India
Explore stories associated with Indian traditions, including the Panchatantra, Jataka narratives and regional collections. A tale’s setting, the place where a version was recorded and the history of its publication are different kinds of evidence. Read the source note for the connection supported on each page.
219 stories are in this region right now.
Indian Folk Tales
Retaliation
Two sacrificed goats are reborn as a king and his minister who come to sacrifice a holy priest—until the goddess shows him how to escape a second death.
Indian Folk Tales
Ekalavya and Drona
A forest prince turned away by the great archery teacher Drona trains alone before a clay statue of him, until his skill outshines even Arjuna’s.
Indian Folk Tales
The Birth of Lord Krishna
Warned that his sister’s eighth son will destroy him, wicked King Kansa locks her away, but on a stormy midnight the baby Krishna is carried to safety.
Indian Folk Tales
The Faithless Wife and the Ungrateful Blind Man
Abandoned in a forest, a blind man is rescued by a kind merchant and his wife, then repays them with a wicked lie that could cost them their lives.
Indian Folk Tales
Ages 6-8
Sun, Moon, and Wind Go Out to Dinner
Sun and Wind feast without saving food for their mother Star, but Moon hides a share; gifts explain heat, gale, and soft moonlight.
Indian Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Close Alliance
A farmer's wife tricks a tiger to save the household's animals, then turns its suspicion against the jackal who persuades it to return with their tails tied.
Indian Folk Tales
The Death and Burial of Poor Hen-Sparrow
A cock-sparrow's new young bride dies; grief spreads in cumulative verses until king, queen, and court dance a frantic mourning song.
Indian Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Demon with the Matted Hair
Every weapon the brave Prince of the Five Weapons strikes with sticks fast in a demon’s hair, yet the trapped prince still refuses to be afraid.
Indian Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
Prince Half-a-Son
A prince mocked for his unusual body uses magic and careful listening to survive his brothers' attacks, while the tale exposes their envy and the court's prejudice.
Indian Folk Tales
Prince Lionheart and His Three Friends
Prince Lionheart frees two haunted cities and wins kingdoms for his three friends, and when a witch's trick kills him, their skills bring him back to life.
Indian Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
Prince Wicked and the Grateful Animals
A man rescues a prince and three animals from a flood. The animals honour their promises, but the new king remembers the rescue with resentment and tries to silence him.
Indian Folk Tales
Princess Aubergine
A tiny fairy girl who steps out of an aubergine is lured to the palace by a jealous sorceress-queen determined to discover the secret of her life.