Indian folktales – Instilling moral virtues in kids

By Ashita Goel

Folklore and folktales have always been a vital component of every civilization. India, a nation with many different religions, languages and traditions offers a wide variety of folktales and short stories.

Relating to fictional characters and believing in magical powers was one of the favourite tasks of many children. It was the time when one couldn’t have a sound sleep without listening to at least one bedtime story. That was the era of folktales! Children adored hearing the tales of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, which helped them develop their mythical knowledge. There are many stories found in the ancient Indian epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita that are based on the lives of great people.

Till date, Indian folklore is considered ideal for children because it is rich with moralistic principles that should be instilled in them from an early age. Numerous mythological traditions and stories that come from all areas of life are found in Indian folklore. These old tales have been passed down from one generation to the next, fusing traditional values with the modern age. These stories comprise legends involving supernatural abilities, genies, monarchs, fairies, animals etc. Children are taught moral principles and manners through these stories. The extraordinary ‘Panchatantra’ to ‘Hitopadesha’ from ‘Jataka’ to ‘Akbar-Birbal’ are just a few of the intriguing tales.

The Hitopadesha

The Sanskrit book Hitopadesha, which imparts knowledge and values is one of the most-read book in India. It is a great collection of short stories composed by Narayana Pandit which dates back almost a thousand years. The term ‘Hitopadesha’ is a joint effort of two terms, ‘Hita’ and ‘Upadesha’ i.e. it is a collection of tales that counsel and advice for the welfare and benefit of everyone. It is a widely read children’s book that aids in their development into responsible and mature adults.

Jataka Tales

The Jataka Tales were composed in 300 B.C. to teach humanity, morality and knowledge. Since then, Jataka tales have evolved into entertaining and educational storybooks. Buddhist stories known as Jataka were first written in Pali and since have been translated into many other languages. The inspiring tales of ‘Jataka’ are meant to teach readers about morality, honesty, selflessness and other instructive virtues.

Panchatantra Tales

India’s fabled Panchatantra is a collection of short stories written by Vishnu Sharma between 1200 CE – 300 CE. These fables are crafted in a way that children like reading and feel as if they are actively participating in the narrative. The stories are charmingly told, with animals and birds serving as the main characters. These tales are basically meant to give moral values and leadership skills to kids.

Amar Chitra Katha

Amar Chitra Katha is an Indian folklore written by Anant Pai in the 1960s with a series on mythology, history and Indian legends. Most of its folktales are based on religious legends and epics, historical figures and their biographies.

Akbar-Birbal

Akbar-Birbal was one of the most liked children’s literature. Every time we would read, watch or hear about the arguments between Akbar and Birbal, our five senses would definitely get satisfied. The lessons these stories provide to children really benefit them. The stories show how Birbal was able to manage the competing political ideas present in the Mughal courts of his time.