Sufi Lyrics

Bullhe Shah, edited and translated by Christopher Shackle

The poetry of Bullhe Shah, which drew upon Sufi mysticism, is considered one of the glories of premodern Panjabi literature. His lyrics, famous for their vivid style and outspoken denunciation of artificial religious divisions, have been held in affection by Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs, and continue to win audiences today across national boundaries.

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The History of Akbar, Volume 1

Abu’l-Fazl, edited and translated by Wheeler M. Thackston

The History of Akbar, by Abu’l-Fazl, is one of the most important works of Indo-Persian history and a touchstone of prose artistry. It is at once a biography of the Mughal emperor Akbar that includes descriptions of his political and martial feats and cultural achievements, and a chronicle of sixteenth-century India.

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Therigatha: Poems of the First Buddhist Women

Translated by Charles Hallisey

Therīgāthā is a poetry anthology in the Pali language by and about the first Buddhist women. The poems they left behind are arguably among the most ancient examples of women’s writing in the world and are unmatched for their quality of personal expression and the extraordinary insight they offer into women’s lives in the ancient Indian past.

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The Story of Manu

Allasani Peddana, translated by Velcheru Narayana Rao and David Shulman

The Story of Manu, by sixteenth-century poet Allasani Peddana, is the definitive literary monument of Telugu civilization and a powerful embodiment of the culture of Vijayanagara, the last of the great premodern south Indian states. It describes kingship and its exigencies at the time of Krishnadevaraya, Peddana’s close friend and patron.

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Sur’s Ocean: Poems from the Early Tradition

Surdas, edited by Kenneth E. Bryant, translated by John Stratton Hawley

Surdas, regarded as the epitome of artistry in Old Hindi religious poetry from the end of the sixteenth century to the present, refashioned the narrative of Krishna and his lover Radha into elegant, approachable lyrics. His popularity led to the proliferation, through an energetic oral tradition, of poems ascribed to him, the Sūrsāgar.

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The History of Akbar, Volume 2

Abu’l-Fazl, edited and translated by Wheeler M. Thackston

The History of Akbar by Abu’l-Fazl is one of the most important works of Indo-Persian history and a touchstone of prose artistry. In this volume, Humayun’s turbulent reign ends, and Akbar ascends his father’s throne.

The Epic of Ram, Volume 1

Tulsidas, translated by Philip Lutgendorf

The Epic of Ram by Tulsidas has become the most beloved retelling of the ancient Ramayana story across northern India and an influential literary masterpiece. This volume presents the poet’s grand introduction to Ram, setting the stage for his advent and divine mission.

The Epic of Ram, Volume 2

Tulsidas, translated by Philip Lutgendorf

The Epic of Ram by Tulsidas has become the most beloved retelling of the ancient Ramayana story across northern India and an influential literary masterpiece. This volume recounts Ram’s birth on earth, his youthful adventures, and the celebration of his marriage to Sita.

Arjuna and the Hunter

Bharavi, edited and translated by Indira Viswanathan Peterson

Arjuna and the Hunter, by the sixth-century poet Bharavi, portrays Arjuna’s travels to the Himalayas, where Shiva tests the hero’s courage in combat and bestows upon him an invincible weapon. This is a masterful contemplation of ethical conduct, ascetic discipline, and religious devotion—enduring themes in Indian literature.

The History of Akbar, Volume 3

Abu’l-Fazl, edited and translated by Wheeler M. Thackston

The History of Akbar by Abu’l-Fazl is one of the most important works of Indo-Persian history and a touchstone of prose artistry, and is both a biography and a chronicle of sixteenth-century India. In this volume, the Mughal Emperor Akbar quells a rebellion, conquers Malwa, and marries a Rajput princess.

The Killing of Shishupala

Magha, edited and translated by Paul Dundas

Magha’s The Killing of Shishupala is a celebrated seventh-century Sanskrit poem that tells the story of Shishupala’s refusal to honor the divine Krishna at the coronation of Yudhishthira. Through this translation, the first into English, readers gain access to a sophisticated work that has dazzled Indian audiences for a thousand years.

In Praise of Annada, Volume 1

Bharatchandra Ray, translated by France Bhattacharya

In Praise of Annada, Bharatchandra Ray’s long narrative poem dedicated to the glory of Annada, translated here into English for the first time, is a major achievement and a treasure of Bengali literature. This volume describes the origins of the goddess, the building of her city and temple, and the spread of her worship.

The Life of Harishchandra

Raghavanka, translated by Vanamala Viswanatha

In Raghavanka’s poetic masterpiece The Life of Harishchandra, a powerful sage tests King Harishchandra’s commitment to truth. He suffers utter deprivation but refuses to yield. This spirited translation, the first from Kannada into any language, brings one of ancient India’s most enduring legends to a global readership.

The History of Akbar, Volume 4

Abu’l-Fazl, edited and translated by Wheeler M. Thackston

The History of Akbar, Volume 4 by Abu’l-Fazl narrates the second eight years of Akbar’s reign, including his visit to Ajmer, the arrival of an embassy from the Safavid court, and the author’s brother’s career as court poet. The Persian text, presented in the Naskh script, is based on a careful reassessment of the primary sources.

The Epic of Ram, Volume 3

Tulsidas, translated by Philip Lutgendorf

The Epic of Ram, Volume 3 details the schemes of Ram’s stepmother, who thwarts his installation on the throne of Avadh. Ram calmly accepts fourteen years of forest exile with his wife, Sita, and younger brother Lakshman. This edition features the Avadhi text in the Devanagari script alongside the English translation.

The Epic of Ram, Volume 4

Tulsidas, translated by Philip Lutgendorf

The Epic of Ram, Volume 4 turns to the story of Ram’s younger half-brother Bharat. Despite efforts to place him on the throne of Avadh, Bharat refuses, ashamed that Ram has been exiled, and makes a pilgrimage to restore the true heir. This edition features the Avadhi text in the Devanagari script alongside the English translation.

The Life of Padma, Volume 1

Svayambhudeva, edited and translated by Eva De Clercq

The Life of Padma, Volume 1 recounts the histories and noteworthy ancestors of Rama’s allies and enemies, focusing on his antagonist Ravana. This first direct translation into English of the oldest extant work in Apabhramsha is accompanied by a corrected reprint in the Devanagari script of Harivallabh C. Bhayani’s critical edition.

Risalo

Shah Abdul Latif, edited and translated by Christopher Shackle

Shah Abdul Latif’s Risalo is acknowledged as the greatest classic of Sindhi literature. In this collection of Sufi verses, composed for musical performance, the poet creates a vast imaginative world of interlocking references to Islamic themes of mystical and divine love and the scenery, society, and legends of the Sindh region.