Whispers of the Hillocks - Folktales collected from Vales of Panchkot

From the ancient time people are inclined to cook stories based on the events that occurred in their families, in their clans, in their tribes, and eventually in there nation. For the wish fulfilment they are dependent on divine or semi-divine being. Now-a-days Indian children are accustomed with werewolf, elf, unicorn, magic bean of Jim, Cinderella, without having any knowledge about the indigenous mythopoeic world. This book is an attempt to uphold the cultural taste and aesthetic value of the Manbhum, (a part of Chotonagpur plateau) situated at Eastern part of India. As Manbhum is a hilly region surrounded with dense forest and lush green vegetation therefore fairies and gnomes appear in the leaf-green light of Junglemahal. These supernatural beings keep a night long vigil over the growing crops. As the night grows dark Shunaiya (native word for listener) returns to home; yawning in the dim lamplight and is eagerly waiting for the Balaiya (dwarf like creature) to exhibit the uncanny art. Beyond the veil of reasoning and morality lies these free spirits that can dance and frolic as they wish. Here, instead of dangerous werewolf, frog appears as a veritable knight to rescue pretty damsels, divine Godess Durga ma appears as a little daughter 'Vadu' to solace a barren king. These folktales are simply enticing!