, her 
knees slightly drawn up; one lovely hand laid loosely on 
her side, the other beneath her head; her full bosom, 
slowly heaved by gentle breathing, illuminated by the ruby 
necklace strung on burnished gold; the topknot of her 
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108 
loosened hair hanging down like some graceful flower; her 
lips so bright that the opening of the mouth could hardly 
be distinguished; her features in calm repose, shaded by 
her lovely ringlets.  
I had entered so softly that no one was disturbed; and I 
stood gazing for some time lost in admiration of her 
beauty, quite forgetting the purpose for which I had come.  
I thought, she is, after all, the lady of my heart. If I do not 
obtain her, Kma will not suffer me to live; but how can I 
make known my love to her? Were I now to wake her, she 
would start up with a cry of alarm, and I should probably 
lose my life. I must think of some other way of letting her 
know my love.  
Then, looking round, I saw laid on a shelf a thin board 
prepared for painting, and a box of paints and brushes. 
With these I made a hasty sketch of the princess as she 
lay, and of myself kneeling at her feet, and underneath it I 
wrote this verse: 
"Of thee thy slave in humble attitude thus prays: Sleep on, 
not worn like me by pervading love."  
I then painted on the wall near her a pair of chakravkas 
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109 
in loving attitude, gently took off her ring, replacing it with 
mine, and slipped out without disturbing any of the sleepers.  
There was at that time among the prisoners a man named 
Sinhaghosha, formerly a chief officer of police, but now 
imprisoned through a false accusation made by Kantaka.  
With this man I had already made acquaintance, and I 
now went to him and told him how I had killed Kantaka. 
With his consent I went forth from the prison, and walked 
away with Sringlika. We had not gone far when we fell in 
with a patrol. I thought to myself I could easily run away 
from them; but what would become of the poor old 
woman? She would certainly be caught. Hastily 
determining, therefore, on what was best to be done, I 
walked right up to them with unsteady gait and idiotic look, 
and said: "Sirs, if I am a thief kill me, but you have no right 
to touch this old woman."  
She, perceiving my intention, came up, and very humbly 
said: "Honoured sirs, this young man is my son. He has 
been for some time confined as a lunatic; but was 
supposed to be cured, and I brought him home yesterday. 
In the middle of the night, however, he started up, and 
calling out: 'I will kill Kantaka and make love to the king's 
daughter,' rushed out into the street. I have at last 
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110 
overtaken him, and am trying to take him home. Will you 
be so good as to help me, and tie his hands behind him 
that he may not get away again?"  
As she said this, I called out: "O old woman, who ever 
bound a god or the wind, Shall these crows catch an 
eagle?" and started off at full speed. She, renewing her 
entreaties, begged them to pursue me; but they only 
laughed at her, and said: "Do you think we have nothing to 
do but to run after madmen? You must be as mad as he is 
to have taken him out;" and so they went on their way.  
I stopped when I found I was not pursued. She soon 
overtook me, and we went to my house, to the great joy of 
my wife, who had scarcely hoped for my deliverance.  
In the morning I saw Dhanamittra, told him all that had 
happened, and thanked him for following my directions so 
punctually.  
After this I went to the forest, to see Mrchi. I found him 
restored to his former condition, and able to give me the 
desired information. From him I learnt that you would be 
here about this time.  
In the morning after my escape, Sinhaghosha informed 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
111 
the king of what had happened, and how Kantaka had 
been killed when about to enter the princess's apartments. 
Being found to be innocent of the crime of which he was 
accused, he was appointed governor of the prison in 
Kantaka's place.  
Before the underground passage was filled up, he 
permitted me to pass through it more than once to the 
princess, who was favourably disposed towards me 
through the picture and verse, and still more by all that 
Sringlika had said in my favour.  
No great search was made after me, and by keeping quiet 
and going out only at night I escaped further arrest.  
You know how Chandavarma besieged Champa, and how 
Sinhavarma was defeated and taken prisoner. When I 
heard this, and how the conqueror intended to force the 
princess to marry him, I went to Dhanamittra and said: "Do 
you go about among the ministers and officers of the 
imprisoned king and the principal citizens, and tell them to 
be ready to attack the enemy as soon as they hear of the 
death of Chandavarma. I will engage to kill him tomorrow."  
How Dhanamittra has performed his part you have just 
seen. As to myself, I put on a dress suitable for the 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
112 
occasion, and, as many persons were going in and out of 
the palace, managed to slip in unobserved and get very 
near the intending bridegroom. Suddenly stretching out 
my arm as he was about to take the hand of the princess, 
I gave him a mortal wound with a sword; then saying a few 
hasty words of encouragement to her, I defended myself 
against those who endeavoured to seize me, till I heard 
your welcome voice, deep as the sound of thunder, and 
had the happiness of embracing you.  
Rjavhana, having heard this story, said "You have 
indeed shown wonderful ingenuity and courage;" then he 
turned to Upahravarma, and said: "It is now your turn;" 
and he, having made due salutation, thus began: 
* * * * * 
 
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113 
ADVENTURES OF UPAHRAVARMA 
 
While wandering about like the others, I cams one day into 
the country of Videha. Before entering into Mithila, the 
capital, I stopped to rest at a small temple, and found 
there an old woman, who gave me water for my feet.  
Observing that she looked at me very hard, and that tears 
came into her eyes, I asked her: "O, mother, what is the 
cause of your grief?"  
"You bring to my mind," she answered, the remembrance 
of my lost foster child, who, if he lives, is just about your 
age. But I will tell you how he was lost.  
"Prahravarma was formerly king of this country. His 
queen was a very dear friend of Vasumati; wife of 
Rjahansa, King of Magadha, and he went with her and 
his twin sons to visit that king. How he was conquered and 
driven from his dominions by the King of Mlwa you have 
doubtless heard. It was shortly before that invasion that 
the visit was made. In the battle which was fought, 
Prahravarma assisted his friend, and was taken prisoner, 
but was subsequently liberated.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
114 
"When returning to his own kingdom, he heard that a 
rebellion had broken out, headed by his brother's son, 
Vikatavarma. He therefore turned aside through a forest 
road, in the direction of Suhma, hoping to obtain 
assistance from his sister's son, the king of that country. 
On the march, he was attacked and plundered by Bheels; 
and I, having charge of one of his children, was separated 
from the party, and left behind in the forest.  
"There I was attacked, by a tiger, and dropped the child. 
The tiger was killed by an arrow; but I fainted away, and 
when I recovered, the child was gone, taken away, I 
suppose, by the Bheels. Having been found and taken 
care of by a compassionate cowherd, I stayed at his 
cottage till my wounds were healed.  
"Longing to get back to my friends, and to hear some 
tidings of my mistress, I was surprised one day by the 
appearance of my daughter, who had been, with me, in 
charge of the other child.  
"After mutual congratulations and embraces, she told me 
her story as follows: 'After we were parted, I was wounded 
by the robbers, lost the child, and was found wandering 
about by one of the foresters, who took care of me, and 
afterwards wished to make me his wife. I was too much 
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115 
disgusted with him and his way of life to consent; and, 
after many threats, he would at last have killed me, but for 
the opportune arrival of a young man who happened to be 
passing, and rescued me from his hands. That young man 
has since become my husband. We have been searching 
for you, and have now happily found you.'  
"I asked who the man was. He answered: 'I am a servant 
of the King of Mithila, to whom I am now going.' Then we 
all three went to Mithila, and told the king and queen the 
sad news of the loss of their children.  
"The war was still going on, and at last the king was 
overcome and imprisoned, together with his queen, by his 
wicked nephew.  
"Since then I have been living as a mendicant. My 
daughter, whose husband was killed in the war, being 
destitute like myself, has entered the service of 
Kalpasundari, queen of the usurper. Ah! if those princes 
had lived, they would have rescued their father from such 
degradation."  
She began then to weep and lament; but I comforted her, 
and said: "Do you not remember speaking to a certain 
muni, and telling him of the loss of the child? That boy was 
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116 
found by him. I am he, and I will contrive some means for 
killing that wicked usurper, and setting my parents free. 
No one can recognise me here, not even my own mother, 
were she to see me; therefore I shall be able at my leisure 
to consider what is best to be done."  
Exceedingly delighted at hearing this, she kissed me 
again and again, and said, with tears of joy: "O, darling! a 
glorious fortune is before you. Now you are here, all will 
be well; you will soon lift up your parents from the sea of 
sorrow which has engulfed them. Happy is Queen 
Priyamvada in having such a son!"  
Then she gave me such food as she had, and I stayed 
with her, and passed the night in that temple.  
As I lay awake, I turned over in my mind every plan that 
suggested itself to me for the accomplishment of my 
purpose. Knowing how readywitted women are in 
general, and their fondness for tricks and intrigues, it 
occurred to me that my fostersister, from her position 
near the queen, might be able to give me material 
assistance.  
In the morning, after worshipping the gods, I began to 
question the old woman as to her knowledge of the interior 
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117 
of the palace, and asked whether she had frequent 
opportunities of seeing her daughter. Scarcely had she 
begun to answer my questions when I saw some one 
coming towards us, and she exclaimed: "O, Pushkarika, 
behold our master's son; that dear child whom I so 
carelessly lost in the forest was found and preserved, and 
is now restored to us."  
Great was the daughter's delight at seeing me; and, when 
her agitation had subsided, her mother said to her: "I was 
just beginning to tell my dear son something of the 
arrangement of the palace, and the habits of the inmates; 
but you can give him the required information much better 
than I can."  
In answer to this she told me all the arrangements of the 
palace, and added: "The Queen Kalpasundari, the 
daughter of the sovereign of Kumra, is exceedingly 
beautiful and accomplished. She despises her husband, 
who is exceedingly ugly; but though unkindly treated, and 
neglected, she has hitherto been faithful to him."  
Hearing this, I said to her: "Whenever you have an 
opportunity, dwell on the king's licentiousness; find out, if 
possible, his scandalous amours; make much of them; tell 
her how other women have behaved in similar 
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118 
circumstances; in short, do everything to stir up her 
indignation and jealousy against him; and, as soon as 
possible, let me know what she says. You may help me 
greatly in this affair; therefore be diligent and observant, 
and be as much as possible with your mistress."  
Then I said to the old woman: "You must also play your 
part. You can be introduced to the queen as a woman 
skilled in charms and fortunetelling. When you get her to 
listen to you, make the most of the opportunity, and 
second your daughter's endeavours."  
They both promised to do their utmost. After they were 
gone I took a small house, close to the wall of the royal 
gardens, and waited patiently for the result.  
After some days the old woman came to me, and said: 
"Darling, we have done exactly as you wished. The queen 
has taken a great fancy to me, is very indignant with her 
husband, and thinks herself greatly to be pitied. What is 
now to be done?"  
I then painted a portrait of myself, and said: "Show this to 
the queen; she will no doubt admire it, and say: 'Is this a 
portrait or a fancy picture?' Then do you answer: 'Suppose 
it should be a portrait of some living person; what then?' 
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119 
And whatever she says in reply let me know as soon as 
possible."  
The next day she came to me again, and said: "When I 
showed your portrait to the queen, she gazed at it a long 
time, and seemed lost in admiration; then she exclaimed, 
'Who can have painted this? Is it possible that such a 
handsome man can exist in the world? Surely there is no 
one here like this!' I answered, 'O lady, your admiration is 
quite natural, such a handsome man is very rarely to be 
found, but still there might be such a one; and if this 
should be really the portrait of a young man, longing to 
see younot only thus handsome, but of good birth, very 
learned, accomplished, and goodtempered what would 
you say then?' 'What would I say? I say, that if he will be 
mine, all that I can give him in return, myself, my heart, my 
body, my life, will be all too little. But surely you are only 
deceiving me; there never can be such a charming person 
as this picture represents.'  
"In answer to this, I said: 'I am not deceiving you. There is 
really such a person, a young prince, who is staying here 
in disguise; he saw you when you were walking in the 
public park, at the feast of Spring, and immediately 
became a mark for the arrows of Kma. Moved by his 
entreaties, and seeing how suited you are to each other, I 
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120 
have ventured to take this means of making his passion 
known to you. If you will but consent to see him, however 
difficult access to you may be, his courage, prudence, and 
ingenuity are so great, that he will certainly effect it; only 
say what your pleasure is.' Then, finding her quite 
disposed to see you, I told her your real name and birth. 
After reflecting some time, she said, 'Mother, I will not 
conceal from you a circumstance which his name brings to 
my memory. My father was a great friend of the deposed 
king, and their queens were very much attached to each 
other. It was settled between them, that if the one had a 
son, and the other a daughter, the two children should be 
engaged for marriage; but when the Queen Priyamvada 
had lost her sons, my father gave me in marriage to 
Vikatavarma. This young prince was really destined to be 
my husband, and I ought to have had him, instead of that 
ugly wretch, who is stupid, ignorant of all the arts of 
pleasing, brutal, rebellious, cruel, boastful, false, and, 
above all, most insulting in his behaviour to me; only 
yesterday he illtreated my favourite attendant, 
Pushkarika, and gathered flowers from a plant which I had 
especially cherished, to give to one of his paramours, a 
low vulgar woman, who is trying to put herself on an 
equality with me. He is in every way unsuited to me, and 
my misery is so great, that I am ready to catch at any 
means of escape from it. It was wretched enough while I 
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121 
thought on no one else, but now that I have heard of this 
charming young man, and seen his portrait, I will endure it 
no longer, whatever the consequences may be. Therefore, 
let him come tomorrow evening to the Madhavi bower in 
the garden. I am impatient to see him; even the hearing of 
him has filled my heart with love.'"  
When the old nurse had given me this account, I 
determined to risk the adventure, and obtained from her a 
minute description of the garden, the direction of the road 
and paths, the exact situation of the summerhouse where 
I was to meet the queen, and where the guards were 
stationed.  
Having carefully impressed all these details on my 
memory, I waited impatiently for the following night, and 
lay down to rest. As I lay I thought on the difficulty of the 
enterprise, of the sin of seducing the wife of another, and 
of what Rjavhana and my other friends would say to 
such conduct. On the other hand, I seemed to be justified 
by the object I had in view; the liberation of my parents.  
Perplexed with these conflicting thoughts I fell asleep, and 
dreamed that Vishnu appeared to me, and said: "Go on 
boldly, without hesitation; what you are about to do, 
though it may seem sinful, is approved of by me." 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
122 
Encouraged by this vision, I rose in the morning, fully 
confirmed in my purpose. The tedious day came at last to 
an end, and darkness set in.  
When the proper time arrived, I put on a closefitting dark 
dress, girded on my sword, and set out on the dangerous 
enterprise.  
Concealed at the edge of the ditch, I found a long 
bamboo, which the old woman had procured for me. This I 
laid across, and so got to the bottom of the wall. Then, 
cautiously raising it, I climbed to the top, just where a large 
heap of bricks had been piled up inside. Using these as 
steps, I got safely to the ground, and walked northward, 
through an avenue of champaka trees, where, as a 
favourable omen, I heard the low murmuring cry of a pair 
of chakravkas. Taking an almost opposite direction, I saw 
before me what appeared to be a great building, and it 
was only by touching it that I found it to be a clump of 
trees. Going eastward, and turning once more to the 
south, I passed through some mango trees, and saw the 
light of a lantern shining among the leaves. I then knew 
that I was right, and went straight up to the bower, inside 
of which was a summerhouse, with steps leading up to it, 
and spread with soft twigs and flowers for a carpet. The 
room was furnished with a handsome couch, a golden 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
123 
waterjar, trays of flowers, fans, &c. After I had been 
seated a short time, I heard the tinkling of ornaments and 
smelt a powerful perfume. Rising up hastily, I slipped out, 
and stood concealed by the shrubs outside. Presently I 
saw the lady enter; she looked about her, and not seeing 
me, was evidently disappointed and distressed. I heard 
her say, with a sad low voice, "Alas! I am deceived, he is 
not coming; O my heart, how can this be borne? O 
adorable Kma, what have I done to offend thee, that thou 
thus burnest me and dost not reduce me to ashes?"  
Having heard this, I made my appearance, and said: "O 
lovely lady, do you ask how you have offended Kma? 
You have given him great offence, since you disparage his 
beloved Rati by your form, his bow by your arched 
eyebrows, his arrows by your glances, his great friend, the 
perfumed wind of Malaya, by your sweet breath, the notes 
of his favourite bird by your voice. For all this Kma justly 
torments you. But I have done nothing to offend him; why 
should he so distress me? Have pity on me, and cure the 
wound inflicted by the serpent of love, with the lifegiving 
antidote of an affectionate look."  
Delighted at seeing me, she required no entreaty on my 
part, and readily yielded to my embrace; and, sitting down 
on the couch, we conversed as though we had been long 
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124 
acquainted.  
At last the time for separation arrived, and I rose up to go; 
but she with tears detained me, saying: "When you depart, 
my life seems to follow. If you go, let me go with you."  
I answered: "O my beloved, that is impossible. If you love 
me, be guided by me, and we shall soon meet again, not 
to be parted."  
This she readily promised, and I told her exactly what was 
to be done. Then quitting her with reluctance, I returned 
safely by the way I had come, and she went back to the 
palace.  
The next day she showed the picture to the king, who 
greatly admired it, and asked her where she had got it. 
She told him: "I have lately made acquaintance with a very 
wonderful old woman, who has travelled over many 
countries and seen many strange things; she is very skilful 
in charms, and has brought me this picture, saying: 'It has 
very great magical powers, and so confident am I in their 
efficacy that I ask for no payment or reward until you have 
fully proved them.' She tells me that if certain ceremonies 
are performed, and mantras which she has taught me, are 
recited in a retired spot at midnight, I shall be changed to 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
125 
a person exactly resembling the portrait, and shall have 
the power of transferring that form to you while I regain my 
own shape. I have thought it right to tell you this; but do 
not act hastily: show the picture to your ministers and 
consult them."  
The king, greatly astonished, but very desirous of 
obtaining such a handsome body, asked the opinion of his 
counsellors and younger brothers, and they saw no 
reason why the experiment should not be tried.  
The hour of midnight on the day of full moon was therefore 
appointed for the ceremony, and there was much talk in 
the city about it.  
"O the wonderful power of magic! Through the skill of the 
queen, the king will obtain a new body fit for a god."  
"But is there no danger?"  
"How can there be danger when the ceremony is to be 
performed by his own queen, in his own private gardens, 
where no stranger can enter? Besides, have not the 
learned and clever ministers and counsellors approved of 
it, and is it likely that they would be deceived?"  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
126 
The city was full of such talk as this, and the people 
awaited with impatience the night appointed for the 
working of the miracle.  
When the time arrived a great heap was made in a part of 
the garden where four roads met, not far from the summer-
house, with large quantities of sandalwood, 
lignaloes, and other sweetsmelling woods, camphor, silk 
dresses, sesamum, saffron, and various spices; and 
several animals, duly slaughtered by the priests, were laid 
upon it; and the fire having been lighted, every one 
withdrew except the king and queen. She then said to him: 
"You know how faithless you have been to me, and with 
this handsome body you will be a much greater attraction 
to other women. I know the fickleness of your disposition. 
Can you expect that I will confer on you this beauty for the 
sake of my rivals?"  
Then he threw himself at her feet, and said "O my darling, 
forgive my transgressions. I swear by everything solemn 
that in future I will keep to you only, and not even think of 
any other woman."  
After these and many other protestations, she appeared to 
be satisfied, and said: "Now withdraw to that clump of 
trees, and stay there till I ring the bell; then you may come 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
127 
again to the fire and see the wonderful change in me."  
Meanwhile, under cover of the thick smoke arising from 
the burning of all those substances, I had climbed the wall 
as before, and was standing in the summerhouse when 
the queen came in. She said: "Everything is ready. I 
regard myself now as entirely yours; nothing shall part us 
any more;" and, throwing her arms round my neck, she 
kissed me again and again.  
Saying to her, "Stay here concealed while I finish the 
work," I quitted her, went to the place of sacrifice, and 
rang a bell hanging on a neighbouring tree; and the sound 
summoned the king, like a messenger of death.  
He found me standing by the fire, throwing on it more 
sandalwood, lignaloes, and other precious things; and as 
he stood gazing in fear and astonishment, and hardly 
believing his eyes, I said to him: "Remember what you 
have promised, and now swear to me again, taking this 
sacred fire as a witness, that you will renounce all other 
women, and keep to me only."  
He answered: "O queen, there is no deceit in me. I will do 
all that I have promised," and he repeated his former oaths.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
128 
But as if not satisfied with this, I said: "I must have some 
other proof of your sincerity. Tell me some of your state 
secrets."  
Then he told me: "My father's brother, Prahravarma, has 
been for a long time in prison; with the consent of my 
ministers, I intend to poison him, and give out that he has 
died of old age and infirmities.  
"I am preparing an army, to be commanded by my brother, 
for the invasion of Pundra without any declaration of war.  
"There is a merchant here possessed of a diamond of 
immense value. I 'am contriving a plan by which I shall get 
it from him at a tenth of its worth.  
"There is a man of wealth and influence very displeasing 
to me. I have engaged a certain person, named Satahali, 
the governor of the district, to bring a false accusation 
against him, and by that means to stir up the people, and 
so cause his death in a popular tumult, which will take 
away all blame or suspicion from me."  
When I had heard all these things, saying, "Die the death 
which your wicked deeds deserve," I suddenly seized him 
by the throat, stabbed him in a moment to the heart, and 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
129 
threw the body into the great fire, where it was quickly 
consumed; after which I went back to the queen, who was 
anxiously awaiting me. Though much agitated, she was 
more relieved at having got rid of that wretch than 
shocked at the manner of his death; and having quieted 
and consoled her without much difficulty, I went at once 
with her to her apartments.  
On seeing him, whom they believed to be the king, so 
changed, the women and attendants who met us were 
evidently much astonished, but so much had been said 
beforehand about the wonderful transformation to be 
expected, that no one seemed to doubt that I was really 
the king with a new body; and having said a few words of 
encouragement to them, I was received with great respect.  
The rest of the night was passed in hearing from the 
queen as much as possible about the court, the ministers, 
&c., so that I might not appear to be ignorant of what the 
king must have known, when I should meet them on the 
morrow.  
In the morning, after the performance of due worship of 
the gods, I met the ministers in council, and they also 
were so convinced of the power of magic that they did not 
hesitate to acknowledge me as their master, expressing 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
130 
their delight at the happy change.  
Then I said to them: "With this new body I have new 
feelings and purposes. I repent of my cruelty to my uncle, 
and instead of getting rid of him as I had intended, it is my 
pleasure that he shall be taken from prison and treated 
with all proper respect.  
"That diamond, of which I had intended to get possession, 
must not be obtained by fraudulent means. If I should 
decide on having it, I will pay the full price."  
To the brother who had been appointed to command the 
army, I said: "Dear brother, our purpose is changed with 
regard to that invasion. You will only watch the frontier; 
and if there is any beginning of war on the part of the 
Pundras, attack them vigorously; but not otherwise."  
I sent also for Satahali, and said: "You know that I wished 
to get rid of Anantasra, because he was suspected of 
being a partisan of the deposed king. Now that I am 
reconciled to my uncle, there is no occasion for anything 
to be done to him; you will therefore take no further steps 
in that affair."  
When the ministers heard all this, and perceived me to be 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
131 
acquainted with secrets known only to the king and 
themselves, they were quite confirmed in their first 
impression; and while congratulating me and the queen, 
were loud in their praise of the power of magic.  
My parents were immediately liberated from prison; and 
having been informed by the old nurse of what had been 
done by me, were quite prepared when I went to them in 
public; and afterwards, when we met in private, were able 
to give way to their feelings of affection and delight at 
seeing me again.  
After a short time, with the consent of my wife, I resigned 
the crown, and reinstated my parents in their former 
position; retaining for myself the dignity of heirapparent.  
Soon afterwards, a letter arrived from Sinhavarma, an old 
friend of my father's, congratulating him on his restoration, 
and asking for help against Chandavarma, who was 
marching to attack him. Upon which I hastily equipped an 
army, and marched to his assistance; and have now had 
the great happiness of meeting with you, as well as of 
helping to defeat the enemy.  
Rjavhana having heard this story, smiled, and said: 
"Truly, our friend here has committed great sins; but how 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
132 
can I blame him when his motives were so good, and he 
had the praiseworthy object of liberating from a long 
imprisonment those who are so dear to him, and of 
punishing the usurper and oppressor? His courage and 
ingenuity have been great; and I congratulate him on his 
success."  
Then turning to Arthapla, he said: "Do you relate your 
adventures." And he immediately began his story in the 
following manner: 
* * * * * 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
133 
ADVENTURES OF ARTHAPLA 
 
My Lord, having the same object as your other friends, I 
wandered about over various countries in search of you. 
In the course of my travels, I arrived one day at the sacred 
city of Benres. There I bathed in the pure crystal water of 
the river; and duly worshipped the mighty god, the slayer 
of Andhaka, at his temple outside the city. After finishing 
my devotions, I was going on my way, when I saw a tall, 
stout man, carrying an iron club, with his eyes red and 
swelled from weeping, and engaged in making a noose 
with his sash.  
I thought to myself: "This man has fallen into some great 
calamity. He is thinking of doing violence to himself or to 
others. I will see if I can assist him." I therefore went up to 
him, and said: "This conduct of yours seems to indicate 
some rash purpose. May I know the cause of your grief? 
Perhaps I may be able to help you."  
He hesitated for a moment, and looked very hard at me; 
but at last he said: "What harm can there be in telling you? 
You shall know my troubles, if you wish to learn them."  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
134 
Then we sat down together under a shady tree, and he 
began his tale as follows: "O, fortunate sir, I was once as 
happy as you appear to be. My father was in good 
circumstances, and brought me up carefully; but I 
preferred a wild, dissipated life, and at last became a 
robber. One night I broke into the house of a rich man in 
this city, was caught in the act, and condemned to death.  
 
"My hands were fettered by being passed through holes in 
a heavy piece of wood; and in this state I was led out for 
execution into a public square, where a furious elephant 
was brought forward to trample me to death. When he 
came near me, I shouted as loudly as possible, in order to 
frighten him; and lifting up my arms, gave him a violent 
blow on the trunk. Upon this, he turned away; and as I 
continued to shout out and abuse him, all the efforts of the 
driver to make him attack me were in vain.  
"Again and again, with much difficulty, the driver brought 
him in front of me; but each time, instead of attacking me, 
he turned back, alarmed by my menacing appearance and 
loud shouts; and at last ran right away, leaving me 
uninjured.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
135 
"The courage which I had shown was observed by the 
king's chief minister, Kmapla, who was looking on from 
one of the towers of the palace; and he sent for me, and 
said: 'You seem to be a very strong, brave man. I did not 
think that elephant could have been so cowed by any one. 
It is a pity that such qualities should not be better 
employed. Are you willing, if you are pardoned, to forsake 
your evil ways, and lead an honest life? If you will give me 
a promise to this effect, I will take you into my service.'  
"I gladly gave the promise which he required; and he 
obtained my pardon, and became my protector and 
master; and I have served him faithfully ever since. After 
some years, seeing my devotion to him, he placed great 
confidence in me, and one day told me his own history.  
"'There was,' said he, 'formerly at Pushpapuri a very 
learned and pious man, named Dharmapla, one of the 
king's ministers. His eldest son was like him; but I, the 
youngest, was of a very different disposition. I had no 
inclination for work or study; but thought only of 
amusement, and spent my time among gamblers and 
disreputable characters. My father and brother did all they 
could to restrain me; but, impatient of their control, I left 
my home and friends, and wandered about the world. One 
day I came to this city, Benres, and not long after my 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
136 
arrival, I made acquaintance with the king's daughter, 
who, with her female friends, was playing at ball in a park 
outside the town. We fell in love with each other; and I 
contrived, by disguising myself as a woman, to enter her 
private apartments and to have many secret meetings with 
her; the result of which was the birth of a child.  
"'The devoted attendants kept the whole affair secret, 
removed the infant as soon as it was born, and telling the 
mother it was dead, gave it to a savari woman, who 
carried it to the public cemetery and left it there.  
"'As she was returning; she was stopped by the 
watchmen, and in her fright told them what she had done. 
Information was given to the king, and further inquiry 
being made, my offence was discovered, and one night I 
was arrested, while quietly sleeping unsuspicious of 
danger. Being condemned to death, I was led to execution 
outside the city. By a fortunate chance I got my hands 
free, and snatching the sword from the executioner, laid 
about me so vigorously that all the men fell back, and I 
made my escape to the forest. There I wandered about for 
some time, subsisting on wild fruits and roots, and 
sleeping in the trees.  
"'While living this precarious life, I was one day astonished 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
137 
at meeting a young lady, with many female attendants. 
She addressed me by my name, and desired me to sit 
down with her, under a large tree.  
"'When, with much surprise, I asked who she was, and 
how she came to be in that wild forest, with such a retinue, 
and why I was so favoured by her, she told me the reason 
of her coming, saying: My name is Trvali. I am the 
daughter of a chief Yaksha. A short time ago I went to visit 
a friend, living on the Malaya Mountains, and while flying 
through the air on my return, as I passed over the 
cemetery of Benres, I heard the cry of a child.  
"'Moved with compassion, I alighted on the ground, took it 
up and carried it to my father. He took it to our master, the 
god Kuvera, who sent for me, and asked, "What induced 
you to bring this child?" "A strong feeling of compassion," I 
answered, as if it had been my own.  
"'You are right,' he replied; 'there is good reason for what 
you have done;' and he showed me how, in a former 
existence, when you were Sudraka and I Aryadsi, the 
child, now born of the Princess Kantimati, was ours; 
therefore, I am really your wife, and it was indeed a 
maternal instinct which prompted me to save the infant. 
Kuvera, however, would not allow me to keep the boy, but 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
138 
ordered me to take him to the Queen Vasumati, that he 
might be brought up together with her son, who will one 
day become a great monarch.  
"Having performed the command of the god, I am 
permitted by him to find you out, and relieve you from your 
present distress."  
"So saying, she embraced me, and afterwards took me to 
a fairy palace in the forest, furnished with all comforts and 
luxuries, where I passed some time with her in great 
happiness.  
"One day, when she was expressing her great love for me, 
I said: 'I have a strong desire to take some vengeance on 
the king who would have put me to death.' Upon which, 
with a smile, she said, 'Ah! you wish to see Kantimati; I am 
not jealous, I will take you to her.'  
"Then lifting me up, she bore me through the air to the 
palace, and without disturbing the guards, placed me at 
the bedside of the king.  
"Grasping a sword lying near him, I awakened him, and 
said: 'I am, your soninlaw; I took your daughter without 
your consent, and am now come to make submission and 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
139 
atone for my fault."  
"Seeing the drawn sword held over him he was much 
alarmed, and said: 'I must have been mad to act as I did 
and reject such a soninlaw; I will now acknowledge you, 
and you shall duly marry my daughter.'  
"He kept his word, the next day announced the intended 
marriage to all the court, and shortly afterwards publicly 
gave me his daughter.  
"Trvali remained with me, became great friends with her 
fellowwife, told her the story which she had related to me, 
and how her son had been preserved and was taken care 
of by Queen Vasumati.  
"Thus I have for some years lived happily, holding, as you 
know, a very important office."  
[End of the story of Kmapla as told to his servant.]  
* * * * *  
"Some time after this, the death of the old king occurred, 
and as the eldest son had died during his father's lifetime, 
of consumption brought on by dissipation and debauchery; 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
140 
my master, together with the other ministers, placed 
Sinhaghosha, a boy about five years old, on the throne, 
and had him carefully educated.  
"As the young king grew older, he was surrounded by 
companions nearer his own age, and they not liking the 
restraint put upon them by the wise and prudent 
Kmapla, endeavoured secretly to excite a prejudice 
against him, saying, 'This fellow, who sets himself up to be 
so wise and virtuous, is a wicked wretch, who first 
seduced the princess, and then, having escaped the death 
he so well deserved, managed to get to the bedside of the 
sleeping king, and to frighten him into compliance with his 
demands. This Kmapla intends to make himself king; he 
poisoned your eldest brother, and only spared you in order 
to obtain the support of the people, knowing that the real 
power would remain in his own hands. Depend on it you 
will not be suffered to live when you are old enough to 
shake off his authority. If you wish to be safe you should 
get rid of him at once.'  
"With these, and other similar speeches, they so 
prejudiced the young king against his guardian and 
minister, that he would gladly have got rid of him at once, 
but was deterred by fear of the power of his Yaksha wife.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
141 
"One day the queen, seeing the Princess Kantimati very 
sad, asked her the reason of her sadness, saying, 'Tell me 
the truth; you cannot deceive me; what is the cause of this 
depression?' 'Did I ever deceive you?' she answered; 'my 
friend and fellowwife, Trvali, has taken offence at 
something done or said by our husband, and though we 
tried to soothe her, she went away, and has not returned; 
this is the cause of my distress.'  
"The queen hearing this, immediately told her husband, 
'Kmapla has quarrelled with his fairy wife, and she has 
left him. There is nothing now to prevent your proceeding 
against him as you please.'  
"Sinhaghosha, longing to be freed from restraint, caused 
his minister to be arrested, when he came the next day to 
the palace, as usual, unsuspicious of danger. This very 
day he will be led round the city, be proclaimed a traitor, 
and have his eyes put out.  
"I, having lost my only friend and protector, have no wish 
to live, and was fastening my sash to hang myself, when 
you interrupted me."  
When Purnabhadra had finished this story, I said to him, "I 
am that child who was exposed in the cemetery, and 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
142 
saved by the fairy. My coming here is indeed opportune, 
and with your assistance I will engage to deliver my father. 
I would boldly attack the guards as they lead him round 
the city, but fear, lest in the confusion he might be killed, 
when all my exertions would have been in vain; some 
other plan must therefore be thought of."  
While I was thus speaking to him a serpent put out his 
head from a hole near me, and, knowing how to charm 
serpents, I made it come forth, and secured it.  
Then I said to Purnabhadra: "O friend, this is just what I 
wanted. I will mix with the crowd when my father is led 
round, let this serpent fall on him as if by chance, and then 
run up to him and say that I am skilled in charms, and can 
save his life. No doubt they will allow me to try, and I will 
stop the effect of the poison in such a manner that he will 
not die, and yet remain insensible, as if dead. Meanwhile, 
do you go to my mother, ask to see her in private, and tell 
her that the son whom she had lost is now here. Explain to 
her my plan for saving my father, and say that when she 
hears of the death of her husband, she must go to the king 
as if in the greatest grief, and ask for permission to burn 
herself together with the dead body. When this request is 
granted, as no doubt it will be, she must prepare the 
funeral pile, and make ready for selfimmolation, laying the 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
143 
apparently dead body on a couch in a private room till I 
come, when I will tell her what is further to be done."  
Purnabhadra, delighted with the plan which I proposed, no 
longer wished to destroy himself. He set out at once to do 
as I had directed him, and I went immediately into the city. 
There I saw great crowds already collected, and 
ascertained where the executioner would stand when the 
proclamation was made.  
Overhanging the place, there happened to be a large tree, 
with thick foliage. Into this I climbed, and waited patiently, 
listening to the talk of the people collected underneath.  
Presently the executioner and his men came, bringing the 
prisoner, and the proclamation was made three times.  
"Know all men that this traitor, Kmapla, has not only 
poisoned the late king and his eldest son, but has been 
convicted of plotting against the life of his present majesty; 
he endeavoured to persuade two of the king's faithful 
attendants to administer poison, but they have given 
information, and his life is justly forfeited; the king, 
however, in consideration of his being a brahman, and 
nearly connected with himself, has spared his life, and 
only sentenced him to have his eyes put out. Let all evil-
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
144 
doers take warning by his punishment."  
While this proclamation was being read, I climbed to a 
branch of the tree just over my father, and dropped on him 
the poisonous serpent, which immediately bit him. In the 
confusion which ensued, I slipped down from the tree, 
and, having mixed with the crowd, managed, while 
shouting out "This is a just punishment from heaven; so 
may all traitors perish," to get close to my father, and 
quickly applied a charm in such a manner that, though he 
fell down apparently dead, the effect of the poison was 
stopped. The executioner being also bitten; and his 
assistants, as well as the crowd of spectators, being 
alarmed and dispersed from dread of the poisonous 
serpent; this act of mine was not noticed.  
Meanwhile, my mother, who had been prepared by 
Purnabhadra to hear of her husband's death, went 
immediately to the king, attended by a large number of 
friends, and said; "The gods know if my husband was your 
enemy or not; I will not now attempt to defend him; but, 
whether he was innocent or guilty, your anger should 
cease now he is dead. I pray you to allow me to burn his 
body, and according to the custom of widows of my rank, 
to ascend the funeral pile together with him. Were I not to 
perform this duty, disgrace would fall on you and on the 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
145 
whole family, as well as on myself."  
The king, well pleased to have got rid of the obnoxious 
minister, without incurring the sin of killing him, exclaimed: 
"This death is indeed the act of fate!" And, immediately 
granting her request, permitted the body of Kmapla to 
be taken to his own house, where I had by that time 
arrived, and was ready to receive it.  
Meanwhile, my mother prepared for death, and, resisting 
all the entreaties of her friends and servants, expressed 
her determination to be burnt together with her husband.  
When everything for the funeral was arranged, she came 
into the private room, where the body had been laid, and 
there saw her husband fully recovered, and me sitting by 
him. Great was her delight and astonishment at this 
wonderful and sudden change; and having first embraced 
her husband, she threw her arms round me, and, with a 
voice broken by sobs of joy, said: "O, my darling son, how 
can I deserve such happiness?I, who so cruelly 
abandoned you at your birth, and suffered you to be taken 
away, as if dead? but your father was not to blame for 
that; he, indeed, deserves to have been restored to life by 
you, and to have the happiness of seeing you. Cruel, 
indeed, was Trvali, who, when she had received you 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
146 
again from Kuvera, did not bring you at once to me; but 
what could I expect from her? It is through her unkindness 
in leaving us that all this misfortune has happened; but I 
must not complain; I was not worthy, without previous 
suffering, to enjoy such great happiness. Come and 
embrace me."  
Saying this, she again threw her arms round me, and 
kissed me repeatedly, trembling with emotion, and 
shedding many tears of joy. My father's feelings were 
scarcely less excited. He seemed to have risen from the 
lowest depth of misery to the summit of felicity, and 
esteemed himself more fortunate than even Indra the King 
of the Gods.  
When we were all somewhat calmed, and I had explained 
to my father all that had occurred, I said: "There is much 
yet to be done; the king will soon find out the deception 
which has been practised, and send to arrest you again; 
so we must consider how we can defend ourselves."  
My father answered: "This house is a very large one; the 
walls are strong; there are many secret passages; I have 
a great store of weapons; my servants are brave and 
faithful, so that we could hold out for several days. 
Besides this I have many friends in the city; most of the 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
147 
authorities will favour me; many of the soldiers will be on 
my side, and there are many persons discontented and 
ready to rebel against the king. Therefore, if we act 
prudently, we shall have much assistance, and be able to 
cut off that tyrant."  
With this I entirely agreed, and we prepared for defence. 
As I had expected, the king, finding how he had been 
deceived, sent soldiers to take us; but, though they made 
many attempts, we drove them back day after day, with 
very small loss to ourselves.  
Meanwhile, fearing lest we should at last be overpowered, 
if something more were not done, I determined, if 
possible, to seize the person of the king; and, as my 
father's house was not far from the palace, I began to 
make an underground passage inside, in order to reach 
his sleepingroom, the exact position of which I had learnt 
from my father. After digging for some distance, I came, to 
my great astonishment, into a large, lofty, welllighted 
room, occupied by a number of women, among whom was 
a young lady of surpassing beauty, resembling the wife of 
Kma, or the tutelary goddess of the city, who had hidden 
herself here to avoid the sight of so much wickedness 
above.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
148 
The women were equally astonished at seeing me, and 
ran away, alarmed, into other adjoining rooms. One old 
woman, however, remained behind, and, falling at my feet, 
said "Have pity on us poor helpless women; surely thou 
art a god, for no mortal could have thus found his way 
hither. O tell us why thou art come."  
"Calm yourself," I answered, "You have nothing to fear 
from me. I am Arthapla, the son of the minister Kmapla 
and the Princess Kantimati, and have come thus 
unexpectedly on you while making an underground 
passage from my father's house to the palace; but tell me 
who you all are, and how you come to be living here."  
"O prince," she answered, "I had heard of your birth, but 
not of your preservation, and happy am I now to see you. 
Know that the young lady whom you have just seen is the 
granddaughter of your maternal grandfather, 
Chandasinha. The eldest son of that king died before his 
father, leaving his wife pregnant, and she lost her life in 
giving birth to this daughter, who was committed to my 
care. One day the king sent for me, and said: 'I intend this 
child when grown up to be given in marriage to Darpasra, 
son of the King of Mlwa; and, remembering the 
misconduct of her aunt, I am determined that nothing of 
the kind shall happen with her. I have therefore caused a 
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149 
spacious palace to be made underground, and have 
furnished it with provisions and all other necessaries for 
even a hundred years. I have great confidence in you; you 
will therefore go down into this subterranean dwelling, 
taking with you the princess and such attendants as you 
may think desirable, and will remain there until she is 
grown up, when I shall fetch you from below, and give her 
in marriage as I have intended.' So saying, he lifted up a 
small trapdoor in the courtyard close to his own 
apartment, and showed me the steps leading to this place. 
The next day we all came down, and have remained here 
ever since. Twelve years have now passed, and the king 
seems to have forgotten us. I must tell you also that the 
princess, though destined by her grandfather for 
Darpasra, was originally intended for you; for her mother, 
while the child was as yet unborn, promised that her 
daughter should become the wife of the son of Kantimati if 
he should ever return. Look on her, therefore, as your 
intended, and do what is best for us."  
Having received this account from the old woman, I told 
her to have no fear on the princess's account, but to trust 
entirely in me, and that I would soon liberate them from 
their long and tedious imprisonment.  
She then took a lamp and showed me the steps leading to 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
150 
the trapdoor, which I forced open, and soon found my 
way into the king's bedroom. There, before he was 
sufficiently awake to call for help, I seized, gagged, and 
bound him, and dragging him along, as an ichneumon 
drags a serpent, past the astonished women and through 
the tunnel which I had made, I brought him, trembling with 
fear and bowed down by shame, to my father's house, and 
showed him to my parents, telling them how I had 
captured him, and how I had discovered the princess in 
the subterranean palace.  
When the seizure of the king was known, those who were 
previously welldisposed to my father immediately joined 
us, and all opposition ceased.  
Soon afterwards I married the princess, who looked on me 
as her deliverer from the dungeon; Sinhaghosha was 
deposed; and I, having double claim to the throne, was 
acknowledged king in his stead.  
Hearing that the King of Anga, a devoted friend of your 
father, was at war, and attacked by a strong enemy, we 
have marched hither with an army to his assistance, and I 
have had the pleasure of helping to deliver him from his 
enemies, and the still greater happiness of meeting with 
you. I now beg of you to decide what shall be done with 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
151 
the deposed king, our prisoner, whom we have brought 
with us. My mother is very anxious to liberate him, but 
hitherto it has not been thought safe to do so.  
The prince answered: "Let that unworthy young man be 
freed, on condition of giving up all claim to the throne and 
leading a private life; and let him devote himself to pious 
meditation, which is the purifier of evil deeds." Then 
turning with a kind look to Pramati, he said: "Do you now 
relate your adventures," with which request he at once 
complied: 
* * * * * 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
152 
ADVENTURES OF PRAMATI 
 
My lord, while wandering like the rest of your friends in 
search of you, I found myself one evening in a large 
forest, far from any habitation. Thinking it useless to 
attempt to go further in an unknown country and in 
darkness, I prepared to sleep there. Having bathed in the 
water of a small lake, and made myself a bed of leaves, I 
lay down under a large tree, commending myself to the 
deities presiding over the place, and was very soon asleep.  
Presently a strange and delightful feeling came over me, 
gladdening my inmost soul; and I awoke, hardly knowing 
whether what I saw was a reality or a dream, for on 
looking round me I saw that I was no longer in the forest, 
but in a very large and lofty room, lying on a soft couch 
with white muslin curtains; all around me were a number 
of sleeping women. Among them my eyes were especially 
attracted towards a young lady of exceeding beauty, lying 
in a very graceful attitude, covered only by a silken 
petticoat, her bosom slowly rising and falling, and her bud-
like lower lip quivering with the soft movement of the 
breath in quiet sleep.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
153 
 
Lost in astonishment, I said to myself; "What has become 
of that great forest wrapt in darkness? How is my bed of 
leaves exchanged for this soft couch? Whence is this 
dome above me, lofty as the great temple of Siva? Who 
are all these lovely women, like a troop of Apsaras lying 
down wearied with play? And who can this beautiful lady 
be? She cannot be a goddess, for the gods do not sleep 
thus, nor do they perspire, and I see the drops breaking 
forth on her forehead. She must then be a mortal; but O 
how lovely! how peacefully she sleeps, as if she had never 
known the anxieties of love! My heart is drawn towards 
her."  
With these thoughts I rose up and approached the bed 
where she lay, and stood looking at her as if entranced, 
becoming every moment more enamoured, longing to 
touch her, but held back by the fear of disturbing her.  
While I was thus gazing, she gradually awoke, and raising 
herself into a sitting posture, looked at me attentively with 
eyes more than half closed. At first her lips were opened, 
as if she were about to cry out; but, apparently restrained 
by some secret power, she remained silent, trembling all 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
154 
over, and showing in her countenance the signs of 
mingled doubt, fear, astonishment, bashfulness, and love; 
till at last, overcome again by sleep, she slowly sank down 
again on the bed.  
Almost at the same time I felt myself irresistibly overcome 
by drowsiness, and was very soon fast asleep.  
When I awoke, I found myself on the bed of leaves once 
more, alone in the gloomy forest, and day was beginning 
to appear.  
When I was quite awake I had some difficulty in collecting 
my thoughts, and I said to myself: "Can all this of which I 
have such a vivid impression be other than a reality, or 
was it only a dream, a magical delusion? Whatever it may 
be, I will not quit this place till I find out the truth, and I will 
place myself under the protection of the deity who sent the 
vision."  
Having formed this resolution, I was waiting where I had 
slept, when I saw approaching me a female form faded 
like a flower scorched by the sun, with eyes red from 
weeping, lips parched by the hot breath of sighs, wearing 
a scanty black dress, without ornaments, and with her hair 
in a single braid, like an affectionate wife mourning for the 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
155 
absence of her husband6; and with all this having an air 
of divine dignity, which made me regard her with 
reverence, and think that she might be the tutelary 
goddess of the place, to whom I had commended myself; 
and I prostrated myself before her. But she raised me up 
with her arms, and after kissing me again and again, said, 
with a voice broken by tears and sobs, "O, my darling, 
surely you have heard from the Queen Vasumati how one 
night a fairy appeared to her, and placing the child 
Arthapla7 in her arms, told her husband's name and her 
own; and how the child was brought by order of Kuvera; 
and then disappeared. I am that fairyyour mother. 
Bewildered by unreasonable jealousy and anger, I 
abandoned my husband, your father, Kmapla; and for 
that sin I was cursed by Durg, who condemned me to be 
possessed by an evil spirit for a year. That year, which 
seemed to me like a thousand years, is ended; and I am 
now come from the great festival of Siva, where I have 
                                                          
6
  Hindoo women, when absent from their husbands, always wear, or 
used to wear, their hair done up into a single braid. 
7
 The author has here made a mistake which cannot be explained. In the 
introductory chapter, Pramati is the son of Sumati, and there is 
nowhere mention of a second son of Kmapla. The confusion of names 
is, however, of little importance, since the adventures of Arthapla and 
Pramati are quite distinct. 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
156 
met my relations, who had assembled there, and have 
received full pardon from the goddess.  
"In my way thither, I passed by this place, saw you about 
to lie down, and heard your prayer to the local deity.  
"Being still partly under the influence of the curse, I did not 
recognise you as my son. Yet even as a stranger I felt an 
interest in you, and could not bear the thought of leaving 
you exposed to danger in such a wild place. I therefore 
waited till you were fast asleep; and having considered 
where I could deposit you while I was gone to meet the 
goddess, since I could not take you with me, it occurred to 
me to carry you to the palace of the King of Sravasti, and 
leave you to sleep there till my return. I therefore carried 
you through the air, and placed you in the sleeping 
apartment of the Princess Navamlika, feeling sure that 
no one would disturb you there. I then went to the temple; 
and after paying due worship to Siva, and receiving the 
congratulations of my assembled friends, I was dismissed 
by the goddess, who said: 'You are forgiven; the curse is 
ended; go and be happy with your husband.' After which I 
returned to the palace; and taking you up, brought you to 
this place, and laid you, still sleeping, on your bed of 
leaves. Since then, I have been watching for your 
awaking; for as soon as the curse was removed, I knew 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
157 
you to be my son.  
"I must now leave you, and go to your father. I know what 
passed in the palace; how you have fallen in love with the 
princess, and her feelings towards you. Do not despond; 
before long you will see her again."  
She then warmly embraced me; and saying: "I go with 
reluctance, farewell for the present," she departed.  
Having thus found the supposed dream to be a reality, 
and that the lady whom I had seen was the Princess 
Navamlika, I was confirmed in my love, and set out for 
Sravasti, determined, if possible, to see her again.  
On the road, I came to a village where there was a large 
fair and a great concourse of traders. Various 
amusements were going on; among others, a cockfight, 
which I stopped to look at, and sat down near an old 
brahman, who was watching the fight with great interest. 
On seeing me smile, he asked the reason; and I 
answered: "What simpletons some of the breeders here 
must be to pit a Balka cock against one of the Nrikela 
breed, which is sure to win."  
With a knowing look, he whispered to me: "Hush! these 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
158 
blockheads know no better. I see you are a sharp fellow; 
sit quiet and say nothing." Then he offered me betel and 
pawn from his box; and we got into conversation.  
Meanwhile, the birds fought furiously; and there was much 
vociferation on both sides; but, as I had predicted, the 
Balka cock was beaten. The old man was delighted at 
the victory of the other, which was his own. He seemed to 
have taken a great liking to me, though our ages were so 
different, and invited me to his house, where I was very 
hospitably treated, and passed the night.  
The next morning he accompanied me some distance on 
the way to Sravasti; and said, at parting: "Remember, I am 
your friend; do not hesitate to apply to me if there is 
anything in which I can help you."  
After he had left me, I continued my journey; and arriving 
late and very tired at Sravasti, I lay down to sleep in an 
arbour in one part of the park outside the city. There I 
slept soundly till awakened by the noise of the swans and 
other birds in a lake not far off.  
Soon after I had risen, I heard the tinkling of anklets, and 
saw a young lady walking towards me, with a painted 
canvas in her hand. When she came near, she looked first 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
159 
at me, and then at the painting. This she did several times, 
and was evidently surprised and pleased at the 
comparison On casting an eye on the picture, I also was 
much surprised, finding it to be a portrait of myself.  
Feeling sure that the likeness could not be accidental, and 
that there must be some reason for her making the 
comparison and seeming so pleased at the result, I would 
not at first make any inquiry of her, but merely said: "This 
is a public place; we need not stand on ceremony; pray sit 
down with me." This she did; and we got into conversation 
about the news of the town.  
At last she said to me: "You seem to be quite a stranger 
here, and look as if you were traveltired. Will you be 
offended if I ask you to come and rest at my house?"  
"Offended!" I answered. "You do me a very great favour; I 
shall be most delighted to accept your invitation." Upon 
this, she rose, and I followed her to her house, where I 
was most kindly entertained. When I was refreshed with 
bathing and food, she said to me: "You have been 
travelling about in various countries. Have you, in your 
travels, met with any very extraordinary adventure?"  
On hearing this question, I thought: "I have now good 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
160 
ground for hope. The picture represents that very room 
which I saw, with its lofty ceiling and white canopieseven 
the bed where the princess was lying. Instigated by love, 
she has doubtless painted my portrait from recollection; 
and, in the hope that I may be discovered through the 
likeness, has entrusted it to this lady who has now invited 
me to her house. She evidently thinks that I am the 
person; but hesitates to put a direct question to me. If I am 
right, I will soon remove her doubt."  
I asked her, therefore: "Will you allow me to examine that 
picture?" She put it into my hand; and I drew on it the 
princess lying as I had seen her; and giving it back, said: 
"One night, while sleeping in a forest, I had a very 
wonderful dream. I found myself lying in just such a room 
as that which is represented in this painting; and saw 
there a very beautiful young lady, such as I have painted 
here; could that have been anything more than a dream?"  
When she heard this, her face lighted up, and she 
answered: "That was no dream, but a reality; and you are 
indeed the person I was looking for." Then she told me the 
whole story; how the princess had seen and fallen in love 
with me; and how she had painted that picture and given it 
to her friend, that it might be the means of discovering me; 
and how delighted she would now be to hear that I was 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
161 
found at last.  
I begged her to assure the princess that I was even more 
anxious to see her, and had come to Sravasti solely from 
the hope of finding her.  
"If your friend is disposed to favour me," I continued, "beg 
her to wait patiently a few days; I will arrange a plan which 
will enable us to be together in her apartments, without 
danger to either of us." To this she agreed, and having 
taken leave of her, I went back to the village where the old 
brahman lived, whom I had met at the cockfight. I found 
him at home, and delighted to see me. After I was rested 
and refreshed, he asked me, "What has brought you back 
so soon? is there anything in which you require my 
assistance?"  
"There is,"' I answered, "a very important affair, in which 
you can materially assist me. The King of the Sravastans, 
Dharmavardhana8, whose character corresponds with 
his name, has a very beautiful daughter. By an 
extraordinary chance, I have seen and fallen in love with 
her. I have reason to believe that she was equally struck 
by me, but know not how to contrive a meeting between 
                                                          
8
  Increaser of virtue 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
162 
us without your help; will you therefore assist me?"  
"What is your plan?" he asked, "and how can I be of 
service in carrying it out?"  
"My plan is this," I replied. "I will dress as a woman, and 
pass for your daughter; and you are so clever and ready-
witted, that I think you will be able to get me into the 
palace as a companion to the princess, and even to 
manage so that she shall become my wife." Then I told 
him how I thought this might be accomplished; and he 
quite approved of what I proposed, entered into it with 
great spirit, and promised his ready cooperation.  
Accordingly, the first day that the king was sitting in public 
to administer justice, the old man approached, followed by 
me dressed as a woman, walking modestly behind him, 
and bowing down to the king, he said: "My lord, I have 
heard of your great beneficence, and how you are the 
father of all your subjects, the protector and friend of the 
helpless; I am therefore come to ask a great favour. This 
girl is my only daughter. Her mother died soon after her 
birth. I have brought her up, and she has never left me; 
but I am desirous now to be relieved of this charge and to 
see her well married. A long time ago, she was engaged 
to a young brahman, who went to Oujein, to study there, 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
163 
and acquire the means of supporting a wife and family. I 
have been expecting his return for some time, but have 
heard nothing of him; I am, therefore, very uneasy on my 
daughter's account, and purpose to go to Oujein, and find 
out whether he is alive or dead. I cannot leave my 
daughter alone, and have no friend or near relation with 
whom I can place her. Will your majesty deign to allow her 
to remain under your protection until my return?"  
To this the king graciously assented, and I was received 
into the palace, where I soon found means of letting the 
princess know of my disguise, and was taken into her 
apartments as one of her immediate attendants.  
Thus our wishes were gratified, and we enjoyed 
uninterrupted intercourse with each other. But more was 
yet to be done, and when the time was nearly arrived at 
which it had been arranged between me and the old 
brahman that he was to come to fetch me, I said to my 
darling: "Tomorrow, as you know, there will be a 
procession to a certain holy place near the river; you and 
your attendants will join in it and have an opportunity of 
bathing there. While we are in the water, I will scream out, 
as if drowning, and, diving underneath the surface, will 
come up among the bushes a long way off, without being 
seen. Do you appear greatly distressed at my death; but 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
164 
fear nothing, I shall soon come to you again."  
Accordingly, the next day, while bathing in the Ganges, I 
made it appear as if I were accidentally carried out of my 
depth and drawn in by one of the eddies of the river, and 
screamed out loudly for help. My cries and screams and 
subsequent disappearance caused a great commotion, 
and long search was made for my body; but of course in 
vain, for I had dived under, and come to the surface 
unobserved among the thick bushes at the place which 
had been agreed upon. There, having gone on shore, I 
soon found the old brahman, who was waiting for me with 
a suit of men's clothes, and, putting them on, I walked 
quietly with him into the town.  
The next day, as if he had heard nothing of the loss of his 
pretended daughter, he went to the king, accompanied by 
me, and said "My lord, I have returned from Oujein, and 
have brought with me this young man, the intended 
husband of my daughter, with whom I am much pleased, 
and whom I can confidently recommend to your favour, for 
I have heard an exceedingly good report of him there. He 
is not only very learned in the vedas and commentaries, 
advanced in science and arts, well instructed in politics 
and history, clever in reciting stories and poetry, but is a 
bold and skilful rider, a good archer and swordsman. 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
165 
There is scarcely anything that a young man should know, 
with which he is not familiar; and, with all this, he is free 
from conceit, goodtempered, gentle, and kind; in short, he 
seems to me almost perfect, and more fit to marry a 
princess than the daughter of such a man as I am. When I 
have seen my child happily married to him, I shall not 
trouble them with my society, but withdraw from the world, 
and end my days in a hermitage. I have now come to take 
back my daughter, with the most humble and heartfelt 
gratitude for the gracious protection which you have so 
kindly afforded her." With these words he bowed himself 
to the ground in humble obeisance.  
On hearing this, the king was greatly perplexed, and 
obliged to admit that the girl had been drowned while 
bathing, and that her body had not been found.  
Then the old man began to tear his hair, beat his breast, 
and show signs of the most extravagant grief, calling on 
the king to restore his dear daughter, and reproaching him 
with having caused her death. In vain did the king make 
him large offers of compensation; he refused them all, 
declaring it to be his firm intention to put himself to death 
at the gate of the palace, and so cause the sin to fall on 
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166 
the king's head9.  
He, despairing of finding any other way of appeasing the 
old man, after some consideration and consultation with 
his ministers, said to him: "You have told me that your 
intended soninlaw is a young man of rare abilities, and 
more fit to be the husband of a princess than of your 
daughter, and his appearance is very prepossessing; I 
offer him then my daughter in the place of yours. Will this 
satisfy you?" Then at last the old man professed to be 
contented; I was treated with much honour, in due time 
became the husband of the princess, and reached the 
summit of my wishes.  
After a time, an army was sent by my fatherinlaw to the 
assistance of the King of Anga, and, thinking of the 
possibility of meeting you here, I solicited and obtained the 
command of it, and my hopes have been fulfilled, since I 
have now the great pleasure of seeing you.  
Having heard this story, the prince remarked: "You have 
done no deeds of blood, but have gained your ends by 
gentleness and ingenuity. This is the way approved of by 
                                                          
9
 It was considered a very great sin to be, even indirectly, the cause of 
the death of a brahman 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
167 
the wise." Then turning to Mitragupta, he said "It is now 
your turn," and he immediately began his story thus: 
* * * * * 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
168 
ADVENTURES OF MITRAGUPTA  
 
My lord, I set out on my travels in search of you, like the 
rest, and arriving one day at Damalipta, I saw a great 
crowd collected in a large park outside the city. While 
looking about me to find some one of whom I might inquire 
what this festival was, I espied a young man, sitting alone 
in an arbour, amusing himself with playing on a lute. 
Going up to him, I asked "What is this concourse of 
people? Why do you sit here alone, away from the others?"  
He answered: "A long time ago, the king of this country, 
having no children, made many prayers and offerings to 
the goddess Durg, in the hope of propitiating her. At last 
she appeared to him in a dream, and said: 'Your prayer is 
granted; your wife shall bear twinsa daughter who must 
be your successor, and a son who must be subject to her 
and to her husband when she marries. Further, it is my will 
and pleasure that, beginning from her seventh year, you 
shall make, every month when the moon is in the 
constellation Krittika (or the Pleiades), a great festival, to 
be called the Festival of the Ball Dance, at which she shall 
publicly exhibit her skill before the people. I also will, that 
in reference to a husband, she shall have free choice 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
169 
without any pressure on your part, and that he whom she 
marries shall have equal power with her, and reign after 
your death.'  
"The promise given in the dream was fulfilled. The queen 
bore twinsa son and a daughter. The king has duly 
obeyed the commands of the goddess, and today the 
princess, whose name is Kandukavati, will again perform 
the ball dance for the propitiation of Durg in the sight of 
the people here assembled.  
"You asked me also why I am sitting here alone. I will tell 
you. The Princess Kandukavati has a dear friend and 
fostersister, who is engaged to me.  
"Of late, Bhimadhanwa, the brother of the princess, has 
cast his eyes on her, and persecuted her with his 
importunities. Knowing his character, I have great fear lest 
some day he should use violence towards her. This is why 
I am so anxious and uneasy, and have no inclination to 
join in the festivities."  
Just then I heard the tinkling of anklets, and a young lady 
came to the place where we were sitting.  
On seeing her, my companion started up with great 
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170 
delight, and, taking her by the hand, introduced her to me, 
saying: "This is the lady whom I have told you of, dearer to 
me than life, the thought of separation from whom, 
through the wickedness of that wretch, burns me like fire, 
and causes me to suffer misery greater than death. I have 
no loyalty or respect towards him, and will lose my life 
rather than suffer him to accomplish his wicked purpose."  
But she, with tears in her eyes, said: "O my beloved, do 
not on my account engage in any act of violence; 
whatever might be the result, your own life would, certainly 
be forfeited. You have continually professed your great 
love for me; be guided now by my advice. I am ready to 
follow you wherever you go; let us then fly from this 
country, and go where we shall be safe from my 
persecutor."  
My new acquaintance then turned to me, and said: "You 
seem to have been a great traveller; tell us in what country 
we may be most in safety and best able to live."  
I smiled at this, and answered: "The world is wide, and 
there are plenty of countries pleasant to live in; but, after 
all, one's own country is the best; why should you banish 
yourselves? I think I can contrive some means by which 
you will be enabled to remain here in safety and comfort. 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
171 
Wait then a while, and if I cannot do this I will tell you 
where it will be best for you to go."  
Before we had time to say more, the young girl started up, 
saying: "I dare not stay a moment longer. I have stopped 
away from my mistress to see you, and now I hear her 
coming, and must join her directly. Any one may see the 
princess at this festival; I hope you will have a good view 
of her." Saying this to me, she ran off, and we both 
followed her to the place where the princess was to 
performan open stage which had been erected in the park.  
Presently she made her appearance, followed by a train of 
female attendants, and the moment I saw her my heart 
was drawn towards her. I almost doubted whether she 
were a goddess or a mortal; but when she began to play, I 
was even more captivated by her graceful movements 
than I had been by her beauty.  
First she made a low obeisance in honour of the goddess; 
then taking up the bright red ball with her slender fingers, 
she let it drop as if accidentally, and striking it as it 
rebounded, caught it on the back of her hand and sent it 
high into the air; then she made it rise and fall, at first 
slowly, then faster, and then very rapidly, keeping time to 
it by graceful movements of the feet. Sometimes it 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
172 
seemed to stand still, sometimes to fly up like a bird; at 
one time she would strike it alternately with her right hand 
and left hand; at another send it high into the air, dancing 
meanwhile to her own singing; then the ball would go quite 
away, and come back as if of itself. Thus she went on a 
long time amidst the applause of the surrounding 
spectators, performing various graceful movements, 
striking the ball with feet as well as hands, and even 
making it whirl round and round her so rapidly that she 
seemed to be enclosed in a fiery red cage; now with one 
hand holding up her dress or replacing her hair which had 
fallen down, and keeping the ball in motion with the other; 
now taking several balls and keeping them all in the air at 
once.  
At last the performance was ended; and, after again 
making a low obeisance in honour of the goddess, she 
walked slowly round the stage, leaning on the arm of her 
fostersister Chandrasena, and followed by her maidens, 
casting several significant glances at me, and especially 
giving me one long lingering look as she withdrew.  
My new friend, Kosadsa, who had stood near me all the 
time, invited me to his house, where I was most hospitably 
entertained.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
173 
In the evening, Chandrasena, the lady to whom he had 
introduced me, came to see him. I said to her: "I promised 
to find some means of freeing you from the importunities 
of the prince; this is what I have thought of. I have a magic 
ointment, a small quantity of which applied to your face 
will make you look like a monkey in the eyes of all who 
see you. Your persecutor will certainly then be disgusted, 
and give you no more annoyance."  
"Truly I am exceedingly obliged to you," she answered, 
"for such a charming proposal. But whatever I may be in a 
future birth, I have no inclination to be turned into a 
monkey now. If you have nothing better than this to 
propose, we shall not esteem your wisdom very highly. 
Happily, I have thought of something much better. You 
have heard that, according to the word of Durg, the 
princess is to be allowed free choice of a husband. You 
are greatly in love with her, and she is favourably 
disposed towards you, from your appearance. My mother, 
of whom she is very fond, will do everything in her power 
to promote your interests; and no doubt she will choose 
you. The king and queen will of course give their consent; 
and the marriage once completed, there will be no further 
danger, since Bhimadhanwa will be subject to you, and 
you will be able easily to protect me. Wait, therefore, a few 
days, and I and my mother will do our best on your behalf. 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
174 
But I must not stay longer; my mistress will be waiting for 
me."  
After she was gone, Kosadsa and I got into conversation 
about that which so greatly concerned us both; and so 
much interested were we, that we never thought of going 
to bed, but sat up talking all the night. In the morning, I 
went to the park, and stood for some time near the stage 
on which I had seen the princess; and in imagination saw 
her there again, in some of those graceful attitudes which 
she had displayed. While I was thus deep in thought, I 
was accosted by Bhimadhanwa, who introduced himself to 
me, appeared very friendly, sat down with me, and, after 
some conversation, invited me to his house.  
Having no suspicion of treachery, I accompanied him to 
the palace, where I was most hospitably entertained. After 
dinner, not having slept the night before, I lay down, and 
was soon fast asleep, and dreaming of my beloved 
princess. Presently, I was suddenly awakened, and found 
my arms bound with an iron chain, and Bhimadhanwa, 
with angry countenance, standing near me. "Vile wretch!" 
he said. "You fancied you could plot in safety; and little 
thought that all which that girl said was overheard, and 
brought to me by one of my spies, who heard it through 
the open window. My silly sister, forsooth, is in love with 
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175 
you! You are to marry her, and make me your subject; and 
you will order me to give up Chandrasena, that she may 
marry her lover! You are much mistaken. I am not so 
easily managed as that. We shall soon see how all your 
fine projects will end." Then calling two strong men, his 
servants, at his command they lifted me up, carried me 
down to the sea, and threw me in as I was.  
Notwithstanding the chain which confined my arms, I 
managed to keep afloat, till by a lucky chance I fell in with 
a piece of wood, and by throwing myself across it, 
managed to hold on, and was carried out to sea. After 
floating all night, in the morning I was seen from a ship 
sailing that way, and taken on board.  
The captain, however, who was a foreigner, had not much 
compassion on me; and only thought, as I was young and 
strong, how much he could get by selling me as a slave; 
and did not even release my hands. I had not been long 
on board, however, when the ship was attacked by 
pirates, who surrounded it with their boats, and poured in 
a shower of arrows and other missiles.  
Seeing that the crew of the merchantship were being 
defeated, I called out to the captain: "Take off my chain; 
set me free; and I will soon drive away the enemy."  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
176 
He did as I asked; and furnished me with a good bow and 
arrows, which I used so effectually, that a large number of 
the enemy were killed or wounded; and the boats began 
to draw off.  
Meanwhile, our ship had drifted close to the pirates' galley. 
I leapt on board, and most of the crew being disabled, 
took prisoner the captain, who turned out to be 
Bhimadhanwa, the very man who had so treacherously ill-
used me. He was utterly astonished at seeing, me; and 
hung down his head ashamed, unable to answer a word, 
when I said to him: "Where are all your threats and 
boastings? You are now as completely in my power as I 
was in yours."  
Then the sailors, shouting for joy at the victory, bound him 
with the chain with which I had been confined; and after 
taking possession of the pirate ship, we continued the 
voyage; but being driven out of our course by a contrary 
wind, landed on an uninhabited island, to get water and 
wild fruits, and attend to the wounded.  
The merchantcaptain and crew, delighted at my bravery, 
and the timely assistance I had rendered them, treated me 
with the greatest respect. While they were engaged, I 
walked about to explore the island; and came to a large 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
177 
quantity of stones which had fallen from a high rock. 
These I crossed over, and going round to the other side, 
found a gentle slope, covered with trees and flowers. 
Walking slowly among them, admiring the beautiful 
scenery and enjoying the cool shade, I arrived, almost 
imperceptibly and without fatigue, at the summit, where I 
found a small lake, surrounded with rubycoloured, 
variegated rocks, and partly covered with bright lotuses. In 
this I bathed, and pulled up some of the lotusplants, the 
young shoots of which were unusually sweet and good.  
As I came out of the water, carrying a large root on my 
shoulder, I saw standing on the bank a terrible Rakshas in 
human form, who called out, in an angry tone "Who are 
you? Where do you come from? What are you doing here, 
destroying my flowers?"  
Without showing any sign of fear, I walked boldly up to 
him, and said: "I am a brahman, who has just escaped 
many dangers. I was treacherously thrown into the sea, 
rescued by a merchantship, then attacked by pirates; and 
now, after conquering them, we have put into this island 
for water. I have much enjoyed my bathe, and wish you 
good morning."  
"Stop!" said he. "You will not get off so easily. You seem a 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
178 
bold fellow, however, and I will give you a chance for life. I 
shall ask you four questions. If you can answer them, you 
are free; if not, I shall devour you immediately."  
"Very good," I answered; "I am ready to hear them." Then 
he began: 
"What is cruel?" 
"A wicked woman's heart." 
"What is most to the advantage of a householder?" 
"Good qualities in a wife." 
"What is love?" 
"Imagination." 
 
"What best accomplishes difficult things?" 
"Cunning. Dhumini, Gomini, Ratnavati, and Nitambavati," I 
added, "are examples of what I have said." 
 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
179 
"Tell me," said he, "who they were, and how they prove 
the truth of your answers?" 
"Certainly," I replied; "you shall judge for yourself. 
 
"There were formerly in the country of Trigarta three 
brothers, all wealthy, having several wives, many servants 
and slaves, and numerous flocks and herds. In their time it 
happened that there was a great drought; no rain fell for 
several years; the streams and fountains ceased to flow; 
the pools and lakes were turned to mud, the beds of rivers 
almost dry, plants burned up, trees withered; all mirth and 
festivity were at an end; bands of thieves roamed about; 
the dead lay unburied or unburnt, and their bodies were 
scattered over the fields. At last the famine was so great 
that men began to devour each other. The three brothers, 
from their great wealth, were able to hold out a long time; 
but when their stores of corn and rice were all consumed, 
and their cattle all slaughtered, they, like the rest, were 
driven to cannibalism. First they killed and ate their slaves; 
then, even their wives and children, till all were gone but 
themselves and their three favourite wives. The famine 
still continuing, they were driven to eat them also, and 
drew lots which should be killed first. The lot fell on 
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180 
Dhumini, the wife of the youngest brother, who, unable to 
bear the thought of devouring her, escaped with her in the 
night. After walking a long way, till they were quite 
exhausted, they came to a large forest, where they found 
a well of water, and many fruits and roots, besides deer 
and other animals, on which they were able to live without 
difficulty; and they built a hut there.  
"One day when the husband of Dhumini was going about 
in search of game, he found a man who had been cruelly 
treated by robbers; they had cut off his hands, feet, and 
nose, and left him to perish. Having compassion on the 
poor wretch, he bound up his wounds as well as he was 
able, and carried him with much difficulty to his hut. There 
he and his wife nursed him till his wounds were healed, 
and took care of him afterwards.  
"Now such is the depravity of women, that Dhumini fell in 
love with this poor mutilated wretch, and determined to 
have him whether he would or no.  
"One day her husband came home from hunting, tired and 
thirsty, and asked her for water. She answered: 'I have a 
very bad headache, you must go and draw for yourself.' 
Then walking softly behind him as he went, she waited till 
he stooped down over the well, and pushed him in.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
181 
"Having thus, as she thought, got rid of her husband, she 
took the maimed man on her back and carried him till she 
reached an inhabited country, where there was no famine, 
telling those who asked her, that this man was her 
husband, and had been mutilated in that manner by a 
spiteful enemy.  
"She thus became the object of much compassion, and 
praise, for devotion to her husband, and the king of the 
country bestowed on her a small pension on which she 
lived in the city of Avanti. Meanwhile her real husband had 
managed to climb up from the well, and wandered about a 
long time, not knowing where his wife was gone. At last he 
came to Avanti in great distress, and was begging for food 
when she chanced to see him. Going at once to the king, 
she said, 'That wicked wretch who mutilated my husband 
is now here; I have seen him going about as a beggar.'  
"Upon this he was immediately seized, and, 
notwithstanding his protestations of innocence, 
condemned to death, and led away to execution.  
"On the way, with but faint hopes of saving his life, he said 
to the executioner, 'I have been condemned on the 
evidence of one witness only; let that man whom I am 
accused of injuring be questioned; if he says I am guilty, 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
182 
then indeed I deserve to die.'  
"The executioner saying, 'Perhaps he may be innocenta 
few minutes' delay can do no harm,' took him at once to 
the house of his wife, and there the poor mutilated wretch, 
with many tears, declared the kindness with which he had 
been treated by the supposed criminal, and the 
wickedness of the woman who had forced him to live with 
her as her husband.  
"Thereupon the execution was stayed, and the king, 
having been made acquainted with the whole affair, 
ordered her to be cut in pieces and given to the dogs, and 
showed much favour and kindness to her husband.  
"I say, therefore, there is nothing so cruel as the heart of a 
wicked woman."  
The Rakshas appeared to be satisfied with this story, and 
said: "Go on, tell me about Gomini." I continued therefore:  
"There was formerly in the country of the Dravidas a 
young brahman of great wealth. Somehow he was not 
married when a mere boy, as is often the case, and when 
he grew up he thought to himself: 'Those who have no 
wives and those who have bad wives are equally 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
183 
unfortunate, I will not let my friends choose for me, but 
travel about and look out for myself till I find a girl who 
may suit me.'  
"Having formed this resolution, and changed his name, he 
set out alone, taking very little with him, but a small bag 
containing two or three pounds of rice in the husk.  
"Whenever he saw a maiden of his own caste whose 
appearance he liked, either in the houses where he was 
admitted or elsewhere, he would say to her: 'My dear, 
could you make me a good dinner with this rice?' This he 
did many times, but though parents in general would have 
been willing to give him their daughters, he was always 
laughed at, and often treated with contempt. One day, 
while sitting in a public place in a town which he had lately 
entered, he observed a young girl whose parents had 
fallen into poverty, which was shown by her scanty dress 
and slender ornaments. She passed by him accompanied 
by an old woman, and stood for a time very near him.  
"The more he looked at her the more he was pleased, and 
thought to himself: 'This is just the wife to suit me; she is 
neither too tall nor too short, too stout or too thin; her limbs 
are rounded and well knit; her back is straight, with a slight 
hollow; her shoulders are low; her arms plump and soft; 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
184 
the lines of her hands indicate good fortune; her fingers 
are long and slender; her nails are like polished gems; her 
neck is smooth and rounded as a slender shell; her bosom 
full and well shaped; her face has a sweet expression; her 
lips are full and red; her chin small and compact; her 
cheeks plump; her eyebrows glossy black, gracefully 
curved, meeting in the middle; her eyes are long and 
languishing, very black and very white; her forehead, 
adorned by beautiful curls, resembles a piece of the 
moon; her ears are delicately formed, and well set off by 
the earrings; her hair is glossy black, brown at the ends-
long, thick, and not too much curled. My heart 
seems to be drawn towards her; if she is what she seems 
to be, I will certainly marry her; but I must not act rashly; I 
will first try her with my test. Then approaching her with a 
polite salutation, he said: 'My dear, are you clever enough 
to make a good dinner out of this bag of rice;' Without 
answering a word, she looked significantly at her old 
nurse, and taking the rice from his hand, signed him to sit 
down on a terrace close by; and sat down herself near 
him. Then, first spreading out the rice in the, sun that it 
might be quite dry, she rubbed it gently between her 
hands, so as to get off the husk unbroken, and giving it to 
the nurse, she said: 'Take this to some goldsmith; they 
use it when prepared in this way for polishing their gold, 
and you will get a few pence for itwith them buy a little 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
185 
firewood, a few cheap dishes, and an earthen pipkin, and 
bring also a wooden mortar with a long pestle.' On this 
errand the old woman departed, and soon returned, 
bringing the things required.  
"Then the girl put the rice into the mortar, and very 
gracefully moving the pestle up and down, separated the 
rice thoroughly from the remaining particles of husk and 
awns; which she carefully winnowed away.  
"After this she washed the rice thoroughly, and the old 
woman having meanwhile lighted a fire and placed the 
pipkin full of water on it, she threw the rice into the water 
as soon as it boiled, in such a manner that the grains lay 
loose and separate. When they began to swell and burst, 
she took the pot from the fire, which she raked together, 
and set it with the lid downwards near the embers, first 
carefully draining off the rice liquor, and stirring the grains 
several times with a spoon to prevent their sticking together.  
"After this she put out the fire by throwing water on it, and 
taking the charcoal, sent the old woman to sell it, and with 
the money to procure some herbs, ghee, curds, tamarind 
fruit, spices, salt, myrobalan, and sesamum oil. When 
these things were brought, she mixed the myrobalan, 
finely pounded, with salt, and desired the nurse to give it 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
186 
with the sesamum oil to the young brahman, and tell him 
to go and bathe and anoint himself; and he having 
received these things, went to bathe.  
"When he was returned and comfortably seated, she gave 
him to drink rice liquor, mixed with spices and cooled by 
fanning, and he was much refreshed by it; afterwards, 
soup made with some of the liquor, a few spoonfuls of 
rice, butter, and spices; and, lastly, the rest of the rice 
mixed with curds, buttermilk, and several condiments, and 
he had plenty, though some was left.  
"When he had finished, he asked for drink. She gave him 
water in a new cooler, sweetened and perfumed with lotus 
and other flowers; and it looked and felt so cool, gurgled 
so pleasantly, and tasted so sweet, that all his senses 
were gratified, and he drank eagerly again and again.  
"After waiting on him in this manner, as soon as the dishes 
and the remains of the meal had been removed by the old 
nurse, she sat down beside him, arranging her scanty 
patched dress as well as she was able.  
"The young brahman having thus satisfied himself of the 
capabilities of the maiden, made known his real name and 
position to her parents, and they having gladly accepted 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
187 
him, he married the girl in due form, and took her home to 
his own house.  
"Not very long afterwards, with very little consideration for 
her, he took to himself another wife, a woman of bad 
character; yet such was the sweetness of temper of the 
first, that she showed no anger at this, but continued to 
treat her husband with all due honour and respect, and so 
gained over her fellowwife that she became her dearest 
friend. At the same time she managed the household 
admirably, keeping everything in order, yet making all the 
servants attached to her. In short, she acted in such a 
manner that she entirely gained the respect and affection 
of her husband, and he enjoyed great happiness, and 
trusted and consulted her in all affairs.  
"Therefore I say that the best thing for a householder is to 
have a good wife."  
Then, in illustration of the third answer, I related the story 
of Ratnavati. "There was, in a town in the country of Surat, 
a rich shipcaptain who had a daughter named Ratnavati. 
She was married to Balabhadra, the son of a merchant 
living in another town. For some reason he took a sudden 
dislike to his bride on the very day of the wedding, and 
though she continued to live in his house, avoided her as 
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188 
much as possible, and would never speak to her, 
notwithstanding the remonstrances of his friends. The rest 
of the family and the servants, seeing this, treated her with 
neglect and contempt, so that she led a most wretched life.  
"One day, wandering about disconsolate, she met with an 
old woman, a buddhist mendicant, who, seeing her 
weeping and looking miserable, asked her the reason. 
She, thinking that this woman might possibly be 
possessed of some charm capable of bringing back her 
husband's affections, half unwillingly told her the cause of 
her grief.  
"'On the very day of our marriage my husband, from some 
cause or other, took a sudden dislike to me, and since 
then he has treated me with neglect and contempt, so that 
I hardly ever see his face, and then only by chance for a 
moment, for he avoids me as much as possible; his family 
also, following his example, behave to me with great 
unkindness. I have no comfort or happiness, and only 
wish for death. But you must not tell this to any one; I 
would not on any account have my misfortune talked about.'  
"The old woman answered: 'Surely this must be a 
punishment for some great sin committed in a former 
existence, or such a charming person as yourself would 
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189 
never be thus treated by your husband. I recommend. you 
to practise penance and prayer; perhaps the gods may be 
appeased, and a favourable change produced. 
Meanwhile, if there is any way in which I can help you, I 
will gladly do so. You seem very intelligent; cannot you 
think of some stratagem which may have the desired 
effect?'  
"After reflecting for some time, she said Though my 
husband so neglects me, I know that he is very fond of 
women in general, and ready to be captivated by any one, 
especially respectable woman who will give him a little 
encouragement. Acting on this propensity, I think, with 
your help, that something may be done. There is a young 
lady, a neighbour, the daughter of a very rich man, in 
great favour with the Rajah; she is a friend of mine, and is 
very like me. As my husband hardly knows her by sight, 
and scarcely ever sees me, it might be possible to pass 
myself off for her. Do you, therefore, go to him and say 
that that young lady is in love with him, and that you will 
introduce him to her, only he must not give a hint that you 
have told him anything. Meanwhile I will arrange with my 
friend, and will be walking in her father's garden some 
evening, when you can bring him in.' The old woman was 
delighted with this contrivance, and promised to perform 
her part. She went, therefore, soon afterwards with a 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
190 
pretended message of love from the merchant's daughter 
to Balabhadra, who was delighted at having attracted the 
attention of such a charming young lady, and took care to 
be at the appointed time in the garden, where he saw his 
neglected wife playing at ball. As if by accident, she threw 
the ball towards him, and the old woman said: This is an 
invitation; pick up the ball, and take it to her with a pretty 
speech, and you will get acquainted with her.' In this way 
an intimacy began, and he often met his wife in the same 
place in the evening without in the least suspecting the 
deception. At last she gave him a hint that she was ready 
to run away with him. Madly in love, he eagerly caught at 
the proposal, and one night, having collected what money 
he could carry, he eloped with her, saying nothing to any 
of his friends. They were much astonished by his sudden 
disappearance; but when they found that Ratnavati was 
gone also, they readily believed the story told by the old 
woman, that he had fallen in love with his own wife; but 
was ashamed to acknowledge this after having so long 
neglected her, and was therefore gone to live in another 
place, where he was not known. Believing this story, her 
relations and his thought it best to take no steps in the 
matter, and abstained from making inquiry after him.  
"Meanwhile Balabhadra went to a town at some distance, 
and there by his skill and energy, though beginning with a 
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191 
small capital, amassed in a few years a considerable 
fortune, and was much respected in the place.  
"When Ratnavati eloped under another name, she 
engaged a woman to accompany her as a servant; and 
this woman one day having committed some fault, was 
beaten by her master, who scolded her and told her she 
was lazy, thievish, and impudent. Smarting under the 
punishment, she determined to be revenged, and going to 
the magistrate told him: 'This man, who seems to you so 
respectable, is a wicked wretch who has abandoned his 
own wife, and run away in the night with the daughter of 
one of his neighbours, with whom he is now living.'  
"The magistrate having heard this, and being very 
covetous, thought: 'If this man is convicted, his property 
will be confiscated, and I shall get a share of it.' He 
therefore began to take proceedings against Balabhadra, 
who was greatly alarmed. But his wife said to him, 'Do not 
be frightened; put a good face on the matter, and say: 
"This is not Kanakavati, the daughter of Niddhipatidatta; 
this is my own lawful wife, the daughter of Grihagupta, 
who lives at Valabhi. She was married to me with the 
proper ceremony and with the full consent of her parents. 
This woman's accusation is altogether false; but if you will 
not believe my assertion, send to Valabhi, to my wife's 
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192 
father, and hear what he will sayor send to the town 
where I formerly lived, and make inquiries there."'  
"This was done, he was admitted to bail, and a letter was 
written to the father of Ratnavati, who answered it in 
person, and declared that the lady in question was really 
his daughter. Thus the matter was settled; but the 
husband, thinking that the old man was deceived by the 
likeness, held to his former belief, and continued to live 
happily with his wife, without ever discovering the 
delusion. Therefore I say that love is only imagination."  
The Rakshas, though appearing to be satisfied with these 
stories, required me to relate that of Nitambavati, which I 
proceeded to do.  
"In a city called Madhura, there dwelt a man named 
Kalahakantaka, of great strength and vigour, ready at any 
time to take up the quarrel of a friend, famed for deeds of 
violence, and devoted to pleasures and amusements.  
"One day he saw a picture exhibited by a painter, a new-
comer, and stopped to look at it. It was the portrait of 
a lady so beautiful that he fell in love with her at once. 
Desirous of finding out whom it represented, he praised 
the picture exceedingly, and having put the artist in good 
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193 
humour, got him to say who the lady was. 'Her name,' said 
he, 'is Nitambavati; she is the wife of a merchant living at 
Avanti or Oujein, and I was so struck by her beauty that I 
sought and obtained permission to paint her portrait.'  
"On hearing this, Kalahakantaka, taking another name, 
went to Oujein; and there, having disguised himself as a 
mendicant, got admission to the merchant's house, saw 
the lady, whose beauty exceeded even his expectation, 
and was confirmed in his wicked purpose.  
"At this time a guardian or watchman was wanted for the 
public cemetery, and he applied for and obtained the office.  
"With the clothes which he took from the bodies brought to 
be burnt there, he bribed an old woman to take a message 
from him. She went to Nitambavati, and said: 'A very 
handsome young man is much in love with youpray let 
him see you if only for once.' On receiving this message, 
the merchant's wife was very indignant, and sent the old 
woman away with angry words. Kalahakantaka, however, 
was not discouraged, and said to his messenger: 'Go 
again, and say to the lady: "Do you imagine that a person 
like me devoted to religious meditation, who have passed 
so many years in pilgrimages to holy places, would wish to 
lead you into sin? Far from it. I had heard that you were 
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194 
childless, and wishing for children, and I know of means 
through which your wish may be accomplished; but I 
thought it right to find out first whether you were worthy of 
such a service, and now that I have ascertained you to be 
virtuous and true to your husband, I will gladly assist you."'  
"With this story the old cheat went again to the lady, who, 
believing her to be sincere, gladly accepted the offer, and 
she went on to say: 'The reason of your being childless is 
that a spell has been laid upon your husband, which can 
only be removed by the means which I will indicate to you. 
You must go at night to a clump of trees in the park. I will 
come to you there, and will bring with me a man skilled in 
incantations. You have only to stand for a moment, putting 
your foot into his hand while he utters certain charms, then 
go home, and, as if in play, strike your husband on the 
breast. This will dissolve the spell, and byandby you will 
have children.' Anxious to have the spell removed from 
her husband, Nitambavati consented to this, and went at 
night to the appointed place. There she found 
Kalahakantaka waiting, and as the old woman had 
directed, put her foot into his hand while he knelt before her.  
"No sooner had he got hold of it than he took off her 
anklet, and slipping his hand up her leg, inflicted a slight 
wound above the knee, and ran away.  
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195 
"The poor lady, dreadfully frightened, blaming herself, and 
enraged with the old woman, who had so cruelly deceived 
her, got home as well as she could, washed and bound up 
the cut, and kept her bed for several days, having taken 
off the other anklet, that the loss might not be observed.  
"Meanwhile the rascal took the anklet he had stolen to the 
husband, saying: 'I wish to dispose of this, will you buy it?'  
"Recognising the ornament as having been his wife's, he 
asked: 'Where did you get this?'  
"The man answered: 'I will not tell you now, but if you are 
not satisfied that it is honestly mine, take me before the 
magistrates, and I will then declare how I came by it.'  
"Upon this the merchant went to his wife and said: 'Let me 
see your anklets.'  
"With some confusion and alarm, she answered: 'I have 
only one of them, the other being, as I suppose, loosely 
fastened, dropped off a few days ago when I was walking 
in the evening in the garden, and I have not been able to 
find it.'  
"Dissatisfied with this answer, the husband went before 
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196 
the magistrates with the man who had offered the anklet 
for sale, and he being there questioned, said: 'You know I 
was appointed not long ago to the care of the public 
cemetery, and as people come sometimes after dark to 
steal the clothes, or to lay a dead body on a pile prepared 
for another, and so cheat me of my fees, I have lately kept 
watch there at night.'  
"'A short time ago I saw a woman in a dark dress dragging 
away part of a halfburnt body, and ran to seize her. In the 
struggle her anklet came off, and I gave her a slight 
wound on the leg, but she got away, and I could not 
overtake her; this is how the ornament came into my 
possession. I leave it to you to say whether I have done 
wrong or no.'  
"Then the magistrates and citizens who were assembled 
were unanimously of opinion that the woman was a 
Skini10. 
"She was therefore divorced from her husband, and 
condemned to be tied to a stake in the cemetery, and left 
                                                          
10
 An evil spirit, the ghoul of the "Arabian Nights," the readers of which 
will remember the story of Amina, who goes out at night to feast on 
dead bodies. 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
197 
there.  
"In this state she was found by Kalahakantaka, who cut 
the cords which fastened her, and, falling at her feet, 
confessed all that he had done, alleging his great love for 
her as an excuse for his cruel conduct: 'And now,' said he, 
'consent to be my wife, and I will carry you away to my 
own home in a distant country, where you will not be 
known. I will do everything in my power to make your life 
happy, and atone for the suffering which I have caused 
you.'  
"For a long time the unhappy lady refused; but at last, 
overcome by his earnest entreaties, and feeling how 
unjustly she had been disgraced and illtreated, she 
consented to accompany him. Thus, by cunning, he 
gained his end, which he could not have accomplished by 
any other means. Therefore I say cunning best 
accomplishes difficult things."  
Having heard these stories, the Rakshas was much 
pleased, and offered me his assistance if I should require 
it. At that moment several pearls fell close beside us. 
Looking up to see whence they came, I perceived a 
Rakshas flying through the air, carrying a woman who was 
struggling with him.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
198 
"Shall that monster carry off the lady before our eyes? O 
that I could fly to rescue her!"  
As I exclaimed thus, my new ally, without waiting to be 
entreated, sprang into the air, and calling out "Stop! stop! 
wicked wretch!" attacked and dragged down the other 
Rakshas. He, in defending himself, when only a short 
distance from the ground, let the lady fall, and I caught her 
with outstretched arms in such a manner that, though 
much shaken and alarmed, she was not seriously injured. 
I held her for a moment insensible in my arms, while I 
gazed at the combatants. Their flight was of short 
duration, for they attacked each other so furiously that 
both were killed.  
Then laying my burden on the soft grass in a shady place, 
and sprinkling her with water, I soon had the happiness of 
seeing her open her eyes, and of recognising the beloved 
of my heart, the Princess Kandukavati, who was equally 
delighted on finding who was her deliverer.  
When sufficiently recovered, she said to me: "On returning 
home after the ball dance, longing to see you, and sad 
with the thought that we might never meet again, I was 
filled with great happiness by the report which 
Chandrasena brought me of your love; but when I heard 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
199 
that you had been bound and thrown into the sea by my 
wicked brother, I fell into the deepest despair, and wished 
for death. Wandering in this state of mind about the 
gardens, I was espied by that vile Rakshas, who, having 
assumed a human form, first made love to me, and then, 
when rejected, forcibly carried me off. He is, happily, now 
dead, and all that I have suffered is as nothing now that I 
am with you; let us return as soon as possible to my 
parents, who will have been greatly distressed at my 
disappearance."  
Without delay I carried her down to the shore, embarked, 
set sail at once, and the wind being favourable, we soon 
reached Damalipta. Here we found great confusion and 
grief among the people, and were told on inquiring: "The 
king and queen, utterly broken down by the loss of their 
son and daughter, have determined to abandon life, and 
have just set out for a holy place on the bank of the 
Ganges, with the intention of fasting to death there; and 
several of the old citizens have accompanied them with 
the same purpose."  
On hearing this I immediately went after them, and having 
soon overtaken them, was able to give them great 
happiness, by telling them of all that had occurred, and 
how both their son and daughter were safely returned; and 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
200 
they went back with me to the city, to the great joy of the 
people. The king treated me with great honour, and not 
long afterwards the princess became my wife. Her brother 
was reconciled to me, and at my request, though very 
reluctantly, gave up all further attention to Chandrasena, 
who was happily united with her lover.  
When King Sinhavarma was attacked as you know, I 
marched with an army to his assistance; and have thus 
the great pleasure of meeting with you.  
The prince having heard this story said "Your adventures 
have indeed been strange, and your escape from death 
wonderful. Great is the power of fate, but excellent also is 
courage and presence of mind such as you have shown." 
Then turning to Mantragupta, he desired him to relate his 
adventures, which he immediately began to do: 
* * * * * 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
201 
ADVENTURES OF MANTRAGUPTA 
 
My Lord, I also, in my anxiety to find you, wandered about 
like the others.  
Late one evening I came to a wood, a few miles from the 
city of Kalinga, and very near a public cemetery. Seeing 
no dwelling near, I made myself a bed of leaves, and lay 
down under a large tree, where I was soon asleep. About 
midnight, when evil spirits are wont to roam, and 
everything was quiet around me, I awoke, and fancied I 
heard a whispering conversation going on among the 
branches of the tree immediately above me. Listening very 
attentively, I was able to distinguish these words: "We are 
powerless to resist that vile Siddha whenever he chooses 
to command us; could not some person be found powerful 
enough to counteract the designs of that vile magician?"  
After this the voices ceased, and I thought I could hear a 
rustling among the branches as if the speakers were 
moving from tree to tree. This strange occurrence greatly 
excited my curiosity. I said to myself: "Who are these 
creatures whose voices I have heard? who can that 
magician be, and what dreadful thing is it which he is 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
202 
about to do?" With these thoughts, I determined if possible 
to discover the mystery, and followed, as well as I was 
able, the direction which the demons, or whatever they 
were whom I had heard conversing, had taken. Guided by 
the rustling sound which I still heard above me, I made my 
way through the darkness, till at last I thought I saw a light 
in the distance, and going a little further, I perceived a fire 
shining through the thick foliage. Approaching very 
cautiously, I saw a Siddha standing near it, his head 
covered with a large mass of tangled hair, his body 
begrimed with the dust of charcoal, and a girdle of human 
bones round his waist. He was throwing at intervals 
handfuls of sesamum and mustardseed into the fire, 
causing flickering flames to rise up and dispel the 
surrounding darkness. Before him, in humble attitude, 
stood two Rakshas, male and female, whom I supposed to 
be those whose voices I had heard in the tree. They said 
to him, "We await your commands. What are we now to 
do?"  
"Go," he answered in a stern voice, "immediately to the 
palace of the King of Kalinga, and bring here his daughter 
Kanakalekha." This they did in an incredibly short time. As 
soon as she was brought he seized her by the hair, and 
disregarding her tears and entreaties and screams for 
help, was about to cut off her head with a sword.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
203 
Meanwhile I had cautiously crept nearer, and perceiving 
the danger of the princess, I made a sudden rush at him, 
snatched the sword from his hand and cut off his head.  
Seeing this, the two Rakshas approached me, and 
showing great delight at the death of their cruel master, 
said to me: "That wicked man has for a long time had 
power over us; we have continually been compelled to go 
on his vile errands, and have had no rest night or day. You 
have done a truly good deed in killing him; your valour has 
freed us from this slavery; he is gone to the kingdom of 
Yama, where he will receive the reward of his evil deeds, 
and we are ready to serve you; say only what is to be 
done."  
I thanked them for their grateful offer, and said: "I have 
only done what every good man would have done under 
the circumstances; but if you are willing to serve me, all 
that I require of you is to carry this lady again to her 
father's house, from which she was so cruelly taken."  
The princess hearing this, stood for a moment irresolute, 
with her head bent down, her eyes half closed, her 
eyebrows quivering, her bosom agitated by hurried 
breathing and wetted by tears of joy, restlessly moving 
one foot, as if scratching the ground, and betraying the 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
204 
struggle between bashfulness and love by alternate 
blushes and paleness. Then, in a low sweet gentle voice, 
she uttered these words: "O gracious sir, why do you, 
having just delivered me from a terrible death, now 
overwhelm me in a sea of love whose waves are the 
agitations of anxiety driven by the wind of passion? My life, 
saved by you, is entirely at your disposal. Take pity on me; 
regard me as your own. Let me be your servant, your slave; 
I would endure anything rather than separation from you. 
Come with me to my father's palace; you need not fear 
discovery; all my friends and attendants are faithful and 
devoted to me; they will carefully keep the secret." 
Pierced to the heart by the arrows of Kma, tied and 
bound by her looks and words as if with chains of iron, I 
had no power to refuse, and turning to the two Rakshas, I 
said: "I have no choice here. Whatever this fair lady 
commands must be done. Take us both, therefore, to the 
place from which you brought her."  
Bowing down in submission, they lifted us from the 
ground, carried us through the air, and placed us while it 
was yet night in the apartments of the princess. There she 
introduced me to her attendants, assigned me a room in 
the upper story where I might most easily escape 
detection, and appointed them to keep watch so that no 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
205 
one might enter her apartments without notice. I had thus 
abundant opportunities of being with the princess; but 
though my love daily increased, I made no further 
advances to her.  
One day some of her women came with tears in their 
eyes, and bowing down to my feet, said, with whispering 
timid voice, "O gracious sir, our lady is doubly yours, since 
she was gained by your own valour when you rescued her 
from death, and is assigned to you by the allpowerful God 
of Love. Do not let her languish in vain. Make her your 
wife without delay." With this request I could not refuse to 
comply, and taking the hand of the princess, I declared 
our solemn union.  
For a time we enjoyed the greatest happiness. It was 
destined, however, to be of no long duration; our 
separation was at hand, for now was the time of spring, 
when the trees were covered with blossoms bent down by 
the eager bees, and the song of birds was resounding 
among their branches waved by the soft south wind, 
bearing perfume from the sandal groves of Malaya; at 
which season the king was accustomed to go with all his 
court to the seashore, and there, in tents under the shade 
of lofty trees, to enjoy the cool sea breezes.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
206 
My bride of course went with the rest; and as there was no 
possibility of concealing me in such a place, I was obliged, 
though reluctantly, to let her depart alone, consoling 
myself by looking forward to her return.  
The royal party had not long been gone, when news was 
brought to the city that the king and all his court, thinking 
only of enjoyment, and unsuspicious of danger, had been 
captured by Jayasinha, King of Andhra, who, sailing with a 
large fleet, had suddenly landed and taken them by 
surprise.  
This news caused me the greatest consternation. 
"Jayasinha," I thought, "will certainly be captivated by the 
beauty of the princess; she will take poison rather than 
submit to his embraces; and I could not long survive her, 
for how could I live without her?"  
While perplexed with this thought, and not knowing what 
to do, I heard of a brahman just arrived from Andhra, who 
was full of a strange event which had lately happened there.  
"The King of Andhra," he said, "has long been a bitter 
enemy of the King of Kalinga, and having taken him 
prisoner, was about to kill him, but he has fallen in love 
with the princess Kanakalekha, and wishing to marry her, 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
207 
not only spares her father's life, but treats him with 
kindness for her sake.  
"An unexpected obstacle to the accomplishment of his 
wishes has, however, arisen; the lady has suddenly 
become possessed by an evil spirit, whose rage is 
greatest whenever the king visits her.  
"Anxious for her recovery, he has offered a large reward to 
any one who shall succeed in driving out the demon, but 
as yet no one has been able to effect her cure."  
This information filled me with hope, for I was well aware 
of the nature of the princess's disease, and knew that no 
one but myself could cure it. I was able, therefore, to form 
a plan for her deliverance, and quickly decided on the 
disguise to be adopted. At the time when I killed the 
magician, I had taken off his scalp, with all the mass of 
tangled hair, and had hid it in a hollow tree. I now went to 
the place, and taking out this scalp, fitted it on my own 
head; then rubbing over my whole body with dirt and 
charcoal dust, and dressing myself in old rags, I was 
completely disguised as an asceticand when I went into 
the neighbouring villages I was regarded as a very holy 
devotee, and had many applications from persons wishing 
for advice or seeking to be cured of diseases. This belief I 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
208 
encouraged to the utmost, and took care to keep up my 
credit by means of various tricks and contrivances.  
In this manner I was soon able to collect a number of 
disciples, glad to live in idleness on the offerings 
continually brought to me, fully believing in my sanctity, 
entirely devoted to me, and ready to obey all my 
commands.  
Having got together this troop of followers, I went to the 
side of a tank or small lake not far from the city of Andhra, 
built myself a hut, and made known that I intended to stay 
there for a time.  
The news of my arrival was soon spread abroad by my 
disciples, who were loud in their praises of my miraculous 
powers, and the wonderful cures which I had effected; and 
great numbers of people came from the city to see me, 
either from curiosity or from the hope of receiving some 
benefit.  
In a very short time wonderful stories about me were 
brought to the Rja. "There is now a very holy devotee 
sleeping on the ground near the lake; he is possessed of 
the most marvellous knowledge. There is no question 
which he cannot answer, no difficulty which he cannot 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
209 
solve. His power of healing is beyond belief; a few grains 
of dust fallen from his feet, when sprinkled on the head of 
the sick, are more efficacious than any medicine; and 
water in which his feet have been washed has cured in a 
moment diseases, and driven out evil spirits which have 
resisted for a long time all the efforts of physicians and 
exorcists. Yet with all this he is exceedingly kind and 
condescending, and free from pride."  
The king, hearing all this, thought: "This is just the person I 
am in need of; no doubt he will be able to cure the 
princess." He therefore determined to apply to me; but so 
great was his respect for my dignity and supernatural 
powers, that he did not venture to send for me, but came 
several times to see me, distributing each time money 
among my followers, before mentioning his request that I 
would drive out the evil spirit from the princess.  
After hearing his statement, I looked very grave, and 
appeared for some time to be wrapped in profound 
meditation. At last I said: "Sir, you have done very right to 
apply to me; I will undertake that the lady shall be cured, 
but it would be useless for me to see her at present. The 
case is a very peculiar one, and the cure requires much 
thought and consideration; wait therefore for three days, 
then come again, and I will tell you what is to be done." On 
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210 
receiving this answer, the king went away very well 
satisfied.  
That night, as soon as it was dark, telling my followers on 
no account to disturb me, I went, as if for private 
meditation, to one side of the tank, at some distance from 
the steps, and there dug a large hole in the bank sloping 
upwards, with the opening partly under water and 
concealed by loose stones above; taking care to throw the 
excavated earth into the tank.  
On the third day, at dawn, I rearranged my dress as 
before, and having worshipped the allseeing sun as he 
rose, returned to my followers.  
I had not long been settled in my usual place when the 
king made his appearance, and bowing down to my feet, 
he awaited my pleasure.  
Having kept him a short time in suspense, I thus 
addressed him: "Success does not come to the careless, 
but all advantages are attainable by the energetic; being 
devoted to your service, I have given my whole mind to 
the consideration of this difficult affair, and can now point 
out a certain way to success.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
211 
"The evil spirit by whom the princess is possessed cannot 
bear the sight of you in your present form, and therefore 
breaks out into fury when you appear. If your body can be 
changed, he will no longer be offended, and will 
immediately depart; there is no other way by which he can 
be driven out. I have therefore so prepared this lake that if 
you bathe in it in accordance with my directions, you will 
acquire a new and beautiful body acceptable to the lady, 
and she will no more be troubled with the evil spirit.  
"You must therefore come here at midnight, and having 
stripped entirely, swim out into the middle of the tank, and 
there float on your back as long as possible. Presently a 
rushing noise will be heard, and the water will be troubled, 
and dash against the bank. As soon as the commotion 
has subsided, come forth; you will find that your body has 
become younger, stronger, and improved in every respect; 
and when you return to the palace there will be no further 
difficulty or obstacle on the part of the princess, who will 
immediately undergo a change in her feelings, and will 
long for your society as much as she now abhors it. All 
this is quite certain; you need not have the smallest doubt; 
but if you think proper, before deciding, consult your 
ministers, and be guided by their advice. If they consent, 
first worship the gods and propitiate them with offerings, 
make large donations to the brahmans and the poor, and 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
212 
come here tonight at the appointed time. That there may 
be no danger from alligators or concealed enemies, let the 
tank be thoroughly dragged with nets by a hundred 
fishermen, and place a line of soldiers all round it with 
torches in their hands a few steps from the water; with 
these precautions no possible harm can happen to you."  
The enamoured king, very anxious for the expulsion of the 
supposed demon, and fully believing that I had the power 
to perform what I had promised, went away well pleased, 
and immediately consulted his ministers. They seeing how 
eager he was, and not anticipating any possibility of 
danger, readily approved of the proceeding.  
Having obtained their consent the king returned to me, 
and finding that I was about to depart, earnestly entreated 
me to stay, saying that half the pleasure of success would 
be taken away if I were not there to witness it; but I 
answered that there were urgent reasons for my 
immediate departure, and that I had already remained 
longer than I had intended to do, solely on his account. I 
assured him that I had so prepared everything that my 
presence was now quite unnecessary, that I was about to 
disappear from the world, and that he would see me no 
more. Finding me quite determined, he took leave of me 
with many expressions of respect, and went back to his 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
213 
palace to give orders for the performance of all that I had 
directed.  
Accordingly, a large number of fishermen with nets were 
engaged, by whom the lake was thoroughly dragged, and 
large donations were made to the brahmans and the poor. 
Towards evening, soldiers with torches were placed, all 
round the tank, and at midnight the king, attended by a 
numerous retinue, and followed by a great crowd anxious 
to witness the expected miracle, came to the steps leading 
down to the water, and having undressed there in a tent 
which had been pitched for that purpose, plunged in and 
swam out to the middle.  
Meanwhile I had said to my followers: "I have no further 
need of you; I am about to retire to a lonely place to 
practise meditation; you may now leave me; go, and my 
blessing be upon you." Well satisfied with the gifts they 
had received, they departed; and when they were gone I 
slipped unobserved into the lake, and entered the hole 
which I had prepared. There I remained till I heard the 
noise of the crowd who came with the king, and perceived 
him floating on the surface. Diving cautiously under him, I 
pulled him down, strangled him, and dragged the body 
into the hole; then swimming to the steps, I boldly came 
forth, to the astonishment of the attendants, who, though 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
214 
they had expected a miracle, were scarcely prepared for 
such a great change. No one, however, doubted that I was 
really their sovereign, and having dressed and mounted 
an elephant, I entered the city, escorted by the soldiers 
and followed by a great crowd of people, who had come 
forth from curiosity, and were loud in their praises of the 
pious man who had wrought such a miracle.  
That night I was unable to sleep. In the morning I 
summoned all the ministers and counsellors, and said: 
"Behold the power of piety and penance. That holy man 
has performed a great miracle, and bestowed on me this 
new body, which you see, by means of the tank which he 
has consecrated, and through the favour of the gods, 
whom he had long propitiated; after such a manifestation, 
who shall doubt their power? Let the faces of all 
unbelievers be bowed down by shame; let a great and 
solemn festival be made with song and dance in honour of 
Brahma, Siva, Yama, and the other deities, the rulers of 
the world, and distribute much money among the poor."  
This speech was received with great approbation, and all, 
congratulating me and praising the gods, performed the 
duties imposed upon them.  
After this I went to the women's apartments, and there the 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
215 
first person whom I met was a very devoted servant of the 
princess, who had been especially attentive to me. She, 
not imagining what had occurred, would have let me pass 
without especial notice; but I called her, and said: "Have 
you never seen me before?"  
Then indeed she opened her eyes wide with joy and 
astonishment, saying: "Can it be possible? is not this a 
delusion? Tell me what it all means."  
I gave her a brief account of what had happened, and sent 
her to prepare my wife. How glad she was to see me you 
may well imagine.  
So well did we manage, that the secret was kept, no 
suspicion even arose, and all the people were rejoiced at 
the favourable change, not only in the person, but in the 
temper and disposition of their sovereign.  
In due time I was publicly married to the princess, and 
reinstated her father in his kingdom.  
I have now come here with an army to assist the King of 
Anga, and have thus obtained the great happiness of 
seeing you again.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
216 
The prince, having heard this story, said "Your cleverness 
has indeed been great, and your personation of the 
Siddha wonderful. May you long continue to possess such 
wisdom and prudence, combined with wit and 
cheerfulness." Then, looking at Visruta, he said: "It is now 
your turn;" and he forthwith began: 
* * * * * 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
217 
ADVENTURES OF VISRUTA 
 
My Lord, as I was wandering one day in the forest of 
Vindhya, I met with a very handsome boy, standing by the 
side of a well, crying bitterly. When I asked what was the 
matter, he said: "The old man who was with me, when 
trying to get water from this well, fell in, and I am unable to 
help him. What will become of me?"  
Hearing this, I looked down the well, which was not very 
deep, and saw the old man standing at the bottom, the 
water not being sufficient to cover him. By means of a long 
and tough stem of a creeper, I pulled him up safely; then 
using it again as a rope, with a cup made from the hollow 
stem of a bamboo, I drew water for the poor child, who 
was half dead with thirst; and finding that he was suffering 
from hunger also, I knocked down some nuts from the top 
of a high tree with a wellaimed blow of a stone.  
The old man was very grateful for my timely assistance; 
and when we were all comfortably seated in the shade, he 
gave me, at my request, a long account of the 
circumstances which had brought him there, saying: 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
218 
 
"There was formerly a King of Vidarba remarkable for 
wisdom and justice, learned in the Scriptures, a protector 
of his subjects (by whom he was much beloved), a terror 
to his enemies, wise in political science, upright and 
honest in all his actions, kind to his dependents, grateful 
for even small services, and gracious to all. Having lived 
the full age of man, he died, leaving a prosperous 
kingdom to his son Anantavarma, a young man of great 
abilities, but caring more for the mechanical arts, music, 
and poetry, than for his duties as a ruler.  
"One day, one of his father's old counsellors in private 
addressed him thus: 'Sire, your majesty, with the 
advantage of royal birth, has almost every good quality 
that can be desired; your intelligence is very great; your 
knowledge superior to that of others; but all this, without 
instruction in political science and attention to public 
affairs, is insufficient for a king; void of such knowledge, 
he is despised, not only by foreigners, but by his own 
subjects, who, disregarding all laws, human and divine, at 
last perish miserably, and drag down their sovereign in 
their fall. A king who has not political wisdom, however 
good his eyesight may be, is regarded by the wise as a 
blind man, unable to see things as they are. I entreat you, 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
219 
therefore, to give up the pursuits to which you are so 
devoted, and to study the art of government. Your power 
will then be strengthened, and you may long reign over a 
happy and prosperous people.'  
"To this exhortation the young king appeared to listen 
attentively; and said: 'Such is the teaching of the wise; it 
ought to be followed.'  
"After dismissing the old counsellor, the king went into the 
women's apartments, and began to talk to them of the 
exhortation which he had just received. His observations 
were attentively listened to by one of his constant 
attendants, who determined, if possible, to turn the king's 
thoughts in another direction, and prevent him from being 
influenced by the good advice which had been given. This 
man had many accomplishments; he was skilled in 
dancing, music, and singing; quick at repartee; a good 
storyteller; full of fun and jokes; but devoid of honour and 
honesty; false, slanderous, a receiver of bribes, a bad 
man in every way; yet, from his wit and humour, very 
acceptable to the king, whom he now thus addressed: 
'Wherever there is a person of exalted position, there are 
always clever rogues ready to prey upon him, and, while 
degrading him, to accomplish their own base purposes. 
Some, under the guise of religion, will tell him: "The 
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220 
happiness of this world is shortlived and fleeting; eternal 
happiness can only be obtained by prayer and penance;" 
and so they persuade him to shave his head, wear a dress 
of skins, gird himself with a rope of sacred grass, and, 
renouncing all pleasures and luxuries, to betake himself to 
fasting and penance, and give away his riches to the poor, 
meaning, of course, themselves; some of these religious 
impostors will even persuade their dupes to renounce 
children, wifenay, even life itself.  
"'But suppose a man to have too much sense to be 
deluded in this way, they will try a different plan; to one 
they will say: "We can make gold; only furnish us with the 
means, and your riches shall be increased a 
thousandfold;" to another: "We can show you how to 
destroy all your enemies without a weapon;" to another: 
"Follow our advice, and, though you are nobody now, you 
shall soon become a great man."  
"'If their victim is a sovereign, they will say to him: "Four 
branches of study are said to be proper for kingsthe 
vedas, the purnas, metaphysics, and political science;-
but the first three are of very little advantage; 
they may safely be neglected, and he should give up his 
mind to the last only. Are there not the six thousand 
verses composed for the use of kings, and containing the 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
221 
whole science? Learn these by heart, and you will be 
prepared for all emergencies." So then he must set to 
work to learn all these crabbed rules. He must; according 
to them, distrust every one, even wife or son. He must rise 
early, take a very scanty meal, and immediately proceed 
to business.  
"'First he must go over accounts, and balance income and 
expenditure; and while his rascally ministers pretend to 
have everything very exact, they have forty thousand 
ways of cheating him, and take good care of themselves.  
"'Then he must sit in public, and be tired to death with 
receiving frivolous complaints and petitions, and will not 
even have the satisfaction of doing justice; for, whether a 
cause be just or not, his ministers will take care that the 
decision shall be according to their own interests.  
"'Then he is allowed a short time for bathing, dressing, 
and dining; if, indeed, the poor wretch can venture to dine, 
with the constant fear of poison in his mind.  
"'After this he must remain a long time in council with his 
ministers, perplexed with their conflicting arguments, and 
unable to understand even the half of them; while they, 
pretending to act impartially, get everything settled as they 
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222 
had previously agreed and by twisting and distorting the 
reports of spies and emissaries, manage to serve 
themselves and their friends, and to get credit for putting 
down disturbances which they themselves had excited.  
"'He is now allowed to take a little amusement, but the 
time for this is restricted to an hour and a half.  
"'Then he must review his army; hear the reports of the 
commander of his forces; give orders for peace or war; 
and act upon the accounts brought by spies and 
emissaries.  
"'However weary he maybe with all this, he must sit down 
and read diligently, like some poor student, for several 
hours. Then at last he may retire to rest; but before he has 
had half enough sleep, he will be awaked in the early 
morning; and the priests will come to him, and say: "There 
is an unfavourable conjunction of the planets; evil omens 
have appeared; there is danger impending; the gods must 
be propitiated; let a great sacrifice be made today. The 
brahmans are continually engaged in supplicating the 
gods on your behalf; your prosperity is dependent on their 
prayers; they are miserably poor, and have many children 
to support; let large donations be made." Thus the greedy 
wretches, under the pretence of religion, are continually 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
223 
robbing the king and enriching themselves.  
"'This is the sort of life which you will have to lead, if you 
give yourself up to the guidance of those greybeards; and, 
after all, though you may have studied and studied, pored 
over their musty volumes, and listened to their tedious 
lectures, you are not sure of doing right.  
"'And who are these fellows who set themselves up for 
wise men? Do they always do right? Are they not often 
themselves cheated by the unlearned? Common sense is 
far better than all this learning; instinct and feeling will 
guide us in the right way; even an infant without teaching 
finds out how to draw nourishment from the mother's 
breast. Cast aside, then, the rules and restrictions with 
which these old fools would bind you. Follow your natural 
inclinations, and enjoy life while you can. You possess 
youth, beauty, and strength. You have a large army, ten 
thousand elephants, and three hundred thousand horses; 
your treasury is full of gold and jewels, and would not be 
emptied in a thousand years. What more would you have?  
Life is short, and those who are always thinking of adding 
to their possessions, go on toiling to the last, and never 
really enjoy them.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
224 
"'But why should I waste your time with needless 
arguments? I see you are already convinced. Commit, 
then, the cares of government to your ministers; spend 
your time with your ladies, and congenial friends like me; 
enjoy drinking, music, and dancing, and trouble yourself 
no more with affairs of state.'  
"Having thus spoken, he prostrated himself in very humble 
attitude at the feet of his master, who remained for a time 
silent, as if undecided.  
"The women, who had been listening with delight to all 
that was said, seeing his hesitation, assembled round him, 
and, with sweet words and caresses, easily persuaded 
him to follow his own inclination and theirs.  
"From that time the young king, given up entirely to 
pleasures and amusements, left the affairs of the kingdom 
to his ministers; and, while allowing them to manage as 
they pleased, provided they did not trouble him, openly 
treated them with insolence and neglect, and even took 
pleasure in hearing them ridiculed by the worthless 
parasites who surrounded him, so that even the wisest of 
his ministers, while lamenting the sad state of affairs, 
could only acknowledge their inability to remedy it, and 
wait till some great public calamity, or the invasion of the 
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225 
country by a neighbouring sovereign, who was gradually 
extending his dominions by force or cunning, should bring 
the young king to his senses.  
"Ere long, what they had expected came to pass; for the 
King of Asmaka, who had for some time coveted the 
country, but did not dare openly to invade it while it was 
strong and prosperous, took measures in secret to 
weaken the authority of Anantavarma, and diminish his 
resources; and, lest he should perchance see the error of 
his ways and abandon his vicious courses, he secretly 
gave a commission to the son of one of his ministers, a 
young man of great abilities and agreeable manners, an 
eloquent flatterer and amusing companion, who arrived at 
the court of Anantavarma, attended by a numerous 
retinue, as if travelling about for his own pleasure.  
"This man soon became intimate with the king, and took 
care to fall in with all his tastes, and to justify and praise 
every pursuit which he engaged in.  
"Thus, if he saw the king fond of hunting, he would say: 
'What a fine manly sport this is! How it strengthens the 
body, braces the spirits, and quickens the intelligence! 
While roaming over hill and dale, you become acquainted 
with the country; by destroying the deer and wild 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
226 
buffaloes, you benefit the husbandmen; by killing the 
tigers and other wild beasts, you make travelling safer.'  
And he would go on in this way, without any allusion to the 
damage and destruction caused by the king's hunting 
expeditions.  
"If gambling was the favourite amusement, or there was 
excessive devotion to women, or to drinking, he would 
very ingeniously bring forward everything that could be 
said in favour of them, passing over their disadvantages in 
silence. If the king was lavish to his dependants, he would 
praise his generosity; if cruel, he would say: 'Such severity 
is good; you maintain your own dignity by it; a king ought 
not to be like a patient devotee, submitting to insults, and 
ready to forgive.  
"In this manner that wicked wretch obtained great 
influence over the king, and employed it to lead him into 
all sorts of excesses.  
"With such an example before them, all classes gradually 
became corrupted. The magistrates neglected their duties, 
and thought only how they might enrich themselves; great 
criminals, who could bribe, escaped with impunity; the 
weak were oppressed by the strong; violence and robbery 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
227 
were rampant; disturbances broke out on all sides; and 
severe and indiscriminating punishments only stirred up 
indignation, without repressing crime. The revenue 
diminished, while expenditure was increasing; everywhere 
loud complaints were heard, and great distress prevailed.  
"As if all this were not sufficient, the cruel King of Asmaka 
sent emissaries in all directions to mix unsuspectedly with 
the inhabitants of Vidarba, and do as much mischief as 
possible.  
"Some would distribute subtle poisons in various ways; 
some would stir up quarrels between neighbouring 
villages, and so cause party fights; some contrived to let 
loose a furious elephant into a crowd, or get up an alarm 
by other means, and so cause a sudden panic, in which 
the people trampled down each other, and many lives 
were lost; others, disguised as hunters, promising 
abundance of game, would tempt men into some narrow 
valley, between high mountains, where they were 
devoured by tigers, or, unable to find their way out again, 
perished of hunger and thirst.  
"By these and many other devices, they succeeded in 
destroying life and weakening the country, so that less 
resistance might be offered to the invader.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
228 
"Then, thinking the time to be arrived, the King of Asmaka 
prepared for war. Meanwhile, his emissary was leading on 
the foolish young king to destruction; and at this very time, 
as if in perfect security, he was amusing himself with the 
performances of a celebrated actress and dancer, having, 
at the instigation of his treacherous friend, persuaded her, 
by large donations, to leave the King of Kuntala, with 
whom she was a great favourite.  
"Indignant at such an insult, that king was easily 
persuaded to join the King of Asmaka, who had already 
obtained several other allies eager to have a share in the 
expected conquest and plunder.  
"Thus, when the country was actually invaded, no 
effectual resistance was made; Anantavarma was easily 
defeated, and fell into the power of his cruel enemy.  
"The cunning King of Asmaka, who had gained his allies 
by many liberal promises, had no intention of sharing the 
conquered country with any one; he professed, however, 
great disinterestedness; declared that he should be 
contented with a very small part; and, having desired his 
allies to arrange between themselves what each should 
take, contrived, by his intrigues, to make them quarrel 
over the division. The result was that they fought with, and 
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229 
so weakened each other, that he was able to disregard 
their claims, and to annex the whole of the conquered 
country to his own dominions.  
"After the defeat and death of Anantavarma, an old and 
faithful minister escaped with the queen and her two 
children, this boy and his elder sister Manjuvdini, 
together with a few faithful followers, including myself; and 
though the old minister was taken ill and died on the road, 
the rest arrived safely at Mahishmati, where the queen 
was well received by the king Amittravarma, a halfbrother 
of her husband, and where she devoted herself to the 
education of her son, hoping that he might one day 
recover his father's kingdom.  
"After a time, however, that king sought to marry his 
brother's widow; and, having been rejected by her, 
determined to take revenge by killing her son.  
"The queen, having discovered his intentions, sent for me, 
and said: 'My life is wrapped up in this boy; I can endure 
any thing, so long as he is safe; take him and make your 
escape at once; I know not where to send you, but if you 
can find a safe refuge, let me know, and I will come to 
you, if possible.'  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
230 
"In obedience to her commands, I took the boy, 
succeeded in escaping with him, and reached a 
shepherd's hut on the borders of this forest. There we 
stayed a few days till I saw a man whom I suspected to be 
searching for us. Fearing discovery, I left the cottage, and 
entered the forest. Here, while trying to get water to 
quench the poor child's burning thirst, I slipped into the 
well, where I should have perished but for your timely 
assistance; and now, having done us this kindness, will 
you add to it by protecting the boy, and helping us to 
reach a place of safety?"  
"Who was his mother," I asked. "Of what family was she?"  
"She is the daughter of the King of Oude," he answered, 
"and her mother was Sagaradatta, daughter of 
Vaisravana, a merchant of Ptaliputra."  
"If so," I replied, "she and my father are cousins by the 
mother's side; this boy is therefore my relation, and has a 
right to my protection."  
The old man was much pleased at hearing this, and I 
promised not only to protect the boy, but to contrive some 
means for reinstating him in his proper position, and 
overcoming that wicked King of Asmaka with cunning 
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231 
equal to his own.  
For the present, however, the most needful thing was to 
procure food. While I was considering how to obtain this, 
two deer passed, pursued by a forester, who shot three 
arrows and missed them, and, in despair, let fall his bow 
and two remaining arrows. Hastily snatching up these, I 
discharged the arrows in rapid succession, and killed both 
the deer; one of them I gave to the hunter, the other I 
prepared, and roasted a part of it for ourselves.  
The forester was astonished by my skill, and delighted at 
the acquisition of so much food; and it occurred to me that 
I might get some information from him. I asked him 
therefore: "Do you know anything of what is going on at 
Mahishmati?"  
"I was there early this morning," he answered, "for I had a 
tiger skin and other skins to sell, and great festivities were 
in preparation; the Prince Prachandavarma, the king's 
younger brother, is about to marry the Princess 
Manjuvdini, and the rejoicings are on this account."  
After the forester was gone, I said to the old man (whose 
name was Nlijangha): "That wretch Amittravarma is 
trying to make it up with his sisterinlaw by promoting a 
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232 
good marriage for her daughter; no doubt he thinks to 
persuade her to recall her son, that he may have him in 
his power. Do you therefore leave the boy with me, and go 
back at once to his mother. Tell her how you have met 
with me, and that the child is quite safe under my 
protection; but give out in public that he has been carried 
off and devoured by a tiger. I shall come to the city 
disguised as a beggar; do you wait for me near the 
cemetery."  
All this he promised to do, and set off immediately, having 
first received further directions for the guidance of the 
queen.  
After some days, it was generally understood at 
Mahishmati that the boy who had escaped into the forest 
had been killed by a tiger; and the king, secretly rejoicing, 
went to condole with the mother. She appeared as if 
greatly distressed by the news, and said to him: "I look 
upon the death of my son as a judgment upon me for not 
complying with your wishes, and am therefore now ready 
to become your wife."  
The old wretch was delighted at her compliance, and 
preparations were made for the marriage.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
233 
On the appointed day, in the presence of a numerous 
assembly, she took a small leafy branch, and dipping it in 
what appeared to be water, but which really contained a 
deadly poison, struck him gently with it on the face, 
saying: "If you are acting right, this will not injure you; if 
you are sinning in taking me, your brother's wife, and I am 
faithful to my husband, may this be like the blow of a 
sword to you."  
Such was the strength of the poison that he fell dead 
almost instantaneously. Then dipping the same branch 
into other water containing an antidote, she struck her 
daughter in a similar manner; and, as no injury followed, 
the spectators were fully convinced that the death of 
Amittravarma was a punishment from heaven.  
Soon after this (by my directions, and in order to throw him 
off his guard), she said to Prachandavarma: "The throne is 
now vacant; you should occupy it at once, and make my 
daughter your queen."  
He listened to the suggestion; and, as the young boy, the 
nephew of the late king, was supposed to be dead, no 
opposition was made by the people.  
Then the Queen Vasundhara (also by my directions) sent 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
234 
for some of the late king's ministers, and of the elders of 
the city, whom she knew to be illaffected towards 
Prachandavarma, and said to them: "Last night the 
goddess Durg appeared to me in a vision, and said: 
'Your child is safe; I myself, in the form of a tigress, carried 
him away, to save him from his enemies. In four days from 
this time Prachandavarma will suddenly die; on the fifth 
day let all the authorities assemble round my temple on 
the bank of the river, and close the doors, after having 
ascertained that no one is concealed inside. After waiting 
one hour, the door will open and a young brahman will 
come forth, holding your son by the hand. That boy will 
become King of Vidarba, and that brahman is to marry 
your daughter.'"  
After the divine manifestation in favour of the queen when 
Amittravarma was struck dead, this account of the vision 
was readily believed by her hearers, who promised to 
keep the secret and to be guided by her directions.  
When the fourth day arrived I entered the city, disguised 
as a beggar, and brought the boy to his delighted mother, 
who introduced me to her daughter, whom I greatly 
admired, and she, though agitated, was evidently pleased 
with me, even under such a disguise.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
235 
I did not venture to stay long, and after receiving an alms 
and assuring the queen that the imagined dream would 
prove true, I went away, taking the boy with me, and at 
parting, in order to deceive her attendants, she said aloud: 
"Your application shall not have been in vain; I will take 
care to protect your boy."  
Nlijangha, the old servant whom I had rescued in the 
forest, met me on my arrival, and was waiting at the place 
which I had appointed. I went to him there and asked him 
for information as to the movements and occupations of 
the new king. "That doomed man," he answered, "thinking 
all obstacles removed, and rejoicing at his accession to 
power, is now amusing himself in the palace gardens, with 
a number of actors, tumblers, and dancing girls."  
"I could not have a better opportunity," I replied; "do you 
therefore stay here with the boy, and wait for me in this old 
ruin. I shall not be long gone."  
I then dressed myself in the clothes of a tumbler, which I 
had brought with me for the purpose, went boldly into the 
garden, presented myself to the king, and asked for 
permission to exhibit my skill before him. This was readily 
granted; an opportunity was soon given me of showing 
what I could do, and I obtained much applause from the 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
236 
spectators. After a time I begged some of those present to 
lend me their knives, and I caused much astonishment by 
the way in which I appeared to balance myself on the 
points. Then, still, holding one of the knives, I imitated the 
pouncing of a hawk and an eagle, and having by degrees 
got near the king, I threw the knife with such good aim, 
that it pierced him to the heart, and I shouted out at the 
same time, "Long live Vasantabhnu!" that it might be 
supposed I had been sent by him. After this, dashing by 
the guards, who tried to stop me, I suddenly leaped over 
the wall, and before any of my pursuers could cross it, I 
had run a long way on the other side. Doubling back, I got 
behind a great heap of bricks, and from thence, concealed 
by the trees, succeeded in reaching the ruins unobserved. 
Here I changed my clothes and went back to the city, as if 
nothing had happened.  
In order to have everything ready for my intended 
concealment, I had gone secretly the day before to the 
Temple of Durg, and had there made an underground 
chamber, communicating with the interior through an 
opening in the wall, which was carefully closed with a 
large stone, and now, taking the boy with me, I entered 
the hiding place, having been furnished with suitable 
dresses and ornaments, sent by the queen, through 
Nlijangha.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
237 
The assassination of Prachandavarma was universally 
attributed to his enemy, the King of Asmaka, and the first 
part of the prophecy of Durg, as told by the queen, being 
thus accomplished, there was no doubt, on the part of 
those who were in the secret, as to the fulfilment of the 
remainder.  
In the morning a great crowd was assembled round the 
temple; for although the secret of the queen's vision had 
been kept, it was generally understood that something 
wonderful was to take place there.  
Presently the queen and her attendants arrived, entered 
the building, and paid their devotions to the goddess, after 
which the whole temple was carefully searched, to make 
sure that no one was concealed there, and all having 
withdrawn, the doors were closed, and the people stood 
without in silence, anxiously awaiting the pleasure of the 
goddess.  
A band then began to play and the kettledrums were 
loudly struck, so that the sound reached me in the hiding-
place. At this, which was the preconcerted signal, I 
made a great effort, moved the large stone, and came 
forth with the boy into the temple. Having changed our 
dresses, I placed the old ones in the hole, carefully refitted 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
238 
the stone, and throwing the temple door wide open, stood 
in front of the astonished multitude, holding the young 
prince by the hand.  
While they were gazing in bewilderment, I thus addressed 
them: "The great goddess Durg, who lately showed 
herself in a vision to the queen, has been pleased to 
restore to his longing mother this child, whom she, in the 
form of a tigress, had carried away, and she commands 
you, by my mouth, to accept him as your sovereign."  
Then turning to the queen, I said:"Receive your child 
from the hands of Durg, who will henceforth protect him 
as her own son; and by her command accept me as the 
husband of your daughter."  
To the ministers and elders I said:"The goddess has 
brought me here, not merely as a messenger of her will, 
but as a defender of your country from that wicked King of 
Asmaka, whose cruel and unscrupulous intrigues are well 
known; accept me, therefore, as your deliverer, and as the 
guardian of the young king appointed by Durg."  
Upon this all broke out into loud acclamations, saying: 
"Great is the power of the glorious Durg! happy the 
country of which you are the protector!" and I was 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
239 
conducted in triumph to the palace, together with the 
queen, who could now openly show her joy at the 
recovery of her son.  
So well had I managed, that no suspicion arose of the 
deception which had been practised, and all the people 
venerated the young king as being especially under the 
protection of the goddess, and me as the agent chosen by 
her for his restoration.  
Thus my authority was well established. I caused, in due 
time, the young prince to be formally proclaimed king, and 
had him carefully educated; and I myself received the 
hand of the lovely Manjuvdini, as the reward of my 
services and in obedience to the commands of Durg.  
After some time, however, I began to reflect: "Though my 
position now seems quite secure, yet, after all, I am a 
foreigner here, and when the first burst of admiration is 
over, people may perhaps begin to ask, 'Who is this 
stranger who has come among us in such a mysterious 
manner? and what is he that he should thus lord it over 
us?' And it occurred to me that if I could make friends with 
an old and muchrespected minister, named Aryaketu, so 
as to trust him entirely, he might be of great assistance to 
me."  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
240 
Before, however, making any overtures to him, I desired 
Nlijangha to try him secretly and ascertain his feelings 
towards me.  
My agent, therefore, had many interviews with him, and 
tried to persuade him that it was not for the good of the 
country that a stranger and foreigner should occupy such 
an important position, which ought rather to be held by a 
native, and that it would be very desirable to get rid of me.  
To all this Aryaketu answered: "Do not speak against so 
good a man, and one of such wonderful ability, endowed 
with such great courage, generosity, and kindness. So 
many good qualities are rarely found united in one person. 
I esteem the country very fortunate in having such a ruler, 
and am convinced, that through him the King of Asmaka 
will one day be driven out, and our prince established on 
his father's throne. Nothing shall induce me to plot against 
such a man."  
After hearing this from Nlijangha, I tried the old minister 
in various ways, and seeing no reason to doubt his fidelity 
and attachment, I gave him my full confidence, and found 
him a most useful friend.  
With his advice and assistance, I was able to appoint 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
241 
efficient officers in every department. I encouraged 
religion and punished heresy; I kept each of the four 
castes in their proper sphere, and without oppressing the 
people, I collected a large revenue, for there is nothing 
worse than weakness in a ruler, and without money he 
cannot be strong.  
[Here the story breaks off abruptly.]  
* * * * *  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
242 
LITERAL TRANSLATIONS 
 
Page 166: 
My Lord, I, having a common cause with my friends of 
wandering, saw among the Suhmans, in the outer park of 
a city called Damalipta, a great festal crowd. There, in a 
bower of Atimukta creepers, I saw a certain young man 
amusing himself with the sound of a lute. I asked him 
"Worthy sir, what is this festival called? on what account is 
this beginning, through what cause do you stand in 
solitude, accompanied (only) by your lute, as if out of 
spirits, not having done honour to the festival?"  
He replied: "The King of Suhma, called Tungadhanwa, 
being without offspring, begged from the feet of Durg, 
called Vindhyavsin11, dwelling in this abode, having 
her love for the abode in Vindhya forgotten, two children, 
and by her in a vision to him sleeping near (her temple) 
direction was given: 'There shall be produced of thee one 
                                                          
11
 The inhabitant of Vindhya 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
243 
son, and one daughter shall be born; but he shall be in 
subjection to her husband. But let her, beginning from the 
seventh year till her marriage, propitiate me every month 
while the moon is in Krittika (the constellation of the 
Pleiades), with the balldance, for the obtaining an 
excellent husband; and whom she likes, to him she is to 
be given and let this festival be called the Ball Festival.' So 
she said.  
"Then in a very short time the beloved queen of the king, 
named Medin, bore a son, and a daughter was born at 
the same time. That damsel, called Kandukavati, will to-
day propitiate the goddess having the moon as a diadem.  
"But her friend, Chandrasena by name, her fostersister, 
was beloved of me; and in these days she has been 
violently besieged by the king's son Bhimadhanwa. 
Therefore I, distressed, perplexed at heart by the pain of 
the arrowdarts of Kma, somewhat consoling myself with 
the soft tones of the lute, occupy a solitary place."  
And at that moment there came near a certain sound of 
anklets, and a certain lady came up. He indeed having 
seen her, with eyes opened wide, having risen up, having 
been embraced by her, sat down; and he said "This is the 
(lady) dear as my life, separation from whom, burning as it 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
244 
were, burns me up; and by that prince the robber of this, 
my life, I am brought to a state of coldness, as if by death; 
and I shall not be able, saying he is the king's son, to 
practise loyalty towards him; therefore, having caused 
myself to be favourably regarded by her, I will abandon a 
life which has no remedy."  
But she, with her face full of tears, said "O beloved, do 
not, on my account, engage in violence. Thou, who having 
been born of a worthy merchant, Arthadsa, wast called 
Kosadsa by thy parents, art called by thy enemies 
Vsadsa (slave of a girl), from thy excessive attachment 
to me. Thou thyself being dead, I should imagine the 
popular saying would be (he was) NrisansaVesathe 
slave of a wicked one. But now take me to any place you 
will."  
But he said to me: "Friend, in the regions seen by you, 
which was (the most) prosperous, abounding in corn, and 
having the greatest number of good men?"  
To him, having laughed a little, I said "Wide is this (world 
bounded by) ocean and sky. There is no end of pleasant 
regions in one place or another. But, indeed, if I should not 
be able to produce some plan causing you to live 
comfortably here, then, indeed, I will show you the way."  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
245 
Meanwhile, the sounds of jewelanklets arose. Now she, 
in a hurry, said: "My lord's daughter Kandukavati is come 
to propitiate Durg with playing at ball; and she is of 
unforbidden sight in this Kanduka (ball) festival. May the 
eye of you going to see her be successful; I must be 
keeping near her." So saying, she went away, and we two 
followed her.  
I first saw the redlipped (lady) standing on the floor of a 
jewelled stage; and she, seen by me a stranger and at a 
distance, immediately settled in my heart. And I, having 
my mind occupied by astonishment, thought: "Is this 
Lakshmi? for the lotus is not placed in her hand; but in her 
(Lakshmi's) hand there is a lotus, and she (the goddess) 
has been all enjoyed by Vishnu, and by former kings; but 
in this (lady) there is unimpaired faultless youth."  
While I was thus reflecting, she, faultless in every limb, 
touching the ground with the tips of her stretchedout 
fingers, having her dark curled locks shaken, having with 
agitation saluted the mighty goddess, took hold of the ball, 
resembling (in colour) the god without a body (Kma)     
having his eye reddened by no slight passion; and 
having dropped it with graceful languor to the ground, 
having struck it, gently rising, with her budlike hand 
having the delicate fingers stretched out, the thumb a little 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
246 
bent; having thrown, it up with the back of the hand, she 
caught it observed with active grace, in the air as it fell like 
a bunch of flowers joined with a circle of bees; and she 
discharged it in middling slow and quick musical time, 
throwing it very gently; and at that moment she displayed 
a quick movement with her feet; and when it stopped, she 
caused it to rise up with numerous blows; and, 
contrarywise, she caused it to rest; and she made it rise 
up like a bird, striking it regularly with her left and right 
hands when it was come straight to her side, and having 
caught it fallen when it had risen to a very great height, 
she practised a songstep; and having caused it to go up 
in various directions, she made it come back again. Thus 
sporting sweetly in various ways, accepting the words of 
praise loudly spoken at every moment by the people with 
their feelings interested come near to the stage, she 
stands turned towards me (who was) leaning on the 
shoulder of Kosadasa, having just then confidence 
produced in me, with flushed cheek and wide expanded 
eye. Then she being caused to have a glancing look like 
that of Kandarpa when first descended to earth, 
corresponding therewith having her gracefullycurved 
creeper12 eyebrows sportively playing; with the network 
of the rays of light of her lips oscillated by the waves of the 
                                                          
12
 Resembling tendrils 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
247 
wind of her breath, like twigs moved in sport, as if beating 
off the bees eager to catch the perfume of heir lotusface. 
In the circular whirlings of the ball (caused) by very rapid 
striking, entering, as it were, a flowery cage, through 
bashfulness at sight of me; in the Panchavindhu 
movement shaking off, as if through fear, the five arrows 
of Kma simultaneously falling (on her); in the Gomuttrika 
steps quivering like the brightness shown in the cloud 
imitating forked lightning; in the harmonious movements of 
her feet, having the time kept by the sound of the jewelled 
ornaments; with her lower lip suffused with the brightness 
of a furtive smile; with the mass of her locks put up again 
when fallen down; with her jewelled girdlebelt sounding 
by knocking together; with the brightness of her muslin 
dress, agitated as it rested on her gracefully prominent full 
hips; with the beautiful ball, struck by the quivering, bent, 
and extended arms; with the arms like a loop, turned 
downwards; with her graceful hair reaching to the end of 
the back, rolled round upwards; with the game continued 
(and) not neglected from her rapidity in putting up the fallen-
down golden leaf of the earring; with the ball 
whirled inwards and outwards by the feet and hands 
throwing it up repeatedly; with the necklace lost to sight 
through bending down and rising up; the pearls without 
separation in falling and rising; with the wind of the little 
branch (stuck) in (or behind) the ear engaged in drying up 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
248 
the paint of the cheek spoilt by the perspiration breaking 
forth; with one hand engaged in holding back on the 
surface of her bosom the falling muslin dress; sitting down 
and rising up, closing and opening her eyes, striking on 
the ground or in the air, with one ball or more than one, 
she showed various sorts of play worth looking at.  
* * * * * 
Page 29: 
After that, a certain damsel, adorned with a quantity of 
ornaments, made of jewels, who had become the chief of 
the whole race of women in the world, attended by a 
numerous train of modest female friends, having the gait 
of a swan, having come up softly, having made an offering 
to the most excellent brahman, of one jewel of the form 
(colour) of flame, being asked by him: "Who art thou?"  
Sorrowfully, with a low murmuring voice, very gently, in a 
submissive attitude, said: "O excellent brahman, I am the 
daughter of a chief of Asuras, Kalindi by name. My father, 
the ruler of this world, great in dignity, in a battle in which 
the immortals were removed to a distance, was made a 
guest of the city of Yama by Vishnu, impatient of his own 
valour. Me, immersed in an ocean of grief at separation 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
249 
from him, a certain compassionate perfected devotee told: 
'Damsel, a certain mortal, bearing a divine body, having 
become thy new husband, shall rule over the whole of 
Ptla.'"  
Page 207: 
Having propitiated with clasped hands, put together in the 
form of the red lotus; the mass of rays coloured by the red 
sandalwood body of the thousandeyed elephant of the 
eastern quarter having a thousand flames, the witness of 
things (which ought) to be done and not to be done, the 
unique seamonster leaping over the row of cloudwaves 
of the celestial ocean, the graceful actor dancing on the 
stage of the golden rock, the one lion the tearer of the 
scented elephant of nocturnal darkness, the jewel 
arranged at the top of the pearl necklace the canopy of the 
stars; I went to my own dwelling. And three days being 
gone, when the lord of day had a splendour of colour 
common to it with the red chalk side of the peak of the 
western mountain, and was looking like the orb of one 
bosom of the Goddess of Twilight, united with the body of 
Siva, under the name of atmosphere, for the 
disparagement of the daughter of the king of mountains; 
that king also having come, stood in humble attitude, 
having his diadem eclipsed by the rays from the nails of 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
250 
the feet of this person placed on the ground; and he was 
thus addressed: 
* * * * * 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
251 
PROPER NAMES, ETC., OCCURRING IN THE TALES 
 
Alaka, a mountain inhabited by Kuvera and the Yakshas.  
Amblika, the daughter of Sinhavarma, wife of Mantragupta. 
Amittravarma, King or Governor of Mahishmati. 
Anantavarma, King of Vidarba. 
Apahravarma, son of Prahravarma, and one of the nine companions 
of Rjahansa. 
Apsaras, heavenly females, nearly corresponding with the houris of the 
Mahometans. 
Arthapla, son of Kmapla, one of the nine companions of Rjahansa. 
Arthapati, a merchant at Champa, who wished to marry Kulaplika.  
Aryaketu, a minister and friend of Visruta. Asura, a general term for 
various supernatural beings not regarded as gods, but in general 
hostile to them, nearly the same as the jins or genii of the "Arabian 
Nights." Avantisundari, daughter of Mnasra, wife of Rjavhana.  
Balabhadra, a merchant, husband of Ratnavati.  
Blachandrika, wife of Pushpodbhava, and friend of Avantisundari.  
Bandhupla, a merchant, father of Blachandrika.  
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
252 
Betel and pawn, a mixture for chewing, frequently offered in 
politeness, as snuff with us.  
Bheels, savages, wild tribes, robbers.  
Bhimadhanwa, brother of Kandukavati.  
Buddhist, a disciple of Buddha. Buddha was a Hindoo reformer, whose 
followers were once very numerous in India, but at the date of these 
stories had been much diminished in number, through the 
persecutions of the brahmans. They still, however, form a large part of 
the population of Ceylon, Tibet, China, and some other countries, 
though the comparatively pure religion of the founder has for the most 
part degenerated into gross idolatry and unmeaning ceremonies.  
Chakravka, name of a bird quoted for affection, as turtle-doves by us.  
Chandla, a pariah, outcast.  
Chandrasena, fostersister of the Princess Kandukavati.  
Chtaka, a bird supposed to be very fond of rain, and to make a loud 
noise at its approach. Dhanamittra, husband of Kulaplika, friend of 
Apahravarma. Dharmapla_, one of Rjahansa's ministers. 
Dharmavardhana, King of Sravasti. 
Durga or Kli, wife of Siva, a terrific goddess, delighting in human 
sacrifices. 
Gaur, wife of Siva. 
Ghee, liquid butter, or butter which has been liquefied. 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
253 
Indra, the chief of the inferior gods, presiding over the 
clouds, rain, thunder, &c. 
Kailsa, a mountain, part of the Himlaya chain. 
Kalahakantaka, the man who fell in love with a portrait. 
Kalind, Queen of Ptla, wife of Matanga. 
Kalpasundari, wife of Vikatavarma, afterwards of Upahravarma. 
Kma or Kandarpa, the God of Love. 
Kmamanjari, the actress who seduced the Muni. 
Kmapla, son of Dharmapla, minister and son-in-law of the King of 
Benres. 
Kanakalekha, daughter of the King of Kalinga, wife of Mantragupta. 
Kandukavati, the princess who performed the ball-dance. 
Kantaka, the gaoler killed by Upahravarma. 
Kantimati, the wife of Kmapla, mother of Arthapla. 
Kirta, a savage, forester, Bheel. 
Kosadsa, lover of Chandrasena. 
Kusa grass, a scented grass, much used at sacrifices for laying offerings 
on, etc. 
Kuvera, the God of Wealth, whose attendants were the Yakshas. 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
254 
Magadha, the kingdom of Rjahansa. 
Mahkla, a famous temple of Siva, the object of many pilgrimages. 
Mahishmati, name of a city. 
Malaya, a mountain, or range of mountains, having many sandal trees, 
the perfume from which was supposed to be carried a long distance by 
the wind. 
Mlwa, the kingdom of Mnasra. 
Mnapla, the officer who guarded Vmalochana. 
Mnasra, King of Mlwa, conqueror of Rjahansa. 
Manibhadra, a Yaksha, father of Trvali. 
Manjuvdin, daughter of Anantavarma, wife of Visruta. 
Mantra, a verse or chapter in the vedas, any prayer or words recited as 
a charm. 
Mrchi, a great muni seduced by Kmamanjari. 
Matanga, a brahman who went down to Ptla together 
with Rjavhana. 
Mithila, a city or country, called also Videha. 
Mitragupta, one of the nine companions of Rjavhana. 
Muni, a holy man devoted to study, meditation, and penance. 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
255 
Nlijangha, the old man whom Visruta rescued from the well. 
Nryana, a name of Vishnu, an incarnation of the three principal gods, 
Brahma, Vishnu, Siva. 
Navamlika, daughter of the King of Sravasti, wife of Pramati. 
Padmodbhava, one of Rjahansa's ministers. 
Ptla, a fabulous subterranean country. 
Prachandavarma, King or Governor of Mahishmati, killed by Visruta. 
Prahravarma, King of Mithila, father of Apahravarma and 
Upahravarma. 
Priyamvada, Queen of Prahravarma. 
Purnabhadra, the reformed robber, servant of Kmapla. 
Pushpapuri, the capital of Magadha. 
Rgamanjari, an actress, sister of Kmamanjari. 
Rjahansa, king of Magadha, father of Rjavhana, the hero of the 
story. 
Rakshas or Rakshasas, evil spirits or ogres, hostile to men, whom they 
used to devour. 
Rati, a goddess, wife of Kma. 
Rishi, nearly the same as Muni, a holy man retired from the world, 
devoted to prayer and meditation. 
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256 
Satyavarma, son of a minister of Rjahansa, and father of Somadatta. 
Savara, fem. Savari, a savage, not a Hindoo. 
Siddha (literally perfected), a very holy devotee. 
Simanta, a religious ceremony performed on behalf of a woman at a 
certain period of pregnancy. 
Sinhaghosha, the deposed King of Benres. 
Sinhavarma, King of Anga, father of Amblika. 
Sitavarma, one of Rjahansa's ministers. 
Sringlika, the nurse of Rgamanjari. 
Siva, one of the three chief gods or triad of the Hindoos, Brahma, Siva, 
and Vishnu, who are sometimes regarded as one, sometimes 
confounded with each other.  
Sumantra, son of Dharmapla. 
Susruta, son of Padmodbhava. 
Trvali, a Yaksha lady, wife of Kmapla. 
Vmadeva, a holy man consulted by Rjahansa. 
Vmalochana, daughter of Vraketu, wife of Somadatta. 
Vasumati, Queen of Rjahansa. 
Vasundhara, Queen of Anantavarma the King of Vidarba. 
Dasakumaracharitam or Adventures of Ten Princes 
257 
Vidarba, name of a country. 
Videha, a country called also Mithila. 
Vidydhara, one of the numerous demigods. 
Vidyeswara, the conjuror who married Rjavhana to Avantisundari. 
Vikatavarma, King of Mithila, husband of Kalpasundari. 
Vimardaka, a keeper of a gaming house, employed by Apahravarma. 
Vraketu_, King of Ptali, father of Vmalochana. 
Yaksha, a sort of demigod or fairy, a servant of Kuvera. 
Yama, God and Judge of the Infernal Regions. 
Yati, an ascetic, a devotee. 
Yavana, a Greek, an Arabian -any foreigner.