Amar Chitra Katha

Jagdis Chandra Bose was the first Indian scientist in modern times to have won international recognition. Gifted with a mind that was at once inquisitive and discerning, Bose wondered about the how and why of things from a very young age. His contribution to the world of science was invaluable. As the 1945 edition of 'Encyclopedia Britannica' wrote: "His work was so much in advance of his time that its precise evaluation was not possible."

Only Birbal could outwit Akbar and get away with it. A witty and wise diplomat, he ensured that both the emperor and the empire retained their greatness. This collection of tales highlighting Birbal's presence of mind, his kindness and his shrewdness guarantees a good laugh. At the same time, it divulges some useful tricks for overcoming sticky situations.

Deer, in the Jataka tales, are often gentle bodhisattvas or Buddhas-to-be. They are noble, selfless, wise and virtuous. Models of right thinking and right living, they strongly advise a life of non-violence and peace for ultimate happiness. Even if greed leads them astray, they are soon guided back to the correct path.

In Vishnu Sharma's famous Panchatantra tales, animals talk and act like humans. A wily jackal or a deceiving donkey, an impetuous frog-king or an arrogant lion often mirror our everyday world. Through these tales the master storyteller reveals the secret of living life wisely yet happily to generations of readers all over the world.

An elephant's grace often matches his size. Amazingly patient and kind, he can put the petty greed of human beings to shame. But at times the odd elephant can turn nasty. What then can the smaller creatures of the world do to save themselves? Read the ancient wisdom of these Jataka tales to find out.

To his admirers, he is a great teacher and a saint. To his devotees, he is a divine incarnation. Summing up the life of Sri Ramakrishna, Will Durant, in his The Story of Civilization, writes: "All religions are good, he taught his followers, 'All rivers flow to the ocean. Flow and let others flow too!' He tolerated sympathetically the polytheism of the people and accepted humbly the monism of the philosophers but in his own living faith God was a spirit incarnated in all men and the only true worship of God was the loving service of mankind."

When ten-year-old Binya becomes the proud owner of the most beautiful blue umbrella in the world, her happiness knows no bounds. The umbrella becomes her constant companion and protector. But there are others, in the village, who would also like the umbrella for their own and will go to great lengths to get it.Sita lives with her grandparents on a tiny island in the middle of a river. One day, when her grandparents are away the river begins to rise. The friendly stretch of water becomes an angry, rushing flood and Sita watches as her beloved home is washed away. Will she be able to save herself?The Blue Umbrella and The Angry River, two wonderful stories from one of India's most loved storywriters, Ruskin Bond.

Combine stories of Jataka, Panchatantra and Hitopadesha.

The carefree, fun-loving boy changed suddenly. Meditative and withdrawn, Vekataraman or Ramana Maharshi, as he was later named, left his loved ones and set out to find his true calling. The Maharshi's, simplicity, his quiet wisdom and his love for every living being - be it a tree, an animal or the lowliest of people - brought with it a peace and calm that suffused every devotee who came before him.

It was a time of turbulence when resentment against British treachery and betrayal was simmering in the people of India. The Nawab of Avadh had been a staunch ally of the British, providing them with money, grain and cattle and yet, Avadh was annexed through the Doctrine of Lapse as were other states like Satara, Sambalpur, Nagpur and Jhansi. The discontent triggered off the first war of Indian Independence. Rana Beni Madho and Pir Ali were two heroes of that period who inspired many to stand up against injustice.

Born a poor refugee, Meher was blessed with both spirit and talent. She could ride horseback and design fine clothes. She could lead armies to victory and yet be a doting wife. She could attend to the problems of a vast empire and at the same time be blissfully happy making perfumes. Emperor Jahangir fell under her spell and aptly named her Noor Jahan, for she lit up his world with her love.

When King Dushyanta first saw Shakuntala, he was struck by her incomparable beauty and gentle character. He made her his wife and vowed to take her back to his palace. But a curse from the sage Durvasa erased her memory so completely from his mind that he failed to recognize her. Much later, when the curse was broken he realized his mistake but it was too late or so it seemed to be. The story of Shakuntala first appeared in the Mahabharata. It was later adapted into a play by the Sanskrit dramatist and poet, Kalidasa.

Ilisa and Kesiya, two misers, foolishly filled their lives with worry. Had they understood the joy of giving and sharing, how much happier they and their families, would have been! Buddha's most important message, that desire and greed block the path to eternal bliss, is reiterated in the Jataka tales. These light-hearted parables teach us to respect ourselves as well as others. But, like Manduka, they also relish an occasion to get a fool to part with his money!

Shivaji, famous as a warrior and patriot, was also renowned for his kindness. His behavior managed to convert a spunky young mother, an avenging widow and a terrified maiden into devoted friends. Not only did the powerful Maratha display humility and a constant sense of fair play, he also upheld the honor of every woman whether rich or poor, enemy or ally.

A power-hungry warrior and a peace-loving wife - could they ever tread together on the path of non-violence? Ashoka waged war after ruthless war, yet by the time his children grew up, he proudly saw them off as Buddhist missionaries. Read of the charmed life of this famous king of Magadha, who not only built a prosperous kingdom but spread the message of universal love.

As dawn breaks, Surya, the Sun God, leaps over the horizon in his chariot, pulled by seven radiant horses. As he rises into the sky he spreads light and warmth all over the world. The great Ganga king, Narasimha Rao, commissioned 1200 artisans to recreate this scene in stone. The Konark Sun Temple is a place where the lines between fact, fiction and folklore have blurred over time. Amar Chitra Katha interweaves the history of the 13th century monument with some of the mythology associated with it.

Jai Hind! Subhas Chandra Bose's stirring war cry brought hope to Indians everywhere. Indian soldiers in Japanese prisoners-of-war camps as well as freedom-loving youth in the country were infected by his call to arms. Though born to wealth and comfort, this brilliant scholar was also a born leader. His ideas and efforts went a long way in gaining India her freedom from British rule.

Narayana, the author of these parables, insists that we exercise caution when choosing our companions. His charming animal characters - sometimes silly, sometimes wise - remind us uncomfortably of ourselves. We learn to avoid the pitfalls of life, along with them, thus attaining wisdom in a rather enjoyable way! Most importantly, we realize the worth of an honest friend.

The 'dullard' of the story, an unfortunate failure at school, is a familiar figure in every age. Poor at his books, he compensates with a wealth of common sense and goes on to survive life's trials rather well. His comically smug, scholarly companions, on the other hand, soon meet their doom. These tales may mirror everyday human vices in a time-tested and engaging way but they are also gentle guides to a wiser, happier path.

Rana Sanga, the ruler of Mewar, had his eyes set on the throne of Delhi. However, the rising Mughal star Babur got rid of the Lodhi Sultan of Delhi. Thus the stage was set for the confrontation between the formidable Rana and an equally determined Babur who had just found a new home for his men, Hindustan.

He revived the Indian spirit that lay shackled by Western domination. He inspired his countrymen to be proud of their heritage. He urged them to be fearless. In his short life and in the face of tremendous odds, he initiated a world-wide movement to uplift the human race and opened the eyes of the West to the wonders of ancient Indian thought.

Was Chanakya a demon or a man? His opponents had no answer. They would plot and plan, coax and connive, but the scholar-turned-politician was always a step ahead, confounding both their motives and their ambitions. He led his king, Chandragupta, to greatness and set his kingdom on the road to peace and prosperity. Then, for generations of future rulers, he compiled a useful guide, the famously canny Arthashastra.

They make an odd couple. Bhimasena is a giant who weaves delicate baskets for a living. His friend the dwarf, who is a wizard with a bow and arrow, is known as the Little Bowman. Together, their antics take us on a roller-coaster ride of humor and adventure, from their rustic village homes all the way to the court of the King of Varanasi. In true Jataka tradition, their tale also teaches us a valuable lesson about pride and over-confidence.

Ramanuja (AD 1017-1137) lived for 120 years, traversing the land from Tamil Nadu to Kashmir. People flocked to him to understand his unusual message, the path to ultimate bliss. High caste or low, wealthy or poor, Ramanuja turned no one away. The great Acharya who wrote scholarly commentaries on sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita was first and foremost a simple-hearted devotee. He inspired the Bhakti movement that spread throughout the country.

A hungry jackal finds food when he overcomes fear. A curious monkey meddles with something that does not concern him and comes to a sticky end. Philosophy, psychology, politics and human relations become simple enough to be understood by a child in Pandit Vishnu Sharma's brilliant work, the Panchatantra. Written and compiled in around 200 BC, every story is as relevant today as it was in ancient times.

The Bhagawat Puran book is the most popular of the eighteen Mahapuranas. It speaks of the glory of Vishnu and his ten incarnations. This Amar Chitra Katha special issue of Bhagawat – The Krishna Avatar is based on the 10th chapter of Bhagawat Purana book, which is the Krishna avatar of Vishnu. It narrates Lord Krishna stories in simple and graphic form. From his miraculous birth to his evil fight with Jarasandha, this book covers every story of Krishna avatar of Vishnu.

Collection Of The Following Titles: Monkey Stories, Deer Stories, Elephant Stories, Bird Stories & Jackal Stories.

In each manavantara Brahma creates seven exceptional sages from his mind, who represent supreme knowledge and righteousness. It is their duty to see that law and order is maintained in the Universe.

LORD GANESHA STORIES: Ganesha, Ganesha and the moon, Tales of Shiva, Shiva Parvati, Sati and Shiva, Karttikeya, Andhaka, Nahusha,Tripura & Elephanta.

This pack consists of the following titles: Ashoka, Rani Of Jhansi, Rana Sanga, The Legend Of Lalitaditya, Hiuen Tsang, The Historic City Of Delhi, Baji Rao I, Bagha Jatin, Tipu Sultan & Kunwar Singh.