Don’t Stand in Front of a Palace or Behind a Horse: Expanded Second Edition by Tonse N. K. Raju, MD, Revives the Wit and Wisdom of South Indian Proverbs

 Gaithersburg, MD – September 2025 – Acclaimed physician, researcher, and author Dr. Tonse N. K. Raju presents his newly revised work, Don’t Stand in Front of a Palace or Behind a Horse: An Illustrated Book of South Indian Proverbs. This engaging volume brings together hundreds of proverbs in Kannada, an ancient Dravidian language from south India, translated into English with clarity and cultural context and accompanied by whimsical illustrations that amplify their humor and insight.

With themes ranging from common sense to love, from money to kings and from saints to mothers-in-law, and to time itself, the book highlights the timeless truths embedded in everyday speech. Each proverb, short and sharp, reveals life’s lessons in a single line, offering readers both amusement and wisdom.

A Treasury of Everyday Wisdom

Organized by topics, including Anger, Common Sense, Doctors and Patients, Kings and Their Men, Love and Marriage, Money Matters, Saints and Sinners, Time, Virtue and Vice, and more, the book offers a browsable collection for readers of all ages. Some of the gems include:

  • “Don’t stand in front of a palace or behind a horse.” (On avoiding unnecessary exposure)
  • “A clap can only happen when both palms meet.” (On cooperation.)
  • “For three pancakes, I side with mother-in-law; for six, I side with daughter-in-law.” (On shifting alliance)
  • “An old patient is better than a new doctor.” (On experience.)
  • “Even anthills shelter snakes” (On deceptive appearances)
  • “A poor man’s anger leads to a broken jaw” (On anger)
  • “The spoon cannot taste how good the soup is.” (On ignorance.)
  • “Truth doesn’t die; lies don’t win.” (On integrity.)
  • “Idle in the stable, even a royal horse becomes a mule” (On laziness)
  • “When in trouble, pray.”.(On God).
  • “Greed is a bottomless pit.” (On greed).
  • After the rain, the umbrella feels heavy. (On short memories).

Each English translation is paired with its original in Kannada font. An appendix provides background notes on cultural touchstones, such as Kaashi, cobra lore, and coconut, for readers to fully appreciate the context.

Illustrated for Lively Reading

Illustrator Arthur Baltazar brings the wit of the proverbs to life with playful sketches that complement the text. These cartoons add charm and make the collection especially appealing for families, classrooms, and general readers.

Author’s Perspective

“Proverbs distill experiences of whole lifetimes into single lines,” says Dr. Raju. “They travel faster than words of mouth and long lectures, and they stick. This collection preserves that voice of everyday people—and the smiles that come with it.”

About the Author

Tonse N. K. Raju, MD is a physician, researcher, and medical historian with a distinguished career in neonatology and pediatrics. Previously, he served as professor of Pediatrics at the University of Illinois  in Chicago and now serves as physician scientist at the National Institutes of Health.   He has authored more than 200 scientific articles and textbook chapters and published five books of fiction. A member of the American Osler Society, Dr. Raju continues to write and lecture on history of science and medicine. He and his wife reside in Gaithersburg, Maryland. 

Book Information

Don’t Stand in Front of a Palace or Behind a Horse: An Illustrated Book of South Indian Proverbs
Author: Tonse N. K. Raju, MD
Illustrations: Arthur Baltazar
Publisher: 1stBooks / Auctorem House, New York, NY/Boundless Books, Houston, TX
Format: Illustrated Hardcover & eBook
ISBN: 0-75965-022-5
Genre: Folklore, Cultural History, Inspirational, Reference
Availability: Available now through Amazon, and major retailers

 

Author Image:

 

Book Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Stand-Front-Palace-Behind-Horse-ebook/dp/B0G3Y689CG/

 

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