No, Vikram Betal television series is not based on a real story or historical events. Vikram Betal is an Indian Hindi-language television series that was telecasted on India’s national broadcaster Doordarshan in 1985-86 and re-telecasted in 1988. Produced by the legendary Ramanand Sagar, the series features Arun Govil and Sajjan in titular roles, with an ensemble of supporting cast. The series aired on Sundays at 4:30 pm IST.
Vikram Betal is a fictional show based on ancient Indian folklore and legends which have been passed down across generations in the country. The core plot is centred on a collection of 25 tales told by a witty spirit called Betal to Vikramaditya, a legendary king known for his wisdom, compassion and bravery.
Plot Summary
King Vikramaditya, the wise and brave ruler of Ujjain, promises a mysterious mendicant that he will bring him a corpse hanging from a tree in a cremation ground. The corpse is possessed by Betal, a clever, witty and supernatural spirit.
Vikramaditya is required to carry the corpse on his shoulder in complete silence. However, as soon as the king hoists the corpse on his shoulders and starts walking, the betal begins to speak. Betal begins with an intriguing tale and at the end of the same, he poses a tricky or moral dilemma or riddle. If Vikram knows the answer but stays silent, his head will burst. If Vikram gives the correct answer, the betal flies back to the tree, forcing Vikram to start over again.
Undeterred, Vikram listens to all the 25 stories of love, betrayal, justice, sacrifice and clever twists, and correctly answers the questions posed by the betal at the end of each story. After the 25th story, the betal reveals that the mendicant intends to sacrifice Vikram in order to gain occult powers. Impressed by the king’s wisdom and perseverance, betal helps him in defeating the evil mendicant.
Origins of Vikram Betal
History of Vikram Betal dates back to Vetala Panchavimshati in Sanskrit or Betal Pachisi in Hindi. It is a collection of 25 stories that make up the sub-plots of a main story. The tale of Vikram and Betal is first mentioned in Brihatkatha, a text which is now lost. Next mention of the story comes in Kathasaritsagar, a collection of Indian legends and folk tales, retold in Sanskrit by a Kashmiri scholar Somadeva in 11th century.