Book titled 'And That is Why... Manipuri Myths Retold' released

IMPHAL, Jun 22
A book titled “And That is Why... Manipuri Myths Retold”, an illustrated collection of retellings from Manipuri mythology was released by MP of Rajya Sabha and titular king Leisemba Sanajaoba at Palace Compund today, said a statement by The Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi Foundation.
The book is written by L Somi Roy and published by Penguin Random House India under the Puffin imprint.
The mythological stories in the book are derived from text - both manuscripts and modern publications - and oral sources. They are gathered chiefly from writer and producer Thokchom Thouyangba Meitei, pena balladeer and folklorist M Mangangsana, archivist Chanam Hemchandra and with additional historical research by Wangam Somorjit.
The twelve tales in 'And That Is Why' are illustrated by modern Manipuri artist Sapha Yumnam based on the traditional art of illustrated Manipuri manuscripts such as the subika and khutlou.
L Somi Roy is a cultural conservationist and the translator of the works of his mother, the renowned Manipuri writer MK Binodini Devi.
He is the founder trustee of Imasi: The Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi Foundation (www.imasi.org).
The book is now available at Ukiyo Bookstore at Imphal.