President Pranab Mukherjee was, on Wednesday, presented with the first copy of book titled Krishna in Indian Folklore at his office in Rashtrapati Bhawan. Authored by Asha Goswami, the book unveils astonishing myths, fables, age-old beliefs and local traditions peculiar to various traditions through its narration of the Krishna saga. This volume is fifth in the Krishna series, penned by the same author. The book focusses on retracing folklore motifs through in-depth discussions and arguments based on a unique approach.
“This folklore element of the Krishna saga is more prominently traceable in the Krishna-Gopala cycle, which was developed in India by the end of the Gupta Period. The work serves as a treasure trove bringing into limelight the hitherto untraded aspects of Krishna, in the form of folkloristic innovations,” said Goswami. She further said that the book shows how the Krishna lore constitutes a fascinating maze of folktales, legends and myths, which can also be termed as Indian oral traditions. “These oral traditions are reflective of the collective wisdom of the Indian people on Krishna, handed down through the ages. It is within these tales where the rich history of the country lies. Hence, this volume may serve as an indispensable source for knowing the country’s heritage and rich culture,” Goswami added.