First Published in 2000. This is Volume XIV of fourteen of a series on India- its language and literature. Collated in 1888, this is a collection of folk-tales by the author who was a missionary who had the primary object in collecting these tales was to obtain some knowledge of Kashmiri, which .is a purely colloquial language; and a secondary object was to ascertain something of the thoughts and ways of the people.

With 600 signed, alphabetically organized articles covering the entirety of folklore in South Asia, this new resource includes countries and regions, ethnic groups, religious concepts and practices, artistic genres, holidays and traditions, and many other concepts. A preface introduces the material, while a comprehensive index, cross-references, and black and white illustrations round out the work. The focus on south Asia includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, with short survey articles on Tibet, Bhutan, Sikkim, and various diaspora communities. This unique reference will be invaluable for collections serving students, scholars, and the general public.

A Major Activity Of The Sahitya Akademi Is The Preparation Of An Encyclopaedia Of Indian Literature. The Venture, Covering Twenty-Two Languages Of India, Is The First Of Its Kind. Written In English, The Encyclopaedia Gives A Comprehensive Idea Of The Growth And Development Of Indian Literature. The Entries On Authors, Books And General Topics Have Been Tabulated By The Concerned Advisory Boards And Finalised By A Steering Committee. Hundreds Of Writers All Over The Country Contributed Articles On Various Topics. The Encyclopaedia, Planned As A Six-Volume Project, Has Been Brought Out. The Sahitya Akademi Embarked Upon This Project In Right Earnest In 1984. The Efforts Of The Highly Skilled And Professional Editorial Staff Started Showing Results And The First Volume Was Brought Out In 1987. The Second Volume Was Brought Out In 1988, The Third In 1989, The Fourth In 1991, The Fifth In 1992, And The Sixth Volume In 1994. All The Six Volumes Together Include Approximately 7500 Entries On Various Topics, Literary Trends And Movements, Eminent Authors And Significant Works. The First Three Volume Were Edited By Prof. Amaresh Datta, Fourth And Fifth Volume By Mohan Lal And Sixth Volume By Shri K.C.Dutt.

The story of Kashmir and Kashmiri Pandits is a story of love and loss, of hope and despair, of pride and pain. It is a story that spans from the ancient times to the present day, from the golden age of Hindu civilization to the dark era of Islamic invasion, from the peaceful coexistence of different religions to the violent conflict of ideologies, from the prosperous and happy life in the valley to the tragic and forced exodus from their homeland. It is a story that needs to be told and heard, to understand the past and shape the future. It is a story that celebrates the spirit and resilience of Kashmiri Pandits, who have not given up on their dreams and aspirations, and who have not forgotten their roots and identity.The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about this fascinating community that has a unique connection with India’s most disputed region.