The Totā Kahānī;: Or, Tales of a Parrot

The Totā Kahānī; Or, Tales of a Parrot is a collection of stories originally compiled by Ziya Al-Din Nakhshabi, with Saiyid Haidar Bakhsh contributing to its adaptation. Translated into English by George Small, the work presents a series of moralistic and entertaining tales narrated by a parrot to prevent its mistress from engaging in reckless behavior. Rich in cultural and literary value, this 19th-century translation highlights Small’s expertise in Oriental languages and his commitment to introducing South Asian literary heritage to Western audiences. The book remains an important resource in understanding classical Indo-Persian storytelling traditions.