THUS runs the tale: -- In former days the Holy One, the Most High, enthroned in his own sphere was reclining on his full-blown lotus couch surrounded by Indra and the other gods; and on a certain occasion he was holding a session, framing questions on the lore of Brahma and enjoying other blameless discussions. As he so sate, adored of the three worlds, the Prajapatis headed by Manu, Daksa, and Caksusa, and all the great sages with the seven Risis worshipped him. Some in chorus chanted the Rik hymns apt for psalmody; some recited the Yajus sentences of worship; some sang aloud the Samanstrains of praise. Others rehearsed the Mantras that reveal the ritual of the sacrifice. And there, arising from the differences of their studies, quarrels one with another we heard among them

The Harshacharita Is A Monu-Mental Historical Romantic Fiction In Akhyayika Form Written By Banabatta In Eight Chapters. The Story In The Harshacharita Is Not A Full Biography But Covers The Reign Of Harsha Upto The Recovery Of His Lost Elder Sister Rajyashri, And The Royal And Military Activities Of Some Years. Though Some Persons, Happenings, Events And Places Described Here Are Verified By History, It Must Be Remembered That Bana Is Not Writing This Fictional Biography As A Historian But As A Poet Or An Epic Bard, Decorating His Tale With Fancy, Fantasy, The Marvel Of Romance And Adventure, And With All The Literary Devices Of A Determined Poet. The Harshacharita Occupies An Important Place In Sanskrit Literature Because It Furnishes Historical And Sociological Details During His Time

Now available in a single volume paperback, this advanced reference resource for the novel and novel theory offers authoritative accounts of the history, terminology, and genre of the novel, in over 140 articles of 500-7,000 words. Entries explore the history and tradition of the novel in different areas of the world; formal elements of the novel (story, plot, character, narrator); technical aspects of the genre (such as realism, narrative structure and style); subgenres, including the bildungsroman and the graphic novel; theoretical problems, such as definitions of the novel; book history; and the novel's relationship to other arts and disciplines. The Encyclopedia is arranged in A-Z format and features entries from an international cast of over 140 scholars, overseen by an advisory board of 37 leading specialists in the field, making this the most authoritative reference resource available on the novel. This essential reference, now available in an easy-to-use, fully indexed single volume paperback, will be a vital addition to the libraries of literature students and scholars everywhere.