The Origin of Panchatantra ~ Short Stories

 

It is said that, in ancient times, there was a kingdom called 'Mahilaropya' in the southern part of India. The ruler, Amarshakti, was learned and pious and a real protector of his subjects. The people were happy and satisfied as there were allround prosperity, peace and good governance. The ruler was worried only on one count. His three sons, Bahushakti, Ugrashakti and Anantshakti were devoid of all that the princes should have. They paid no attention to their education and were extremely impolite and arrogant and were simpletons. They took no interest in matters relating to statecraft or religion.

One day, Amarshakti called his ministers and told them his problem. He said, "I am greatly worried about the illiteracy and behaviour of my sons. How would they run this kingdom after me? If a ruler is foolish and arrogant the kingdom is bound to disintegrate. The people will suffer and the whole society will go to dogs. A foolish and ill behaved person is like a barren woman or land which is of no use. Can you suggest ways by which my sons could become educated, wise and competent?"

His councillors gave different advices regarding educating the princes. One of them named Sumati advised the ruler to hand over the princes to the care of the renowned teacher Acharya Vishnu Sharma who might succeed in making the princes worldly-wise and informed in all matters of state.

The ruler turned to the venerable teacher and said that if he was successful in educating his sons, he would award him hundred villages. Vishnu Sharma smiled and said, "My king, I am now aged eighty years. I have seen and enjoyed everything that life can offer. I have no desires for worldly wealth. Besides, I believe that learning sold loses its lustre. I will teach and instruct the princes in all the arts and sciences within six months." The ruler apologised for offering him a reward and said, "You are the real teacher. As the Sun casts its rays on all without distinction, a really learned man spreads learning without any desire for reward or compensation."

The three princes were handed over to the Acharya. Vishnu Sharma started teaching them through the medium of stories that were instructive and full of worldly wisdom. He divided the stories in five parts-Mitrabhed, Mitrasamprapti, Kakolukiyam, Labdhapranash and Aparikshit Karak. That is why it came to be known as Panchatantra. Within six months the princes were changed persons as they became learned, worldly-wise and well versed in statecraft. It is said that anyone who imbibes the teachings of this book of wisdom can face all problems and situations in life with confidence.