Ink & Quill
Collective

QuillMark Issue #3

The Tale of the Kite's Daughter

Nitashri Borah

The Tale of the Kite's Daughter comes from the oral storytelling tradition of Assamese Burhi Aair Sadhu (grandmother's tales), shared across generations and ingrained in the lives of Assamese children. I still remember, in fragments, my mother telling me these stories while I lay on her lap, especially this one. When I decided to translate it, she gave it the first read, creating a new memory for us. Translating this tale into English was an attempt to preserve and share Assamese tales and their warmth while carrying forward the emotion and culture of the spoken story.

Artwork - Tetsong Jamir

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Nitashri Borah

She is a student of literature and someone who deeply appreciates literature as a whole. Folktales have especially been a huge part of her childhood.

Her aim through this translation is to keep the heart of the original story intact, including the emotions, the tone, and the cultural details, while making it easy for English readers to connect with.

Being able to contribute to the preservation of narratives and culture for future generations brings her great delight and satisfaction. She hopes that her translations will allow others to experience and connect with the beauty and richness of Assamese folktales, as well as experience the same magic and charm that these stories have carried for generations.