The Puffin Book of Magical Indian Myths by Anita Nair is “not another one on Indian myths” but as you leaf through it you realise that there is a difference. Whether it is the Dasavatara or Vishvamitra’s rise to brahmarishi status or the moon’s waxing and waning, none of the 50 tales in this book is new. But the slightly irreverent tone and language
gives it a new feel.
Take the story of how Kartikeya killed Tarakasura. As Nair tells it, it’s not one major incident in the good versus evil battle but the result of a naughty boy’s temper tantrum.
Similarly the two stories of Balarama show him not as the aloof stern figure of the Mahabharata but as a good-natured man, fond of his drink and a fight. Another interesting one is how the parijata tree came to earth. Apart from the mythological stories, there are a couple of folktales as well.
Apart from the language, the other thing that attracts is Atanu Roy’s illustrations. Vivid and arresting, the full page illustrations are sure to hold a child’s attention.
In the final cut, this hardback edition works for the five to seven year old group.
THE PUFFIN BOOK OF MAGICAL INDIAN MYTHS,
Anita Nair, Illustrated by Atanu Roy, Puffin, Rs. 499.
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