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Zusatztext “A truly remarkable collection...from the introduction to the explanatory notes! the entire book outstandingly demonstrates the enduring strength of Indian folklore tradition.” —Library Journal “The variety of subjects contributes to the richness of this fascinating book.” —The Washington Times “A major addition to the corpus of folktales of the world.” — Edward C. Dimock! Jr.! Chairman! American Institute of Indian Studies “This collection of Indian folktales is unparalleled-in its scope of sources . . . a rich and fascinating tapestry of stories . . . infused with the author’s unique sense of humor and sense of beauty.” — Wendy Doniger! author of Other People’s Myths and Women! Androgynes! and Other Mythical Beasts Informationen zum Autor A. K. RAMANUJAN (1929-1993) was William E. Colvin Professor of South Asian Languages and Civilizations and a member of the Committee on Social Thought at the University of Chicago. He is the author of several volumes of poetry, including The Striders, Relations, and Selected Poems. His translations from the languages of India include Folktales from India, Speaking of Siva, Some Kannada Poems, Samskara, Hymns for the Drowning, and Poems of Love and War. Klappentext An enchanting collection of 110 tales, translated from twenty-two different languages, that are by turns harrowing and comic, sardonic and allegorical, mysterious and romantic. Gods disguised as beggars and beasts, animals enacting Machiavellian intrigues, sagacious jesters and magical storytellers, wise counselors and foolish kings-all inhabit a fabular world, yet one that is also firmly grounded in everyday life. Here is an indispensable guide to India's ageless folklore tradition. With black-and-white illustrations throughout Part of the Pantheon Fairy Tale and Folklore Library BOPOLUCHI (Punjabi) A number of young girls were drawing water at the village well and telling each other their fantasies of when and whom and how they would marry. One of them said, “My uncle will come loaded with wedding presents and dress me in brocade, and I’ll get married in a palace.” Another said, “My uncle is coming soon with a camel-load of sweets.” The third said, “Oh, my uncle will be here in no time in a golden carriage filled with jewels.” Bopoluchi was the prettiest of them all and she looked sad—she was an orphan and had no one in the world to arrange a marriage for her of give her a dowry. Still, not to be outdone by the others, she said, “And my uncle will bring me dresses, sweets, and jewels in golden plates.” A robber, disguised as a peddler selling perfumes to country women, happened to be sitting near the well. He heard what Bopoluchi said. He was so struck by her beauty and spirit that he decided to marry her himself. So the very next day, he disguised himself as a rich farmer and came to Bopoluchi’s hut with trays full of silken dresses, sweets, and rare jewels—things he had looted and put away. Bopoluchi could hardly believe her eyes, for it was just as she had fantasied. The robber even said he was her uncle, her father’s long-lost brother, and had come home to arrange his niece’s wedding with one of his sons. Bopoluchi couldn’t believe her ears, but she believed him and was ecstatic. She packed up her few belongings and set off with the robber. But as they went along the road, a crow in a tree croaked: Bopoluchi, beware! Smell the danger in the air! It’s no uncle that relieves you But a robber who deceives you! “Uncle,” said Bopoluchi, “the crow croaks in a funny way. What does it say?” “Nothing,” said the robber. “All the crows in this coun...
About the author
A. K. Ramanujan
