Stories and jewelry from India
Silappathikāram or the lay of the ankle bracelet” is a Tamil epic from 5th century credited to Ilangō Adigal. The story is set in the three kingdoms of Southern India – of Chola, Pandya and Chera and revolves around a gem merchant Kovalan, his wife Kannagi and his mistress courtesan Madhavi. Read the synopsis of
Adapted from the Jataka tales Once upon a time, there lived a king and queen in a land full of monkeys. The queen loved to stroll in the royal fruit orchards and bathe in the pool there. One of her friends would sit on the bank to guard her belongings. That day too, the queen
Here are two stories from the life and times of Thirumangai Azhwar that revolves around jewelry including how leaves turned gold at the Aabarnadari temple. Neelan, Kaliyan a.k.a Thirumangai mannan Once upon a time, there lived a man called Neelan*. He was the chieftain of a clan of thieves. Also referred to by the name
This story is a variation of the Sanskrit drama The lady of the jeweled necklace which is attributed to king Harsha and discusses the life of princess Ratnavali. In the kingdom of Kaushambi. King Udayana marries queen Vasavadatta. However, his minister wants him to marry princess Ratnavali of the Sinhala Kingdom for a sage had
A version of this story appeared in Amar Chitra Katha as “The celestial necklace” by Toni Patel. It is said to have been an adaptation of a Jain story, written in Hindi by Muni Mahendrakumar Once there lived a pious and charitable king. Pleased with his devotion, a Demi God blessed him with a celestial