welcome to makara books, where stories flow like rivers of tradition
krishnan & rajiv
We are co-founders and authors at Makara Books.
We both are seasoned advertising professionals with over 50 years of combined experience at top advertising agencies like Ogilvy, JWT, FCB, and Lowe.
We have created more than 100 ad films and shaped campaigns for major brands like Pepsi, Samsung, Hero, and Nike—as well as iconic social initiatives like the UNICEF Polio drive with Amitabh Bachchan.
At heart, we are storytellers.
Our love for travel and India’s cultural richness inspired us to shift focus from brands to the untold stories of our land. Through our writing, we invite readers to rediscover the beauty, magic, and mystery
of India, one story at a time.
You can know more about us and watch some of our work at
www.shakticreatives.com
our books
'india's untold tales & trails' series
Three kids.
Three Quests.
One Incredible Land.
From sacred valleys to hidden rivers and ancient trails — India is full of wonders waiting to be rediscovered.
India’s Untold Tales and Trails is a series of three adventure books that take readers on journeys into the heart of the country’s lesser-known wonders. This series invites children to discover India beyond the usual maps, through tales that are rich in mystery, beauty, and the magic of the land itself.
'storyart' series
Stories.
Coloring.
Activity.
StoryArt Books are part storybook, part coloring book, part activity book, perfect for drawing kids into reading while keeping them engaged.
Our unique StoryArt concept invites children not just to read tales of India’s legendary heroes, but to bring them to life — one colour at a time.
StoryArt is more than a book — it’s an experience. It nurtures reading, fuels creativity, and most importantly, fosters a sense of pride in India’s glorious past.
'little known tales from the ramayan' series
A treasure trove of untold stories.
Introducing our new sacred book, a treasure trove of untold stories that bring fresh wonder to an age-old epic.
It’s fun.It’s sacred. It’s timeless.
This book is a humble attempt to bring to light some of these unknown tales from the Ramayana, not just to recount events, but to seek wisdom in the lesser-known corners of this epic narrative, finding timeless truths and guidance for our own lives.
why makara
Every book we create is shaped by journeys...real ones.
The places we’ve explored, the people we’ve met, the stories we’ve stumbled upon along the way.
And those discoveries find their way into our pages.
Makara Books was founded with a simple but powerful idea:
Stories from our land can be just as magical, exciting, and meaningful as those set in distant, unfamiliar worlds.
In a time when many children’s stories are set in foreign or fantastical lands disconnected from their lived reality, Makara Books seeks to:
- Tell stories rooted in India
- Bring alive its places, culture, and traditions
- Help children feel connected to where they come from
At the heart of Makara is the belief that stories should be a rich blend of everything: morals, fun, emotions, knowledge, and dreams.
mission impossible
We didn’t set out to start a publishing house. We set out to solve a quiet, growing problem.
Children today are surrounded by screens—bright, fast, and endlessly engaging. But somewhere along the way, something timeless began to fade. The joy of sitting with a story. The magic of imagining worlds. The patience to turn a page and discover what comes next.
But as screens replace laps, and bedtime tales are traded for touchscreens, this rich tradition is quietly slipping away. The magic of “once upon a time….” is becoming a thing of the past. If we are not careful, these stories might vanish even faster than our forests.
At Makara Books, we want to gently bring that magic back. Not by fighting screens. But by making stories irresistible again. This is a land where epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata were sung before they were written, where grandmothers held entire universes in their voices, where every street, temple, and hill carries a tale waiting to be told.
Our mission may sound big—perhaps even impossibly so: to reduce screen time and rekindle a love for reading. But our approach is simple.
Humble. Human.
One child. One story at a time.
who is makara?
In the rich tapestry of Indian mythology, the Makara (मकर) is a powerful, mysterious creature — part crocodile, part elephant, part fish — often seen as the vahana (vehicle) of Ganga and Varuna, guardians of water, life, and wisdom.
It is a symbol of protection, strength, and deep ancient magic — much like the stories we grew up with.
Gallery
what our customers write about us
What if the Ramayan you thought you knew was only the trailer, not the movie?
'Little Known Tales from the Ramayana’ doesn’t just retell—it resurrects.
Each story feels like opening a hidden chamber in time where forgotten truths whisper and divine logic dazzles.
The writing is so alive, it’s as if Valmiki himself left secret footnotes for this author to discover. You don’t just read it—you relive it. Few books bridge devotion and discovery with such effortless grace.
A must-read for anyone who believes ancient epics still have modern echoes.
This book is not merely retelling a story; it is an act of deep, meticulous devotion of compiling lesser known aspects .
For anyone who believes they know the epic of the Ramayana, prepare to be humbled and enchanted. A fresh approach, new life into the oldest stories of our civilization.
My recommendation to all...especially a gift for our children.
I have been a devoted reader of Ram Charit Manas & a vivid listener to related sermons for many years now. Still the title ‘Little Known Tales From The Ramayana’ made me curious to learn more.
All the stories narrated in the book, like Sati’s or Jai & Vijay’s, are of utmost importance associated with Sri Ram, but indeed little known to many from the baby boomers to GenX to millennial to GenZ.
The presentation, the narration with related pics is brilliant.
Waiting for the next in the series!❤️
Little Known Tales From The Ramayana...what a lovely addition to any child’s bookshelf!
I really enjoyed the simple yet Impactful storytelling, with bold text and vibrant pictures that hold your attention.
What I loved most were the rare insights, like learning that Ravana was the grandson of Rishi Pulastya, details you don’t usually find in regular Ramayan books.
It’s truly a beautiful collection every home should have.
Each tale in this book unfolds with rich detail, bringing new perspectives to the epic saga of the Ramayana.
I found myself eagerly anticipating each day's story, as my mom-in-law was reading the book and narrating one story each day.
The book beautifully bridges the gap between generations, making it a delightful journey for families to embark on together.
Whether you're a seasoned reader of epics or new to these ancient tales, this book offers something truly special, inviting you to explore the depths of one of the world's most beloved stories.
Just too good!
This Ramayan-based kids’ storybook by my friend Rajiv is a real delight to read — not just for children but for adults too.
The language is simple and engaging, making the great epic easy to understand and enjoyable for all ages.
The printing quality is beautiful, and the colorful pictures bring every story to life, helping readers feel connected to the characters and their journeys. It’s a perfect book to introduce young minds to the values and wisdom of the Ramayan, while also giving adults a refreshing and heartwarming read.
Strongly recommended!
Little known tales from the Ramayana is a remarkable book that shines a fresh light on the timeless epic of the Ramayana!
Through masterful storytelling, the author brings to life the lesser-known stories and hidden nuances within this ancient tale, enriching our understanding of its characters.
Each story reveals new perspectives and forgotten episodes. For anyone who cherishes Indian heritage or seeks a deeper understanding of the various aspects of the Ramayana this work is a treasure trove.
And what lovely, heartwarming pictures!
I wholeheartedly recommend it to both avid readers and those curious about the enduring legacy of the Ramayana.