Tales from the Hills: Lahaul's Enduring Myths and Legends [Oct 01, 2014] Singh, Manohar Gill

The district of Lahaul-Spiti, west of Tibet and south of Ladakh, presents the most spectacular view to the human eye. Dotted with high snow peaks, glaciers, rivers and vistas of inner Himalayan desert landscapes, it is believed that this regions monasteries, friendly lamas and pristine beauty also hide ancient legends. The Mulkila Rakshasini, Barsi Nullah Bhoot, Chandrataal Fairy, a host of joginis and other mythical creatures have walked across its valleys. Manohar Singh Gills lifelong affair with this Himalayan wonderland has led him to collect its most enduring myths and folklore. Narrated in the gently prodding voice of a seasoned traveller, Tales from the Hills tells thirty-two stories that bring alive an enchanting world. An important repository of the culture and history of one of the worlds most beautiful spots. One of the most spectacular desert mountain ranges in the world, lahaul has always been a popular destination for tourists. Dotted with beautiful monasteries and friendly lamas, its high mountainous valleys, pristine beauty and rugged landscape hide several ancient legends. However, apart from a sporadic tale or two told by the locals, very little is known about the rakshasas, joginis and fairies that are believed to have inhabited this region once upon a time. In tales from the hills, former chief election commissioner of india, manohar singh gill, who has had a lifelong affair with this himalayan wonderland, brings into printed form the most enduring myths and folklore from lahaul and spiti. Narrated with the gentle prodding voice of a seasoned traveller and featuring thirty of the most enchanting stories about characters such as the mulkila rakshasini, the barsi nullah bhoot and the chandrataal fairy, this first-ever anthology is an important repository of culture and ancient histor The mulkila rakshasini The rakshasini's guest Zimug Sringpo The Barsi Nullah bhoot Rolance Onpoo and the ghost Nima and the Chandrataal fairy The feast of the joginis Bhonka and Soni The sorrows of Rasili The Rangcha rakshasini The adventures of Tsarong The adventures of Gombu Tashi and Kancha The three friends The Long Lacha pass The misforunes of Sissu Gods and men The Rohtang pass The blacksmith of Gwazing The monkeys and the moon The cunning crow Makhan Singh and Sallakhan Singh Lahaul-waale Three sparrow sisters Jomo rakshasini The gold-dropping pigeon The tantrik lamas The grateful baboon The rabbit and the lion Seth Panchhi Ram and the louse Kismet The court of yama raja.