Introduction

Janapada stories are folk tales which carry practical wisdom in them. These used to be passed on from generation to generation by word of mouth - primarily in the form of grand parents and other elderly family members telling these stories to children.

The people who thought of these stories were not intellectuals who sat down consciously to write them down. They were people who felt the magic of the world around them, experienced all its trials and tribulations and were eager to pass that wisdom on to future generations. These stories are timeless and showcase human foibles and endurance. They are bite sized  experiences which everyone can relate to!

While we would not necessarily agree to the rules driving behaviors in the Janapada stories, it is not difficult to relate to them and feel them! In these stories animals talk and birds take on the role of helpers. Wild animals like lions help out and even harmful creatures likes snakes and scorpions can be friendly. A flying baby, a lover walking on water, a stomach which never is filled despite all the food that is eaten, a never filling pot of gold, a hand on the head which makes one prosperous, a writing on the tongue which brings life time of intelligence - all these are common happenings in the Janapada stories. A princess  seven malle flowers tall, a sweetheart  who showers honey when she talks and a girl whose  eyes are look moonshine are all characters of these stories. We also have quirky characters like a singing stone, a hardship causing beard  and a laughing mound to liven it up!

The stories could be humorous, the stories could be sad, the stories could be preachy - irrespective of what type of story it is, each story gives a deep insight into human nature and will leave us wondrous and thinking! 

What you see in this blog is a translation of some Janapada stories I found in Telugu. Any commissions and omissions in translation are my own!

References:

1. Uttara Karnataka Janapada Kadhalu - Simpi Linganna 
2. Janapada gadhalu - M D. Soujanya
3. Sanskruta Mahabharatamulo Janapada Kathalu - Acharya M. Jayadev