The Baital-Pachisi, or Twenty-five Tales of a Baital is the history of a huge Bat, Vampire, or Evil Spirit which inhabited and animated dead bodies. It is an old, and thoroughly Hindu, Legend composed in Sanskrit, and is the germ which culminated in the Arabian Nights, and which inspired the "Golden Ass" of Apuleius, Boccacio's "Decamerone," the "Pentamerone," and all that class of facetious fictitious literature. The story turns chiefly on a great king named Vikram, the King Arthur of the East, who in pursuance of his promise to a Jogi or Magician, brings to him the Baital (Vampire), who is hanging on a tree. It is an old Hindu folk tale that was translated by Sir Richard R. Burton from the original Sanskrit.

Vikram and the Vampire; or, Tales of Hindu Devilry by Sir Richard Francis Burton: First published in 1870, this collection of folk tales from India features a witty and irreverent demon named Baital who tells stories to the mythological King Vikram. The tales are known for their humor, wit, and complex moral themes. Key Aspects of the book "Vikram and the Vampire; or, Tales of Hindu Devilry": Folk Tales: The book is a collection of traditional folk tales from India, offering readers a window into the rich cultural heritage of the region. Witty and Irreverent: The tales are known for their witty and irreverent tone, with the demon Baital often poking fun at human foibles and weaknesses. Complex Moral Themes: The tales also explore complex moral themes, highlighting the ways in which human actions can have far-reaching consequences for individuals and communities. Sir Richard Francis Burton was a British explorer, diplomat, translator, and writer who is best known for his adventures in Africa and Asia, and his translations of The Arabian Nights and other works of literature. Vikram and the Vampire; or, Tales of Hindu Devilry is one of his most famous works, and is an important contribution to the field of comparative literature.

11 tales, translated by Burton from the Sanskrit Baital-Pachisi, or 25 Tales of a Baital, "hung on [the] thread" of the "laughable" difficulties faced by King Vikram, "the King Arthur of the East," as he and his son attempt to bring a baitel (vampire) to a magician (p. xi).

11 tales, translated by Burton from the Sanskrit Baital-Pachisi, or 25 Tales of a Baital, "hung on [the] thread" of the "laughable" difficulties faced by King Vikram, "the King Arthur of the East," as he and his son attempt to bring a baitel (vampire) to a magician. Cf. Isabel Burton's "Preface" to the 1893 Memorial Ed., p. xi.

The legendary king Vikramāditya (Vikrama) promises a vamachari (a tantric sorcerer) that he will capture a vetala (or Baital), a celestial spirit Pishacha, celestial spirit analogous to a vampire in Western literature who hangs from a tree and inhabits and animates dead bodies.King Vikrama faces many difficulties in bringing the vetala to the tantric. Each time Vikram tries to capture the vetala, it tells a story that ends with a riddle. If Vikrama cannot answer the question correctly, the vampire consents to remain in captivity. If the king knows the answer but still keeps quiet, then his head shall burst into thousand pieces. And if King Vikrama answers the question correctly, the vampire would escape and return to his tree. He knows the answer to every question; therefore the cycle of catching and releasing the vampire continues twenty-four times.

Adapted from the Vetālapañcaviṃśati, Sanskrit tales about Vikramāditya Sākārī, King of Ujjain.

Richard Francis Sir Burton's 'Vikram and the Vampire; or, Tales of Hindu Devilry' is a captivating collection of ancient Indian folklore, showcasing the literary style of a seasoned explorer and translator. This book reflects Burton's deep understanding of Hindu culture and mythology, presented in a captivating narrative style that highlights the mysterious and supernatural aspects of Indian lore. Each tale is infused with vivid descriptions and a sense of the exotic, making it a fascinating read for those interested in Eastern folklore and mythology. Burton's attention to detail and respect for the source material is evident throughout the book, providing readers with an authentic glimpse into the world of Hindu devilry. His unique perspective as a Western explorer adds depth to the stories, offering a fresh interpretation of these timeless tales. 'Vikram and the Vampire' is a must-read for anyone intrigued by the mystical and fantastical elements of Hindu culture, as well as those with a passion for classic folklore and mythological storytelling.