The Earth - A Gond Creation Story

This is a child-friendly retelling of one Gond creation tradition recorded in Madhya Pradesh. Different Gond communities may tell other versions.

In the beginning, water stretched in every direction. There were no forests, mountains, or paths of earth. A great white lotus floated on the quiet water, and upon it sat Thakur Dev.

Thakur Dev called to a black crow. “Fly and discover where the earth is hidden.”

The crow flew for a very long time. At last he met Chakarmal Chhatri, a colossal tortoise whose head rose from the water toward the sky.

“The earth lies deep below,” said the tortoise. “Gichna Raja keeps it beneath the water.”

The crow settled on the tortoise’s broad shell, and together they began their search.

In the deep water they found Gichna Raja, a giant earthworm who guarded the soil.

The crow spoke respectfully. “Thakur Dev calls the earth above. Forests, creatures, and people will one day make their homes upon it. Will you share some with us?”

Gichna Raja considered the request for a long while. Then he offered soils of many colors—black, yellow, red, and brown.

The tortoise carried the soil upward on his strong shell. The crow flew beside him with the final small grain held safely in his beak.

Thakur Dev received the earth, shaped it gently between his palms, and placed it upon the water. It spread wider and wider. Grass appeared, followed by trees. Mountains rose, rivers began to travel, and birds filled the sky.

Thakur Dev thanked the crow, the tortoise, and Gichna Raja.

And so, the story tells us, the earth did not return through the strength of one being alone. A creature of the sky, a creature of the water, and a creature from within the soil all helped make a place where life could grow.