Kouhala
Lilavai
Lilavai
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Lilavai is a Prakrit romance from the ninth century, set in modern-day coastal Andhra Pradesh, and is celebrated for its portrayal of women's voices and desires. The poem is complexly narrated in the alternating voices of its heroines and heroes and features a cast of semi-divine and magical beings. It centers on three young women: Lilavai, Mahanumai, and Kuvalaavali, who are all in search of their lost loves. King Hala of Pratishthana journeys to the underworld to win Lilavai's hand, facing monsters and overcoming armies. The poem explores themes of karma and female desire, privileging women as storytellers.
Format: Hardback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2021
Publisher: Harvard University Press
In this renowned ninth-century Prakrit romance, set in modern-day coastal Andhra Pradesh, the voices of women take center stage. The Prakrit romance Lilavai, attributed to Kouhala and believed to have been written in the early ninth century, stands as the most celebrated work in this genre. The poem is intricately narrated through the alternating voices of its heroines and heroes, featuring a diverse cast of semi-divine and magical beings. The story revolves around three young women: Lilavai, the princess of Sinhala (present-day Sri Lanka); her cousin Mahanumai, the princess of the mythical city Alaka; and Kuvalaavali, Mahanumai's adopted sister. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a prophecy that predicts Lilavai's husband will rule the earth. During her journey to meet her future husband, Lilavai stumbles upon a portrait of King Hala of Pratishthana and falls deeply in love. As she travels to meet him, she hears her cousins recount their tales of lost loves, vowing to remain unmarried until their reunification. Driven by his desire to win Lilavai's hand, King Hala embarks on a perilous journey to the underworld, facing formidable monsters and overcoming vast armies. Lilavai delves into profound themes of karma and female desire, particularly emphasizing the role of women as storytellers. Accompanying the Prakrit text is a new edition presented in the Devanagari script, accompanied by a fresh English prose translation. This captivating romance offers a unique perspective on the lives and aspirations of women during the ancient era, showcasing the power of their voices and the enduring legacy of their stories.
Weight: 502g
Dimension: 142 x 211 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674247598
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