The classic stories in this choice selection are a few of the best-known ones from the living traditions of India. The powerful themes they contain – death and rebirth -, and the understanding that all creatures, good or evil, have a role to play in the grand design of nature – all form an intrinsic part of Hindu thought. Gods, demons and nagas, handsome men and women, magic incantations and spiritual power, the subterranean world and the cosmic one – these are some of the stands woven into the rich brocade of Hindu mythology. In this book, they are expressed in narratives that will appeal for the beauty of their retelling to young and old alike. The illustrations that accompany them have a poetic power of their own. Specially commissioned from the painter Badri Narayan, they add to the text a new dimension of symbolic meaning and rich iconography.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Shanta Rameshwar Rao
Shanta Rameshwar Rao is one of India's finest writers. She writes for both children and adults, and indeed her work can be read by both with equal enjoyment. Her first book Tales of Ancient India was reprinted several times, and has now been adapted as a supplementary reader for schools. It has also been published in the UK. Other books by her are The Bulbul's Ruby Nose-ring and other stories, Chathu the Elephant Boy (with Karoor Neelakantha Pillai), Seethu, and The Mahabharata and in Worship of Shiva. (The last two titles are available in this series). Her novel Children of God has received wide acclaim. Her most recent book is The Rainmaker and Other Stories. In 1961 Mrs. Rameshwar Rao founded the Vidyaranya School in Hyderabad. She continues to teach in and to direct the school. In her capacity as teacher and educationist she has also written several books for use in the classroom at both school and college level. Born in Mercara educated in Patna, Hyderabad and Lucknow, she lives and works in Hyderabad.
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