INDIAN FOLKTALE: A DISCUSSION IN THE WORKS OF MANOJ DAS AND RUSKIN BOND

Abstract

The present study encompasses the works of Manoj Das and Ruskin Bond vis-à-vis the folktales of India. Bond’s works reflect the rustic simplicity of mountain life, themes of nature, identity, nostalgia, childhood and human relationship. His narrative style, subtlety, empathy, gentle humour, make him a beloved figure in the Indian literature and mostly among children, whereas, Das’s works set in the countryside Odisha, express the events of olden times. The works of Manoj Das are about fantasy, occult practices in specific Indian provinces. Das has clearly highlighted Indianness in proper atmosphere and perspective. His narration and presentation have the touch of humour, irony, satire and admiration, which make him special and unique. Das’s short stories such as “The Crocodile’s Lady”, “A Turtle from the Blue”, and “One Who Lifted the Mountain” and Bond’s “The Ganga Descends” and “Tales of Tunganath” highlight all these dimensions of study.