India is known to be the land of folklore, where stories have melted down generation after generation through the great oral tradition, which still lives on in greater measure. “Fascinating Folktales”, a book gorgeously produced like a coffee table edition, is a book for all ages to enjoy. ... more

India is known to be the land of folklore, where stories have melted down generation after generation through the great oral tradition, which still lives on in greater measure. “Fascinating Folktales”, a book gorgeously produced like a coffee table edition, is a book for all ages to enjoy. Besides the fascinating folktales spanning the different regions of the country it is a complete culture fair for the reader, with absorbing details of folk art styles to read, as well. This collection of eleven fascinating folktales presents flavours of eleven states of India, enumerating specific cultural symbols, ethnicity and characteristics. The tales ring with the charm of storytelling, sentiment, humour, relationships and warmth. They are events which did not happen yet remain useful social lessons for amusement. The narration relates to the present, preserving the true spirit of the region and tradition of storytelling. The story from Kashmir highlight the simplicity of its people, faith in goodness is revealed in the story from the mountain regions of Garhwal while the love of sisters lilt in the tribal region of Jharkhand. The naughty prince helps and benefits from the need for forestation in the arid land of Rajasthan, the blind and the hunchback defeat the raging giant in Assam and daring Kirtisena finds a magical cure during her solitary adventures in the coastal Orrisa. The tall tale of Haryana illustrates the humour characteristic of its people as does the game of doubles set in Bihar. The story from Tamil Nadu depicts magic pots overflowing with gold, the bad sister turns decent in the tale from Punjab and the King recognises the worth of labour in the story from Karnataka. Folktales give a unique insight into consciousness of a people.These are tales of wonder, magic, tall tales, stories of wit and simplicity embodying an undercurrent of a moral code of behaviour determined by a society. Some of the stories have been contributed by well known authors of children’s literature – Nilima Sinha, Deepa Agarwal and Neeta Be Not only do they weave a cultural pattern, they establish commonality of attitudes within a genre of people. The folk art style used in illustration sets the book apart. The use of folk art has been effectively used highlighting the finer aspects of culture art specific to a region. Motifs and icons have been also derived from embroidery patterns, weaving patterns, wall paintings and textiles identifying a State. The traditions of madhubani from Bihar, khobar from Jharkhand, painting on pith from Assam, paar paintings from Rajasthan, saura from Orrissa, tanjore and kalamkari art from South India spread on the colourful pages of this book. The chamba rumaal patterns of embroidery prevalent in the Himachal hills, the Kulu patta and jamewar patterns of Kashmir, phulkari of Punjab and ornate architectural motifs find reflection in the illustration. They are colourful, utilising Moghul miniature styles at times and typical rangoli effects at places. The illustrations are breathtaking and authentic that present a complete cultural feast to the all those who adore art and tradition.