Additional information
by Shivdutt Sharma (Author)
The tale of Nala and Damayanti is a complex mythological romance that predates the epic Mahabharata. Narrated by the sage Vrihadaswa in the Vana Parva (Book of the Forest) of this epic, it has woven a magical spell on readers down the ages with its narration of: Golden-winged, celestial swans... Shape-shifting gods vying with humans to wed the most beautiful woman ever... Demons loading the dice to wreck a union blessed by the very gods... A serpent's venom transforming a king into a misshapen dwarf... Two lovers driven apart, and later reunited, through an unheard of second swayamvar (self-choice of a husband) by a renowned princess, in Indian history.It's regarded as the greatest love story ever told and retold down the ages in almost every regional language of India. Historians, Poets and Dramatists the world over have waxed eloquent about the love of Nala and Damayanti: "His thoughts were with a face his dreams had seenDiviner than the jasmine's moon-flaked glow, He listened to a name his dreams had learnedSweeter than the passion of a crooning bird."- Sri Aurobindo, The Tale of Nala (incomplete)'Suddenly, in human language, the swan spoke: "Damayanti, in Nishadha, dwells the noble king - like the Ashwins in beauty, peerless among men is he"...'Reverend Henry Hart Milman - Historian, Poet and Dramatist"The story of Nala and Damayanti is without doubt one of the most beautiful stories in the world..."- Norman N. Penzer, Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society, London
Author Biography
An alumunus of St. Stephen's College, Delhi University, Shivdutt Sharma graduated with Honours in History, and did his Master's in English Literature. With a post-graduate Diploma in Marketing & Advertising from Mumbai, he entered the world of Advertising and worked as a senior Copywriter and subsequently as a Creative Director with some of the leading advertising agencies. His work won several awards for excellence in advertising communication from industry associations like Commercial Artists Guild (CAG), Advertising Club of Bombay, and Reader's Digest. Shiv now works as Editor-in-Chief and Creative Director with a Publishing House in Mumbai, which primarily brings out Books on new-age spirituality, and self-help/personal growth.His earlier published works include books for children that impart moral/spiritual values, a personal memoir titled The Hill Billy - of his school days in Mussoorie, and the mythological romance of Savitri and Satyavan titled The Triumph of Love. He presently resides in Mumbai.
