On this page: General Resources | Buddhism | Hinduism | Myths & Legends
general resources
📖 The Ancient South Asian World from Oxford University Press. This book in the World in Ancient Times series gives a fantastic in-depth overview of Ancient India. Learn about Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, the Ramayana epic poem, Brahmanism, Hinduism, the spread of Buddhism, the sacred epic called the Mahabharata, the caste system, and Hindu gods. – Middle
▶️ Indus Valley Civilization from Crash Course. “In which John Green teaches you about the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the largest of the ancient civilizations. John teaches you the who, how, when, where and why of the Indus Valley Civilization, and dispenses advice on how to be more successful in your romantic relationships.” – Middle • High
▶️ Buddha and Ashoka from Crash Course. “In which John relates a condensed history of India, post-Indus Valley Civilization. John explores Hinduism and the origins of Buddhism. He also gets into the reign of Ashoka, the Buddhist emperor who, in spite of Buddhism's structural disapproval of violence, managed to win a bunch of battles.” – All
buddhism
📖 Under the Bodhi Tree: A Story of the Buddha by Deborah Hopkinson. Here’s a lovely first introduction to the Buddha, perfect for younger children. The text is sparse and the illustrations are appealing. Endnotes give more information about Buddha’s life and teaching. – Elementary
📖 Prince Siddhartha: The Story of Buddha by Jonathan Landaw. This is an in-depth account of the life of Prince Siddhartha, from his birth in India over 2500 years ago to his privileged upbringing and his eventual transformation into the Buddha, “the Awakened One.” – Elementary • Middle
hinduism
📖 The Magical Adventures of Krishna and other books in the Classic Indian Stories for Children series by Vatsala Sperling. This collection of nicely illustrated picture books offers a fine introduction to some of the major figures in Hindu mythology, including Krishna, Ganesh, Parvati, and Shiva. Titles in the series include How Ganesh Got His Elephant Head, Ganga, the River that Flows from Heaven to Earth, and How Parvati Won the Heart of Shiva. – Elementary
myths & legends
📖 Rama and the Demon King by Jessica Souhami. This picture book version of the ancient Hindi story is appropriate for young children. – Preschool • Elementary
📖 Sita’s Ramayana by Samhiti Arni. This graphic novel retelling of the epic poem, the Ramayana, recounts the ancient saga from the perspective of Rama’s wife, Sita. An ALA Notable Children's Book. – Middle • High
📖 Pattan’s Pumpkin: An Indian Flood Story by Chitra Soundar. Many cultures have traditional flood myths; Pattan’s Pumpkin is a simple retelling of one such story told by the Irular tribe of Southern India. The folk-art illustrations are bright and cheery. – Preschool • Elementary
▶️ NEW • Savitri and Satyavan: The legend of the princess who outwitted Death. “Princess Savitri was benevolent, brilliant, and bright. Her grace was known throughout the land, and many princes and merchants flocked to her family’s palace to seek her hand in marriage. But upon witnessing her blinding splendor in person, the men lost their nerve. Unimpressed with these suitors, she determined to find a husband herself.” – All
▶️ The legend of Annapurna, Hindu goddess of nourishment from TED-Ed. Follow the legend of Parvati, the Hindu mother of the natural world, as she disappears from Earth and reemerges as Annapurna, the goddess of food. – All
▶️ Ancient Indian Mythology from Crash Course. In Rama and the Ramayana, Mike teaches about Rama, the protagonist of the Ramayana. In Pantheons 2, learn about the Indian Pantheon of gods. – Middle • High