Author: Anant Pai
Painter/Illustrator/: Several Artistes
Publisher: India Book House
Year: 2007
Language: English
Pages: 1600
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8175081783 / 0507 et al
Description
This collection includes 50 illustrated children books.
1. DASHARATHA:
The Amar Chitra Katha, Dasharatha, has been drawn mainly from Valmiki’s famous epic poem – Ramayana.
On earth at that time, Dashratha, the prosperous, wise and just king of Ayodhya, bent on obtaining a son, was engaged in performing a series of sacrifices.
As Dasharatha delighted in his growing sons, particularly in Rama the eldest, little did he dream that the curse, hurled at him for a sin committed by him in ignorance when he was a mere lad, would materialize with an impact that would result in his death.
2. VALI:
Vali, Sugreeva and Hanuman have key roles in Valmiki’s famous epic, Ramayana, from which our Amar Chitra Katha has been drawn.
Vali became the king of Kishkindha. He loved Sugreeva, his brother. But a misunderstanding estranged them and they became sworn enemies. Banished from Kishkindha, Sugreeva went to the Rishyamuka mountains and lived in hiding there. One day, Rama came there in search of Sita, his wife, who had been carried away by Ravana. The events that followed are interestingly retold in our book.
3. Kumbhakarna:
Valmiki’s Sanskrit epic, the Ramayana, has caught the fancy of innumerable minds after him. Poems, plays and novels have been written on the Ramayana theme in almost all the Indian languages.
Krittivasa 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 Kumbhakarna has been derived from his Ramayana.
4. BHEEMA AND HANUMAN:
The encounter between Hanuman, the monkey hero of the Ramayana and Bheema, the mighty Pandava prince, is one of the most dramatic incidents in the Mahabharata.
Hanuman is the son of Vayu, the wind-god; and Bheema is the son of Kunti, born by the grace of Vayu. Thus the two can be considered brothers.
The episode also emphasizes the feminine intuition of Draupadi who unerringly chose Bheema for a risky and romantic errand.
5. Tales of Arjuna:
Arjuna was as devoted to Krishna as Hanuman was to Rama. Our first story, which is based on a folktale popular in South India, is about the encounter between Arjuna and Hanuman both of whom come to realize that Rama and Krishna are one and the same.
Arjuna was trained by Drona, the master of archery, and he acquired powerful weapons by propitiating the gods. But the weapon that made him invincible was his mighty bow, Gandiva, which he obtained from Agni.
Arjuna and his cousin, Krishna, were inseparable, and it was to Krishna that he always turned for guidance. In the battle of Kurukshetra, Krishna acted as Arjuna’s charioteer. There were, story shows how Krishna gently, but firmly, corrected Arjuna on such occasions.
6. KRISHNA AND RUKMINI :
Krishna is the great lover of Indian mythology. Yet the details of the women he had wooed, won and wed are surprisingly limited and perhaps should be confined ton his conquest of Rukmini. Here is the unalloyed romantic tale of none but the brave deserving the fair. Krishna here is the romantic hero par excellence who recklessly carries away his lady-love under the very nose of his rivals. Rukmini is a perfect foil to Krishna in this idyllic tale.
7. Savitri:
The story of Savitri and Satyavan appears in the Mahabharata. It is one of the many stories told by the sage Markandeya to the Pandavas, in exile. Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava is depressed by having to witness the trials and tribulations of their common wife Draupadi, whose devotion to her husbands only brought her suffering. Markandeya tells him that regardless of what they may have to suffer, chaste and devoted wives will ultimately bring triumph to their loved ones and themselves.
Draupadi’s goodness would ultimately deliver them from their misfortunes, just as the chaste Savitri’s staunch devotion to her husband Satyavan brought good fortune, not only to her parents and her husband’s parents, but also to her own self. For it was her intense devotion that gave her the strength to influence the very God of Death, Yama, to release Satyavan from his clutches.
8. THE GITA:
Bhagavad-Gita or the song of the divine One is a celebrated episode in the epic, Mahabharata. It is in the form of a dialogue between Dhritarashtra, the blind king of Hastinapura, and Sanjaya who describes the happenings on the battlefield to the king.
This book does not claim to be an exposition of the Gita, but is only an introduction. We have also taken the liberty of interpreting some of the ideas propounded in the Gita with a view to make them intelligible to the younger age group. The first nine pages of our book are not part of the Gita but are given to provide the back-ground to our young readers.
9. The Sons of Rama:
The story of Rama and Sita was first set down by the sage Valmiki in his epic poem Ramayana.
On returning to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile, Rama banished Sita because of the suspicions of his subjects. In the ashrama of sage Valmiki, she gave birth to her twin sons, Luv and Kush.
Based on Uttara-Ramacharita of Bhavabhuti.
10. Rama:
Ramayana, the earliest epic poem in Sanskrit, is the oldest work of genuine poetry and in that sense its author, the sage Valmiki is known as the Adi Kavi or pristine poet.
This lofty theme, embodies in the characters of Rama and Sita, the highest ideals of man and woman. The idea that god fufils Himself. In the best of men is conveyed by the life of Rama and that is the story of Ramayana.
The story, narrated in the following pages, is based on Ram-Charit-Manas of Tulsidas.
11. GANGA:
Mythology 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.
It 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.
12. DRONA :
Drona, 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.
Drona had studied together with Drupada, who later become king of Panchala, in the ashram of Agnivesha.
It 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.
13. TALES OF VISHNU:
Vishnu, 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.
The 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.
Vishnu 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.
14. DRAUPADI:
Draupadi sprang full grown from the fire but no other heroine in Hindu mythology was as earthy as she.
Her 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.
Draupadi was the total woman; complex and yet feminine.
15. Sudama:
The 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.
The 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.
Sudama 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.
16. BheeshmaL:
In 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.
It 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.
17. Karttikeya :
Karttikeya, 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.
The 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.
18. Abhimanyu:
Abhimanyu, 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.
We 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.
It 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.
19. Mahiravana :
Krittivasa 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.
20. Tales of Narada:
The 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.
Although 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.
He 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).
The 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.
21. Karna:
The 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.
He 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.
22. GANESHA :
No 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.
The 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.
His 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.
23. PRAHLAD:
Hiranyaksha 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.
The story given in this book is based on the Bhagawat Purana and the Vishnu Purana.
24. CHANAKYA :
Chanakya also known as Kautilya, the hero of this story is the author of the well-known Sanskrit classic Arthashastra.
Chanakya helped Chandragupta, the founder of the Mauryan dynasty, in gaining the throne of the Nandas. According to many scholars, Chandragupta’s success as a king can be ascribed to Chanakya’s advice and guidance.
The story retold here is inspired by the classic Sanskrit play Mudra Rakshasam (The signet ring) written in the 9th Century A. D. by Vishakhadatta of Pataliputra which is believed to be the city of Patna today.
25. BIRBAL THE WISE :
The 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.
Though 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.
Akbar 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.
26. Ancestors of Rama:
Tradition 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.
The 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.
Inspired 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.
It is interesting to note that the Puranas trace the genealogy of Rama to the Sun. Some of the illustrious ancestors listed in the genealogy are Manu, Ikshwaku, Harishchandra, Rohita, Sagara, Bhagiratha, Ambarisha and Rituparna. Brihadbala, who fought in the Mahabharata war is said to be a descendant of Rama.
27. Shakuntala:
The story of Shakuntala originally appeared in the first book of the Mahabharata where the lineage of the chief characters is detailed. It was later adapted with minor changes into a play by Kalidasa, the great Sanskrit poet and dramatist.
Shakuntala was the daughter of sage Vishwamitra and Menaka, a celestial maiden. When Shakuntala was born she was abandoned by Menaka. Sage Kanva found her and made her his foster daughter. One day King Dushyanta hunting in the forest met and wed her and returned to his palace promising to send for her. Later when Shakuntala goes to his court he denies her. But in the end the truth of her claims is proved and the couple are united forever. And it is claimed that it was their son, Bharat, a direct ancestor of the Pandava and Kaurava princes, who gave our country its name BHARAT.
28. TALES OF DURGA:
Goddess Durga is as widely worshipped as Vishnu and Shiva. She is the fierce from of Devi who, as Shakti, is considered the personification of universal energy. According to the Devi Bhagavata the universe is but Her manifestation – and even Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva worship Her. Durga is worshipped in sixty- forms as Ambika, Kali, Chamundi, Devi, Uma, etc.
Durga is worshipped in one form or another in almost every Indian village.
This Amar Chitra Katha is based on the Durga-Saptashati of the Markandeya Purana.
29. Sati and Shiva:
The 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.
Shiva (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.
The story of Sati brings home to us in simple terms, the truth and beauty of a lofty Vedic concept.
30. THE CHURNING OF THE OCEAN :
The story of how the Devas procured the divine nectar and became immortal after drinking it, is interesting as well as dramatic.
It 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.
Our version is derived mainly from the Bhagawat Purana and the Mahabharata.
31. PANCHATANTRA - THE BRAHMIN AND THE GOAT AND OTHER STORIES:
The original Sanskrit text of the Panchatantra was probably written about 200 B C by the great scholar, Vishnu Sharma. But some of the tales must have been in circulation much earlier. In course of time, travellers took these tales with them to Persia and Arabia and finally, through Greece, they reached Europe. So far the Panchatantra has been translated into 50 or more languages of the world.
The study of the theories of philosophy, psychology and statecraft became engrossing when Vishnu Sharma drove the moral home through the mouths of talking animals and their escapades.
32. PANCHATANTRA - CROWS AND OWLS AND OTHER STORIES:
The original Sanskrit text of the Panchatantra was probably written about 200 B C by a great Hindu scholar, Pandit Vishnu Sharma. But some of the tales themselves must be much older, their origin going back to the period of the Vedas and the Upanishads (1500 B C to 500 B C). In course of time, travellers took these tales with them to Persia and Arabia and finally, through Greece, they reached Europe. So far the Panchatantra has been translated into 50 or more languages of the world.
The Panchatantra is a rare book, for in no book can one find philosophy, psychology, politics, music, astronomy, human relations, etc. all discussed together in such a simple yet elegant style. This is exactly what Pandit Vishnu Sharma had in mind – to give as much knowledge to the princes in as uncomplicated a manner as possible. And no doubt not only the princes but also millions of listeners and readers for the last 2,200 years have benefited from his most unique book.
33. PANCHATANTRA - HOW THE JACKAL ATE THE ELEPHANT AND OTHER STORIES:
The original Sanskrit text of the Panchatantra was probably written about 200 B C by the great scholar, Vishnu Sharma. But some of the tales must have been in circulation much earlier. In course of time, ravelers took these tales with them to Persia and Arabia and finally, through Greece, they reached Europe. So far the Panchatantra has been translated into 50 or more languages of the world.
The study of the theories of philosophy, psychology and statecraft became engrossing when Vishnu Sharma drove the moral home through the mouths of talking animals and their escapades.
The morals which the Panchatantra seeks to teach continue to be relevant to this day and the stories themselves have not lost their novelty even two thousand year after they were first told.
34. PANCHATANTRA - THE JACKAL AND THE WAR DRUM AND OTHER STORIES:
The original Sanskrit text of the Panchatantra was probably written about 200 B C by a great Hindu scholar, Pandit Vishnu Sharma. But some of the tales themselves must be much older, their origin going back to the period of the Vedas and the Upanishads (1500 B C to 500 B C). In course of time, travellers took these tales with them to Persia and Arabia and finally, through Greece, they reached Europe. So far the Panchatantra has been translated into 50 or more languages of the world.
It attempts to teach us, how to understand people, how to choose reliable and trustworthy friends, how to meet difficulties and solve problems through tact and wisdom, and how to live in peace and harmony in the face of hypocrisy, deceit and many pitfalls in life.
35. ANGULIMALA :
Having realized the cause of human suffering and remedy thereof, Lord Buddha wandered from place to place to enlighten the people. His teachings concern the forces that cause bondage and the means by which salvation can be achieved. He was received with respect wherever he went.
This Amar Chitra Katha is an adaptation of the story of Angulimala from the Buddhist text, PARAMATTHADIPANI of Dhammapala.
36. Buddha:
Hinduism, like any other living religion, produced its share of free thinkers. Prince Siddhartha who became Gautama the Buddha was the most noteworthy of them all. The Hinduism that Siddhartha saw, had lost much of its primal energy and its pristine purity.
He refused to subscribe to the caste system which had ceased to be Dharma and had become a tool of oppression. He would not accept the power-drunk priests as sole agents of God. He questioned the authority of the Vedas. And he was convinced that penance and meditation as mere rituals without the accompanying sincerity and contemplation were futile.
So he set out alone to seek the ultimate truth. His search led him to the enlightenment that liberated him as he pondered under a Bodhi tree. He returned to preach what he had known and experienced and he did this out of compassion for his fellow beings as converting them was never his aim.
Today, he has followers all over the world but the largest numbers are concentrated in the far-eastern countries.
37. MIRABAI :
There is no dearth of mystics in India. But among them Mirabai is unique. She was born a princess and in marriage became a queen. But the kingdom she chose was the one of Krishna. Not for a moment did she swerve from her purpose. Hers was the immutable faith in Krishna. Uncharitable relatives and uncomprehending friends were no hindrance in her devotion. She had given herself up to Krishna. She belonged to him completely.
The lyrics that poured out of her, sing the praises of Krishna. The sincerity and sweetness of the songs made them popular all over the land and they remain a rich heritage of mystic poetry in India. The story of Mira, as narrated in this book, is based on legends about her and not on historical facts.
38. RANI OF JHANSI:
Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi is among those national heroines whose name conjures up visions of tremendous bravery and dauntless courage against overwhelming odds. She was not aggressive by nature and it that she took up arms. She was also extremely shrewd and possessed all the qualities of a good leader. The unforgettable memory of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi however remained – the memory of a person of unbreakable pride and utter fearlessness.
The bards of Central India still sing of the valour and virtues of the Rani, who held her own against not only her Bundela enemies but also the mighty British.
39. GARUDA :
Garuda is a mythical bird and has been held in great veneration in India from time immemorial. Many Indologists hold that this deity is of Dravidian origin.
Garuda is represented as a large white-necked eagle, but his images in the temples who him with a human trunk. Serpents are the natural food of the eagle. The reason for this enmity is traced in the Adi Parva of the Mahabharata to the jealousy between Kadru and Vinata, the mother of the serpents and Garuda respectively.
Only Vishnu could have these tow born enemies – Garuda, the mighty eagle and Shesha, the great serpent – wait upon him. He uses Shesha as his couch and Garuda as his mount.
40. Elephanta :
The most permanent has been the transmitting of our culture through monuments, their sculptures and paintings. These have brought down to us the legends of ancient India with strength, sensitivity and grace. Whether the medium used was wood, stone, or paint, our artists and artisans have paid their homage to our great culture and kept intact the immortal myths and legends of India.
41. Bribal the Clever:
The 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. His sharp intellect saw him rise to a prominent position as a minister in the court of Akbar. His phenomenal success made many courtiers jealous and, if popular accounts are to be believed, they were forever plotting against him.
42. Tansen:
Tansen is a legendary symbol of classical Indian music. Heralded, as one of the greatest musicians of all times, Tansen was also a pioneer who opened up new avenues in song and composition by breaking down the conventions of the traditional jatis and ragas of Hindustani classical music. He was not only a great performer, but also a highly accomplished composer and musicologist. Tansen found great patronage in the Mughal Emperor Akbar, and came to be renowned as one of the “nine gems” of his court.
43. Surya:
The story as narrated in this book is based on the Markandeya Purana. How Surya was tricked into having two wives and how he ultimately lost his unbearably fierce brilliance, is the theme of the story.
44. The Lord of Lanka:
The Ramayana of Valmiki is considered to be the oldest epic of India. The story, as narrated here, is based on the Uttara Kanda of Valmiki’s Ramayana.
45. Krishna:
Lord Krishna is one of the most endearing deities of Indian mythology and is considered to be one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu. Goddess Lakshmi, the divine consort of Lord Vishnu, was born upon earth as his companion during his many incarnations.
46. Nala and Damayanti:
The story of Nala and Damayanti is one of the more romantic episodes narrated in the great epic, the Mahabharata. In the epic, Yudishthira, having lost everything in a game of dice against his wily cousins, had to retire to the jungle along with his brothers. There a rishi (ascetic) tells him the story of Nala and Damayanti.
47. JATAKA TALES DEER STORIES :
All living creatures die to be born again, so the Hindus believe. The Buddha was no exception. Legend has it that several lifetimes as a Bodhisattva went into the making of the Buddha, the Enlightened One.
The Bodhisattva came in many forms – man, monkey, deer, elephant, lion. Whatever his mortal body, he spread the message of justice and wisdom, tempered with compassion. This wisdom, the wisdom of right thinking and right living, is preserved in the Jataka tales.
This volume of deer stories will keep children amused, while never failing to point out the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
48. JATAKA TALES ELEPHANT STORIES :
All living creatures die to be born again, so the Hindus believe. The Buddha was no exception. Legend has it that several lifetimes as a Bodhisattva went into the making of the Buddha, the Enlightened One.
The Bodhisattva came in many forms – man, monkey, deer, elephant, lion. Whatever his mortal body, he spread the message of justice and wisdom, tempered with compassion. This wisdom, the wisdom of right thinking and right living, is preserved in the Jataka tales.
Amar Chitra Katha has already brought to the reader Jataka monkey stories and Jataka deer stories. In this issue we bring you elephant tales that will teach some of the truths that the bodhisattva experienced in his numerous lives on earth.
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