Panchatantra

Panchatantra is an ancient Indian collection of interrelated animal fables in Sanskrit. Traditionally attributed to Vishnu Sharma, the compiler, it is commonly dated to between the 3rd century BCE and the 3rd century CE, though some scholars place it later. The work is designed as a manual of niti, or practical wisdom, for rulers and households alike.

It comprises five independent didactic units, each framed by a prose narrative in which a wise teacher instructs princes or youths, using stories that begin with a real-world problem and then spin out into fables about cunning and virtue. The tales emphasize niti, the prudent conduct of life; themes include friendship, leadership, manipulation, and justice.

Influence and transmission: The Panchatantra spread widely beyond India. It was translated into Pahlavi as Kalila wa Dimna in the 6th to 8th centuries, and later into Arabic, Persian, Syriac, Greek, Latin, and many vernacular languages. In the medieval world, the Kalila wa Dimna became a cornerstone of fable literature, influencing later works such as the fables of Bidpai and various European compilations. Modern editions often collate multiple redactions and translations; many versions adapt or reinterpret the tales.

Legacy: The Panchatantra is considered among the most enduring works of ancient Indian literature and a foundational text in the global tradition of political fables. It continues to be read for its storytelling craft as well as its ethical and political insights, and has appeared in numerous translations, abridgments, and retellings for children and scholars.