Essay name: Kathasaritsagara (cultural study)
Author:
S. W. Chitale
Affiliation: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University / Department of History
This essay studies the Kathasaritsagara reflecting the history and cultural traditions of that period in Ancient India. The Katha-sarit-sagara, written by Somadeva, is a vast collection of nearly 350 stories compiled into 18 books. It holds immense cultural significance by reflecting diverse aspects of medieval Indian society, encompassing various classes, commerce, and folklore.
Chapter 2 - Political conditions
135 (of 172)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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161
The capitals of these kingdoms are often mentioned.
747 Thus the KSS mentions Shobhavati (Kalinga), Alaka
748 749
752 750
(Nishada), Champa (Anga), Saketa (Kosala), Koshambi
751 753
(Vatsa), Kundinapura (Vidarbha), 'Pataliputra (Magadha),
754 755
Sakala (Madra) and many more capitals.
The kingdoms were probably divided into different
administrative units called the Vishayas (districts).
Bharukachchha, Lavanaka, Lata, Pundra, Kir膩ta, Malava
Padma, Shrikantha are a few districts already mentioned
above. This appears to be a popular administrative unit
since as already stated it is often mentioned in the various
stories from the KSS.
747. N.S. 12.30.4.
748. Ibid. 12.34.41鈥�42.
749. Ibid. 12.15.3, 12.4.106.
750. Ibid.
751. Ibid. 1.1.64.
752. Ibid. 9.5.234/2.
753. Ibid. 7.1.54-55.
754. Bbid. 8.1.17.
755. 6.1.135, 3.1.63.
