-
Dhruva and Ashtavakra
To possess true knowledge, one need not be grey-haired or bald, this ancient adage was proved true by the young Dhruva and Ashtavarka. Dhruva countered the evil intentions of his scheming stepmother with intense devotion. Ashtavarka worked hard and by the age of 12 had absorbed all there was to learn. One was rewarded with a kingdom and a shining place in the celestial world for ever more, the other's brilliance brought his father back to life.
-
The Mouse Merchant
Dick Whittington, three times the Lord Mayor of London, owed his fortune to a cat. In this endearing Jataka tale, which preceded the popular English folktale by more than a thousand years, the hero owes his fortune to a mouse! Meet the most successful entrepreneur of the Jataka period, the Mouse Merchant.
-
The Deadly Feast
Even wily parrots risk their lives for the gentle Aushadha Kumar, a shining example of right thinking and right living described in the Buddhist Jataka tales. Scheming rivals, foolish rulers and wicked courtiers leave him undaunted. He can organize king Vaideha's security, a network of spies and a royal wedding with equal flair. So, when a deadly plot is revealed, it is Aushadha who swings into action.
-
Dhola and Maru
Princess Maru of Pugal, in Rajasthan is married to Prince Dhola when they are both infants. They continued to live with their parents, until they are much older. Maru grows up dreaming of Dhola. She gets a rude shock when she hears that Dhola has married another girl and does not even remember her. When she tries to send messages to Dhola, his new wife intercepts them and does not let Dhola know. Heartbroken, Maru decides to throw herself into the Holi fire, if she does not hear from Dhola by then. The romance of Dhola and Maru is hugely popular in Rajasthan. This, Amar Chitra Katha version, has been taken from a popular ballad.
-
Birbal the Clever
Birbal had proved himself to be the most reliable minister at court, time and again. He dispensed justice, dealt diplomatically with other rulers, led military expeditions and composed poetry. In addition, he also rescued Akbar from the dangers of arrogance and unfettered power. Most importantly, he made the Great Mughal laugh.
-
The Prince and the Magician
When seven brave warriors go missing and a beautiful princess is transformed into a dog, the twelve-year-old prince, Balaraju, swears to punish the culprit. His weapons, single-minded courage and an unfailing charm, seem puny against the spells of a powerful magician. All the same, the wise young lad's mission is brilliantly successful and he also finds he can cast a few useful spells of his own. An adaptation of a popular folktale from Andhra Pradesh.
-
How The Jackal Ate The Elephant
In Vishnu Sharma's famous Panchatantra tales, animals talk and act like humans. A wily jackal or a deceiving donkey, an impetuous frog-king or an arrogant lion often mirror our everyday world. Through these tales the master storyteller reveals the secret of living life wisely yet happily to generations of readers all over the world.
-
Birbal the Just
Rogues and scoundrels were forced to tread carefully, even the exalted emperor was not spared when he erred, for Birbal, Akbar's able minister, was at hand to dispense justice. His methods might have been unorthodox, he once summoned a tree as the key witness in a case but he never failed to get the desired results.
-
Kanwal And Kehar
The Sultan of Gujarat has taken a liking to Kanwal and is out for Kehar's life. Can Kehar keep himself alive and also rescue Kanwal from the Sultan's clutches?
-
Hothal.
Hothal, an apsara is allowed by Indra to live among humans. When her father is exiled from his kingdom, Hothal disguises herself as a man and fights alongside the valiant Odha, who she eventually falls deeply in love with.
-
Ganga..
Ganga's cleansing waters were urgently needed on earth. But, the spirited daughter of the mountain god was not to be easily subdued as her waters darted about uncontrollably. Only Shiva could tame her by entangling her in the coils of his hair. When her waters could finally wend their way out, they were calmer and purer. They turned arid wastes into fertile land and filled up the oceans. Since those ancient times when King Bhagiratha sought her help, Ganga, whether roaring or placid, dancing or somber, continues to enchant one and all with her life-giving beauty.
-
Saraswati
As Brahma sinks into peaceful bliss, his radiance gives birth to a sublime form. Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, emerges from Brahma's mind and enlightens the mighty creator. When the all-consuming fire, Vadavagni, is raging through the world the gods go to Saraswati for help. Saraswati agrees to carry the fire and save everyone from perishing. Shiva aids her in this quest and she begins her epic course as a river. Later, Saraswati finds herself the victim of a terrible curse when she gets drawn into the rivalry between the sages Vishwamitra and Vasishtha. Amar Chitra Katha follows the story of Saraswati, from her birth to her journey into the ocean.
-
Ashwini Kumars
Bhujyu, the prince of Tugra, was shipwrecked and afloat in a treacherous sea. Sage Atri and his sons were doomed to certain death in a deep pit. Both were staunch devotees of the Ashwins, twins deities next in importance to Indra, Agni and Soma. They appealed to them for help and were not disappointed. The two stories in the Amar Chitra katha are developed solely from the Vedas.
-
Bhanumati..
Bhanumati is the granddaughter of Krishna. One day, wandering in the forest, she runs into Sage Durvasa. Known for his short temper, Durvasa curses her to be abducted by a demon. Though Durvasa regrets his words, a curse once made cannot be taken back. When Bhanumati is older, the curse comes true and a powerful demon named, Nikumbha, carries her off. He turns her and himself invisible so they cannot be followed. Now Krishna, Arjuna and Pradyumna must find and defeat Nikumbha and rescue Bhanumati.
-
Krishna and the False Vasudeva
Paundraka Vaasudeva had his name common with that of Krishna Vaasudeva. His sycophants led him to believe that he was as strong and powerful as Krishna. How he fell into disgrace and disaster is told in this story based on the Bhagawat Purana.
-
Karna..
The world saw him as the son of a lowly charioteer, but Karna had the bearing of a prince. With his skill as a warrior, he could have re-written the tale of the Mahabharata. Fate, however, had other plans. This haunting tale of passion and loyalty presents the other side of the war and a hero as shining as the sun.
-
The Lord of Lanka
Ambition and arrogance, these were to be the cause of Ravana's downfall. Blessed by both Brahma the creator and Shiva the destroyer, the powerful ruler of Lanka could have enjoyed fame and respect had he only reined in his arrogance. It was left to Vishnu the preserver to find a way to curb Ravana. In the process, there unfolded one of the world's most beautiful romantic sagas, the story of Rama's love for his devoted Sita.
-
Tales From The Upanishada
The word Upanishad literally means 'sit down near' for the student had to sit close to the teacher to receive instructions. Perhaps, what brought the two still closer were the stories the Guru narrated. These stories provided a meaningful context for the topics under discussion. They also demonstrate that in those days knowledge was not the monopoly of any select group. Thus Janashruti, the ruler of the land, approaches the cart driver Raikva, with humility, to seek the highest truth.
-
Sati and Shiva..
Only Sati could fulfill Shiva's exacting demands. As his companion she could match his ascetic ways as well as be a loving wife. Unfortunately, her happiness was overshadowed by an arrogant father. Sati countered Daksha's insensitivity with an immense, horrific sacrifice, which threw the universe into chaos and turmoil. As the heroine of this primeval romantic story she embodies the essence of a perfect spouse.
-
Mother Teresa..
It was on a train from Calcutta to Darjeeling that Mother Teresa first heard the call. A voice beckoned her to leave the sheltered life of the convent and come out to serve the poorest of the poor. That voice changed her life completely and also the lives of everyone she touched. Though Albanian by birth, Mother Teresa made India her home. Humbly, yet firmly, Mother set to work trying to heal the world's greatest disease, 'of being unwanted and unloved'. At the time of her death, the world acknowledged her as one of the most enduring symbols of love.
-
Abhimanyu...
The Kauravas had made a fateful error. Lusting after their cousins' kingdom, they underestimated young Abhimanyu's determination and ability to defend it. Brilliantly distilled in this handsome and much-loved Pandava prince were his father Arjuna's courage, Lord Krishna's wisdom and the patience, strength and gentle humility of his uncles. Even as he thwarted his enemies' ambitions, Abhimanyu earned their grudging admiration and a very special place in the saga of the Mahabharata.
-
Udayana
King Udayana was a lucky man. He was handsome and strong and had the love of two beautiful princesses. He also had the undying loyalty of able ministers. They pulled every trick in the book to ensure that he overcame his enemies and won back, not only his vast kingdom, but the happiness he richly deserved.
-
Vasantasena
Noble though penniless, the handsome Charudatta is the love of Vasantasena's life, but scoundrels and misguided friends threaten their happiness. Their tale, told by Shudraka in his Sanskrit play written 2,000 years ago, presents a picture of bustling town life at the time. Excitement and adventure lurk around every corner and sudden twists and turns make this a classic nail-biting romantic thriller.