"Pancha" means five and "Tantra" are strategies.
Around 200 BC, renowned Hindu scholar, Vishnu Sharma composes the Panchatantra fables in Sanskrit.
Powerful King Amar Shakthi of Mahilaropya, in South India, is a wise governor and a well loved philanthropist.He worries about his three ignorant sons Bahu Shakthi, Ugra Shakthi, Ananta Shakthi who have no interest in learning.He requests 80 year old sage Vishnu Sharma to make them shrewd and able administrators within 6 months.
Vishnu Sharma takes up challenge of preparing his three ignorant wards to face any problem in life with confidence.He declines the king's offer of 100 grants of land, and accompanies his disciples to his hermitage.
A versatile teacher, he steers away from conventional factual learning.Embedded in animal stories, he highlights the basics of political science, psychology, philosophy, and sociology.He pioneers a unique genre of tales within tales for young adults but fit for children as well.
The Panchatantra has 84 tales in elegant prose with the wisdom theme in verse.It educates and entertains through a wide range of colourful characters and diverse opinions.
Global imitations and translations speak of its universal appeal - There are more than 200 versions in 50 languages outside India.
The Panchatantra upholds ethical values even while it encourages reform through dissent.This elixir for life is the secret of its popularity.
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