It is an Altakkatha. It is duvided in sucha a way as to be presented as an independent performance. The story of Nalacaritam is based on Mahabharata. The story revolves around the most righteous Nishada king Nala, his Damayanti and the troubles they undergo inspite of being pious and virtuous.
It is one of the two major epics of ancient India. It narrates the Kurukshetra war and the tales of Kauravas and Pandavas. It also contains philosophical and devotional material, such as a discussion of the Purusharathas(Goals of life)