Lore and Legends of Kerala

Description

The richness and complexity of Kerala's social and cultural ethos is awe-inspiring. Lore & Legends of Kerala—a choice selection of stories from Kottarathil Sankunni’s Aithihyamala, the definitive resource of the myths and legends of Kerala published nearly a hundred years ago— gives us a glimpse of traditional Kerala society and culture. Peopled by sorcerers, spirits, yakshis, snakes, and elephants, the themes of these 48 stories, translated by T.C. Narayan, are as varied as the characters that animate these pages. From the majesty of temple elephants to the origins of the most important temples of Kerala, from recounting the lives of warriors, learned priests, and accomplished artists to the exploits of the Robin Hood of Kerala, Kayamkulam Kochunni, the stories are a window to this multicultural society. Including full-page illustrations by leading Malayali illustrators C.N. Karunakaran and Namboodiri, Lore & Legends of Kerala will appeal to young readers, and also to general readers and tourists interested in Indian literature and culture.