Mrcchakatika

(“The Little Clay Cart”) Drama written
by the playwright Shudraka, probably in
the early fifth century. The play
describes the flowering of love between
a poor but noble brahmin, Charudatta,
and a wealthy and virtuous courtesan,
Vasantasena, set in the context of a
complicated political intrigue. The play
is noted for its portrayal of everyday
urban life, exemplified by the little
clay cart—a child’s toy. It has been
translated into several languages and is
periodically performed for modern
American audiences.