Indian Poetry / Containing "The Indian Song of Songs," from the Sanskrit of the Gîta Govinda of Jayadeva, Two books from "The Iliad Of India" (Mahábhárata), "Proverbial Wisdom" from the Shlokas of the Hitopadesa, and other Oriental Poems.

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Gutenberg ID

25965

Title

Indian Poetry / Containing "The Indian Song of Songs," from the Sanskrit of the Gîta Govinda of Jayadeva, Two books from "The Iliad Of India" (Mahábhárata), "Proverbial Wisdom" from the Shlokas of the Hitopadesa, and other Oriental Poems.

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Sir Edwin Arnold's *Indian Poetry* offers a rich anthology of Sanskrit and Arabic verse, including Jayadeva's *Gita Govinda*, excerpts from the *Mahabharata*, and the *Hitopadesa*. Featuring translations of the *Indian Song of Songs*, the *Rajah's Ride*, and the *Mussulman Paradise*, this collection blends devotional hymns, heroic ballads, and proverbial wisdom into a vibrant tapestry of Oriental literature.

Summary up to 500 words

Sir Edwin Arnold's *Indian Poetry* is a rich anthology that bridges Eastern mysticism and Western literary sensibilities, offering a diverse collection of ancient verses translated from Sanskrit, Arabic, and Punjabi sources. The volume opens with the *Indian Song of Songs*, a lyrical retelling of the divine love between Radha and Krishna drawn from Jayadeva's *Gita Govinda*. This section captures Krishna's playful exploits in the forest, contrasting earthly passion with spiritual longing, while the *Hymn to Vishnu* celebrates the deity's various avatars, from the Fish-God to the Lion-man. The collection extends beyond Hindu themes to include the *Mussulman Paradise*, a translation of a Sura from the Koran describing the afterlife, and the dramatic *Caliph's Draught*, where a ruler interrupts a religious reading to rescue a captive Arab girl. Historical narratives are preserved in the *Rajah's Ride*, a Punjabi song detailing the exploits of the legendary Runjeet Dehu, and the *Two Books from the Iliad of India*, which presents proverbs and philosophical reflections from the *Mahabharata* and *Hitopadesa*. Other pieces, such as the *Song of the Serpent-Charmers*, *Song of the Flour-Mill*, and *Taza ba Taza*, explore daily life, music, and courtly love. Throughout the work, Arnold explores universal themes of devotion, duty, love, and the transient nature of life. The text preserves the essence of Eastern thought, presenting wisdom ranging from the moral instruction of the *Hitopadesa* to the cosmic imagery of the *Mahabharata*. By weaving together these varied forms—from the mystical union of Radha and Krishna to the martial valor of the Rajah and the serene gardens of Paradise—Arnold creates a substantial tapestry that invites the Western reader to appreciate the depth and breadth of Oriental poetry. The volume stands as a testament to the enduring power of these ancient voices, maintaining their original spirit while making them accessible to a new audience.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Classics
• Poetry