The German libretto was written by Eduard Heinrich Gehe [de], based on Antoine-Marin Lemierre's 1770 play La veuve du Malabar ou L'Empire des coutumes.

He had reservations about Weber's recently performed Der Freischütz, and sought a subject that was poetic and uncomplicated, avoiding, in his setting, any spoken dialogue.

Ballets and spectacle were provided in set pieces that might also attract ordinary theatre-goers, in a German form of grand opera.

While the overture to Jessonda may be heard today in concert performance, the opera itself no longer holds the place it once did in the operatic repertoire.

The Indian breach of the truce allows Tristan to act and Jessonda is rescued in the nick of time, before Dandau, the chief Brahmin, can carry out the intended sacrifice.