Hatim’s Tales

This work decidedly remains the best example of the record of a collection of folklore taken straight from the mouth of one to whom they had been handed down from generation to generation with verbal accuracy, in this case the Ràwìs or recite The stories and songs in this book were recited to Sir Aurel Stein in Kashmir by Hàtim Tilawòñ of Panzil in the Sind Valley, a professional story-teller held in particular esteem throughout the region. They were taken down at his dictation by Sir Stein himself, and, simultaneously, by Pandit Govinda Kaula. The complete work was edited linguistically by Sir George A. Grierson. The efforts of these three most respected scholars culminated in the publication of this master-work which has not been surpassed since its first appearance.