Skip to content

Every telling has a beginning.

Explore the works and story cycles behind the books. Follow one telling through its chapters, discover a different version, and keep the source of each story in view.

Find a published story

Traditions

227 Traditions
  1. Ganesha circles his parents

    Ganesha

    11 stories

    Birth, the race around the world, the moon, the broken tusk.

    1 published story

    Explore the guide
  2. Diwali lamps for Rama

    Valmiki Ramayana

    144 stories

    Seven kandas, 645 sargas, every one told.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  3. The princes of Ayodhya

    Bala Kanda

    20 stories

    The Book of Youth: 77 sargas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  4. Exile to the forest

    Ayodhya Kanda

    26 stories

    The Book of Ayodhya: 119 sargas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  5. The golden deer

    Aranya Kanda

    17 stories

    The Book of the Forest: 75 sargas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  6. Uttara KandaIllustration coming soon

    Uttara Kanda

    25 stories

    The Book of the Sequel: 111 sargas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  7. The house of lac

    Vyasa's Mahabharata

    411 stories

    Eighteen parvas and a hundred upa-parvas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  8. Krishna the butter thief

    Little Krishna

    75 stories

    Bhagavata Purana, Skandha 10, chapters 1–45: Gokul and Vrindavan.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  9. Children playing Holi in Barsana

    Radha and the Gopis

    6 stories

    Songs of Vrindavan, from the Gita Govinda and the Brahmavaivarta.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  10. Little Hanuman and the sun

    Little Hanuman

    9 stories

    Flying to the sun and the boons of the gods (Uttara Kanda 35–36).

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  11. Rama's ring

    Hanuman in Lanka

    9 stories

    The Sundara Kanda, sarga by sarga.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  12. Rama and the squirrel

    The Mountain of Herbs

    9 stories

    Hanuman in the Yuddha Kanda: the bridge, the mountain, the lamp for Rama.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  13. Shiva and the Ganga

    Shiva

    10 stories

    Halahala, the Ganga, Markandeya, Nataraja.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  14. Durga's lion

    Durga Saptashati

    14 stories

    Thirteen chapters of the Devi Mahatmya, gentle for each age.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  15. Lakshmi rises from the ocean

    Lakshmi

    6 stories

    The churning, the lotus, the owl, Diwali night.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  16. Saraswati's veena

    Saraswati

    5 stories

    The veena, the swan, the first letter.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  17. Why we dance garba for nine nights

    Nine Nights

    10 stories

    One Devi for each night of Navratri.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  18. Young Krishna with butter, an earthen pot and a cow

    Bhagavata Purana

    245 stories

    Twelve skandhas, 335 chapters, one book each.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  19. Matsya and the boat

    The Ten Avatars

    14 stories

    Matsya to Kalki.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  20. The gathering at Anandpur Sahib

    Vaisakhi 1699

    4 stories

    The five beloved ones.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  21. Baby Vardhamana in his golden cradle

    Mahavira

    10 stories

    The life of the twenty-fourth Tirthankara from the Kalpa Sutra.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  22. Two children making up after Paryushana

    Ahimsa Tales

    10 stories

    Compassion in small hands.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  23. Tenali Rama and the Goddess Kali

    Tenali Raman & Friends

    33 stories

    The wit of Vijayanagara, with the court wits of Delhi and the Hindustani wise fool as sub-shelves.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  24. Birbal shortens the line

    Akbar and Birbal

    14 stories

    Questions at the Mughal court.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  25. The king carries the Vetala through a forest

    Vikram and Betal

    13 stories

    Twenty-five riddles from the tree.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  26. An imagined portrait of Somadeva with a manuscript in Kashmir

    The Ocean of Stories

    124 stories

    Eighteen lambakas, 124 tarangas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  27. Nasruddin looks for his key

    Mulla Nasruddin

    7 stories

    The wise fool, in the Indian telling.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  28. A family welcoming Mahabali home for Onam

    Aithihyamala

    6 stories

    Kerala's garland of legends.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  29. Children dancing Bihu beside a rhino calf

    Assamese Tales

    5 stories

    Burhi Aair Sadhu: grandmother's tales.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  30. A sister tying a rakhi on her brother's wrist

    What We Wear

    13 stories

    Tilak, bindi, sari, kurta, rakhi, mehndi.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  31. Children dancing garba at night

    Why We Celebrate

    35 stories

    Why our family actually does all these things.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  32. A flower-girl twirling at an Indian wedding

    Weddings & Big Ceremonies

    19 stories

    My first Indian wedding.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  33. A grandmother naming a newborn baby

    When a Baby Arrives

    12 stories

    Namkaran, annaprashan, mundan.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  34. A teacher and children under a banyan tree

    Big Ideas for Little Minds

    20 stories

    Dharma, karma, ahimsa, seva, shanti.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  35. A family offering prayers to the sun at Chhath

    Nature Is Sacred

    19 stories

    The cow, the Ganga, the peepal, and every deity's animal friend.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  36. An imagined storyteller beside an empty manuscript cradle, evoking the lost Brihatkatha

    Brihatkatha (The Great Narrative)

    0 stories

    A lost narrative tradition known through later adaptations, including Kathasaritsagara and Brihatkathamanjari.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  37. Prabhavati listens to the storytelling parrot

    Shukasaptati (Seventy Tales of the Parrot)

    0 stories

    A parrot keeps Prabhavati at home with nightly stories while her merchant husband is away. The cycle later inspired the Persian Tutinama.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  38. King Bhoja beside the throne and its carved female figures

    Simhasana Dvatrimsika (Singhasan Battisi)

    0 stories

    Thirty-two figures associated with Vikramaditya’s throne recount his generosity and courage as King Bhoja considers whether he is worthy of it.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  39. An imagined portrait of Rajavahana, the leading prince in Dashakumaracharita

    Dashakumaracharita (The Tale of the Ten Princes)

    0 stories

    A prose romance of ten young men whose adventures move through courts, cities, deception, love and changing fortunes.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  40. Kannagi holds her jewelled anklet

    Silappadikaram (The Tale of an Anklet)

    0 stories

    Kannagi seeks justice after Kovalan is wrongly executed. This Tamil epic connects Puhar, Madurai and Vanchi through loss, kingship and the power of her protest.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  41. Manimekalai with an alms bowl beside the Tamil coast

    Manimekalai

    0 stories

    Kovalan and Madhavi’s daughter turns toward Buddhist renunciation, compassion and philosophical inquiry. The narrative continues the world of Silappadikaram.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  42. An imagined portrait of Jain author Uddyotanasuri beside a lily pond

    Kuvalayamala (Garland of Blue Water Lilies)

    0 stories

    A Jain prose-and-verse romance composed at Jabalipura, present-day Jalore. Interwoven lives and rebirths explore passions, conduct and liberation.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  43. An imagined portrait of Princess Kadambari by a lotus pond

    Kadambari

    0 stories

    An intricate prose romance of love, separation and rebirth, told through nested narrators. Bana belonged to the literary world of King Harsha.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  44. An imagined portrait of Ashoka beside a Buddhist stupa

    Divyavadana (Divine Narratives)

    0 stories

    Avadana narratives explore deeds and their consequences across lives, including the cycle of stories about Emperor Ashoka.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  45. A rural woman looks toward a village path, evoking the poems

    Gatha Saptashati (Seven Hundred Verses)

    0 stories

    Short lyric poems evoke village life, desire, love and separation. These are poetic vignettes rather than a continuous epic.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  46. An imagined portrait of Prince Jivaka at a Tamil palace

    Jivaka Chintamani (Civaka Cintamani)

    0 stories

    Prince Jivaka’s accomplishments, romances and royal adventures lead eventually to renunciation in this Jain Tamil epic.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  47. An imagined portrait of Kshemendra with a manuscript and flower garland

    Brihatkathamanjari (The Great Tale’s Garland)

    0 stories

    Kshemendra’s condensed verse retelling preserves another strand of the lost Brihatkatha tradition alongside Somadeva’s larger collection.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  48. An Indian hill fort, throne and closed history book at sunrise

    Hindu Kings & Queens

    5 stories

    Sovereignty, invasion and the responsibilities of rule, from Tarain to Travancore.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  49. A mother mentor teaches two children beside a lamp and book

    Great Mothers & Mentors

    4 stories

    Jijabai, Tarabai, Mata Gujri and Bhuvaneshwari Devi: upbringing, care and leadership in their own right.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  50. Adi ParvaIllustration coming soon

    Adi Parva

    53 stories

    Book 1: 19 upa-parvas, 236 sections.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  51. Draupadi's kitchen

    Vana Parva

    67 stories

    Book 3: 21 upa-parvas, 324 sections.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  52. Peace before war

    Udyoga Parva

    39 stories

    Book 5: 10 upa-parvas, 199 sections.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  53. Abhimanyu the boy

    Drona Parva

    40 stories

    Book 7: 8 upa-parvas, 204 sections.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  54. The two birds

    Mundaka Upanishad

    7 stories

    6 khandas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  55. Satyam vada

    Taittiriya Upanishad

    4 stories

    3 vallis.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  56. The salt in the water

    Chandogya Upanishad

    9 stories

    8 prapathakas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  57. Lead me from dark to light

    Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

    7 stories

    6 adhyayas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  58. A lion and bull face apart with a jackal between them in an amber banyan forest

    Book 1: The Loss of Friends

    34 stories

    34 stories.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  59. A crow, mouse, tortoise and deer gather beside a green forest pool

    Book 2: The Winning of Friends

    10 stories

    10 stories.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  60. Crows and owls watch from separate branches and rocks in a moonlit forest

    Book 3: Crows and Owls

    18 stories

    18 stories.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  61. A monkey holds jamun fruit above a crocodile beside a turquoise river

    Book 4: Loss of Gains

    13 stories

    13 stories.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  62. A golden-brown mongoose sits beside a clay pot at a courtyard threshold

    Book 5: Ill-Considered Action

    12 stories

    12 stories.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  63. Kishkindha KandaIllustration coming soon

    Kishkindha Kanda

    15 stories

    The Book of Kishkindha: 67 sargas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  64. Sundara KandaIllustration coming soon

    Sundara Kanda

    15 stories

    The Book of Beauty: 68 sargas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  65. Yuddha KandaIllustration coming soon

    Yuddha Kanda

    26 stories

    The Book of the War: 128 sargas, told without weapons for the small ones.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  66. RamcharitmanasIllustration coming soon

    Ramcharitmanas

    58 stories

    Tulsidas's seven kands, doha by doha.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  67. Kamba RamayanamIllustration coming soon

    Kamba Ramayanam

    1 story

    The Tamil Ramayana of Kambar.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  68. Bhagavad GitaIllustration coming soon

    Bhagavad Gita

    18 stories

    Eighteen chapters, one for each little book.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  69. Mathura and DwarkaIllustration coming soon

    Mathura and Dwarka

    57 stories

    Skandha 10, chapters 46–90.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  70. Sudama and FriendsIllustration coming soon

    Sudama and Friends

    6 stories

    Friends who came to Krishna's door.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  71. Krishna the TeacherIllustration coming soon

    Krishna the Teacher

    4 stories

    The Gita for children, and the Uddhava Gita.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  72. Hanuman ChalisaIllustration coming soon

    Hanuman Chalisa

    10 stories

    Forty chaupais, four at a time.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  73. KartikeyaIllustration coming soon

    Kartikeya

    4 stories

    The boy on the peacock.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  74. Parvati and KaliIllustration coming soon

    Parvati and Kali

    5 stories

    The mountain's daughter and the fierce mother.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  75. The Other MahapuranasIllustration coming soon

    The Other Mahapuranas

    17 stories

    Seventeen more Puranas, one shelf-card each until their episodes arrive.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  76. The Life of the BuddhaIllustration coming soon

    The Life of the Buddha

    28 stories

    From the Buddhacharita, canto by canto.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  77. Sakhis of Guru NanakIllustration coming soon

    Sakhis of Guru Nanak

    14 stories

    The true deal, the cobra's shade, Mecca, the field of Kartarpur.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  78. The Ten GurusIllustration coming soon

    The Ten Gurus

    10 stories

    One book for each Guru.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  79. The SahibzadeIllustration coming soon

    The Sahibzade

    4 stories

    The four sons of Guru Gobind Singh, told with care.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  80. Bhai Kanhaiya and SevaIllustration coming soon

    Bhai Kanhaiya and Seva

    3 stories

    Water for friend and foe alike.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  81. Langar and EqualityIllustration coming soon

    Langar and Equality

    5 stories

    Everyone sits in one row.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  82. Gurbani for ChildrenIllustration coming soon

    Gurbani for Children

    6 stories

    The Mool Mantar and the pauris of Japji, one at a time.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  83. The Twenty-four TirthankarasIllustration coming soon

    The Twenty-four Tirthankaras

    24 stories

    One book each.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  84. BahubaliIllustration coming soon

    Bahubali

    3 stories

    The brother who stood still.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  85. Paryushana and Mahavir JayantiIllustration coming soon

    Paryushana and Mahavir Jayanti

    5 stories

    Why we forgive, why we fast.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  86. Gujarati Lok-kathaIllustration coming soon

    Gujarati Lok-katha

    10 stories

    Tales Ba tells.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  87. Rajasthani TalesIllustration coming soon

    Rajasthani Tales

    8 stories

    Dhola-Maru, Pabuji, the desert's own stories.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  88. Thakurmar JhuliIllustration coming soon

    Thakurmar Jhuli

    8 stories

    Grandmother's bag of Bengali tales.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  89. Tamil TalesIllustration coming soon

    Tamil Tales

    7 stories

    Paatti's stories from the south.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  90. Punjabi TalesIllustration coming soon

    Punjabi Tales

    7 stories

    Folk tales of the five rivers.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  91. Marathi TalesIllustration coming soon

    Marathi Tales

    6 stories

    Aaji's stories.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  92. Odia TalesIllustration coming soon

    Odia Tales

    4 stories

    Stories from the land of Jagannath.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  93. Kashmiri TalesIllustration coming soon

    Kashmiri Tales

    4 stories

    Stories from the valley.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  94. Kings and QueensIllustration coming soon

    Kings and Queens

    15 stories

    Ashoka to Ahilyabai.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  95. FreedomIllustration coming soon

    Freedom

    14 stories

    The people who made 1947.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  96. Scientists and MakersIllustration coming soon

    Scientists and Makers

    14 stories

    Aryabhata to Kalam.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  97. Artists and AthletesIllustration coming soon

    Artists and Athletes

    12 stories

    Dhyan Chand to Mary Kom.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  98. Param Vir ChakraIllustration coming soon

    Param Vir Chakra

    6 stories

    India's highest gallantry award, and the soldiers who earned it.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  99. At Home With DharmaIllustration coming soon

    At Home With Dharma

    16 stories

    Everyday things children see around the house.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  100. Greetings, Respect & FamilyIllustration coming soon

    Greetings, Respect & Family

    13 stories

    Namaste, touching feet, Kaki, Masi, Foi and Mami.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  101. Going to the MandirIllustration coming soon

    Going to the Mandir

    19 stories

    Shoes off, the bell, darshan, prasad, aarti.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  102. Why We Eat ThisIllustration coming soon

    Why We Eat This

    18 stories

    Prasad, fasting, modak, kheer, thepla for every journey.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  103. My Indian Name & My IdentityIllustration coming soon

    My Indian Name & My Identity

    21 stories

    What my name means, two languages, two homes.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  104. Our FamilyIllustration coming soon

    Our Family

    14 stories

    My very big Indian family.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  105. Prayer, Mantras & PracticesIllustration coming soon

    Prayer, Mantras & Practices

    16 stories

    The mala, Om, bhajan, seva.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  106. Growing Up Indian AbroadIllustration coming soon

    Growing Up Indian Abroad

    22 stories

    British AND Indian. Christmas AND Diwali.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  107. Ask DadiIllustration coming soon

    Ask Dadi

    10 stories

    Aarav watches Dadi light the diya. One day he asks.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  108. Ask DadaIllustration coming soon

    Ask Dada

    10 stories

    Wisdom, history and the big questions.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  109. PaintingIllustration coming soon

    Painting

    11 stories

    Madhubani, Warli, Pattachitra, Tanjore, Kalamkari.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  110. Rangoli & KolamIllustration coming soon

    Rangoli & Kolam

    6 stories

    Art on the doorstep every morning.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  111. Mehndi & AdornmentIllustration coming soon

    Mehndi & Adornment

    5 stories

    Patterns on hands, bindis and bangles.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  112. DanceIllustration coming soon

    Dance

    12 stories

    Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Garba.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  113. MusicIllustration coming soon

    Music

    12 stories

    Ragas, the tabla, the sitar, the veena, bhajan and kirtan.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  114. CraftIllustration coming soon

    Craft

    10 stories

    Murti-making, diyas, kites, torans.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  115. TemplesIllustration coming soon

    Temples

    12 stories

    How a mandir is built, from Kashi to Madurai.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  116. Statecraft & Cultural LeadersIllustration coming soon

    Statecraft & Cultural Leaders

    4 stories

    Chanakya, Abbakka and Vivekananda: counsel, resistance and renewal across different traditions.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  117. Sikh Gurus & Freedom of FaithIllustration coming soon

    Sikh Gurus & Freedom of Faith

    3 stories

    Sikh leadership, resistance to coercion and the right of others to keep their faith.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  118. Bal KandIllustration coming soon

    Bal Kand

    19 stories

    361 dohas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  119. Ayodhya KandIllustration coming soon

    Ayodhya Kand

    17 stories

    326 dohas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  120. Aranya KandIllustration coming soon

    Aranya Kand

    3 stories

    46 dohas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  121. Kishkindha KandIllustration coming soon

    Kishkindha Kand

    2 stories

    30 dohas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  122. Sundar KandIllustration coming soon

    Sundar Kand

    3 stories

    60 dohas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  123. Lanka KandIllustration coming soon

    Lanka Kand

    7 stories

    121 dohas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  124. Uttar KandIllustration coming soon

    Uttar Kand

    7 stories

    130 dohas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  125. Sabha ParvaIllustration coming soon

    Sabha Parva

    17 stories

    Book 2: 10 upa-parvas, 81 sections.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  126. Virata ParvaIllustration coming soon

    Virata Parva

    14 stories

    Book 4: 4 upa-parvas, 72 sections.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  127. Bhishma ParvaIllustration coming soon

    Bhishma Parva

    22 stories

    Book 6: 4 upa-parvas, 124 sections.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  128. Karna ParvaIllustration coming soon

    Karna Parva

    17 stories

    Book 8: 2 upa-parvas, 96 sections.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  129. Shalya ParvaIllustration coming soon

    Shalya Parva

    12 stories

    Book 9: 4 upa-parvas, 65 sections.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  130. Sauptika ParvaIllustration coming soon

    Sauptika Parva

    4 stories

    Book 10: 2 upa-parvas, 18 sections.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  131. Stri ParvaIllustration coming soon

    Stri Parva

    5 stories

    Book 11: 2 upa-parvas, 27 sections.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  132. Shanti ParvaIllustration coming soon

    Shanti Parva

    62 stories

    Book 12: 3 upa-parvas, 365 sections.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  133. Anushasana ParvaIllustration coming soon

    Anushasana Parva

    29 stories

    Book 13: 2 upa-parvas, 168 sections.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  134. Ashvamedhika ParvaIllustration coming soon

    Ashvamedhika Parva

    17 stories

    Book 14: 2 upa-parvas, 96 sections.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  135. Ashramavasika ParvaIllustration coming soon

    Ashramavasika Parva

    8 stories

    Book 15: 3 upa-parvas, 39 sections.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  136. Mausala ParvaIllustration coming soon

    Mausala Parva

    2 stories

    Book 16: 1 upa-parva, 9 sections.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  137. Mahaprasthanika ParvaIllustration coming soon

    Mahaprasthanika Parva

    2 stories

    Book 17: 1 upa-parva, 3 sections.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  138. Svargarohana ParvaIllustration coming soon

    Svargarohana Parva

    1 story

    Book 18: 1 upa-parva, 6 sections.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  139. Skandha 1Illustration coming soon

    Skandha 1

    19 stories

    19 chapters.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  140. Skandha 2Illustration coming soon

    Skandha 2

    10 stories

    10 chapters.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  141. Skandha 3Illustration coming soon

    Skandha 3

    33 stories

    33 chapters.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  142. Skandha 4Illustration coming soon

    Skandha 4

    31 stories

    31 chapters.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  143. Skandha 5Illustration coming soon

    Skandha 5

    26 stories

    26 chapters.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  144. Skandha 6Illustration coming soon

    Skandha 6

    19 stories

    19 chapters.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  145. Skandha 7Illustration coming soon

    Skandha 7

    15 stories

    15 chapters.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  146. Skandha 8Illustration coming soon

    Skandha 8

    24 stories

    24 chapters.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  147. Skandha 9Illustration coming soon

    Skandha 9

    24 stories

    24 chapters.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  148. Skandha 10Illustration coming soon

    Skandha 10

    0 stories

    90 chapters.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  149. Skandha 11Illustration coming soon

    Skandha 11

    31 stories

    31 chapters.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  150. Skandha 12Illustration coming soon

    Skandha 12

    13 stories

    13 chapters.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  151. Isha UpanishadIllustration coming soon

    Isha Upanishad

    3 stories

    18 mantras.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  152. Kena UpanishadIllustration coming soon

    Kena Upanishad

    4 stories

    4 khandas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  153. Katha UpanishadIllustration coming soon

    Katha Upanishad

    6 stories

    6 vallis.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  154. Prashna UpanishadIllustration coming soon

    Prashna Upanishad

    6 stories

    6 prashnas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  155. Mandukya UpanishadIllustration coming soon

    Mandukya Upanishad

    2 stories

    12 mantras.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  156. Aitareya UpanishadIllustration coming soon

    Aitareya Upanishad

    5 stories

    5 khandas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  157. Shvetashvatara UpanishadIllustration coming soon

    Shvetashvatara Upanishad

    6 stories

    6 adhyayas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  158. Kaushitaki UpanishadIllustration coming soon

    Kaushitaki Upanishad

    4 stories

    4 adhyayas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  159. Maitri UpanishadIllustration coming soon

    Maitri Upanishad

    7 stories

    7 prapathakas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  160. Book 1: MitralabhaIllustration coming soon

    Book 1: Mitralabha

    9 stories

    How to gain a friend

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  161. Book 2: SuhridbhedaIllustration coming soon

    Book 2: Suhridbheda

    10 stories

    How to lose a friend

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  162. Book 3: VigrahaIllustration coming soon

    Book 3: Vigraha

    10 stories

    War

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  163. Book 4: SandhiIllustration coming soon

    Book 4: Sandhi

    13 stories

    Peace

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  164. EkanipataIllustration coming soon

    Ekanipata

    150 stories

    Jatakas 1–150.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  165. DukanipataIllustration coming soon

    Dukanipata

    100 stories

    Jatakas 151–250.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  166. TikanipataIllustration coming soon

    Tikanipata

    50 stories

    Jatakas 251–300.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  167. CatukkanipataIllustration coming soon

    Catukkanipata

    50 stories

    Jatakas 301–350.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  168. PañcakanipataIllustration coming soon

    Pañcakanipata

    25 stories

    Jatakas 351–375.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  169. ChakkanipataIllustration coming soon

    Chakkanipata

    20 stories

    Jatakas 376–395.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  170. SattakanipataIllustration coming soon

    Sattakanipata

    21 stories

    Jatakas 396–416.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  171. AṭṭhakanipataIllustration coming soon

    Aṭṭhakanipata

    10 stories

    Jatakas 417–426.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  172. NavakanipataIllustration coming soon

    Navakanipata

    12 stories

    Jatakas 427–438.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  173. DasakanipataIllustration coming soon

    Dasakanipata

    16 stories

    Jatakas 439–454.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  174. EkādasakanipataIllustration coming soon

    Ekādasakanipata

    9 stories

    Jatakas 455–463.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  175. DvādasakanipataIllustration coming soon

    Dvādasakanipata

    10 stories

    Jatakas 464–473.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  176. TerasakanipataIllustration coming soon

    Terasakanipata

    10 stories

    Jatakas 474–483.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  177. PakiṇṇakanipataIllustration coming soon

    Pakiṇṇakanipata

    13 stories

    Jatakas 484–496.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  178. VīsatinipataIllustration coming soon

    Vīsatinipata

    14 stories

    Jatakas 497–510.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  179. TiṃsanipataIllustration coming soon

    Tiṃsanipata

    10 stories

    Jatakas 511–520.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  180. CattālīsanipataIllustration coming soon

    Cattālīsanipata

    5 stories

    Jatakas 521–525.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  181. PaṇṇāsanipataIllustration coming soon

    Paṇṇāsanipata

    3 stories

    Jatakas 526–528.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  182. SaṭṭhinipataIllustration coming soon

    Saṭṭhinipata

    2 stories

    Jatakas 529–530.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  183. SattatinipataIllustration coming soon

    Sattatinipata

    2 stories

    Jatakas 531–532.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  184. AsītinipataIllustration coming soon

    Asītinipata

    5 stories

    Jatakas 533–537.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  185. MahānipataIllustration coming soon

    Mahānipata

    10 stories

    Jatakas 538–547.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  186. Book 1: KathapithaIllustration coming soon

    Book 1: Kathapitha

    8 stories

    8 tarangas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  187. Book 2: KathamukhaIllustration coming soon

    Book 2: Kathamukha

    6 stories

    6 tarangas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  188. Book 3: LavanakaIllustration coming soon

    Book 3: Lavanaka

    6 stories

    6 tarangas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  189. Book 4: NaravahanadattajananaIllustration coming soon

    Book 4: Naravahanadattajanana

    3 stories

    3 tarangas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  190. Book 5: ChaturdarikaIllustration coming soon

    Book 5: Chaturdarika

    3 stories

    3 tarangas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  191. Book 6: MadanamanchukaIllustration coming soon

    Book 6: Madanamanchuka

    8 stories

    8 tarangas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  192. Book 7: RatnaprabhaIllustration coming soon

    Book 7: Ratnaprabha

    9 stories

    9 tarangas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  193. Book 8: SuryaprabhaIllustration coming soon

    Book 8: Suryaprabha

    7 stories

    7 tarangas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  194. Book 9: AlankaravatiIllustration coming soon

    Book 9: Alankaravati

    6 stories

    6 tarangas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  195. Book 10: SaktiyasasIllustration coming soon

    Book 10: Saktiyasas

    10 stories

    10 tarangas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  196. Book 11: VelaIllustration coming soon

    Book 11: Vela

    1 story

    1 taranga.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  197. Book 12: SasankavatiIllustration coming soon

    Book 12: Sasankavati

    36 stories

    36 tarangas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  198. Book 13: MadiravatiIllustration coming soon

    Book 13: Madiravati

    1 story

    1 taranga.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  199. Book 14: PanchaIllustration coming soon

    Book 14: Pancha

    4 stories

    4 tarangas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  200. Book 15: MahabhishekaIllustration coming soon

    Book 15: Mahabhisheka

    2 stories

    2 tarangas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  201. Book 16: SuratamanjariIllustration coming soon

    Book 16: Suratamanjari

    3 stories

    3 tarangas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  202. Book 17: PadmavatiIllustration coming soon

    Book 17: Padmavati

    6 stories

    6 tarangas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  203. Book 18: VishamasilaIllustration coming soon

    Book 18: Vishamasila

    5 stories

    5 tarangas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  204. MirabaiIllustration coming soon

    Mirabai

    6 stories

    The princess who sang to Giridhar Gopal.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  205. Narsinh MehtaIllustration coming soon

    Narsinh Mehta

    5 stories

    Gujarat's first poet, who sang Vaishnava Jana To.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  206. KabirIllustration coming soon

    Kabir

    5 stories

    The weaver of Kashi who belonged to everyone.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  207. TulsidasIllustration coming soon

    Tulsidas

    5 stories

    The poet of the Ramcharitmanas and the Hanuman Chalisa.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  208. SurdasIllustration coming soon

    Surdas

    3 stories

    The blind poet who saw Krishna.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  209. TukaramIllustration coming soon

    Tukaram

    4 stories

    The grocer of Dehu who wrote abhangas.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  210. JnaneshwarIllustration coming soon

    Jnaneshwar

    3 stories

    The boy who wrote the Jnaneshwari at sixteen.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  211. NamdevIllustration coming soon

    Namdev

    2 stories

    The tailor who fed a dog ghee.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  212. EknathIllustration coming soon

    Eknath

    2 stories

    The saint of Paithan who carried Ganga water to a donkey.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  213. AndalIllustration coming soon

    Andal

    3 stories

    The girl who wore the garland first.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  214. NammalvarIllustration coming soon

    Nammalvar

    2 stories

    The boy under the tamarind tree.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  215. BasavannaIllustration coming soon

    Basavanna

    3 stories

    The minister who wore a lingam on his chest.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  216. RamanujaIllustration coming soon

    Ramanuja

    3 stories

    The acharya who shouted the mantra from the tower.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  217. Adi ShankaracharyaIllustration coming soon

    Adi Shankaracharya

    5 stories

    The boy from Kaladi who walked the whole of India.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  218. MadhvacharyaIllustration coming soon

    Madhvacharya

    2 stories

    The strong boy of Udupi.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  219. Chaitanya MahaprabhuIllustration coming soon

    Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

    4 stories

    The saint who danced through Nadia.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  220. RamakrishnaIllustration coming soon

    Ramakrishna

    3 stories

    The priest of Dakshineswar who saw Ma everywhere.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  221. Swami VivekanandaIllustration coming soon

    Swami Vivekananda

    4 stories

    The monk who spoke in Chicago.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  222. SwaminarayanIllustration coming soon

    Swaminarayan

    6 stories

    Ghanshyam of Chhapaiya who walked as Nilkanth.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  223. RavidasIllustration coming soon

    Ravidas

    3 stories

    The cobbler-saint of Kashi.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  224. Purandara DasaIllustration coming soon

    Purandara Dasa

    2 stories

    The miser who became the father of Carnatic music.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  225. TyagarajaIllustration coming soon

    Tyagaraja

    2 stories

    The composer who sang to Rama in Thiruvaiyaru.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  226. AvvaiyarIllustration coming soon

    Avvaiyar

    3 stories

    The wise grandmother of Tamil.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide
  227. Bhakti Across TraditionsIllustration coming soon

    Bhakti Across Traditions

    3 stories

    Bhakti saints whose words sit in the Guru Granth Sahib.

    Books in preparation

    Explore the guide

Choose a telling before a title

A work, a chapter and a later retelling can share familiar characters while telling different stories. Begin with the source named on the book, then follow its sequence. Each edition has its own age and availability information.

Before you begin

Which edition should I choose for my child?

Open a book and check its age edition before reading. The five bands are 0–3, 4–6, 7–12, 13–17 and 18+. A listing here does not mean every edition is ready. For a child under seven, choose an available younger adaptation and preview it together.

Can we read in Hindi or listen together?

Each book page shows its available languages, reading previews and listening options. English and Hindi are the first reading languages; audio and illustrations may still be in preparation for a particular edition.