Vikram Aur Betaal' is based on 'Betaal Pachisi', written in the 11th century by Kashmiri poet Somdev Bhatt.

Vikramaditya was a great king who ruled over a prosperous kingdom from his capital at Ujjain. He had immense love for learning as well as for adventure.
He was brave, fearless and with a strong will. Everyday many visitors used to visit the king and gift him something. The King used to accept all the gifts with the same courtesy. Among such visitors was a mendicant who presented the king with a fruit on every visit. King Vikramaditya used to hand over the fruit to the royal storekeeper.