More Stories from The Jatakas (Comic Book)

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Over 86 million copies of over 400 titles sold worldwide Amar Chitra Katha is a collection of illustrated classical; that retell stories from Indian mythology, history, folktales and legends through the fascinating medium of comics. Over 430 stories from all over India have been told in this series that has been endorsed by educationists and recommenced by teachers the world over.

Through a masterful blend of commentary, dialogue and illustration, Amar Chitra Katha presents complex historical facts and intricate mythology in a format that would appeal to children. They not only entertain, but also provide a fitting introduction to the culture heritage of India. In a country so vast and varied, the series also serves as a medium for national integration, by introduction young readers to the rich culture diversity of the country and highlighting the achievements of local heroes.

Jataka Tales The Mouse Merchant The Jataka tales, on which the present title is based, is a collection of 550 stories included in the Pali canon. They are tales of the life of the Bodhisattva is one, who by performing virtuous, kind and intelligent acts, aspires to become a Buddha (enlightened one). He comes is many forms - man, monkey, deer, elephant, lion. Whatever his mortal body, he spreads the message of justice and wisdom, tempered with compassion. This wisdom, of right living, is preserved in the Jataka stories.

The Jataka tales are based on the ballads, legends and folklore of ancient India. A definite date cannot be assigned to the Jataka stories. Taking into account archaeological and literary evidence, it seems likely that were complied in the period between the 3rd century BC and 5th century AD. The Jataka tales provide invaluable information about ancient Indian civilisation, culture and philosophy.

This Amar Chitra Katha contains three stories. The Mouse Merchant' Provides a lesson in patience, perseverance and ingenuity, where a poor young man makes his fortune with rat. 'The Invaluable Treasure' is a charming tale about a destitute water-carrier who earns half a kingdom. The 'The Right Moment' is a quick test of wit.

Back of The Book The Jataka tales, on which the present collection is based, is a collection of 550 stories included in the Pali canon. They are tales in which the life of the Bodhisattva in his previous births is narrated. The Bodhisattva is one, who by performing virtuous, kind and intelligent acts, aspires to become a Buddha (enlightened one). He came in many forms-man, monkey, deer, elephant, lion-and whatever the form of his mortal body, he spread the message of justice and wisdom, tempered with compassion. This wisdom, of right thinking and right living, is preserved in the Jataka stories.

The Giant and the Dwarf narrates a tale of wit versus might, and brain versus braw, and also provides a lesson in humility and gratitude. The Mouse Merchant contains three stories teaching patience, perseverance and ingenuity, the last of which is exemplified in a tale where a poor young man makes his fortune with a dead rat. The Invaluable Treasure is a charming tale about a destitute water-carrier who earns half a kingdom. The Right Moment is a quick test of wit.

The demerits of greed, pride and blind faith are narrated in the short and simple tales of The Magic Chant. The Priceless Gem presents the second set of the tales connected with Aushadha Kumar, a Bodhisattva, and contain his adventures in the court of Mithila.

Tales of Misers contains three stories. The first two deal with miserly men who learn lessons in generosity and kind-heartedness by small miracles. The last story is that of a poor Brahmin who uses a quick trick to change the opinions people have of him.

The Jataka tales are based on the ballads, legend and folklore of ancient India, and provide interesting insights into the civilisation, culture and philosophy of that time.