Author: Manoj Das
Publisher: Rupa
Year: 2003
Language: English
Pages: 139
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8129102587
Description
In this collection, the writer has made an experiment (it was in fact an inspired step) in reconstructing some of the stories from the Panchatantra, the Jatakas and the Kathasaritsagara. This is done through two characters from the folklore, Samanta, the master, and Abolkara, the companion-cum-servant.
They are indefatigable travellers. Whenever Abolkara sees something that intrigues him, he refuses to move unless his master reveals its mystery to him. This background helps me to let Abolkara see something associated with one of the ancient tales. Samanta then not only reminds him of the original story, but also narrates to him what happens after the point at which Vishnu Sharma or Somadev had stopped.
These satires presented through an ambience of fantasy are few in the genre in which serious themes are presented in a satirical and humorous vein.
Contents
Preface
The Lady Who Died One and a Half Times
The Last Demoness
The Lion Who Sprang to Life After a Century
Jewels from the Sky
The Last Night
The Tiger and The Traveller
A Turtle from the Blue
The Stupid Servant
Story of a Strange Last Journey
The Princess and the Story-Teller
He Who Rode the Tiger
Sharma and the Wonderful Lump