The Little Clay Cart, or Mrcchakatika is a Sanskrit drama generally attributed to Hindu playwright Sudraka. This version is the republication of Harvard professor Arthur William Ryder's English translation of the work.

In his introduction, translator and scholar Arthur Ryder remarks on the importance of interpreting this work and other Sanskrit dramas. Ryder believed that through art one is able to gain a great understanding of other cultures, and thus this edition, first released at a time when great conflict existed between the East and the West, served as a way for the Western world to learn more about those living on other parts of the globe.

The Little Clay Cart is the story of Charudatta, a young and poor Brahmin, who falls in love with and pursues the beautiful Vasantasena. Challenges arise in the courtship, particularly in the form of the wicked Samsthanaka, who emerges as another suitor for Vasantasena's hand in marriage. Mrcchakatika is a classic love story, and one that plays out over the course of ten acts. The drama is unique in the collection of Sanskrit dramas, in that it is entirely a work of fiction and not a story based on an older legend.

As a story, The Little Clay Cart is an enjoyable read. The translation of Ryder is excellent, and the English scholar often captures the beautiful prose of the original. Reading this text, it is of little surprise that this is one of the most widely performed of the Sanskrit dramas in the Western world.

The Little Clay Cart is one of the most notable Sanskrit dramas ever written, and perhaps the most appealing to a Western audience. Whether you are familiar with the work or not, this book is worthy of your attention, either as an introduction to Sanskrit fiction or simply as an enjoyable story.

Little Clay Cart Mrcchakatika Attributed to King Shudraka - e-kirja, Englanti, 2017