Some folk tales are remembered for magical creatures. Others survive because of a clever twist that listeners enjoy retelling long after the story is over. This old tale from Andhra Pradesh belongs to the second category. At the heart of it is a trader’s daughter whose quick thinking repeatedly helps her succeed against people far Read more…

The province of Warangal was ruled by a benevolent king. His magnanimity meant that his popularity spread far and wide. Two beggars regularly came to him asking for alms. One of them was a young man while the other was an aged woman. After being compensated, the young man would say, “the King provides”, while Read more…