Treasury of Indian Fables

by P.V. Ramaswami Raju

Enter a world of fables where all kinds of creatures come to life! A witty hare rids the jungle of an evil tiger. An army of frogs drives an elephant away from their pond. A raven tricks a guard into killing a wicked serpent. An intelligent fox talks his way out of a well to save his own life. Each story will thrill your imagination and offer a gentle yet profound lesson at the end. Accompanied by striking artwork, A Treasury of Indian Fables brings witty and adventurous stories from across the subcontinent!

168 pages, Paperback

First published October 13, 2016

Reviews

[Helios · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Treasury of Indian Fables by P.V. Ramaswami Raju is a delightful collection of short stories drawn from the rich tapestry of Indian folklore. The book presents over a hundred fables, each featuring animals or humans as central characters, and each concluding with a moral lesson delivered with wit and clarity. These stories are crafted to be accessible and engaging for readers of all ages, making the collection both an entertaining read and a valuable educational resource.

The fables employ a variety of animal characters symbolising different traits familiar to readers worldwide: the lion or tiger embodies strength and authority, the fox represents cunning and cleverness, the bear stands for brute force, the wolf for ferocity, and the owl for wisdom. Through these characters, the stories explore themes of intelligence, courage, humility, and justice.

What sets this collection apart is the sharpness of its wit and the subtlety with which moral lessons are woven into the narrative. The morals are often phrased memorably, making them easy to recall and apply to everyday life. Many of these fables are unfamiliar to Western audiences, offering fresh cultural insights and showcasing the depth and diversity of Indian storytelling traditions.

The book is further enriched by striking illustrations that bring the stories to life, enhancing their appeal, especially for younger readers. This combination of engaging storytelling, moral instruction, and artistic presentation makes A Treasury of Indian Fables not only a literary treasure but also a valuable tool for teaching ethics and fostering imagination.

The P.V. Ramaswami Raju anthology stands out as a timeless collection that entertains while imparting wisdom. It invites readers to explore the cultural richness of Indian folklore and to reflect on universal human values through charming and memorable tales.

[Raksha Bhat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection reminded me of the Panchatantra and Jataka Tales, witty ones and most of life's lessons are summarized in these tiny and petite tales.

[Cindy DeLong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very similar to Aesop's Fables.