3,000 years ago, deep inside the forests of India, a great ‘thought- revolution’ was brewing. In those forest labs, the brightest scientist-philosophers contemplated the universe and reflected upon the already-ancient texts called the Vedas, gaining some startling insights into questions that we still have no watertight answers to, like: * What is the universe made of? * How do I know I’m looking at a tree when I see one? * Who am I? My body, my mind, my intelligence, my emotions, or NOTA? And where did they put those explosive findings? In a sprawling body of goose-bumpy, thought-provoking and fascinating oral literature called the Upanishads! Intimidated? Don’t be! For this joyful, fun guide to some of India’s most enduring and secular wisdoms, reinterpreted for first-time explorers by author Roopa Pai, is guaranteed to keep you turning the pages. Why haven’t you read it yet?

What makes a city uniquely itself? Is it its geography, history, location? Is it its leaders, aspirations, demographics? Or is it a palpable spirit, wrought of a combination of all these, that seeps into the soil over centuries, and charges the air, infecting residents and visitors alike? Two decades of exploring her hometown – and reading, writing and talking about it – has convinced Roopa Pai that the last is true: cities are neither born nor made, they become. In this collection of evocative essays, she trawls the city's history to tease out bits of the Bangalore jigsaw – a scientist's quest for excellence, a maharani's foresight, an entrepreneur's vision, a chief minister's ambition, a writer's pride in his language, and more – in an effort to trace the genesis of the liberal soul of the metropolis and its ability to offer inclusive, creative, laid-back spaces amid its frenetic growth. What emerges is a fascinating mosaic that reveals how a little sixteenth-century settlement on a hill became India's most charismatic city.

It's one of the oldest books in the world and India's biggest blockbuster bestseller! - But isn't it meant only for religious old people? - But isn't it very long... and, erm, super difficult to read? - But isn't the stuff it talks about way too complex for regular folks to understand? Prepare to be surprised. Roopa Pai's spirited, one-of-a-kind retelling of the epic conversation between Pandava prince Arjuna and his mentor and friend Krishna busts these and other such myths about the Bhagavad Gita. Lucid, thought-provoking and brimming with fun trivia, this book will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.

Before Mahasweta Devi became a writer and human rights activist, she was a girl with a love for words.

An enchanting collection of the beloved tales of Emperor Akbar and his witty advisor, Birbal. The tales showcase Birbal's wit, intelligence, and charm as he solves complex problems and navigates the mysteries. Timeless Tales of Wisdom and Wit! Beautiful and vibrant illustrations Explores themes of loyalty and friendship Imparts valuable lessons on wisdom, justice, and cleverness Suitable for all ages Introduces glorious heritage of India

Before Shankuntala Devi was world-renowned as the human computer, she was a girl to whom numbers were her friends and playmates.

Widowed professor Sundaravadivelu rebuilds his life with the beautiful Maragadham. Yet, their new beginning is overshadowed by the recent loss of his son. Through the innocent eyes of his lively, young daughter, Kunjamma, we see the tragic past begin to resurface. A spilled cup of milk ignites a chilling display, while seemingly ordinary scenes from the past reveal unsettling glimpses into the family dynamic. Can Sundaravadivelu and his family find a way to heal and rebuild their lives in the face of such a loss? Translated splendidly into English by Subash Jeyan, this simple, yet poignant story is a remarkable piece of psychological realism.This revised edition is being published under the Tamil Literature in English Translation initiative of the TNTB & ESC. Pudumaippittan (C. Viruthachalam) was an influential and revolutionary writer of Tamil fiction. Though his pungent social satire, progressive thinking and outspoken criticism of accepted conventions irked many contemporary writers and critics, he is widely accepted as a doyen of Tamil Literature. In 2002, the Government of Tamil Nadu nationalised his works.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE AUTHER AWARDS 2021 (BEST AUTHOR - CHILDREN) This isn't just a story about humans making history.So, step aside, chroniclers and historians. For centuries, we've been overlooked, forgotten, and only occasionally footnoted (thanks a lot). It's time we took our rightful place in the spotlight. We've been the strongest allies, loyal friends- and we might even say we were the soulmates of great kings and queens, princes and princesses, warriors and officials. From risking our lives to save theirs and leading them to victory in battles to providing constant joy and love, we've done it all. Explore Akbar's dazzling court with his favourite cheetah, Samand Manik. Discover the heroic Battle of Haldighati from Chetak's perspective. Learn what Chhatrapati Shivaji was really like, straight from his dog, Waghya. Packed with daring adventures, epic romances, and touching moments, these underdog stories- oh, don't get upset, Bucephalus, it's just a figure of speech!- are unlike anything you've read before!

Sita and Helen. Two of mythology’s best-known ‘heroines’, famed for the epic wars fought over them in Lanka and Troy. There are endless accounts of how beautiful they were, what happened to them, and how their valiant husbands rescued them. But what do we really know of the women themselves? What did they think? How did they feel? Listen now to their own stories, in their own voices… Shailee imaginatively constructs their hidden sides, filling in the gaps where there was silence before. Rich, detailed illustrations augment text and theme to re-present these stories with an alternative perspective for young people of today.

The Chola ruler King Parthiban has a dream… he wants to make his empire the most powerful in the region. However, before he can do this, he is killed in battle. With the rising might of the Pallavas, how is his young son to fulfil this dream? A dramatic moment in history is recreated in this racy thriller by a master raconteur! With heart-stopping twists and turns, unforgettable characters, and the grace and valour of a time past, this is a gripping page-turner of a book.

Little Indians by Pika Nani is a lively and engaging journey across India, designed for young readers who are curious about the country’s stories, places, and surprising facts. From the marble rocks of Bhedaghat to the islands of the Andamans, from the heights of Himachal to the prehistoric lands of Gujarat, this book blends storytelling with fascinating trivia. Each chapter opens a new window into a different state—bringing together adventure, humour, and real-world knowledge. Readers encounter unexpected moments along the way: a crocodile chase during a boat ride, a donkey wandering through a film city, and hidden secrets tucked into India’s landscapes. Alongside these stories are nuggets of information that make learning feel effortless and exciting. Structured like a journey through 15 states, Little Indians pieces together diverse cultures, histories, and geographies into one larger picture—helping young readers see India not just as a map, but as a living, interconnected story. Perfect for middle-grade and young adult readers, the book encourages curiosity, imagination, and a deeper connection with the country.

A stolen ring. A boy who can recall his past life. A gruesome murder. Including three unputdownable mysteries by master storyteller Satyajit Ray, this omnibus edition is the perfect introduction to the greatest exploits of Feluda and his sidekick, Topshe. In The Emperor’s Ring, Feluda and Topshe are on holiday in Lucknow when a priceless Mughal ring gets stolen. As Feluda begins to investigate the theft, he finds himself hot on the trail of a devious criminal. In The Golden Fortress, Feluda and Topshe set out for Rajasthan in pursuit of Dr Hajra, a parapsychologist, and Mukul, a boy who claims to remember his previous life. After numerous adventures, they reach Mukul’s Golden Fortress, where Feluda unravels the many strands of one of their most mind-boggling cases. In Bandits of Bombay, Feluda and his companions find themselves in the thick of a thrilling case, with a hair-raising climax aboard a train during a film shoot. Traversing fascinating landscapes and electrifying escapades, this collection is an absolute classic and a must-have for fans of detective fiction.

Join Nara and his friends on enchanting adventures through the forest of Lalavan, where every twist and turn unveils the timeless teachings of the Gita. Through playful escapades, they uncover profound life lessons, nurture their personalities, and embark on paths of self-discovery. These captivating tales blend wit, mystery, and meaning—inviting young minds to learn, reflect, and wonder.

A poor little girl is rewarded with lovely gifts when she feeds a hungry bird all the rice she has. What happens when the girl’s greedy, nosy neighbour hears the story and tries to get better gifts for herself? Why did the once sweet sea water turn salty? How did the learned teacher forget his lessons only to be aided by the school cook? And how did the king hide his horrible donkey ears from the people of his kingdom? For answers to all this and more, delve right into another fabulous collection of stories by Sudha Murty.

Suraj and Radha never know when the colourful ‘Happiness Train’ will chug into their village, offering them a whole new world of fun and enchantment! ‘Trains and tracks are evil,’ says Amma, ‘they carry people away.’ But this train’s musical whistle, the gorgeous pictures on the coaches, and its promise of faraway, exciting lands – all make Suraj eager to leave his humdrum life and set out on adventures. One day, ignoring Radha’s warnings, he secretly boards the train. Soon Suraj realizes that he and the other runaway boys – Murali, Chhotu and Asad – are being carted away on a dangerous mission. With no hope of escaping, they are close to giving up, when help arrives unexpectedly. Is there a mysterious person on board who can rescue them? How is a raja connected with the train? Has Radha forgotten all about Suraj? And does he finally get what he is looking for? Find out in this unusual story about family, friends, and discovering new routes to happiness and home.

How many names does Arjuna have? Why was Yama cursed? What lesson did a small mongoose teach Yudhisthira? The Kurukshetra war, fought between the Kauravas and Pandavas and which even compelled the gods to choose sides, is well known. However, countless stories from before, after, and during the war offer new perspectives and are largely unfamiliar. Award-winning author Sudha Murty reintroduces the captivating world of India's greatest epic through extraordinary tales in this collection, each of which is sure to inspire wonder and amazement.

Written by one of the foremost Urdu writers on Ladakh, the northern-most region of India affected by war and tourism. Capturing Ladakh with images and people, this book makes for interesting reading.

Who by Trina Chako is a gripping young adult thriller that pulls you straight into a world of secrets, memory gaps, and danger that feels too close to home. Tiana Singhal seems to have everything going for her—a great internship, a stable life, and a clear path ahead. But in an instant, everything unravels. Forced to run from an unknown threat, she is left with more questions than answers. Who is the girl haunting her nightmares? Why does the face in the mirror feel unfamiliar? And most importantly—who is trying to kill her? As Tiana digs deeper into her past, the lines between truth and illusion begin to blur. Every clue raises new doubts, and every step forward brings her closer to a truth she may not be ready to face. Written in a sharp, accessible style, Who is perfect for teen readers stepping into the thriller genre. It combines suspense, identity, and psychological tension in a fast-paced narrative that keeps you hooked till the last page.

This is a collection of simple stories to be read aloud for young children, published under the Asian/Pacific co-publication program (ACP), with the joint efforts of UNESCO Member estate in Asia and the Pacific, and in cooperation with UNESCO. These stories and illustrations have been contributed by 20 countries in the region and selected by the regional editorial committee for ACP in consultation with the UNESCO member estate in the Asia and Pacific.

Before Salim Ali was a world-famous ornithologist, he was a boy curious about the mysteries around him. Especially the mysteries of birds.