Reading Notes: Part A Khasi Folktales

The Khasi folktales is similar to the Indian fairy tales in that is a collection of stories. Notably seen in both collections of stories is the prominence of animal characters. Specifically, this aspect is seen in the Khasi folktale The Tiger and the Monkeys. In this short story, the tiger's fear of monkeys is a "real-life" explanation. The tiger seems to have a prominent role in Indian stories, especially when considering the Khasi people are from a state in India. I have also found that the Bengal tiger is the national animal of India, adding to the animal's significance in that area of the world. Again, the premise of the story is to explain why the tiger is afraid of the monkey. Outside research does not really seem to confirm this idea that tigers are fearful of monkeys, so this story may have more regional meaning rather than universal significance. The characterization of the monkey is on par with typical portray of monkeys that I have seen before. The monkeys in this story are clever and use trickery to get what they want. Similarly, the tiger also seems to the traditional characterization of its species. This is seen its in portrayal as king of the jungle with no regard for other animals. When researching the significance of monkeys in India, it is evident that that monkeys do have a part in Indian culture. An example can be seen in how common monkeys are in the urban areas of India. My own personal experience in visiting India only confirms this sentiment. Additionally, the god Hanuman in Hinduism, the main religion of Indians, is characterized as having a monkey head. Returning back to the story itself, I was surprised to the see the tiger so readily accept the monkey in marriage. I was not expecting this huge,noble, and powerful animal to want to marry a monkey, so this might be an aspect of the story I may alter in my retelling.

Bibliography: Folk-Tales of the Khasis by Mrs. K. U. Rafy (1920).

Wikimedia: A Bengal tiger, common to India

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