Folktales from India

Folktales from India is an enchanting collection of one hundred and ten tales translated from twenty-two different languages, by turns harrowing and comic, sardonic and allegorical, mysterious and romantic. Gods disguised as beggars and beasts; animals enacting Machiavellian intrigues: sagacious jesters and magical storytellers; wise counselors and foolish kings -- all of these inhabit a fabular world, yet one firmly grounded in everyday life. Augmented by A. K. Ramanujan's definitive introduction and notes, this is an indispensable guide to India's ageless folklore tradition.

"A truly remarkable collection...from the introduction to the explanatory notes, the entire book outstandingly demonstrates the enduring strength of Indian folklore tradition."

-- Library Journal

"The variety of subjects contributes to the richness of this fascinating book."

-- Washington Times

"A major addition to the corpus of folktales of the world."

-- Edward C. Dimock, JR.,

Chairman, American Institute of Indian Studies

"This collection of Indian folktales is unparalleled-in its scope of sources...a rich and fascinating tapestry of stories...infused with the author's unique sense of humor and sense of beauty."

-- Wendy Doniger,

author of Other People's Myths and Women, Androgynes, and Other Mythical Beasts