Kadambari is one of the best known Sanskrit romantic novels. It was written by Banabhatta, the court poet of King Harshavardhana, in the early 7th Century AD. It is said that after Banabhatta died, leaving the long text unfinished, his son Bhushanabhatta completed it.

The original has a hugely complex plot, with Kadambari herself appearing only half-way through. The story is a popular one – a version can be found in the Kathasaritsagara, amongst many other ancient favourites. It continues to be translated into various Indian languages.

Kadambari is often said to be one of the first novels – and the word kadambari has come to mean a novel in many Indian languages today.