India is a land of myths, legends, and folktales that have been passed down through generations. While stories like Vikram and Betaal or Tenali Raman’s witty tales are widely known, there exist countless other folktales that remain in the shadows. These lesser-known stories, rich with wisdom, mystery, and adventure, are just as fascinating and deserve to be rediscovered.
In this article, we bring you ten lesser-known Indian folktales that will amaze you with their depth, moral lessons, and sheer imaginative brilliance.
The Monkey and the Crocodile (A Jain Folktale from Gujarat)
Deep within the lush forests of Gujarat, a clever monkey made his home high on the branches of a mango tree by the riverside. Life was pleasant, especially after he befriended a crocodile who frequently swam up to the bank for friendly conversations. The two shared many cheerful hours together, becoming unlikely companions.
However, not everyone was pleased by this friendship. The crocodile's wife grew envious and demanded her husband bring her the monkey's heart, believing it would be a delicious delicacy. Torn between loyalty to his friend and his wife’s insistence, the crocodile eventually devised a deceitful plan.
One day, he invited the unsuspecting monkey for a ride across the river. Midway through their journey, the crocodile revealed his sinister intentions. Remaining calm and thinking swiftly, the monkey burst out laughing and cleverly replied, "Oh, you should have mentioned this before! I always leave my heart safely hanging on my mango tree." Fooled by the monkey’s quick wit, the crocodile hastily returned to the shore, allowing the monkey to escape unharmed.
This timeless tale from Gujarat reminds us that intelligence and presence of mind often triumph over brute strength and cunning deceit.
The Curse of the Three Sisters (A Khasi Folktale from Meghalaya)
Tucked away in the misty hills of Meghalaya, this Khasi folktale speaks of three enchanting sisters whose fate became a cautionary tale etched in stone. According to local legend, the sisters were part of a Khasi tribe and were known for their beauty and curiosity. One day, ignoring the village elders’ warnings, they ventured into a sacred cave hidden deep within the forest.
Inside the cave, they unknowingly disturbed ancient spirits said to guard the land. Enraged by the intrusion, these supernatural beings cast a powerful curse upon the sisters, transforming them into three towering monolithic stones. To this day, these stone formations still stand tall in Meghalaya’s verdant landscape, silent witnesses to a story long passed down through generations.
The tale of the three sisters is more than just a myth – it serves as a reminder of the deep respect indigenous communities hold for nature and the unseen world. It reflects a cultural belief that harmony with the natural and spiritual realms is essential, and that curiosity, when unchecked, can have lasting consequences.
This haunting Khasi legend remains one of Meghalaya’s most fascinating folktales, drawing visitors and storytellers alike to its mysterious origins.
The Enchanted Drum (A Tamil Folktale)
In the heart of Tamil Nadu, a humble drummer’s life took a magical turn when he was gifted an enchanted drum by a mysterious old man. This wasn’t an ordinary instrument—each beat of the drum summoned a band of fearless warriors ready to carry out his every command.
With this newfound power, the drummer became a local hero. He drove away dangerous robbers, protected his village, and even outwitted a greedy king, earning half of the royal kingdom through clever trickery. The enchanted drum brought him respect, admiration, and influence far beyond his imagination.
But as time passed, pride took root. Blinded by arrogance, the drummer began to misuse the magical drum, summoning the warriors for selfish gains. Eventually, the very power that once served him turned against him. The warriors, bound by the magic of justice, rebelled and vanished, leaving the drummer to face the consequences of his folly.
This timeless Tamil folktale is a powerful reminder that with great power comes great responsibility. The enchanted drum symbolises the double-edged nature of power—when used wisely, it uplifts; when abused, it destroys. It remains one of South India’s most compelling stories passed down through generations.
The Story of Princess Vishaka (A Buddhist Folktale from Ancient India)
Among the many revered women in Buddhist folklore, Princess Vishaka stands out as a symbol of wisdom and compassion. Celebrated for her sharp intellect and fair judgement, she was often called upon to resolve complex moral dilemmas. One such case involved two men, both claiming to be the father of a young child.
To uncover the truth, Princess Vishaka proposed a simple yet profound test. She instructed the two men to each pull the child towards themselves, declaring that the one who pulled the hardest would prove his claim. As the test began, one man tugged the child with force, while the other quickly let go, unwilling to hurt the child.
Without hesitation, Princess Vishaka declared, "The true father is the one who would rather lose the case than see the child suffer." Her judgement was not only wise but deeply humane, showing that love is measured by selflessness, not possession.
This touching tale from ancient India continues to resonate today, reminding us that true love prioritises well-being over pride or ownership. It's one of the many Buddhist stories that showcase the timeless values of empathy, justice, and compassion.
The Flying Man and the Magic Potion (A Bengali Folktale)
In a quiet village in Bengal, a poor but curious farmer stumbled upon a mysterious potion hidden deep in the forest. To his amazement, a single sip allowed him to soar through the skies like a bird. With this newfound power, he travelled across distant lands, gathering riches and wisdom that transformed his once-humble life.
But as his fortunes grew, so did his greed. No longer content with honest gains, the farmer set his sights on the royal treasury, determined to steal the kingdom's most prized possessions. Confident and blinded by ambition, he set off on his final flight.
However, fate had other plans. As he soared above the palace, the magic potion’s effects began to fade. Powerless in mid-air, he came crashing down into the royal court below, where he was swiftly captured by the king’s guards. His dreams of endless wealth vanished in an instant.
This Bengali folktale serves as a timeless reminder that greed can turn even the greatest blessings into ruin. What begins as a gift can become a curse when misused, echoing a moral found in many traditional stories across India.
The Talking Parrot and the Wicked Minister (A Rajasthani Folktale)
In the sun-soaked deserts of Rajasthan, there lived a remarkable parrot known for its gift of foresight. This wise bird could predict the future with astonishing accuracy, and its fame quickly spread throughout the kingdom. However, not everyone was pleased with the parrot’s abilities.
The kingdom’s scheming minister, fearful that the parrot would reveal his corrupt deeds, plotted to silence it. He secretly laced the bird’s food with poison, hoping to rid himself of the threat. But the parrot, clever and cautious, saw through the minister’s plan.
Turning the trap on its maker, the parrot exposed the minister’s crimes to the king. Shocked by the revelations and impressed by the parrot’s wisdom, the king dismissed the wicked minister and appointed the parrot as his royal advisor. The kingdom flourished under this new guidance, led by truth and foresight.
This captivating Rajasthani folktale reminds us that no matter how well hidden, the truth will always find a way to emerge. Intelligence and integrity, even from the most unexpected sources, have the power to challenge corruption and restore justice.
The Ghost Who Spoke Sanskrit (A Himachali Folktale)
High in the misty hills of Himachal Pradesh, a weary traveller once stumbled upon a haunting yet remarkable encounter. As night fell, he heard a ghostly voice echoing through the forest, reciting Sanskrit verses with perfect clarity. To his astonishment, the spirit belonged to a once-renowned scholar, now cursed to wander the earth due to his past arrogance.
The ghost explained that his soul could only be freed if someone completed the final verse he had left unfinished in life. Many had heard his chants, but none could respond with the required knowledge. Fortunately, the traveller was well-versed in Sanskrit and, without hesitation, completed the verse.
In that moment, the ghost let out a sigh of relief and vanished into the night, his soul finally at peace. The forest grew silent once more, but the traveller carried the memory of that night forever.
This haunting Himachali folktale beautifully highlights the importance of humility in the pursuit of knowledge. True wisdom lies not just in learning, but in understanding that arrogance can undo even the most learned minds. It remains one of Himachal’s most intriguing legends, passed down through generations.
The Two Sisters and the Talking Fish (An Assamese Folktale)
In a quiet village in Assam, two sisters made a curious discovery while fetching water from the river—a magical fish that could speak. The elder sister, selfish and greedy, saw an opportunity for wealth and planned to sell the talking fish in the market. But the younger sister, gentle and kind-hearted, felt compassion for the creature and chose to set it free.
Days later, the younger sister returned to the river and found golden fish swimming toward her. These magical fish multiplied endlessly, bringing her and her village prosperity. Word of this miracle reached the elder sister, who rushed to the river hoping for the same fortune. But her intentions were driven by greed.
Instead of blessings, a curse befell her. Whatever wealth she possessed vanished overnight, leaving her with nothing but regret. Her greed had brought about her downfall.
This enchanting Assamese folktale is a gentle reminder that kindness and compassion are always rewarded, while greed and selfishness lead only to loss. It remains a cherished story in Assamese culture, teaching generations the value of a pure heart and good intentions.
The Weaver and the Moon Goddess (A Karnataka Folktale)
In the heart of Karnataka, a humble weaver dreamt beyond the skies. One fateful night, he caught a glimpse of the radiant Moon Goddess and fell deeply in love. Touched by his devotion and talent, the goddess gifted him a celestial chariot that carried him to the heavens each night.
There, under the starlit sky, he wove magical fabrics that shimmered like moonlight itself—fabrics unlike anything seen on Earth. The Moon Goddess, enchanted by his artistry, welcomed him with warmth and wonder. But there was one condition: he must never return to Earth, or he would lose his heavenly gift forever.
Despite the warning, the weaver longed for his homeland and the familiar comforts of his village. Yielding to his heart, he returned home—but the moment his feet touched the ground, his celestial gift vanished. Though back among his people, the magic was gone.
This touching folktale from Karnataka speaks to the eternal pull of love and home. It reminds us that some choices require great sacrifice, and that following the heart often comes with a price. A timeless tale of longing, loss, and the beauty of devotion.
The Palace of Cobras (A Maharashtrian Folktale)
In the rugged landscapes of Maharashtra, a young prince once stumbled upon a hidden underground palace guarded by majestic cobras. This mysterious realm was ruled by the Naga King, a powerful serpent deity revered by many. The prince had unknowingly earned his place in the palace after bravely saving a young serpent from an eagle’s attack.
Impressed by the prince’s compassion, the Naga King welcomed him with honour and gratitude. As a token of appreciation, he gifted the prince a magical pearl capable of granting any wish. With such power in his hands, the prince could have wished for wealth, fame, or even immortality. But instead, he chose to use the pearl to uplift his kingdom and help his people prosper.
The gods, witnessing his selflessness, showered him with blessings far greater than the pearl’s magic alone. His kingdom flourished, and his name was remembered not for his power, but for his generosity.
This enchanting Maharashtrian folktale reminds us that true greatness lies in using one’s gifts for the good of others. In a world often driven by greed, the story of the prince and the Palace of Cobras stands as a timeless lesson in humility, compassion, and selfless leadership.
Conclusion: The Power of Forgotten Folktales
These lesser-known Indian folktales offer timeless wisdom, thrilling adventures, and deep moral lessons that still resonate today. Many of these stories are in danger of being forgotten, but their themes of kindness, wit, fate, and destiny continue to inspire.
Which of These Folktales Fascinated You the Most?
Do you know any other hidden gems from Indian folklore? Let us know in the comments!