Chidren's Treasure
2013
The Blind Vulture
Last month we read about the story of the old tiger from the Hithopadesa tales. Now let us hear about the blind vulture.
Once upon a time, there was a tree at the foot of a hill. Many types of birds made it their home. One day a blind old vulture came there and decided to live in a hole in the tree.The birds already residing there welcomed the blind vulture and decided to give him a share of their food since he was old.
The vulture was...
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Hitopadesa Tales
The Hitopadesa is a remarkable compilation of short stories. Composed by Narayana Pandit, it had its origin around a thousand years ago.
In Indian Literature, Hitopadesa is regarded more or less similar to the Panchatantra. Itis a combination of two terms, Hita(welfare/ benefit) and Upadesa(advice/ counsel). As the term suggests, Hitopadesa is a collection of tales that renders advice for the welfare and benefit of everyone and...
The Curse of the Chameleon
(Zulu Folk Story)
After God finished creation, he sat back and took a long look at the world he had made. He was especially pleased with mankind.
But, as time went on, the Creator noticed that man and woman kept injuring their bodies. 'The skin would heal with time, but it always left scars. And after many years the first man and woman’s bodies would be looking old and tattered, thought the Creator and wanted to present new skin to mankind.
So he called...
The Man Who Never Lied
African Folktale
Once upon a time, there lived a wise man by name Mamad. He never uttered a lie. All the people in the land knew him as the wisest man.
The king heard about Mamad and ordered his servants to bring him to the palace. He looked at the wise man and asked:
“Mamad, is it true that you have never lied?”
“It is true.”
“And you will never lie in your life?”
“I am sure of that.”
“Okay...
2012
Interdependence for Survival
In a clearing deep in the forest, the trees were having a pre-dawn discussion.
“Animals come and rest in our shade but they leave a mess behind,” said the Jamun. “The smell on some days is unbearable!”
“They show no concern for us because we are silent,” said the Sal. “But I have had enough! I have made up my mind to drive away any animal that comes here!”
“That may not be a wise thing to do,” said the...
Fear of a Rumour
A hare resting under a banyan tree had a premonition of doom.
“What would happen to me if the earth were to break up?” he wondered. Suddenly, there was a ‘thud’ followed by a rumbling sound.
“It has happened,” thought the hare, “the earth is breaking up!”
He jumped up and ran out.
“Why are you running?” asked another hare who crossed his path.
“The earth is breaking up!” shouted the hare. “...
In 300 B.C., the Jataka Tales were written to impart knowledge and inculcate morality. Ever since, they have become popular story books that are both enjoyable and knowledgeable. Originally written in Pali language, these Jataka Buddhist tales have been translated into different languages around the world. They stress the values of self-sacrifice, morality, and honesty. This is one such story.
Unity Is the Best Policy
Once upon a time, there lived two friends under the shade of a rock....
The Cat that Dislikes Milk
Tenali Rama was very intelligent, sharp-witted, and had a high sense of humour. He was a friend, philosopher and guide to King Krishnadeva Raya.
Once there was a rat menace in the capital city of Vijayanagara. Rats were roaming about everywhere, eating away all stocks of grains, books and papers. They used to make holes in wooden shelves and eat grain. Sometimes they even nibbled at the ears of small children.
People knew cats could kill rats. But there...
The Face of the King
King Krishnadeva Raya, once when he was in a good mood, gave each of his courtiers a bag containing 50 gold coins. The courtiers were thrilled. The king said, “You have to use these gold coins within a week. At the end of the week, you will show me all that you have bought with these gold coins. But there is a condition. Every time you spend some gold coins, you will have to see my face.”
The courtiers were very much pleased. They left for the market to do...
Winning a War without Drawing Swords
Rama Sastry was a renowned scholar in reasoning, logic, and grammar in the court of Sri Krishna Deva Raya. He wanted to compete with the Ashta Pradhanis (eight wise men). He appeared before the King one day when he was in his usual literary session with the eight jewels of his court.
Rama Sastry saluted the king with words of praise, and praised the Ashta Pradhanis, too. He said, “O Noble King, I seek your kind permission to know about...
