Book excerpt: This book critically analyses classical Indian literature and explores the philosophical, literary, and cultural landscapes which have emerged in response to ancient Indian texts. It highlights the relevance of these texts and studies and how they have come to influence modern Indian literature in various ways. The authors look at classical literature both as a theoretical premise that primarily seeks to develop new knowledge and as a sphere of serious modern/postmodern critical attention. The volume features essays on key texts including Abhijnanasakuntalam, The Cilappatikaram: A Tale of An Anklet, Mrichchakatika, Panchatantra, and Mahabharata. A useful guide to ancient Indian texts, the book will be indispensable for students and researchers of mythology and classical literature, literary and critical theory, Indian literature, Sanskrit studies, and South Asian studies.