Subject
Tales -- India Books
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Richard Francis Burton
Vikram and the Vampire: Classic Hindu Tales of Adventure, Magic, and Romance
"Vikram and the Vampire: Classic Hindu Tales of Adventure, Magic, and Romance" is a collection of tales originally written in Sanskrit, with recensions dating to the 11th century. The work follows legendary King Vikramāditya as he attempts to capture a vetala—a vampire spirit inhabiting dead bodies and hanging from a tree. Each time the king seizes the creature, it tells a story ending with a riddle. If Vikrama answers correctly, the vampire escapes back to its tree, forcing him to start over. Through twenty-five attempts, this cycle reveals both entertainment and danger, as a dark plot gradually unfolds.
active 11th century Somadeva Bhatta
The Kathá Sarit Ságara; or, Ocean of the Streams of Story
"The Kathá Sarit Ságara; or, Ocean of the Streams of Story" by Somadeva Bhatta is a collection of Indian legends and folk tales written in the 11th century. This vast work contains approximately 22,000 verses organized into 350 interconnected tales. The frame story follows Prince Naravahanadatta's adventures, romances, and battles, but serves as a framework for countless nested stories. Originally adapted from a lost ancient work, these tales blend the miraculous and the everyday, featuring gods, demons, celestial beings, and mortals whose fates intertwine through divine curses and earthly adventures.
Alice Dracott
Simla Village Tales; Or, Folk Tales from the Himalayas
"Simla Village Tales; Or, Folk Tales from the Himalayas" by Alice Dracott is a collection of folk tales written in the early 20th century. This anthology showcases the rich storytelling tradition of the Himalayan region, providing insight into the lives and beliefs of its people. The tales feature a variety of characters, including clever animals, magical beings, and everyday folks, reflecting themes of wisdom, morality, and the cultural fabric of the local communities. The opening of the collection introduces readers to the context and purpose behind these stories. Dracott shares that her sister and husband contributed tales, which were collected from village women in the Simla district. She emphasizes the significance of preserving the charming and mystical aspects of Himalayan folk-lore, which risk being lost to modernity. Specific anecdotes detail initial stories—like the whimsical dispute between an owl and a kite in a courtroom setting—which intertwine animals and human-like qualities to entertain while imparting valuable life lessons. Overall, the beginning sets the tone for an engaging exploration of timeless wisdom wrapped in the enchanting storytelling of the Himalayas.
Lucas Cleeve
Tales of the Sun; or, Folklore of Southern India
"Tales of the Sun; or, Folklore of Southern India" by Mrs. Georgiana Kingscote and Pandit Natêsa Sástrî is a collection of traditional fables and stories rooted in Southern Indian culture, likely written in the late 19th century. This compilation brings forth various narratives that reflect moral lessons, character traits, and cultural nuances central to the Indian ethos. Notably, the tales delve into the recurring themes of cunning versus virtue and the influence of divine forces on human affairs. The opening of this collection introduces the characters and contexts of the first two stories. The initial tale, "The Three Deaf Men," recounts the misadventures of a deaf couple whose misunderstandings lead to a series of humorous yet enlightening events involving a shepherd and a clever bystander. This story highlights the importance of communication and the folly that ensues in its absence. The subsequent tale, "Why Brâhmans Cannot Eat in the Dark," explores cultural practices rooted in superstition and tradition, illustrating the intricate linkage of food, faith, and the supernatural in everyday life. Together, these narratives set the stage for an engaging exploration of Southern Indian folklore and its deeper meanings.
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Indian Fairy Tales
"Indian Fairy Tales" by Maive Stokes is a collection of folk tales translated and compiled in the late 19th century. The stories originate from various Indian traditions, recounting moral lessons, magical adventures, and the cultural beliefs of the region. Each tale is characterized by its rich imagery and fantastical elements, often featuring animals, royalty, and divine beings. The opening of the collection introduces the context of the stories, highlighting how they were told to the young collector by her ayahs and servants in Calcutta and Simla. It emphasizes the authenticity of the tales, which were initially narrated in Hindústání and then carefully transcribed. The first story, "Phúlmati Rání," tells of a beautiful princess whose weight is equivalent to a single flower, exploring themes of love and divine intervention as she seeks a suitable partner. The narrative unfolds with challenges involving supernatural elements, showcasing the whimsical nature of Indian folklore. Overall, this introduction establishes a foundation for the enchanting stories that follow, inviting readers into a world brimming with imagination and cultural richness.
Cecil Henry Bompas
Folklore of the Santal Parganas
"Folklore of the Santal Parganas" by Cecil Henry Bompas is a collection of folktales and legends relating to the Santal tribe in India, translated in the early 20th century. The text provides insight into the social structure, beliefs, and daily life of the Santals, a Munda ethnic group known for their rich storytelling tradition and animistic spirituality. The collection sheds light on various themes, including morals, relationships, and the interactions between humans and spirits (bongas), as depicted through the stories. At the start of the work, the author introduces the Santals and their complex social organization, detailing their roles and responsibilities within the community. The opening section includes a preface that acknowledges the sources of these tales, primarily collected by Rev. O. Bodding, and emphasizes the importance of storytelling within Santal culture. The first few stories recount the humorous and sometimes dark misadventures of characters such as Bajun and Jhore, who find themselves in increasingly ridiculous situations due to misunderstandings and their own foolishness. The tales are presented in a straightforward flow, revealing a vibrant world with lessons woven into the fabric of everyday life, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of Santal traditions and folklore.
John T. (John Thompson) Platts
The Baitâl Pachchisi; Or, The Twenty-Five Tales of a Sprite Translated From the Hindi Text of Dr. Duncan Forbes
"The Baitâl Pachchisi; Or, The Twenty-Five Tales of a Sprite" by John T. Platts et al. is a collection of tales originally written in Sanskrit, with its oldest recension found in an 11th-century compilation. Legendary King Vikramāditya must capture a sprite who inhabits dead bodies and hangs from a tree. Each time the king seizes the creature, it tells a story ending with a riddle. If Vikrama answers correctly, the sprite escapes; if he stays silent knowing the answer, his head will shatter. This cycle repeats twenty-four times before a final revelation changes everything.
Richard Francis Burton
Vikram and the Vampire; or, Tales of Hindu Devilry
"Vikram and the Vampire; or, Tales of Hindu Devilry" by Sir Richard Francis Burton is a collection of traditional Indian tales adapted into English, written in the late 19th century. The work centers around the legendary king Vikramaditya, a heroic figure, who embarks on various adventures filled with supernatural elements and moral lessons, often involving encounters with a vampire known as Baital. This collection combines folklore, humor, and a touch of moral philosophy, showcasing the intricacies of Hindu mythology. The opening of the text introduces the origins of the stories, emphasizing the rich tradition of Eastern storytelling, specifically the compilation known as the "Baital-Pachisi." It highlights the semi-historical figure of Vikramaditya and hints at the themes of wisdom, bravery, and fate. We learn about the royal lineage of Vikram and the adventures he is set to undertake, including magical encounters and moral dilemmas, particularly in relation to the mischievous Baital. As the narrative unfolds, readers are prepared for a blend of vibrant folklore and complex character interactions that explore deep themes of loyalty, ethics, and the supernatural.
A. (Andrew) Campbell
Santal folk tales
"Santal Folk Tales" by A. Campbell is a collection of folk tales, likely written in the late 19th century. This work presents the oral traditions of the Santal people, showcasing their unique customs, beliefs, and social dynamics through stories that blend entertainment with moral lessons. The opening of the collection introduces readers to the cultural richness of the Santal folklore, emphasizing the importance of these tales in preserving the community's heritage. The preface highlights how the Santals have maintained their distinct identity despite external influences and outlines the two main categories of tales included: those of pure Santal origin and those adapted from neighboring cultures. The first story, "The Magic Lamp," sets the tone with a narrative about a poor widow and her son who encounters a magical lamp that leads them on a journey of adventure and suspense, illustrating themes of resourcefulness and resilience against adversity. Overall, the initial portion of "Santal Folk Tales" promises an enlightening exploration of traditions through captivating narratives.
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Hindu Tales from the Sanskrit
"Hindu Tales from the Sanskrit" by N. D'Anvers and Siddha Mohana Mitra is a collection of traditional stories drawing on the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology and folklore, dating back to the early 20th century. This anthology features narratives that captivate young readers while imparting moral lessons and cultural values deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy. Among the central characters introduced is Subha Datta, a woodcutter whose life changes dramatically when he encounters fairies and comes across a magical pitcher that can fulfill his desires. The opening of the book establishes the context with an introductory note outlining the significance of these tales in Hindu culture and their role in moral and personal development for children. It begins with "The Magic Pitcher," introducing Subha Datta as a loving father who, in pursuit of better resources for his family, becomes entangled with fairies who tempt him with promises of ease and abundance but lead him to internal conflict regarding his true responsibilities. As he grapples with his newfound life of luxury away from his family, the themes of temptation, responsibility, and the consequences of selfishness begin to unfold, setting the stage for the lessons he will ultimately need to confront.
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Twenty-Two Goblins
"Twenty-Two Goblins" by Arthur W. Ryder is a translation of a classic collection of tales from Sanskrit literature, written during the late 19th century. The book presents a series of intriguing stories steeped in moral lessons, frame narratives, and riddle-like questioning. Central to the narrative is King Triple-victory, who becomes embroiled in fantastical tales told by a goblin he is compelled to carry, with each story posing a moral dilemma or puzzle that the king must resolve. The opening portion of the work introduces the setting, revealing a mythical kingdom where the wise King Triple-victory unwittingly engages with a goblin after accidentally setting it free. The goblin's tales commence with a complex story about a prince's romantic misadventures that ultimately lead to misery and loss for several characters. The king's task, as demanded by the goblin, is to discern blame among the involved parties in the tale. This initial story sets the tone for the following narratives, which revolve around the interplay of duty, love, ethics, and destiny as the goblin leads the king on a journey filled with engaging characters and moral quandaries.
Cornelia Sorabji
Indian tales of the great ones among men, women, and bird-people
"Indian Tales of the Great Ones Among Men, Women, and Bird-People" by Cornelia Sorabji is a collection of captivating stories inspired by Indian folklore and mythology, written in the early 20th century. The book shares narratives that explore themes of heroism, justice, love, and sacrifice through the lives of both legendary and ordinary characters, including men, women, and fantastical bird-people, aiming to highlight the richness of Indian culture and moral values. The collection features a variety of enchanting tales that illustrate virtuous lives and poignant lessons, such as the selfless deeds of Raja Sibi, who sacrifices himself for a dove, and the beautiful narrative of Samyukta, who defies her royal father to honor her true love. Sorabji intricately weaves together elements of bravery and wisdom, showcasing figures like the just King Vikramaditya and the courageous Queen Raziya, as well as the trials faced by protagonists who navigate challenges involving love, loyalty, and justice. Each story leaves readers with profound moral reflections, bringing to life the great legacies left by these iconic characters from Indian legend.
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