The anthology brings together some of India’s greatest storytellers and their animal-based narratives.
As published in Nature inFocus on 27 August, 2019.
A popular story from the Mahabharata is that of Yudhisthira and his dog. In the 16th book of this epic, the Pandavas, having renounced their kingdom begin their final journey towards the Himalayas. The arduous climb takes a toll, and one by one family members are lost. In the end, only Yudishtira and his canine friend, who has been with him since the start of this journey, make it to the top. They are welcomed by Lord Indra, who invites Yudhishthira to an onward journey to heaven, provided he leaves the dog behind. Yudhishthira refuses firmly, even if it means perishing on earth. It is then revealed that this was his final test, and the dog is, in fact, the God of Dharma, who blesses Yudhishthira for his righteousness.
Animals have always found their way into our stories, harbouring the missing pieces in our narrative, either as depictions of what the world needs or reminders of what the world is. Before we learn anything about crows, we learn that they are resourceful. Before we learn anything about foxes, we learn that they are cunning. In anthropomorphising animals in our stories, we find ways to differentiate the right from the wrong and highlight the subtle rules our world lives by. But who says these stories have to stop at childhood?
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