Book Details

• Publisher: Sahitya Akademi

• Author: P. C. Roy Chaudhury

• Language: English

• Pages: 156

• Cover: Paperback

• Size: 21.5 cm × 14 cm

• Weight: 210 gm

• Edition: 2017

• ISBN: 9788172016296

Description

This volume presents a curated collection of folk tales from Bihar, retold and compiled by P. C. Roy Chaudhury, a noted historian and administrator with long experience in regional research. Folk tales, beyond their entertainment value, serve as vital cultural markers, reflecting the shared traditions, beliefs, and imaginative worlds of communities across regions.

Drawn from the compiler’s work on the District Gazetteers of Bihar, the stories included in this book reveal strong thematic and structural affinities with folk traditions found throughout India. The tales of Bihar, including those from the tribal regions of Chotanagpur, share common motifs with folk narratives from other tribal and non-tribal areas, highlighting the cultural interconnectedness of the subcontinent.

The book also addresses the challenges faced by folk literature in the modern era, including the effects of urbanisation, industrialisation, and the growing divide between rural and urban cultures. By preserving and presenting these narratives in accessible English, this work contributes meaningfully to the documentation and appreciation of India’s rich folk heritage.

Published by Sahitya Akademi, this paperback edition is recommended for students, researchers, and readers interested in folklore, cultural studies, anthropology, and regional history. It stands as a valuable addition to academic libraries and personal collections devoted to Indian folk traditions.