The story begins with the discovery of a baby – or a man’s cub, as he is called by Father Wolf. The wolves take an instant liking to this man’s cub who is adopted into the pack. But immediately there is trouble, for there at the door of the cave stands Shere Khan, the tiger. He has been brought here by Tabaqui, the jackal.
“The wolves are a free people,” said Father Wolf. “They take orders from the Head of the Pack, and not from any striped cattle-killer. The man’s cub is ours — to kill if we choose.”
And thus, Mowgli gets to stay with the wolves. But that is until it is time for Akela the Head of the Pack to retire. Then it is that Shere Khan plays his game.
The story continues with Mowgli making his way back to the people with the help of Baloo, the bear and Bagheera the Black Panther. But will the humans accept him?
Full of adventure there is not a dull moment. From the time Mowgli is taken away by the monkeys and the interest shown by Kaa all add the suspense.
Though it is a fun read, it is also great literature and it tells you a lot about the jungle.
THE ADVENTURES OF MOWGLI by Rudyard Kipling, A Puffin Classic, Rs. 199
An excerpt:
The moon was sinking behind the hills and the lines of trembling monkeys huddled together on the walls and battlements looked like ragged shaky fringes of things. Baloo went down to the tank for a drink and Bagheera began to put his fur in order, as Kaa glided out into the centre of the terrace and brought his jaws together with a ringing snap that drew all the monkeys’ eye upon him.
“The moon sets,” he said. “Is there yet light enough to see?”
From the walls came a moan like the wind in the treetops : “We see, O Kaa.”
“Good. Begins now the dance — the Dance of the Hunger of Kaa. Sit still and watch.”
He turned twice or thrice in a big circle, weaving his head from right to left. Then he began making loops and figures of eight with his body, and soft, oozy triangles that melted into squares and five-sided figures, and coiled mounds, never resting, never hurrying, and never stopping his low humming song. It grew darker and darker, till at last the dragging, shifting coils disappeared, but they could hear the rustle of the scales.
Baloo and Bagheera stood still as stone, growling in their throats, their neck hair bristling, and Mowgli watched and wondered.
“Bandar-log,” said the voice of Kaa at last, “can ye stir foot or hand without my order? Speak!”
“Without thy order we cannot stir foot or hand, O Kaa!”
“Good! Come all one pace nearer to me.”
The lines of monkeys swayed forward helplessly, and Baloo and Bagheera took one stiff step forward with them.
