The concept of karma is a significant theme in Indian legend short stories. It is believed that one's actions in this life will have consequences in future lives. So, characters' actions are often guided by the idea of accruing good karma. Also, the cycle of birth and rebirth is often mentioned, showing the continuous journey of the soul through different lifetimes according to one's deeds.
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.
Spiritual enlightenment is a theme in some Indian legend stories. For instance, there are stories of sages who go through great trials to achieve a higher state of spiritual being. Another common theme is the cycle of life and death. Indian legends often depict how life is a continuous cycle and how one should strive to break free from the cycle through good deeds and spiritual growth. And family and duty are also important themes, as seen in the stories where characters uphold their family honor and perform their duties without hesitation.
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.
Spirituality is also a common theme. Many short Indian stories have elements of Hinduism, Buddhism or other religious beliefs, such as the concept of karma and reincarnation. For example, a story might tell of a character who is rewarded or punished according to their deeds in past lives.