The Panchatantra, India’s famous collection of fables has enthralled readers for centuries. It si an ancient work, perhaps more than 2000 years old, which was originally written in Sanskrit. Over the centuries, many translations have been made into more than 50 languages, proving its timeless endurance and popularity. Although a work of fiction, it contains numerous references to the Indian scriptures loosely known as the Vedas. Indeed, the Panchatantra itself is considered a kind of scripture, known as a niti-shastra, which means a text on worldly wisdom. Certainly, the purpose of the work is much more than mere entertainment. As its author Vishnu Sharma says in the Preamble, it aims to ‘awaken the intelligence.’ and equip its readers with the ability to handle most situations they are likely to encounter in this world. These fabulous stories originally imparted by a sage to three young princes, illustrate that knowing how to use knowledge is more important than knowledge itself. In fact, one of the aims of the Panchatantra is to help us understand which approach is the right one for any particular situation. One needs the ability to discriminate as to what is appropriate in any given situation. The Panchatantra tries to help us gain that discrimination.
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