Of Folklore and Jinn – Haunting Tales from the Indian Subcontinent

 

Horror has many faces. Sometimes it comes from dark corners of imagination, and sometimes it rises from whispers of the past, legends told for generations, and experiences so unsettling they refuse to fade. Of Folklore and Jinn: Horror Stories from the Indian Subcontinent (Haunting Tales from the Indian Subcontinent Book 1) by Sahar Sharjeal (with illustrations by Sabeen Farhan) is a collection that captures this rare blend—where folklore, history, and the supernatural collide.

Horror Rooted in Folklore and History

This book is not just a set of horror tales—it is a journey through the cultural landscape of South Asia. From the snow-draped Himalayas of Kashmir to the labyrinthine streets of Old Anarkali Bazaar in Lahore, each story is set in a place that breathes with history.

The collection draws upon folklore, urban legends, and historical settings. The opening story is inspired by a Kashmiri folktale that has survived for generations, while another brings to life an urban legend from a school, told with eerie authenticity.

Even the cover carries a story of its own—a photograph of a historic building in Old Anarkali, Lahore, once owned by a noble Sikh family that migrated to India during Partition. Such details give the book a sense of authenticity, making the horror feel rooted in something very real.

When the Supernatural Walks Among Us

The pages of Of Folklore and Jinn are filled with encounters that are deeply unsettling:

• Jinns, known in South Asian culture as powerful supernatural beings.

• Chudails, spirits that lurk in shadows, feeding off fear.

• Bhoots, restless souls tied to the places and people they once knew.

Each story explores the thin boundary between superstition and reality, between belief and nightmare. Some tales warn of the dangers of trespassing on sacred grounds, while others reveal curses so terrifying that even death might feel like an escape.

A Unique Reading Experience

Adding to the chilling atmosphere are photographs included within the book, capturing real locations tied to the stories. Even when fiction takes over—such as in the story Rani Ki Vav—the setting is very real, unfolding at the stepwell in Gujarat. This blend of fact and imagination makes every story feel eerily possible.

The illustrations by Sabeen Farhan further enhance the experience, giving shape to the shadows that linger in the reader’s mind. Together with the stories, they create a complete, immersive horror journey.

Why Read This Book?

Of Folklore and Jinn stands out because it doesn’t just rely on made-up scares—it uses the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the Indian subcontinent to craft horror that feels authentic and deeply unnerving.

It is perfect for:

• Fans of Asian horror looking for fresh, original tales.

• Book clubs seeking haunting discussions about folklore and culture.

• Anyone searching for a unique gift for lovers of horror, history, or the supernatural—whether for Halloween, birthdays, or the New Year.

Step Into the Shadows

With every story, Of Folklore and Jinn pulls readers into a world where folklore becomes reality, and where the past refuses to stay buried. This is only the first book in the Haunting Tales from the Indian Subcontinent series, making it the beginning of a journey that promises many more haunting nights to come.

📖 Get your copy of Of Folklore and Jinn: Horror Stories from the Indian Subcontinent on Amazon