{"title":"Amar Chitra Katha Comics","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover the timeless world of Amar Chitra Katha - India's beloved collection of illustrated stories featuring mythology, history, epics, folktales, Jataka \u0026amp; Panchatantra tales, spiritual teachings, and legendary personalities. Explore beautifully crafted comics and children's books that bring Indian culture, traditions, and storytelling to life for readers of all ages. Perfect for children, families, educators, and anyone interested in Indian heritage and classical storytelling.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"13737-amar-chitra-katha-set-of-20-books-indian-mythology-part-two","title":"Amar Chitra Katha - Set of 20 books :  Indian  Mythology   (Part  TWO)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAuthor: Anant\u003cbr\u003eArvind Mandrekar\/Luis M Fernandes\u003cbr\u003eEditor(s): Anant Pai\u003cbr\u003ePublisher: India Book House\u003cbr\u003eYear: 2003-04-01\u003cbr\u003eLanguage: English\u003cbr\u003ePages: 640\u003cbr\u003eISBN\/UPC (if available): 817508 et.al\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e Description\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e1. Tales of Shiva\u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 549\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShiva is the third deity in the Hindu triad. He ought to be the most terrible one because he presides over destruction, whereas Brahma and Vishnu are associated with creation and preservation respectively. Yet Shiva is as much loved by mortals as Vishnu is. He inspires fear in the hearts of the wicked; love and affection in the hearts of the pious.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHindu mythology sometimes attributes all the three acts of creation, preservation and destruction to Shiva. In the Maheshamurti at Elephanta, all these aspects are combined. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe story of Shiva appearing as a fisherman is told in the Tamil classic, the Tiruvachagam.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe story of Markandeya attaining immortality by the grace of Lord Shiva is taken from the Skanda Purana.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e2. Ghatotkacha\u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 592\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGhototkacha was one of the finest characters in the Mahabharata-affectionate and kind even though he was a Rakshasa. Perhaps that was because he was only half a Rakshasa, being the son of Bheema and the Rakshasi Hidimbaa. From his mother he learnt all the arts of the Rakshasas. From his father he inherited an affectionate and chivalrous temperament. He was an invaluable ally to the Pandavas in times of trouble-he appeared before them whenever they thought of him.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe theme of Vatsala’s wedding, a very popular one in South India, is much exploited in ballads and stories. It was Ghatotkacha, who with his Rakshasa hordes and their magical powers, made the wedding of Abhimanyu and Vatsala possible. This story is not found in the Mahabharata or in Sanskrit literature. It seems to have evolved at a much later date, as a legend, in Telugu and Kannada. The exponents of the art of Harikatha count this story as the most popular one in their repertoire and it has been handed down by word of mouth for generations. Our Amar Chitra Katha is derived partly from the Mahabharata and partly from the legend.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e3. TALES OF VISHNU\u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 512\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVishnu, the Preserver, is the second of the Hindu triad. Whenever evil is on the ascendant, Vishnu descends on earth to uphold righteousness and to destroy evil.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe tales of these descents or avatars told in various puranas have contributed in no small measure to make Vishnu the most popular of Hindu deities. His worshippers are called Vaishnavas. Of the eighteen major puranas six are known as the Vaishnava Puranas as they eulogise Vishnu and depict him as the Supreme Self.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVishnu is more a love-inspiring than a fear-inspiring deity. The Bhagavata Purana, from which these tales are adapted, abounds in narratives of the benevolent acts of Vishnu. Although he is kind and sympathetic, he is never taken in by the apparent devotion of evil men. Even when they succeed in wresting favours from other gods, Vishnu manoeuvres to bring about their destruction without falsifying the boons given to them by the gods.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e4. DRONA         \u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 565\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDrona, the valiant archer, is second only to Bheeshma among the respected elders of the Mahabharata. Yet he remains an outsider. He added a streak of personal vendetta to that tale of family feud.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDrona had studied together with Drupada, who later become king of Panchala, in the ashram of Agnivesha.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt seems very cruel on his part to have demanded the thumb of Ekalavya, the great archer, but her again his won motives left him little choice but to pamper Arjuna.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e5. Vishwamitra\u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 599\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIndia has always prided in calling herself the land of the Rishis (Rishi Bhoomi). Indians proudly claim as theirs the heritage of the Rishis. And Vishwamitra stands out as a distinct example of the achievements of the Rishis.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVishwamitra was a Kshatriya king who perceived the immortal realms beyond the kingdom of the earth. His confrontation with the Rishi, Vasishtha, convinced him of the superiority of the spiritual power over material strength and he set out to make it his.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEven when he was given the status of Rajarshi, he was not content because the world meant a Rishi, who was born a Kshatriya and was considered inferior to a Brahmarshi-a Brahman who had become a Rishi.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe tortuous paths that Vishwamitra had to tread, to gain mastery over the passions to reach spiritual heights, are described in detail to give us a glimpse of the glory of the Rashes. His story is inspiring, particularly to us who have chosen to name our country after Bharata, the grandson of Vishwamitra.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e6. Krishna and Shishupala\u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 589\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJaya and Vijaya, the guards at Vishnu’s abode, were vain and rude and were cursed to be born thrice in the world of mortals. The contrite guards were subsequently permitted one concession: they would be killed in each of their separate births by one of the incarnations of Vishnu.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThus, first they were born as Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu, next as Ravana and Kumbhakarna and last as Shishupala and Dantavaktra.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile the first two pairs were leading characters in their times, Shishupala remains a minor character in the Mahabharata and Dantavaktra, almost a nonentity. Shishupala for all his show of valour remains a man of straw. In fact his only distinction was that he died at the hands of Krishna. He is also remembered as the jilted suitor of Rukmini.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e7. DRAUPADI         \u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 542\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDraupadi sprang full grown from the fire but no other heroine in Hindu mythology was as earthy as she.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHer birth, sought by King Drupada, presaged a purpose. Her steely will, which often gleams through her helpless married life, was shaped by the power and plenty that she knew as the beloved daughter of the wealthy king of Panchala. But for this, her tale would have been as passive as that of any other woman of that era, which was less than kind to women. Even as she lived as a woman typical of her times, her fiery personality lent a glow to everything that she did.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDraupadi was the total woman; complex and yet feminine.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e8. Sudama\u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 532\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe tenth book of the Bhagavata Purana, gives in detail the life story of Lord Krishna-his birth, early childhood, adolescence and adulthood. The many incidents narrated are full of adventure and romance and at the same time inspire, enlighten and guide human beings whose aim is to ennoble their lives and attain God.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe story of Sudama (a great devotees and childhood fried of Lord Krishna), which has retained its popularity with children down the ages, occurs in the same tenth book. The love of Krishna for Sudama forms the theme of many a devotional song and this story has been a source of sustenance of faith to the poor in the land.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSudama has understood the principle of non-attachment. He lives in dire poverty, and yet is happy. His wife too is content to do the same till some children are born to them. How Sudama’s wife coaxes him to go and see Krishna, his prosperous and generous childhood friend, and what happens when Sudama does is retold in pictures in the following pages.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e9.  Bheeshma\u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 534\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn those ancient days, when the king was next to God in power and authority, a young prince, Devavrata, declined a kingdom. He reinforced his refusal by a vow of celibacy so that no offspring of his could come forth to claim the throne. He took this difficult decision to please his father, Shantanu, and was hailed by the gods as Bheeshma or the terrific one.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is ironical that Bheeshma, who declined to be a king, wielded royal powers for a longer period than any other king of that dynasty. He was the regent for his step-brothers and for his nephews. In fact, he ruled over the land till Duryodhana came of age. Yet all this was not of his seeking. He had to rule in spite of his renunciation. A partiality to the throne which he had guarded all his life, was perhaps responsible for his siding with Duryodhana against the Pandavas in the Mahabharata war. Bheeshma commanded the Kaurava army when the war started. As a soldier he was invincible.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e10. GANGA         \u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 515\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMythology is not all fact, we know, but yet, in its vast poetic exaggerations, one can always trace an outline of truth. The presence of the Rajasthan desert, in close proximity to the indo-Gangetic plain makes it plausible that perhaps there was a time when there was no Ganga in India.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is not difficult then to visualize what agonies the people there must have suffered without the blessed water. If that had been so, then Bhagiratha’s task of bringing Ganga to earth was indeed a colossal one, and one that merits all that has been sung and said about it in the epics.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e11. INDRA AND SHACHI         \u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 567\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the story of Indra and Shachi retold from the Mahabharata, we trace the fluctuating fortunes of Indra in his battle with the evil forces seeking to oust him. We see how the devotion of his wife leaves him unscathed through his tribulations. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShachi is a figure many women admire and strive to emulate. This story is adapted from the Mahabharata. It is narrated to Yudhishthira before the Mahabharata war to console him for his sufferings.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e12. Shiva Parvati\u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 506\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Puranas are full of legends about the victories of Shiva over the forces of evil. As Rudra or Bhairava, he is the destroyer of evil. As Shankara or Shiva the auspicious- he restores that which is destroyed. He is also the ideal Mahayogi, a great ascetic, engaged in meditation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAccording to Puranic legends, Sati, the daughter of Daksha, is his consort. Daksha however, does not hold his ascetic son-in-law in high esteem. Daksha performs a Mahayajna, to which he invites all except Shiva. Sati finds it difficult to bear the insult meted out to her lord. And when Daksha deliberately slights Shiva, unable to bear the humiliation, Sati enters the sacred fire. She is reborn as Parvati, daughter of Himavat.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKumara Sambhava of Kalidasa, on which this illustrated classic is based, narrates the enduring love of Parvati for Shiva and her efforts at winning over her beloved by penances and austerities. To this day, the abiding love of Parvati for Shiva is the theme of many a folk song in Indian languages.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e13. Sati and Shiva\u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 550\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe story of Shiva’s marriage is symbolic of the perfect fusion of the male and the female principles which, according to a Hindu view of life, are the moving powers behind the universe.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShiva (the male principle), the Supreme Consciousness, will acquire the power to create and destroy the elements only in conjunction with Shakti (the female principle). That was why Vishnu and others were keen to see Shiva married.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe story of Sati brings home to us in simple terms, the truth and beauty of a lofty Vedic concept.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e14. Karttikeya       \u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 529\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKarttikeya, the commander in chief of the celestial army, is also known as Subrahmanya, Skanda, Guha and Kumara. In the southern states of India, Subrahmanya is a popular deity even today. Among the Tamil-speaking people he is better known as Murukan or Murugan. In the North, he is largely unknown; but he is worshipped in the East, especially in Bengal, where women pray to him for worthy sons. Like Ganesha, he too is a son of Shiva and Parvati, miraculously born. If Ganesha was created by Parvati, Karttikeya was the creation of Shiva, nurtured by Agni, Ganga and Krittikas in turn.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe story of karttikeya is found in the Mahabharata, in the Shiva, Skanda and Brahmanda puranas, and in the Ramayana. Our story is based on the Tamil version of the Skanda-Purana-Samhita.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e15. Abhimanyu\u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 533\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAbhimanyu, like a shooting star, illuminates the horizon of the Mahabharata epic for a few moments and vanishes in trails of glory. Abhimanyu’s father was the great Arjuna. His mother, Subhadra, was the sister of Lord Krishna. In spire of being overshadowed by such powerful personalities, Abhimanyu had no difficulty in finding his rightful place among the greatest of his time.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe know little of Abhimanyu’s childhood except his lineage. His marriage to Uttara remained in the shadow of Arjuna’s overbearing presence. But in the battlefield of Kurukshetra, he came into his own and proved his mettle. His humility as seen in his obedience to Yudhishthira, his idealism in taking up the fatal assignment and his courage in confronting the enemy-all these proclaim a hero greater than any of the Pandavas.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt took seven of the greatest on the Kaurava side to vanquish the young lion that was Abhimanyu. Youth has seldom scaled such heights in any epic known to mankind.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e16. THE CHURNING OF THE OCEAN        \u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 538\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe story of how the Devas procured the divine nectar and became immortal after drinking it, is interesting as well as dramatic.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt was the ocean of milk which was churned. The great mountain Mandara was the staff used for churning; the serpent Vasuki was the cord. Lord Vishnu assumed the form of a tortoise and served as a pivot for Mandara, as it was whirled around.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur version is derived mainly from the Bhagawat Purana and the Mahabharata.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e17. Dhruva and Ashtavakra        \u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 571\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe story of Dhruva is taken from the Bhagawat Purana. Dhruva was hardly five years old when he observed severe penance to win the favour of Lord Narayana (Vishnu). The Lord was pleased with the faith of the child. He appeared before the child and told him that he would rule the earth for 36,000 years and thereafter occupy a very important place in heaven. Even to this day the Pole star is referred to as Dhruva Nakshatra by tradition-loving Hindus.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe story of Ashtavakra is taken from the Mahabharata. While in exile, the Pandavas visited a number of holy places. When they reached the hermitage of Shvetaketu, Sage Lomasha who was accompanying them told them the story of Ashtavakra, the nephew of Shvetaketu.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e18. Mahiravana         \u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 526\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKrittivasa wrote a version of the Ramayana in Bengali nearly five hundred years ago. As he was a poet of the people, his story is written in simple language and has metaphors that are easily understood. Our story of Mahiravana has been derived from his Ramayana.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e19. Tales of Narada\u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 520\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe divine sage Narada is the most popular figure in Puranic lore. No event of significance takes place in the Puranas that Narada does not have a hand in. He is depicted as a messenger always on the move, visiting the devas, the manavas and the asuras and honoured by all. He is a great devotee of Vishnu.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlthough Narada is always referred to with respect in mythology, he is often misunderstood and ridiculed by the common people as a carrier of tales and a mischief maker. However, Narada’s so-called mischief invariably brings about the down fall of the wicked and furthers the cause of the good.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHe is credited with the invention of the Veena –the musical instrument – and the authorship of a code of laws, and of Narada Bakti Sutra (aphorisms on devotion).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe three tales include here are based on the Shiva Purana and some popular legends. They tell us how Narada, although a divine sage, at times fell a prey to temptation, and became conceited. Fortunately for Narada, Vishnu was beside him to pull him up every time he succumbed to human weaknesses. Gradually, Narada became free from human failings and attained true equanimity of mind.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e20. ASHWINI KUMARS –TALES FROM THE VEDAS\u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 669\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the Rigveda there are several hymns addressed to the Ashwins who are the divine physicians. Judging from the number of these hymns, the twin deities seem to be next in importance only to Indra, Agni and Soma.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe also learn from the hymns that the twins are inseparable. They are extremely fond of honey and even carry it wherever they go, distributing it to bees and mortals.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe two stories in this Chitra Katha are developed solely from Vedic literature.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The India Club","offers":[{"title":"Anant \/ India Book House \/ Paperback","offer_id":40776317141161,"sku":"13737","price":74.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0582\/1048\/4393\/files\/mythology13737.png?v=1778516773"},{"product_id":"13738-amar-chitra-katha-set-of-20-books-indian-mythology-part-three","title":"Amar Chitra Katha  -  Set of 20 Books : Indian  Mythology   (Part THREE)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAuthor: Anant Pai\u003cbr\u003eArvind Mandrekar\/Luis M Fernandes\u003cbr\u003eEditor(s): Anant Pai\u003cbr\u003ePublisher: India Book House\u003cbr\u003eYear: 2003-04-01\u003cbr\u003eLanguage: English\u003cbr\u003ePages: 640\u003cbr\u003eISBN\/UPC (if available): 817508et. Al\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e Description\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e1. KRISHNA AND NARAKASURA         \u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 522\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAccording to the Bhagawat Purana, Naraksura was born of Mother Earth. Yet in his personality he was a brutish beast.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn South India, the story of Naraka is laced with a woman’s lib edge. As told over there, it is Satyabhama who took up arms against the Asura when, during the battle, Krishna had closed his eyes in momentary exhaustion. The Purana, apparently, has no knowledge of this.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe frequent references to Krishna in our epics and poems, as the enemy of Naraka (Narakari) and even of his deputy Mura (Murari) seem to indicate that the tyrant of Pragjyotishapura was notorious in his times.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e2. Karna\u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 531\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Mahabharata is a gallery of heroes and Karna is the most heroic of them. Fate denied him all his dues. But he fought and achieved all that a man could aspire to have. He was as much a Pandava prince as any of the other five. But he never knew his lineage. At last when he knew it, he could not but disown it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHe was brought up as a commoner and therefore humiliated. Teachers would not teach him. His equals shunned him. He received no honour despite his valour but he never lost heart. Duryodhana, the Kaurava prince, offered him kingship. For this act of kindness, he remained loyal to Duryodhana till the very end.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e3. GANESHA         \u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 509\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo traditional Hindu will launch upon a new undertaking without invoking Ganesha, for it is he, as Vighneshwara, prime remover of obstacles, who clears the path to success.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe legends about the birth and exploits of this deity are many; different Puranas giving different versions of the same incidents. Our story, however, is based solely on the Shiva Purana version.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHis lineaments are familiar – for song, story and ritual have made them so- elephant head with trunk curled gracefully over a generous pot-belly, four arms bearing his distinctive emblems of godhood and his portly figure mounted on a tiny mouse, his chosen vehicle. There are many interpretations of this unique combination. The most popular is that in the deity are embodied the power and the wisdom of the elephant and the mobility of the agile mouse.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e4. PRAHLAD\u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 537\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHiranyaksha was slain by Vishnu in his Boar incarnation. Hiranyakashipu hated Vishnu for having killed his brother. But his son, Prahlad, was an ardent devotee of Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu tried by various methods to sway the mind of his son, but in vain. Ultimately, the evil Hiranyakshipu brought about his own destruction, and the triumph of Prahlad was established by Vishnu.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe story given in this book is based on the Bhagawat Purana and the Vishnu Purana.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e5. Urvashi\u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 612\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKalidasa, the Sanskrit poet and dramatist, is the author of Vikramorvashiam, the Sanskrit drama from which this book has been adapted. Kalidasa elaborated on the Vedic and post-Vedic versions o the tale of Pururavas and Urvashi.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn Kalidasa’s drama she emerges as a soft, tender woman who even forgets at times her celestial origin and is guilty of human tensions and misgivings. He has introduced characters and situations which add to the credibility of the tale and its universal appeal.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKalidasa is considered one of the greatest poets and dramatists of India. He was one of the nine gems that adorned the court of king Vikramaditya of Ujjaini. Though many still hold the view that this was the Vikramaditya, whose era begins in 57 B.C., modern research scholars are of the opinion that he was in the court of Chandragupta Vikramaditya of the Gupta dynasty. It is also believed that more than one poet bore this name as an honorary title.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKalidasa wrote a number of poems of which Raghuvamsha, Kumara-sambhava and Meghaduta are well known.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e6. UDAYANA\u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 621\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis story is adapted from the Sanskrit play SWAPNAVASAVADATTA generally attributed to the Sanskrit playwright, Bhasa. It is one of the thirteen Sanskrit dramas discovered in the South by Pandit Ganapati Shastri in 1912.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUdayana, the Vatsa king, had been tricked into captivity by King Pradyoda of Avanti who wanted to learn from him the secret of taming elephants. At Ujjaini, the capital of Avanti, Udayana refused to teach Pradyota unless he paid him the homage due to a guru. But Pradyota’s ego would not permit him to do so. He sent his daughter Vasavadatta instead, telling Udayana that she was one of his hunch-backed relatives. And Vasavadatta was told that Udayana was a leper. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe lessons began with a curtain screening the teacher from the taught. However, one day, when the two saw each other the inevitable happened. They fell in love and with the help of his loyal minister, Yaugandharayana, Udayana eloped with Vasavadatta to Kaushambi. What followed is the story colourfully retold in our Amar Chitra Katha.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e7. Jayadratha\u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 653\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJayadratha is one of the most despicable characters to be found in the Mahabharata. He terrorized the helpless and cowered before the mighty. The encounter between him and Arjuna, the valiant Pandava, described in the Jayadratha-Vadha Parva (a sub-section of the Drona Parva of the Mahabharata), makes absorbing reading.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJayadratha was responsible for the death of Arjuna’s son, Abhimanyu. Arjuna set out to avenge his son’s death and the cowardly Jayadratha took shelter behind the massive army of Duryodhana.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHow Arjuna surmounted the obstacles put in his way in his final encounter with Jayadratha is narrated in this Amar Chitra Katha.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e8. Kacha and Devayani\u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 661\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe story of Kacha and Devayani appears in the first book of the eighteen that are contained in the Mahabharata. The central theme of the Mahabharata is the 18-day war between the cousins, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, and their respective allies, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Devayani, the daughter of Shukracharya, Guru to the Asuras, is an ancestress of the Yadava clan to which Krishna the champion of the Pandavas, belongs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKacha is the son of Brihaspati, preceptor to the Devas. The story of Kacha and Devayani centres round the battle for supremacy between the Asuras and the Devas. How Kacha goes to the city of the Asuras and learns the secret craft of Sanjivani (reviving the dead) from Shukracharya and how his sense of duty triumphs over the pleas of the charming Devayani is retold in the following pages.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e9. KRISHNA AND THE FALSE VAASUDEVA         \u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 639\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe story of Paundraka Vaasudeva is a somewhat bizarre episode from the Bhagawat Purana. Yet the discerning will find it relevant to our own times when image-building has developed into a skilled profession.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere is a moral in this for all of us who live in an age of doubles and stand-ins. If the end of Paundraka was only pathetic, it was because his encounter was with the benign and omniscient Krishna. Those who are not so fortunate may meet with an end which could be grim and tragic.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e10. Nahusha\u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 695\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNahusha was an ancestor of the Pandavas. He was a descendant of Manu (Manu-lla-Pururavas-Ayus-Nahusha). The first tale in this Chitra Katha is from the Padma Purana and the other two from the Mahabharata.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn The Curse, Nahusha serves as a model of the devout worshipper. When he was humble and devout his power and renown increased, but his subsequent vanity led to his downfall. But, after his fall, he returns to heaven and comes to be counted again among the noblest. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe story of Nahusha and Chyavana has been modified for our young readers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e11. Tripura\u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 689\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Devas and the Asuras or Daityas are step-brothers. They are the progeny of Aditi and Diti, the wives of sage Kashyapa. But the Devas and Asuras are always at war. The Puranas contain innumerable accounts of the battles between them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Asuras propitiate the Gods to gain boons and become powerful. But they misuse the power they so gain and meet with their end sometimes at the hands of the very same gods they have propitiated. And the Devas emerge victorious.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur Chitra Katha on the Tripura episode is based on material drawn from the Shiva and Matsya Puranas.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e12. Ayyappan – The Legend of Shabari Malai\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVol. 673\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA strange and fascinating series of divine events led to the birth of Manikanthan. Manikanthan had a glorious destiny. At the end of a life full of dramatic events, Lord Parashurama himself sculpted and installed an idol of him in the hill temple of Shabari. There, as Lord Ayyappan, he is worshipped as the presiding deity of the whole range.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis lone temple on the top of the Shabari hills, deep in the forests of Kerala, attracts millions of devotees from all over the country every year. They travel through dense forests full of wild animals, over steep hills and in inclement weather to have his Darshan (a glimpse) on Makara Sankranti day (a festival which falls on the fourteenth of January). It is said that the Lord comes down to the Shabari Hills on Makara Sankranti in the form of light to give Darshan to his innumerable devotees and himself lights the temple lamp. Then in a moving and beautiful ritual the pilgrims partake of the Prasad and walk backwards down the eighteen steps, their faces turned towards the Lord shining with devotion and ecstasy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e13. ANIRUDDHA          \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVOL-663\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAniruddha was the son of Pradyumna and grandson of Krishna. Usha, the daughter of an Asura named Bana, saw him in a dream and became anxious to know if there was such a person. Her favourite companion, Chitralekha, drew the portraits of many gods and men. At last when she drew the portrait of Aniruddha, Usha recognized him. Chitralekha set out to bring Aniruddha to Usha. Then followed a series of adventures and a great battle between the Yadavas and the Asuras.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is interesting to not that Asuras were not always annihilated but were often absorbed by marriages and alliances.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe story as narrated in this book is based on the Bhagawat Purana.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e14. Gandhari - The Mother of the Kaurava Princes\u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL-644 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStories of many great women, their achievements and their sufferings, are recounted in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Sita, Kunti and Draupadi are among the better known. These women went through many painful ordeals, but they had one hope to sustain them-they had noble children.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe case of Gandhari, the mother of the Kauravas is different. She was a good woman who gave birth to wicked sons. All around her there was treachery. Her husband was weak and ambitious; her brother, Shakuni, was an arch-villain; and her sons were full of violence. Among them, she alone stood for virtue and truth-a single lotus in a marshy swamp.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e15. Indra and Shibi\u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 524\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThough references of Indra occur in Hindu scriptures from Vedic times to the medieval age, there has been a gradual erosion in his importance. The Vedic Indra, wielder of the thunderbolt, was among the most important deities, but by the Puranic period, he became almost a vassal of the Trimurti-Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the Puranas, the heaven over which Indra ruled, is referred to as Indraloka or Devaloka, inhabited by the Devas, the secondary deities. His city is Amaravati; his elephant the four-tusked Airavata; and his horse, Uchchaishravas. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStories like the ones included in this collection, which depict Indra as a benign and noble deity, are rare. Most of the stories in the Puranas depict Indra as a deity jealous of mortals who perform taps (austerities) or yajnas (fire sacrifices). This was because the position of Indra could be attained (according to Puranic lore) by anyone who performed a hundred Ashwamedha yajnas.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAll the stories in this collection are based on the Mahabharata. The one relating to Shibi is similar to that narrated in the Mahabharata, about Ushinara, his father.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e16. CHANDRAHASA        \u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 697\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe book is a treasure-house of stories of the devotees of Lord Vishnu. Through each story the author seeks to prove that God does not forsake him who has implicit faith. The repeated attempts on the life of innocent Chandrahasa not only failed to materialize but finally boomeranged on the villain himself because of Chandrahasa’s implicit faith in the Lord.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePoet Laxmeesha of the 15th century made Jaimini Bharata popular in Karnataka through his Kannada rendering on which this book is based.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e17. HARISCHANDRA         \u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 577\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIndia is a land of countless legends and stories. A few of them have survived the onslaught of time and remained alive over the centuries. One such story is that of Harischandra, the king whose honesty was unmatched.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe story as it has come down to us has many variations from the original narration in the Markandeya Purana. This is the story of a king, who when pitted against forces immensely more powerful than himself faces them with an unflinching faith in integrity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e18. Raja Bhoja\u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 596\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRaja Bhoja, King of Malwa during the 11th Century A D, is well-known to us as the central figure of the Vikramacharita. The original version of this work was probably written during his reign in his honour.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn Vikramacharita Bhoja discovers the throne of Vikramaditya; which is adorned by 32 statues. Each of these statues tells him a story. These statues are Apsaras (fairies) who are under a curse. Only when Bhoja has proved to them that he is as magnanimous, noble and generous as Vikramaditya may he ascend the throne. He does and they are released from the curse.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBut the Bhojaprabandha (narrative of Bhoja) by Ballala from which the following episodes have been retold is a romantic tale written in Sanskrit, partly in verse and partly in prose. Ballala was interested not so much in history as in heroics. In his attempt to magnify Bhoja as a patron of art and letters, Ballala has ignored historical facts. The poets, Kalidasa and Bana, who, he says, adorned Bhoja’s court, belonged to much earlier centuries before Bhoja!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e19. Tales of Maryada Rama\u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 633\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaryada Rama, the protagonist of these stories is a folk-hero. He is the hero whose image recurs in the folklore of all communities all over the world. The legends and fables, be they from Constantinople, Ispahan, Peking, Delhi or Tanjavoor, always have a hero who stands out as an example of the triumph of common sense over sophisticated intellect. Even his humour springs form common sense. He becomes a folk-hero because he represents the common man in many ways. He brings to the under-dog, the hope of success.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe folk-hero has a native shrewdness which scores over the powers of establishment like the bureaucracy, the army, the royalty and the judiciary. The stories in this book tell us of Maryada Rama’s success in meting out justice where the law is helpless to do it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e20. SAKSHI GOPAL\u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 706\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNot far from Puri in Orissa stands the temple of Sakshi Gopal. Centuries have gone by but the legend that gave the deity this name is still popular, not only in the states of Orissa and the adjoining Andhra Pradesh but in other parts of our country as well.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSakshi Gopal was worshipped in a temple in Andhra Pradesh for a long time. Then a king of Orissa brought him to the present site.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The India Club","offers":[{"title":"Anant Pai \/ India Book House \/ Paperback","offer_id":40776317206697,"sku":"13738","price":74.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0582\/1048\/4393\/files\/prahalada13738.png?v=1778514836"},{"product_id":"1828-amar-chitra-katha-set-of-4-books-in-color-vol-25-28","title":"Amar Chitra Katha - Set of 4 Books in Color (Vol 25-28)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAuthor: Anant Pai\u003cbr\u003ePublisher: India Book House\u003cbr\u003eYear: 1972\/88\u003cbr\u003eLanguage: English\u003cbr\u003ePages: 130\u003cbr\u003eISBN\/UPC (if available): N\/A\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e Description\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis set of 4 picture books includes following titles:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVol. 25: Ancestors of Rama :  ISBN 81-7508-069-8\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTradition has it that Rama was the ideal king.  Gandhiji was only reinforcing it when he named his ideal state 'Rama-Rajya'.  Yet the predecessors of Rama, in his dynasty of the Ikshwakus, were as valiant and as benign as Rama himself.  This story tells of their deeds.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe heroes of epics have their tragic flaws because epics always tell the whole truth.  Like Rama, his ancestors also had flawed characters despite the glory of their personalities.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInspired by the epic of Valmiki, Kalidasa wrote his classic poem 'Raghuvamsha'.  While chronicling the lives of the ancestors of Rama, it noted the decline of the ruling house also.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVol. 26:  Birbal to the Rescue  : ISBN 81-7508-026-4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThough popularly known as Birbal, his real name was Maheshdas.  He was a good administrator, a good soldier, and perhaps what pleased Akbar the most - a good jester.  Less known is the fact that he was also a good poet.  He wrote under the pen name, Brahma and a collection of his poems is preserved in the Bharatpur Museum. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVol. 27:  Dhruva and Ashtavakra:  ISBN 81-7508-068-X\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe story of Dhruva is taken from the Bhagawat Purana.  Dhruva was hardly five years old when he observed severe penance to win the favor of Lord Narayana (Vishnu).  The Lord was pleased with the faith of the child.  He appeared before the child and told him that he would rule the earth for 36,000 years and thereafter occupy a very important place in heaven.  Even to this day tradition-loving Hindus refer to the Pole star as 'Dhruva Nakshatra'.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe story of Ashtavakra is taken from the Mahabharata. While in exile, the Pandavas visited a number of holy places.  When they reached the hermitage of Shvetaketu, Sage Lomasha who was accompanying them told them the story of Ashtavakra, the nephew of Shvetaketu.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVol. 28:  Sudama  : ISBN 81-7508-117-1\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe tenth book of the Bhagavata Purana gives in detail the life story of Lord Krishna - his birth, early childhood, adolescence and adulthood.  The many incidents narrated are full of adventure and romance and at the same time inspire, enlighten and guide human beings whose aim is to ennoble their lives and attain God.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe story of Sudama (a great devotee and childhood friend of Lord Krishna), which has retained its popularity with children down the ages occurs in the same tenth book.  The love of Krishna for Sudama forms the theme of many a devotional song and this story has been a source of sustenance of faith to the poor in the land.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The India Club","offers":[{"title":"Anant Pai \/ India Book House \/ Paperback","offer_id":40776421408937,"sku":"1828","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0582\/1048\/4393\/files\/sudama1828_bc5edbad-fc4b-4ad0-abcf-cb20ec72a457.png?v=1778514499"},{"product_id":"11652-more-tales-from-the-panchatantra-amar-chitra-katha-special-issue","title":"More Tales From the Panchatantra -  Amar Chitra Katha Special Issue","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAuthor: Anant Pai\u003cbr\u003eIllustrator: M Mohandas \/ Pradeep Satha \/ V B Halbe\u003cbr\u003ePublisher: India Book House\u003cbr\u003eYear: 2002\u003cbr\u003eLanguage: English\u003cbr\u003ePages: 96\u003cbr\u003eISBN\/UPC (if available): 8175082836\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e Description\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis special issue of Amar Chitra Katha comics draws further stories from the Panchatantra, believed to have been written around 200 BC.  The stories featured in this issue are: Crows and Owls; The Dullard and Other Stories; and The Greedy Mother-in-law.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is believed that the Panchatantra was written around 200 BC by Pandit Vishnu Sharma, a great Hindu scholar. But in all probability the tales themselves must be much older and some of them must be from the period of the Vedas and the Upanishads (1500 BC to 500BC).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Panchatantra is woven around the frame of a tale about a king who entrusts his three dull sons to a learned man, Vishnu Sharma.  The Brahmin takes them to his hermitage and there he recites specially composed tales, divided into Panchatantras or five systems, on how to deal with people.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere are several versions of the Panchatantra.  \"The Dullard and Other Stories\" as well as \"Panchatantra - The Greedy Mother-in-Law\" in this special issue are derived from the version in Kannada by Durga Simha (12th Century AD).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eContents\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCrows and Owls and other Stories\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Dullard and Other Stories\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Greedy Mother-in-Law\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The India Club","offers":[{"title":"Anant Pai \/ India Book House \/ Paperback","offer_id":40782831091881,"sku":"11652","price":8.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0582\/1048\/4393\/files\/panchatantra11652.png?v=1778515195"},{"product_id":"13740-amar-chitra-katha-set-of-5-books-akbar-and-birbal-stories","title":"Amar Chitra Katha  - Set of 5 books :   Akbar and Birbal Stories","description":"\u003cb\u003e Shipping Note: This item usually arrives at your doorstep in 10-15 days\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAuthor: Anant Pai\u003cbr\u003eArvind Mandrekar\/Luis M Fernandes\u003cbr\u003eEditor(s): Anant Pai\u003cbr\u003ePublisher: India Book House\u003cbr\u003eYear: 2003-04-01\u003cbr\u003eLanguage: English\u003cbr\u003ePages: 200\u003cbr\u003eISBN\/UPC (if available): 817508 et.al\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e Description\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e1. BIRBAL THE WITTY         \u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 557\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe wit and wisdom of Birbal had endeared him not only to Akbar, but also to a vast majority of the subjects of the Mughal empire. He had the rare distinction of achieving immense popularity during his lifetime, next only to that of Akbar. He was a good administrator, a good soldier and, perhaps what pleased Akbar the most, a good jester. Less known is the fact that he was also a good poet. He wrote under the pen-name, Brahma and a collection of his poems is preserved in the Bharatpur museum.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThough popularly Known as Birbal, his real name was Maheshdas. It is believed that he belonged to a poor Brahmin family of Trivikrampur, (now known as Tikawanpur), on the bank of the River Yamuna. It was only by virtue of his sharp intellect that the rose to be a minister at the court of Akbar. His phenomenal success made many courtiers jealous of him and if the popular accounts are to be believed, they were ever busy plotting against him. According to the popular legend even his death, while he was on an expedition to Afghanistan at the head of a large military force, was due to treachery. Though he was killed in the battle, the expedition was successful and subdued the turbulent province.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAkbar had found in Birbal a true friend and sympathizer. Of the handful of followers of the Din-e-Elahi, the new faith preached by Akbar, there was only one Hindu-Birbal.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e2. BIRBAL THE WISE         \u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 545\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe wit and wisdom of Birbal had endeared him not only to Akbar, but also to a vast majority of the subjects of the Mughal empire. He had the rare distinction of achieving immense popularity during his lifetime, next only to that of Akbar. He was a good administrator, a good soldier and, perhaps what pleased Akbar the most, a good jester. Less known is the fact that he was also a good poet. He wrote under the pen-name, Brahma and a collection of his poems is preserved in the Bharatpur museum.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThough popularly Known as Birbal, his real name was Maheshdas. It is believed that he belonged to a poor Brahmin family of Trivikrampur, (now known as Tikawanpur), on the bank of the River Yamuna. It was only by virtue of his sharp intellect that the rose to be a minister at the court of Akbar. His phenomenal success made many courtiers jealous of him and if the popular accounts are to be believed, they were ever busy plotting against him. According to the popular legend even his death, while he was on an expedition to Afghanistan at the head of a large military force, was due to treachery. Though he was killed in the battle, the expedition was successful and subdued the turbulent province.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAkbar had found in Birbal a true friend and sympathizer. Of the handful of followers of the Din-e-Elahi, the new faith preached by Akbar, there was only one Hindu-Birbal.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e3. BIRBAL TO THE RESCUE        \u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 618\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe wit and wisdom of Birbal had endeared him not only to Akbar, but also to a vast majority of the subjects of the Mughal empire. He had the rare distinction of achieving immense popularity during his lifetime, next only to that of Akbar. He was a good administrator, a good soldier and, perhaps what pleased Akbar the most, a good jester. Less known is the fact that he was also a good poet. He wrote under the pen-name, Brahma and a collection of his poems is preserved in the Bharatpur museum.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThough popularly Known as Birbal, his real name was Maheshdas. It is believed that he belonged to a poor Brahmin family of Trivikrampur, (now known as Tikawanpur), on the bank of the River Yamuna. It was only by virtue of his sharp intellect that the rose to be a minister at the court of Akbar. His phenomenal success made many courtiers jealous of him and if the popular accounts are to be believed, they were ever busy plotting against him. According to the popular legend even his death, while he was on an expedition to Afghanistan at the head of a large military force, was due to treachery. Though he was killed in the battle, the expedition was successful and subdued the turbulent province.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAkbar had found in Birbal a true friend and sympathizer. Of the handful of followers of the Din-e-Elahi, the new faith preached by Akbar, there was only one Hindu-Birbal.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e4. BIRBAL THE GENIUS        \u003cbr\u003e    \u003cbr\u003eVOL- 587\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe wit and wisdom of Birbal had endeared him not only to Akbar, but also to a vast majority of the subjects of the Mughal empire. He had the rare distinction of achieving immense popularity during his lifetime, next only to that of Akbar. He was a good administrator, a good soldier and, perhaps what pleased Akbar the most, a good jester. Less known is the fact that he was also a good poet. He wrote under the pen-name, Brahma and a collection of his poems is preserved in the Bharatpur museum.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThough popularly Known as Birbal, his real name was Maheshdas. It is believed that he belonged to a poor Brahmin family of Trivikrampur, (now known as Tikawanpur), on the bank of the River Yamuna. It was only by virtue of his sharp intellect that the rose to be a minister at the court of Akbar. His phenomenal success made many courtiers jealous of him and if the popular accounts are to be believed, they were ever busy plotting against him. According to the popular legend even his death, while he was on an expedition to Afghanistan at the head of a large military force, was due to treachery. Though he was killed in the battle, the expedition was successful and subdued the turbulent province.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAkbar had found in Birbal a true friend and sympathizer. Of the handful of followers of the Din-e-Elahi, the new faith preached by Akbar, there was only one Hindu-Birbal.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e5. BIRBAL THE JUST         \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVOL-559\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe wit and wisdom of Birbal had endeared him not only to Akbar, but also to a vast majority of the subjects of the Mughal empire. He had the rare distinction of achieving immense popularity during his lifetime, next only to that of Akbar. He was a good administrator, a good soldier and, perhaps what pleased Akbar the most, a good jester. Less known is the fact that he was also a good poet. He wrote under the pen-name, Brahma and a collection of his poems is preserved in the Bharatpur museum.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThough popularly known as Birbal, his real name was Maheshdas. It is believed that he belonged to a poor Brahmin family of Trivikrampur, (now known as Tikawanpur), on the bank of the River Yamuna. It was only by virtue of his sharp intellect that the rose to be a minister at the court of Akbar. His phenomenal success made many courtiers jealous of him and if the popular accounts are to be believed, they were ever busy plotting against him. According to the popular legend even his death, while he was on an expedition to Afghanistan at the head of a large military force, was due to treachery. Though he was killed in the battle, the expedition was successful and subdued the turbulent province.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAkbar had found in Birbal a true friend and sympathizer. Of the handful of followers of the Din-e-Elahi, the new faith preached by Akbar, there was only one Hindu-Birbal.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The India Club","offers":[{"title":"Anant Pai \/ India Book House \/ Paperback","offer_id":40784806019241,"sku":"13740","price":22.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0582\/1048\/4393\/files\/birbal13740.png?v=1778517136"}],"url":"https:\/\/indiaclub.com\/de\/collections\/amar-chitra-katha-comics.oembed","provider":"The India Club","version":"1.0","type":"link"}