Ancient Bengali Tale Celebrates Fearless Princess Hero

A princess from Bengali folklore is getting her moment in the spotlight, and her story proves that tales of brave heroines have been inspiring people for over a century.

TED-Ed's latest animated video shares the legend of Kiranmala, a story from "Thakurmar Jhuli," a 1907 anthology of Bengali folktales. The tale follows three siblings building a palace who learn about Magic Mountain, a mythical place located "east of north and north of east" where their most meaningful treasures await.

A holy man warns them that only a true hero can complete the dangerous journey. When Kiranmala's brothers attempt the climb but fail to reach the summit, the princess takes matters into her own hands.

The story comes from an oral tradition that has existed across Bengali-speaking communities for generations. Dakshinaranjan Mitra Majumdar collected and preserved these tales in the early 20th century, ensuring they wouldn't be lost to time.

TED-Ed brought the legend to life through animation directed by Héloïse Dorsan-Rachet, with narration by Malay Bera. The video has already reached thousands of viewers in its first hours online, introducing a new generation to this cultural treasure.

Why This Inspires

Stories like Kiranmala's quest remind us that celebrating fearless women isn't a modern invention. Communities across Bengal have been passing down tales of brave princesses for centuries, long before today's conversations about representation in media.

The tale also honors the power of persistence. When obstacles stopped others, Kiranmala kept going, proving that determination matters more than initial advantages.

By preserving and sharing these folktales through modern animation, organizations like TED-Ed ensure that wisdom from different cultures reaches global audiences. The story transcends its Bengali origins to deliver a universal message about courage that resonates regardless of background.

Young viewers scrolling through their phones can now discover a heroine their great-grandparents in Bengal might have heard about around cooking fires. That connection across time and culture is itself a small victory for human storytelling.

The video joins TED-Ed's collection of animated folktales from around the world, part of their nonprofit mission to create free educational content. Sometimes the best way to look forward is to remember the heroes who came before us.