"Tales of the Punjab" is a collection of folk tales from the Punjab region of India, which spans parts of northern India and eastern Pakistan. The book is authored by Flora Annie Steel, a British writer, and ethnographer who spent several years in India during the late 19th century. The book contains over 30 stories, each reflecting the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Punjabi people. These tales are steeped in mythology and feature a mix of human and supernatural characters, often showcasing the importance of moral values and good behavior. Steel's writing provides insightful commentary on the cultural context and origins of each tale, along with detailed descriptions of Punjabi customs and beliefs. The book offers a fascinating glimpse into the unique world of Punjabi folklore and its influence on the region's cultural history. Hereby, "Tales of the Punjab" is a must-read for anyone interested in anthropology, folklore, or the cultural history of India and its surrounding regions.
Flora Annie Steel was an author who lived in British India for 22 years. She was born on April 2, 1847, and died on April 12, 1929. She was best known for her books that took place in or were about the Indian subcontinent. In her 1896 book, "On the Face of the Waters," she wrote about the Indian Mutiny. She was the sixth child of George Webster and was born at Sudbury Priory in Sudbury, Middlesex. On April 12, 1929, she died at the home of her daughter in Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire. Flora wanted to get to know people from all walks of life in India. When her daughter was born, she was able to meet other women in the area and learn their language. She supported the making of handicrafts in the area and collected folk tales. Her interest in schools and women's education gave her a good idea of how native people lived and what they were like. This book gave European women detailed instructions on how to take care of their homes in India. In 1889, she moved back to Britain with her family, where she kept writing.
