Kalidasa, the greatest of Sanskrit poets, wove a tale that caters to every reader's taste. Warring cousins, wily courtiers, jealous wives, disguised princesses, all play their part in his play, which continues to thrill centuries after it was first written.

    Scheming rivals, foolish rulers and wicked courtiers leave him undaunted. He can organise king Vaideha's security, a network of spies and a royal wedding with equal flair. so, when a deadly plot is revealed, it is Aushadha who swings into action.

    So he decides to pretend to be a wise astrologer, and get people to respect him. His plan works beyond his wildest dreams. Now Manduka finds himself in a different kind of fix,people are actually expecting him to make accurate predictions.Worse, the king himself is asking Manduka's prophecies! The story of Manduka is taken from the Kathasaritsagar, the eleventh century Sanskrit classic by Somadeva.

    Fate, however, had other plans. It turned his battlefield into a magnificent palace, where he was required to woo – and win – a beautiful princess. Wit was to be his most valuable weapon. Strong, handsome and yet wise, such a battle was easy for the young man. But for the many others who coveted his throne, it was an insurmountable hurdle.

    

    A decision he never regretted. Recognizing her abilities, Malharrao trained the young girl in the art of statesmanship and trusted her enough to leave the administration in her hands when he went on military expeditions. Then, in a series of misfortunes, Ahilya lost her husband, father-in-law and son. The brave queen took charge and turned Malwa into a contented and prosperous kingdom. So much so that even the British, whom she opposed steadfastly, praised her as a truly great ruler.

    Gossiping neighbours and an unhappy marriage would have ruined many women, but Prafulla was not one to give in easily. With hard work and good sense, she turned her life around. An attractive heroine in Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel, Prafulla rose from poverty to a life of riches and fame.

    This Special Issue describes the events of the tenth canto which narrates the life of the most beloved god in Hindu mythology - Krishna. Beginning with the miraculous birth of Krishna, the story traces his childhood exploits, including the slaying of dangerous demons and the performing of miraculous acts. The comic also describes Krishna’s battle with Kamsa as he retrieves the kingdom of Mathura for his aging grandfather, Ugrasena. In the Bhagawat, Krishna is seen as a son, brother, husband, friend and warrior.

    It was said to be the beginning of kali Yuga. This Amar Chitra Katha tells the story of the curse which dooms Pareekshit to die at the hands of the Serpent King, Takshaka, and how his son, Janamejaya, avenges his death.

    Being honest and selfless can change your destiny, says a young fawn. A friend is your most precious possession, advises a gentle crab, while loyalty is a noble swan's prized virtue. But it is courage that really helps these exceptional creatures gain freedom and respect.

    Bullies and misers, dreamers and the narrow-minded, all got a taste of his wit, much to the delight of readers.

    Chandragupta Vikramaditya has a special place in history because he proved that the love of power is not all that is needed to create an empire. Also needed are the love of a wise w

    While his courtiers were jealous of Birbal, the emperor was quick to notice his agile mind. While the two men loathed hypocrisy and deceit; they also relished a good joke.

    Married to Ashokasundari, the beautiful daughter of Shiva and Parvati, he was elected to be the king of heaven and then his mortal mind succumbed to the sin of pride. The stories of Nahusha are taken from the Padma Purana and the Mahabharata.

    The deva also told him that if the necklace broke the person who repaired it would die. It happened as the king feared. The necklace broke and Queen Chellana, who was wear