Black Marigolds

Edward Powys Mathers was an English translator and poet, mostly known as the translator of J. C. Mardrus's French version of “One Thousand Nights and One Night”.

In the most famous version of the poem in English, E. Powys Mathers freely adapted the verses and the legend to produce a continuous narrative poem, which he published as “Black Marigolds”. This is a versified translation of the Caurapancasika. This love poem of fifty stanzas was written by the Kasmiri poet Bilhana Kavi in the 11th century. The story runs that the Brahman Bilhana had a clandestine love affair with Princess Yaminipurnatilaka, the daughter of King Madanabhirama. He was discovered and Bilhana wrote this poem in prison before he learned whether he would be executed or banished. The historic outcome is unknown, which adds to the readers' suspense.

This book will be interesting for everyone, who wants to know more about India and its culture. Enjoy the reading.