Khirer Putul (1896) by Abanindranath Tagore, a timeless Bengali fairy tale, weaves a captivating narrative that has charmed generations. Rooted in traditional Bengali folklore and culture, this tale is a cultural treasure. Abanindranath Tagore, an illustrious painter and nephew of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, masterfully integrates mythical references, rituals, rhymes, allegory, and enchanting images. A fantasy laced with local customs and beliefs, Khirer Putul stands alongside the works of Rabindranath Tagore, Upendrakishore Roy Choudhuri, Sukumar Ray, and Lila Mazumdar, etching its place as a classic in Bengali children’s literature. A timeless gem for young minds, beautifully illustrated and cherished across generations.

People across the globe know the story of the Buddha by heart. Do they know the story of Nalak as well? It is an incredible tale indeed. In a parallel journey, Buddha and Nalak never actually cross paths. However, the child hermit’s quest to find the Tathagata is inspiring. As the story ends with a bittersweet note, Nalak returns to his mother, completing a circle. Often regarded as a juvenile classic, Nalak by Abanindranath Tagore goes beyond any strict classification, being deeply moving and profoundly philosophical. The present translation of Nalak preserves the lyrical quality of the Bengali original and the visual beauty of poetic descriptions.