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Dakshin: South Indian Myths and Fables Retold
Dive into this treasure trove of fifteen opulent folk tales, myths and fables from vibrant southern India. Travel down the banks of the Kaveri to the shores of the Indian Ocean; from the depths of mysterious jungles to the towering Nilgiris; from the lavish abode of kings to quiet villages in Coorg; and finally, meet the enchanting fairies, elves, gods and goddesses along the way!
Laugh at the funny deeds of a miser. Cry at the misfortunes of the naï ve. Wonder at the courage of the weak against the mighty. Come, revel in these fantastic folk tales!
Laugh at the funny deeds of a miser. Cry at the misfortunes of the naï ve. Wonder at the courage of the weak against the mighty. Come, revel in these fantastic folk tales!
252 pages, Paperback
Published August 8, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 31, 2026
Reading this felt less like following a map and more like wandering through the many souls of southern India—where forests breathe with old legends, temples hold the weight of centuries, rivers remember forgotten kingdoms, and every landscape seems to carry a story older than memory. Nitin Kushalappa writes with the affection of someone who knows that geography is never just land; it is culture, language, ritual, and the people who keep them alive.
What stayed with me was the feeling of reverence. The book doesn’t rush from one destination to another. It pauses—for birdsong in the Western Ghats, for weathered stone carvings, for communities whose histories are rarely given the spotlight they deserve. Those quiet moments made the journey feel deeply human.
There is also a gentle melancholy beneath its beauty: the awareness that traditions fade, ecosystems change, and oral histories survive only as long as someone is willing to tell them. That awareness gave the book an emotional depth I wasn’t expecting.
When I reached the final page, I didn’t feel as though I had completed a travelogue. I felt as though I had carried home fragments of a living landscape—its rain-soaked hills, its sacred silence, and its countless stories still echoing through the south.
What stayed with me was the feeling of reverence. The book doesn’t rush from one destination to another. It pauses—for birdsong in the Western Ghats, for weathered stone carvings, for communities whose histories are rarely given the spotlight they deserve. Those quiet moments made the journey feel deeply human.
There is also a gentle melancholy beneath its beauty: the awareness that traditions fade, ecosystems change, and oral histories survive only as long as someone is willing to tell them. That awareness gave the book an emotional depth I wasn’t expecting.
When I reached the final page, I didn’t feel as though I had completed a travelogue. I felt as though I had carried home fragments of a living landscape—its rain-soaked hills, its sacred silence, and its countless stories still echoing through the south.
June 24, 2023
Fascinating!
I have never been so enthusiastic about reading a book. Dakshin reminded me of all the Amar chitra kathas and jataka tales that I had read as a kid.
This book is the best gift one could give to the next gen.
Great work Nitin! 👏
I have never been so enthusiastic about reading a book. Dakshin reminded me of all the Amar chitra kathas and jataka tales that I had read as a kid.
This book is the best gift one could give to the next gen.
Great work Nitin! 👏
April 19, 2023
04/19/2023: A few days ago I was happily reading this in India. I wanna go back!
May 9, 2023
"Dakshin" is a bold mystical book of fable and tales.
Starting with the illustrations, which I immediately fell in love with as soon as I opened the book, I knew I had to read this! However, because of my schedule, it took me a while to finish, and now that I have, I just have a lot to say!
First of all, I loved almost every tale that was in the book! And what got me was the writing style of the writer, Nitin. Who just put in way that was so engaging not even for a moment I felt bored or fast faced.
South Indian culture was depicted throughout the book and I loved how some dots of these stories even made sense now, as because mostly they all were fictional.
My overall experience with this book was really good! And even passed it to my brother and I don't have to say he loved it too.
5/5!
Starting with the illustrations, which I immediately fell in love with as soon as I opened the book, I knew I had to read this! However, because of my schedule, it took me a while to finish, and now that I have, I just have a lot to say!
First of all, I loved almost every tale that was in the book! And what got me was the writing style of the writer, Nitin. Who just put in way that was so engaging not even for a moment I felt bored or fast faced.
South Indian culture was depicted throughout the book and I loved how some dots of these stories even made sense now, as because mostly they all were fictional.
My overall experience with this book was really good! And even passed it to my brother and I don't have to say he loved it too.
5/5!
February 17, 2024
Although these are stories geared to children, they were charming and an easy and lovely read
May 31, 2023
☀️I have been thoroughly enjoying my time immersed in the world of short stories, and what enhances this experience even further is when these tales expand my knowledge. As a matter of fact, the collection titled ‘Dakshin’ is derived from ‘Dakshina’ – A Sanskrit word, meaning ‘South’, which is from where we refer to South India as ‘Dakshin Bharat’ or ‘The Deccan’.
☀️The 15 short stories in this book come from this very region of India wherein the author takes us through a magical tour with his anecdotes that are a part of a rich folklore of the South, passed down from one generation to the next.
☀️The stories are very unique and something that you may have never read or heard of before, especially if you belong from a part of India other than the South.
Some of these stories are translations of folk songs, converted from verse to prose, while some are retellings of the original oral folk tales and a select few stories are directly from the author's personal collection, graciously inherited from his ancestors.
☀️I enjoyed reading each and every story encompassed within this book, appreciating their distinctive nature, captivating illustrations, and masterful storytelling. Additionally, before the commencement of each story, the author provides a brief paragraph detailing its origin and significance. I found these insights to be both intriguing and educational. Furthermore, each story carries a moral, which serves as a refreshing reminder for adults like us who often forget these valuable lessons over time.
☀️Overall, I commend the author's dedicated efforts in researching, compiling, and presenting these stories in a concise and attractive manner to the readers. This collection is worth delving into for anyone interested in exploring the world of short stories, breaking free from a reading slump, or simply seeking knowledge and moral enlightenment.
☀️The 15 short stories in this book come from this very region of India wherein the author takes us through a magical tour with his anecdotes that are a part of a rich folklore of the South, passed down from one generation to the next.
☀️The stories are very unique and something that you may have never read or heard of before, especially if you belong from a part of India other than the South.
Some of these stories are translations of folk songs, converted from verse to prose, while some are retellings of the original oral folk tales and a select few stories are directly from the author's personal collection, graciously inherited from his ancestors.
☀️I enjoyed reading each and every story encompassed within this book, appreciating their distinctive nature, captivating illustrations, and masterful storytelling. Additionally, before the commencement of each story, the author provides a brief paragraph detailing its origin and significance. I found these insights to be both intriguing and educational. Furthermore, each story carries a moral, which serves as a refreshing reminder for adults like us who often forget these valuable lessons over time.
☀️Overall, I commend the author's dedicated efforts in researching, compiling, and presenting these stories in a concise and attractive manner to the readers. This collection is worth delving into for anyone interested in exploring the world of short stories, breaking free from a reading slump, or simply seeking knowledge and moral enlightenment.
April 8, 2023
Nitin Kushalappa’s Dakshin is a collection of fifteen delightful folktales from South India. Some of them are translations from folk songs, while others are retellings. Dakshin includes vibrant fables from Karnataka (four from the Kodagu district), Tamilnadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and even one from Orissa. Talking animals, Gods visiting Earth, celestial beings, magic, fairies, myths, legends; these stories have them all.
This book is a perfect blend of history, mythology, folklore, and tradition, helping the reader learn about the culture and customs of a community. What is intriguing is how the author introduces each story and explains its origin, be it a folktale, a regional song, or just a story narrated to him by his teacher or family. He also correlates the locations with current geography. The narrative includes many regional words, making it authentic.
Each story ends with a moral, reminding the reader of Jataka Tales or Panchatantra tales. These fables have been lesser heard, passed by word of mouth from one generation to another, making this book a gem. The top three stories I enjoyed the most include The Sage and the River, The Tale of the Last Sun, and The Tale of the Jungle River.
The reader will enjoy the trivia that is peppered throughout the stories. For example, the author mentions that the tale of Bala Nagamma has been made into a movie. The Kodava culture is described beautifully. We learn why the women of Coorg tie their sarees differently or why the men carry knives that have an imprint of a crescent moon on them.
The language of Dakshin is simple and lucid. The fabulous illustrations by Pari Satarkar make it engaging. An engrossing read for lovers of legend and lore!
This book is a perfect blend of history, mythology, folklore, and tradition, helping the reader learn about the culture and customs of a community. What is intriguing is how the author introduces each story and explains its origin, be it a folktale, a regional song, or just a story narrated to him by his teacher or family. He also correlates the locations with current geography. The narrative includes many regional words, making it authentic.
Each story ends with a moral, reminding the reader of Jataka Tales or Panchatantra tales. These fables have been lesser heard, passed by word of mouth from one generation to another, making this book a gem. The top three stories I enjoyed the most include The Sage and the River, The Tale of the Last Sun, and The Tale of the Jungle River.
The reader will enjoy the trivia that is peppered throughout the stories. For example, the author mentions that the tale of Bala Nagamma has been made into a movie. The Kodava culture is described beautifully. We learn why the women of Coorg tie their sarees differently or why the men carry knives that have an imprint of a crescent moon on them.
The language of Dakshin is simple and lucid. The fabulous illustrations by Pari Satarkar make it engaging. An engrossing read for lovers of legend and lore!
May 18, 2023
A collection of 15 folktales called Dakshin has a very wholesome feel for the cultures and languages it represents. Along with several stories set in Karnataka, this collection also includes translations of stories from Badaga (a language and culture in the Nilgiris), Tamil (set in Kongunadu), Malayalam, and one from Telugu (The Tale of Bala Nagamma & Evil Sorcerer, which has inspired films). Though it is evident that the author concentrates on folklore from Coorg, where he is from, he extends the book's scope by include a tale from Odisha (from the Munda group).
The reader can learn about a community's culture and traditions through this book's flawless blending of history, mythology, folklore, and tradition. What makes each story interesting is how the author introduces it and describes how it came to be, whether it be a folktale, a local song, or just a story told to him by his teacher or family. He makes connections between the locales and modern geography. The story is authentic since it uses a lot of local vocabulary.
Explore this collection of fifteen colourful myths, fables, and folktales from vivacious southern India. Discover the alluring fairies, elves, gods, and goddesses along the route as you journey from the banks of the Kaveri to the coasts of the Indian Ocean, from the depths of enigmatic jungles to the towering Nilgiris, from the opulent palaces of kings to tranquil villages in Coorg.
chuckle at a miser's humorous actions. Cry at the foolish's misfortune. Be in awe of the weak's bravery in the face of the powerful. Come and enjoy these wonderful folktales!
Dakshin is a clear and straightforward language. It is interesting because of the gorgeous artwork by Pari Satarkar. A fascinating read for fans of lore and legend!
The reader can learn about a community's culture and traditions through this book's flawless blending of history, mythology, folklore, and tradition. What makes each story interesting is how the author introduces it and describes how it came to be, whether it be a folktale, a local song, or just a story told to him by his teacher or family. He makes connections between the locales and modern geography. The story is authentic since it uses a lot of local vocabulary.
Explore this collection of fifteen colourful myths, fables, and folktales from vivacious southern India. Discover the alluring fairies, elves, gods, and goddesses along the route as you journey from the banks of the Kaveri to the coasts of the Indian Ocean, from the depths of enigmatic jungles to the towering Nilgiris, from the opulent palaces of kings to tranquil villages in Coorg.
chuckle at a miser's humorous actions. Cry at the foolish's misfortune. Be in awe of the weak's bravery in the face of the powerful. Come and enjoy these wonderful folktales!
Dakshin is a clear and straightforward language. It is interesting because of the gorgeous artwork by Pari Satarkar. A fascinating read for fans of lore and legend!
February 27, 2023
15 folk tales, myths, and fables. 15 valuable lessons. 15 impressive ventures through the southern region of India, featuring Gods, demigods, kingdoms, ogres, animals, birds, and beyond!
Be it the mynah who challenged a carpenter and, "unintentionally" wreaked havoc in the jungle, or the an evil sorcerer who was vanquished by a brave prince, a mythological tale about the human incarnate of Devi Lakshmi and how she taught a lesson to her vile "earthly" sister-in-law, or a farmer who reaped a harvest of gemstones- each of these tales are immensely rich with the aspects of compelling storytelling, memorable characters and the cultural opulence of the locale, spanning from Coorg to the Nilgiris.
While it is reasonable that Nitin has essentially compiled all 15 tales, which are nothing more than fables from "Deccan," the work demonstrates the author's expertise in wordplay. Because he considered the age group for which he was writing the story, all of his narratives are straightforward but captivating. And one simply can't overlook the breathtakingly stunning illustrations that brought the storylines to life. Even though they are in black and white, these illustrations are sure to make things easier to envision.
I felt more enriched than ever after reading Dakshin; learning some intriguing stories from South India was a gratifying affair. It's a book for people who love books, not just for kids or young adults. I'd like to read more books like this in general and more writing by this author in particular.
Be it the mynah who challenged a carpenter and, "unintentionally" wreaked havoc in the jungle, or the an evil sorcerer who was vanquished by a brave prince, a mythological tale about the human incarnate of Devi Lakshmi and how she taught a lesson to her vile "earthly" sister-in-law, or a farmer who reaped a harvest of gemstones- each of these tales are immensely rich with the aspects of compelling storytelling, memorable characters and the cultural opulence of the locale, spanning from Coorg to the Nilgiris.
While it is reasonable that Nitin has essentially compiled all 15 tales, which are nothing more than fables from "Deccan," the work demonstrates the author's expertise in wordplay. Because he considered the age group for which he was writing the story, all of his narratives are straightforward but captivating. And one simply can't overlook the breathtakingly stunning illustrations that brought the storylines to life. Even though they are in black and white, these illustrations are sure to make things easier to envision.
I felt more enriched than ever after reading Dakshin; learning some intriguing stories from South India was a gratifying affair. It's a book for people who love books, not just for kids or young adults. I'd like to read more books like this in general and more writing by this author in particular.
October 6, 2023
"Dakshin" by Nitin Kushal Appa MP is a delightful collection of fifteen folk tales, myths, and fables from the culturally rich and vibrant southern India. This anthology invites readers to embark on a journey through the diverse landscapes, cultures, and traditions of the southern region, offering a captivating glimpse into the folklore and storytelling traditions of this part of the country.
The book takes readers on a scenic tour, from the banks of the Kaveri River to the shores of the Indian Ocean, through lush jungles, and up to the towering Nilgiri mountains. Along the way, readers encounter a colorful cast of characters, including kings, villagers, gods, goddesses, fairies, and elves. Each tale presents a unique and enchanting narrative that explores universal themes such as humor, misfortune, courage, and the triumph of the underdog.
One of the strengths of "Dakshin" is its ability to capture the essence of southern Indian culture and traditions. The stories are infused with local flavors, customs, and beliefs, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the region's rich heritage. Whether it's the portrayal of local rituals or the depiction of everyday life in southern India, the book offers an immersive experience.
The storytelling in "Dakshin" is engaging and accessible, making it suitable for readers of all ages. The tales are told with simplicity and warmth, allowing the themes and morals to shine through without unnecessary embellishments. The stories are also well-paced, ensuring that readers remain captivated from start to finish.
Additionally, the book's exploration of the human experience through the lens of folklore is a commendable aspect. It presents readers with a diverse range of emotions, from laughter to tears, and from wonder to inspiration. These stories offer valuable lessons and insights into the human condition that are relevant across cultures and generations.
"Dakshin" is a treasure trove of storytelling that not only entertains but also educates and enlightens. It celebrates the rich tapestry of southern Indian culture while sharing universal themes that resonate with readers worldwide. Whether you are a lover of folklore, a fan of Indian culture, or simply someone looking for engaging and heartwarming tales, "Dakshin" is a book that will leave you enchanted and enriched. Nitin Kushal Appa MP's collection is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to connect people and cultures through the ages
The book takes readers on a scenic tour, from the banks of the Kaveri River to the shores of the Indian Ocean, through lush jungles, and up to the towering Nilgiri mountains. Along the way, readers encounter a colorful cast of characters, including kings, villagers, gods, goddesses, fairies, and elves. Each tale presents a unique and enchanting narrative that explores universal themes such as humor, misfortune, courage, and the triumph of the underdog.
One of the strengths of "Dakshin" is its ability to capture the essence of southern Indian culture and traditions. The stories are infused with local flavors, customs, and beliefs, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the region's rich heritage. Whether it's the portrayal of local rituals or the depiction of everyday life in southern India, the book offers an immersive experience.
The storytelling in "Dakshin" is engaging and accessible, making it suitable for readers of all ages. The tales are told with simplicity and warmth, allowing the themes and morals to shine through without unnecessary embellishments. The stories are also well-paced, ensuring that readers remain captivated from start to finish.
Additionally, the book's exploration of the human experience through the lens of folklore is a commendable aspect. It presents readers with a diverse range of emotions, from laughter to tears, and from wonder to inspiration. These stories offer valuable lessons and insights into the human condition that are relevant across cultures and generations.
"Dakshin" is a treasure trove of storytelling that not only entertains but also educates and enlightens. It celebrates the rich tapestry of southern Indian culture while sharing universal themes that resonate with readers worldwide. Whether you are a lover of folklore, a fan of Indian culture, or simply someone looking for engaging and heartwarming tales, "Dakshin" is a book that will leave you enchanted and enriched. Nitin Kushal Appa MP's collection is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to connect people and cultures through the ages
July 23, 2023
Genre: Folk tales /folk lore/Myths & Legends
Translations of folk songs and re tellings of folk tales across generations
A children’s book should satisfy 3 criteria.
- Easy, fluid language
- Suspension of disbelief aka rich imagination
- A moral of the story (or even 4 as in Bala Nagamma)
This collection of tales from the South India aka Dakshin Bharat ticks all the above. It’s a world where animals are often wiser than humans, where magic happens at the snap of a finger, and where each tale offers food for thought, much like our Sanskrit epic Panchtantra.
The tales are multi-hued ranging from 7 headed cobras to kangaroos which can leap from earth to heaven & even silver rice. Tales like ’the cow and the tiger’ have a faint resemblance to Dilip’s cow in Kalidas’s Raghuvansham. Tale of Moosay Kaka is rife with innocent humour. Tales give a fresh perspective to current geographic locations as Mount Eli, river Kaveri & also the Coorg style saris.
Although targeted at 10-12 age group readers, there is no reason the adults should miss out on this joyous bouquet.
Verdict: Carries the rich flavour of southern soil in every tale. Children (and adults with young hearts) can indulge alike.
Translations of folk songs and re tellings of folk tales across generations
A children’s book should satisfy 3 criteria.
- Easy, fluid language
- Suspension of disbelief aka rich imagination
- A moral of the story (or even 4 as in Bala Nagamma)
This collection of tales from the South India aka Dakshin Bharat ticks all the above. It’s a world where animals are often wiser than humans, where magic happens at the snap of a finger, and where each tale offers food for thought, much like our Sanskrit epic Panchtantra.
The tales are multi-hued ranging from 7 headed cobras to kangaroos which can leap from earth to heaven & even silver rice. Tales like ’the cow and the tiger’ have a faint resemblance to Dilip’s cow in Kalidas’s Raghuvansham. Tale of Moosay Kaka is rife with innocent humour. Tales give a fresh perspective to current geographic locations as Mount Eli, river Kaveri & also the Coorg style saris.
Although targeted at 10-12 age group readers, there is no reason the adults should miss out on this joyous bouquet.
Verdict: Carries the rich flavour of southern soil in every tale. Children (and adults with young hearts) can indulge alike.
March 25, 2023
"Dakshin" by Nitin Kushalappa Mp is a mystical book of south indian myths and fables. It takes us on a riveting journey of various places of south india with magical folklore and beautuful illustrations.
It was indeed a fascinating read for children's as well as adults. These stories are all about animals, magic, creatures, people etc.
Few of my personal favourite stories from this book:-
🍀The moon prince
🍀The tale of the last sun
🍀The blessings of vishnu
🍀The tale of the mynah who never gave up
🍀The cow and the tiger
Author's writing style is highly engrossing and gripping with crispy narrative . Author has beautifully presented the south indian culture in his stories and also showcases the hidden charm of the region.
Illustrations are mesmerising undoubtedly with intriguing characterization. While, reading this book I had a complete feeling of my childhood when I use to read these folklore's with a moral.
Cover of the book is classy and aesthetically designed . And I must say , one of my personal favourite cover page till now. Overall, If you are looking to dive deep in the mystical world of folklore's then do grab your copy now.
Must read❤❤
It was indeed a fascinating read for children's as well as adults. These stories are all about animals, magic, creatures, people etc.
Few of my personal favourite stories from this book:-
🍀The moon prince
🍀The tale of the last sun
🍀The blessings of vishnu
🍀The tale of the mynah who never gave up
🍀The cow and the tiger
Author's writing style is highly engrossing and gripping with crispy narrative . Author has beautifully presented the south indian culture in his stories and also showcases the hidden charm of the region.
Illustrations are mesmerising undoubtedly with intriguing characterization. While, reading this book I had a complete feeling of my childhood when I use to read these folklore's with a moral.
Cover of the book is classy and aesthetically designed . And I must say , one of my personal favourite cover page till now. Overall, If you are looking to dive deep in the mystical world of folklore's then do grab your copy now.
Must read❤❤
April 7, 2023
This book is a collection of translated myths, fables, and folktales from Tamil, Malyali, and other South-Indian languages. It gives out 15 great lessons with each of its stories. Just like we used to hear from our dadi-nani. Fables are quite fascinating and can waken a huge door to curiosity in kids, I can’t wait to read this to my niece.
The story about the determined Mynah, a farmer who harvested gemstones, and other stories like these might seem like a simple read but it sure does tingle the curiosity in my brain too as an adult. The book is focused on children for 9 and above, but I enjoyed it equally as well, I am 9 and above after all.
Nitin Khushalappa MP with his poised, straightforward writing has pushed me to search and read more of his works. Also, as a kid, I have heard fables and folktales, but being from the North many of these were new for me and thus interesting to the greatest extent.
Great light read for adults and probably one of the best reads for children. I can’t but bring out the teacher in me, this book will enhance children’s imagination powers, thinking capacity, and creativity.
The story about the determined Mynah, a farmer who harvested gemstones, and other stories like these might seem like a simple read but it sure does tingle the curiosity in my brain too as an adult. The book is focused on children for 9 and above, but I enjoyed it equally as well, I am 9 and above after all.
Nitin Khushalappa MP with his poised, straightforward writing has pushed me to search and read more of his works. Also, as a kid, I have heard fables and folktales, but being from the North many of these were new for me and thus interesting to the greatest extent.
Great light read for adults and probably one of the best reads for children. I can’t but bring out the teacher in me, this book will enhance children’s imagination powers, thinking capacity, and creativity.
August 20, 2023
From childhood, I have been a keen enthusiast of local folklore and myths and with my grandmother’s stories being a big part of my nightly routine, I have literally grown up listening to them.
‘Dakshin’ by Nitin Kushalappa MP is a vibrant collection of 15 stories surrounding the myths and folklore of South India. Through his animated style of narration and vivid descriptions, the author brings to life the imaginary world of fairies, gods, and demons that highlighted the folklore of the past.
Each story takes you through a different journey and always ends with a moral lesson for you to ponder upon. Some of the stories also come with illustrations that are simple yet descriptive on their own. There is also a very engrossing allure to the style of narration that is bound to keep you turning the pages of the book and looking for more as you turn the last page over.
This book was such a treat to read. If you are a short story lover or a lover of reading folklore, go for this book. You will surely enjoy it!
‘Dakshin’ by Nitin Kushalappa MP is a vibrant collection of 15 stories surrounding the myths and folklore of South India. Through his animated style of narration and vivid descriptions, the author brings to life the imaginary world of fairies, gods, and demons that highlighted the folklore of the past.
Each story takes you through a different journey and always ends with a moral lesson for you to ponder upon. Some of the stories also come with illustrations that are simple yet descriptive on their own. There is also a very engrossing allure to the style of narration that is bound to keep you turning the pages of the book and looking for more as you turn the last page over.
This book was such a treat to read. If you are a short story lover or a lover of reading folklore, go for this book. You will surely enjoy it!
March 10, 2023
(DAKSHIN)
This is a collection of 15 short folk stories of South. It covers the whole south India & collects those masterpieces to spread its essence to everyone.
𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬
° Nice collection of stories
° Help to know more about the south cultures & traditions
° List of Bibliography is quite appreciable
𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 :
✓ Cover the book is colourful eye-catching & draws attention in one go.
✓ Kudos to the author for penning down such unique stories with so much detailing.
✓ Characterization of the book are good & quite connecting with the readers.
✓ The author focused on each detailing of the book that made this book more crisp to read.
✓ Narration of the story is smooth & shuttle.
✓ Perfect for 6-14 age group kids.
This is a collection of 15 short folk stories of South. It covers the whole south India & collects those masterpieces to spread its essence to everyone.
𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬
° Nice collection of stories
° Help to know more about the south cultures & traditions
° List of Bibliography is quite appreciable
𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 :
✓ Cover the book is colourful eye-catching & draws attention in one go.
✓ Kudos to the author for penning down such unique stories with so much detailing.
✓ Characterization of the book are good & quite connecting with the readers.
✓ The author focused on each detailing of the book that made this book more crisp to read.
✓ Narration of the story is smooth & shuttle.
✓ Perfect for 6-14 age group kids.
April 20, 2023
A beautiful book comprising 15 tales from the states of South India. The cover is beautifully illustrated and the stories have been represented very rightfully adding a vision to our imagination of the situation from the tales!
.
Each tale has an introduction - region of origin, how it was told, passed on etc and each tale also ends with a take home message or moral as we would say - to tell us what is to be learnt from the story!
.
The stories just like folklore, myths and fables consist of kings, queens, demons, talking animals, palaces, forests, Gods and Godesses and also on.
.
They are really well retold, nicely compiled, and make a great book for storytelling and reading, making children aware of values and teasing their imagination at the same time!
.
Each tale has an introduction - region of origin, how it was told, passed on etc and each tale also ends with a take home message or moral as we would say - to tell us what is to be learnt from the story!
.
The stories just like folklore, myths and fables consist of kings, queens, demons, talking animals, palaces, forests, Gods and Godesses and also on.
.
They are really well retold, nicely compiled, and make a great book for storytelling and reading, making children aware of values and teasing their imagination at the same time!
May 16, 2023
Dakshin is a collection of 15 stories of fancy imagination and creative possibilities. These tales, as the author states right in the beginning, have either been translated from one of the Dravidian languages or have been converted into prose from the free verse of the songs. The stories from Coonoor, Coimbatore, Bhubaneshwar, Channapatna and Kodagu are interesting as a genuine flavour of the local culture is evident in the narrative. Written passionately, these short tales might or might not be true yet it has a sense of nostalgia. For those who hail from the southern part of our beautiful nation, these stories might serve as ‘homecoming’. Recommended read!
Plus point: The cover is magnificent and the illustrations add life to the stories!
February 18, 2023
This book is brilliantly written with an attractive cover and beautiful illustrations. This is a collection of folk tales which are not just for children but for adults also; a general audience can read it without any age barrier. The book is a collection of fables, with talking animals, and myths, with magical creatures. The stories have been narrated in a simple but stylish fashion. This is a recommended must-read for everybody, irrespective of region or age. It is easy to understand and yet very interesting. One becomes wiser and knowledgeable not just about South India but about human behaviour after completing this book.
March 25, 2023
Quote from the book
"One should never judge a book by its cover".
This book is the awesome Collection of 15 folk tales from South India.
As I am north Indian but after reading this book I found lots of things about South India like its regional languges, places, God, folk songs etc.
Quote from the book
"If you help others, selflessly without thinking of returns, they will also come in your aid when needed. "
Each tale give moral lessons to us.
I liked the story "the tale of the mynah who never gave up" and "the cow and the tiger" most.
The language is simple easy to understand.
I like the cover of the book.
I recommend this book to all age groups people.
"One should never judge a book by its cover".
This book is the awesome Collection of 15 folk tales from South India.
As I am north Indian but after reading this book I found lots of things about South India like its regional languges, places, God, folk songs etc.
Quote from the book
"If you help others, selflessly without thinking of returns, they will also come in your aid when needed. "
Each tale give moral lessons to us.
I liked the story "the tale of the mynah who never gave up" and "the cow and the tiger" most.
The language is simple easy to understand.
I like the cover of the book.
I recommend this book to all age groups people.
April 26, 2023
Great effort to bring together all the lost folklore in South India. When reading the book, one would fondly recall many oral stories passed down by the grandmas and elders in the family.
Special mention of the sketches / illustrations that went with each of the 15 stories. The only reason my rating is a 3 is because of the writing style. It needs more polish, and in many places, the style is of spoken English rather than written.
Can tell myself that's okay because these stories must have been narrated thus, but it broke my interest, and I finished the book plainly because I had to. Another rendition of these stories would be fantastic.
Special mention of the sketches / illustrations that went with each of the 15 stories. The only reason my rating is a 3 is because of the writing style. It needs more polish, and in many places, the style is of spoken English rather than written.
Can tell myself that's okay because these stories must have been narrated thus, but it broke my interest, and I finished the book plainly because I had to. Another rendition of these stories would be fantastic.
August 24, 2023
Wonderful folk tales, mostly from South India. Be it an animal's sacrifice of its life as it had a promise to keep or a boy's determination to free his parents and uncles from a powerful wizard or a giant man's man mission to kill a giant kangaroo for his wife in a competition against queen's army. Moreover each of the tale has got a moral - one should not be greedy or angry, having patience, having good habits, all people are equal, where there's a will there's a way etc. The entire collection gives you the glimpse of rich heritage of Indian folk tales . I would urge everyone not to miss this book.
March 11, 2024
As a child if you loved to be immersed in world of stories (amar chitra katha, panchtantra, hitopadesh, jatak katha, Arabian nights, fairy tales etc.etc.) then this book is gonna make you feel like you're back in that time of your childhood. The collection of stories is from South India so they were new for me but I liked some of the stories so much. As a child I devoured every story book I got my hands on until I memorized all the stories and then I used to tell them to my younger siblings. This book brought back those memories!
February 4, 2026
one of the books I'll go back to experience childhood again. South Indian folk tales are retold in such a simple way, surrounding around the life style of the people, the customs and their thought processes. absolutely delightful read. The illustrations were such a beautiful touch! some of them span two pages. to depict some events in all black and white is a tough task, but I want to give special thanks to the artist behind the illustrations as well. they make this already endearing book special.
January 5, 2025
A collection of simplified fables sourced from across South India (but most noticeably from the author’s home region of Coorg) which may be of interest to children and those with a keenness for anthropology. Could be vastly better written and curated, but as it stands, it’s fine for a low-commitment read while on the move.
June 24, 2026
Excellent compilation of south indian tales, some were picked from poetry collection and then converted into prose, some were derived from local cultures. Lots of stories from Kodagu (Coorg) region. It was such light and intriguing read. Superb concept and illustration in the book and the cover page of the book, everything is themed around folklores !
September 16, 2023
Folktales for children from South India, with moral(s) mentioned at the end of each tale. Very nostalgic read!
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