The Kingdom of Travancore in the Southern part of India was a native state in British India which was well known for its progressive outlook. Its enlightened royalty ruled the country as Sree Padmanabha Dasa. They had in place a well oiled administrative mechanism that implemented various programs and reforms, resulting in an overall development of Travancore. Though Travancore was under the colonial rulers, there was a well-orchestrated administrative machinery for coinage. Coins were minted as per the specifications ordered by the periodically issued Royal Proclamations. It is creditable that Travancore retained its independence in its functioning to a large extent. This book is an insight into the coins of Modern Travancore (from 1729 AD) which not only reflects the religious beliefs of the rulers, but also sketches the socio-political atmosphere of the period.

Hindu gods Brahma (the creator) and Shiva (the destroyer) are just two Indian deities characterized by action, adventure, and drama. Hinduism has inspired some of the greatest epics ever recorded, including the Ramayana and Mahabharata. This book describes the mythology of one of the world's oldest cultures and positions these stories in their historical context.

A collection of traditional tales about gods and heroes in Hindu mythology, aranged in sequence as they might be told at religious festivals during the course of a Hindu calendar year.

A collection of twenty-five traditional tales from India, including folk tales, Jataka stories, and regional legends.

Since time immemorial, India has been an ocean bed over which numerous stories have flowed and enriched the world. Storytellers from Tulsidas to Rohinton Mistry have added their magic to this magnificent repository. Inspired in part by Somadeva’s Kathasaritasagara, William Radice collects these timeless tales of India, and tells them anew through his unique idiom. Like itinerant storytellers, he fills these tales with emotion and wit, bringing them alive for the contemporary reader. In Volume 1, the first section begins with the creation myth of Prajapati, while the Mahabharata section starts with Sakuntala’s story, going up to the founding of Dvaraka by Krishna. In Volume 2, the first section begins with the Hindu myth about Brahma’s creation of bodies, while the Mahabharata section starts with the notorious dice-game and ends with the death of Abhimanyu. True to India’s diversity, the third section of both volumes comprises legends and folk tales from Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Jain, Christian and tribal sources. The volumes of Myths and Legends of India are a treasure to delight in and cherish.

Somadeva S Kathasaritsagara, The Epics, The Puranas, As Well As Folklore Are Among The Sources Of India S Long Tradition Of Storytelling. Down The Ages, They Have Nourished Creative Expression, From Tulsi S Ramayana And Michael Madhusudan Dutt S Megnadvadh Kavya To Salman Rushdie S Stories Of Haroun And Tharoor S Great Indian Novel. The Present Selection Represents The Author S Explorations Of This Rich And Ancient Offering. In This Book Radice Brings Together His Own Retellings And Other Translations Of 132 Best-Loved And Popular Myths, Legends And Folktales. Besides Hindu Narratives, Included Are Number Of Muslim, Buddhist, Jain, Syrian Christian And Tribal Tales. Stories Of The Churning Of The Ocean , Draupadi S Svayamvara , The Seduction Of Ahalya Flow Along With Those Of The The Blind Fakir , St Thomas Arm And Buddha And The Tigress . The Tales Offer A Kaleidoscope Of Living India, With Its Commonly-Held Beliefs Of Vast Eras Or Yugas, The Stages Of Life, Tapas, Rebirth And Nirvana, Besides A Celebration Of Eroticism. Aware Of The Essentially Oral Nature Of India S Story-Telling Tradition, Radice Shows How Popular Performers Make Stories Come Alive By Appending Some Embroidery, Jokes, Drama, And Suspense To Them. In These Retellings He Tries To Feel His Way Into The Stories Chosen And To Convey In English Some Of These Emotions And Humour Of The Original. Combining Scholarly Rigour With Masterly Narration, Myths And Legends Of India Is A Brilliant Collection. Doubtless, It Will Be Loved By Readers Of All Ages, Anywhere, For A Long, Long Time.

Since time immemorial, India has been an ocean bed over which numerous stories have flowed and enriched the world. Storytellers from Tulsidas to Rohinton Mistry have added their magic to this magnificent repository. Inspired in part by Somadeva’s Kathasaritasagara, William Radice collects these timeless tales of India, and tells them anew through his unique idiom. Like itinerant storytellers, he fills these tales with emotion and wit, bringing them alive for the contemporary reader. In Volume 1, the first section begins with the creation myth of Prajapati, while the Mahabharata section starts with Sakuntala’s story, going up to the founding of Dvaraka by Krishna. In Volume 2, the first section begins with the Hindu myth about Brahma’s creation of bodies, while the Mahabharata section starts with the notorious dice-game and ends with the death of Abhimanyu. True to India’s diversity, the third section of both volumes comprises legends and folk tales from Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Jain, Christian and tribal sources. The volumes of Myths and Legends of India are a treasure to delight in and cherish.