What are the common themes in 'old indian short stories'?

One common theme is revenge. Ghosts in these stories often come back to take revenge on those who wronged them during their lifetimes. For example, if a person was unjustly killed, their spirit might return as a ghost to haunt the killer.

Another theme is the power of love to overcome social barriers. In India, there were caste and class differences. But love stories like that of Damayanti and Nala showed that love could transcend these differences. Damayanti chose Nala despite potential differences in their status.

One common theme is family. In Indian short stories, family relationships, like the bond between parents and children or siblings, are often explored. For example, stories may show the sacrifices parents make for their children or the conflicts that can arise within a family.

One common theme is family. Indian short stories often explore the relationships within families, like the bond between parents and children, or the tensions between different generations. Another theme is the influence of tradition. For example, stories may show how traditional values shape people's lives and decisions. Social hierarchy is also a theme. They might depict the differences between the upper and lower classes in Indian society.

One common theme is identity. For example, in many stories, characters struggle to define themselves as being both Indian and part of the new culture they are in. They might ask questions like who they are in a foreign land where the values and norms are different.

Supernatural elements like curses are also common. There are stories where a family is cursed because of some past misdeed of their ancestors. This curse then brings all kinds of misfortunes and horror into their lives, such as strange diseases, bad luck, and encounters with malevolent spirits. Another theme is the presence of evil spirits in natural or man - made places. For instance, a forest may be haunted by a rakshasa (a type of demon in Indian mythology), or an old, abandoned building may be filled with the ghosts of those who died there.

Cultural identity is also a prevalent theme. Indian school short stories often explore how students are influenced by their cultural heritage while in a school that may have a mix of different cultures. They might face issues like trying to preserve their own traditions while also adapting to modern educational values, or dealing with cultural clashes among peers.

Religious and caste - based differences are also frequently explored. These themes are deeply ingrained in Indian society. Additionally, love and marriage are common themes, often with a cultural spin. For example, arranged marriages and the concept of love within that context are often depicted. Social inequality is also a major theme, showing the gap between the rich and the poor, and different social strata.

A common theme is the search for national identity. After the end of colonial rule, India had to redefine itself. These stories often explore how Indians see themselves in relation to their own past, the colonial period, and the future. Another theme is the clash between traditional and modern values. The influence of the West during colonial times brought new ideas that sometimes conflicted with long - held Indian traditions.

Love is a common theme. An Indian princess might fall in love with a commoner or a prince from another land, and this love story forms the core of the short story. For instance, in some stories, the princess has to fight against social norms to be with her beloved.