North India
Explore stories associated with northern Indian traditions, including Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh where identified by the source. Village and court settings, regional collections and travelling plots all appear; the page notes provide the more specific connection.
47 stories are in this region right now.
Indian Folk Tales
The King Who Was Fried
King Karan is fried daily by a faqir for charity gold; after caging praise-singing swans he learns Bikramajit is more generous.
Indian Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Grain of Corn
A crow drops a stolen grain into a crack in a tree and must return it to an angry farmer's wife, so he begs a woodman, a king, a queen and others for help.
Indian Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
The Jackal and the Partridge
A fussy jackal says a true friend must make him laugh, make him cry, feed him and save his life, so his friend the partridge sets out to do all four.
Indian Folk Tales
The Faithful Prince
When his fairy bride flies away to her father’s enchanted Emerald Mountain, Prince Bahramgor sets off through Demonsland to find her, whatever it costs.
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
The Farmer and the Money-lender
The god Ram gives a poor farmer a wish-granting conch, but a greedy money-lender steals it and demands double of everything the farmer ever wishes for.
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
Princess Pepperina
A princess hatched from a bulbul’s green egg is raised by a gentle Jinn and marries a king, but jealous rivals wait for her truth-telling emerald to slip.
Indian Folk Tales
Raja Rasalu
A guide to eight linked Raja Rasalu episodes, their reading order, source versions and recurring questions about strength, help and responsibility.
Indian Folk Tales
Ages 9-12
Peasie and Beansie
Kind Peasie helps a tree, a fire, a pipal and a stream on her way to visit their father, and her selfish sister Beansie hopes to win the same rewards.
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 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.