Panchatantra Stories in English
The Panchatantra is a collection of ancient Indian fables that originated around 300 BCE, attributed to Vishnu Sharma. These tales are known for their moral lessons and are often presented in the form of animal characters facing human dilemmas. The stories typically revolve around themes such as wisdom, friendship, leadership, and the consequences of actions. Through vivid storytelling and relatable characters, the Panchatantra imparts valuable life lessons engagingly and memorably. It has been translated into numerous languages and remains popular worldwide for its enduring wisdom and universal appeal.
There was a city called Mahilaropyam in southern India, where there lived a king named Amarshakti. He was a wise and accomplished man, but his three sons, Bahushakti, Ugrashakti, and Anantashakti, were not interested in studying and were considered complete duds.
The king was worried about his sons’ lack of knowledge and understanding. He gathered his ministers and expressed his concern, saying that he could not enjoy his kingdom with such ignorant sons. He quoted two proverbs highlighting the sorrow caused by foolish sons and the uselessness of sons who are not enlightened or devoted. 
One minister suggested that it would take many years to learn grammar and other sciences and that intelligence would only develop after mastering them. However, another minister called Sumati proposed a shorter way. He knew a Brahmin named Vishnu Sharma who was an expert in all sciences and had an excellent reputation among his disciples. He suggested that the princes should be handed over to Vishnu Sharma for education.
The king agreed and invited Vishnu Sharma to the palace. He requested Vishnu Sharma to educate his sons in nitishastras quickly, promising to reward him with a hundred tax-free villages. Vishnu Sharma replied that he would not sell his wisdom out of greed for money, but he also promised that if he did not make the princes thorough in nitishastras within six months, he would forfeit his name and place in heaven.
The king and his ministers were surprised and pleased by Vishnu Sharma’s confident resolution. They handed over the princes to the Brahmin, who began to recite his specially composed stories, divided into five tantras, to the princes at his ashrama.
Vishnu Sharma began to recite to them his specially composed stories, divided into five tantras:
First Tantra
Conflict amongst friendsTHE STORY OF THE MONKEY AND THE LOGTHE STORY OF THE JACKAL AND THE DRUMTHE STORY OF THE MERCHANT DANTILATHE STORY OF THE JACKAL AND THE SANYASITHE STORY OF THE COBRA AND THE CROWTHE STORY OF THE HERON AND THE CRABTHE STORY OF THE LION AND THE HARETHE STORY OF THE BUG AND THE FLEATHE STORY OF THE JACKAL WHO FELL INTO A VAT OF INDIGO DYETHE STORY OF THE LION, THE CAMEL, THE JACKAL AND THE CROWTHE STORY OF THE TITTIBHA BIRDS AND THE SEATHE STORY OF THE TURTLE WHO FELL OFF THE STICKTHE STORY OF THE THREE FISHESTHE STORY OF THE ELEPHANT AND THE SPARROWTHE STORY OF VAJRA DAUNSTRA THE LION AND CHATURAKA THE JACKALTHE STORY OF THE MONKEY AND A BIRD CALLED SUCHIMUKHATHE STORY OF THE SPARROW AND THE MONKEYTHE STORY OF DHARMABUDDHI AND PAPABUDDHITHE STORY OF THE FOOLISH HERON, THE BLACK SNAKE AND THE MUNGOOSETHE STORY OF THE IRON BALANCE AND THE MERCHANT’S SONTHE STORY OF THE KING AND THE FOOLISH MONKEYTHE STORY OF THE THIEF AND THE BRAHMINS
Second Tantra
Third Tantra
CROWS AND OWLSTHE STORY OF THE ENMITY BETWEEN CROWS AND OWLSTHE STORY OF THE HARES AND THE ELEPHANTSTHE STORY OF THE HARE AND THE PARTRIDGETHE STORY OF THE BRAHMIN AND THE THREE CROOKSTHE STORY OF THE BRAHMIN AND THE COBRATHE STORY OF THE DOVE AND THE HUNTERTHE STORY OF THE OLD MERCHANT, HIS YOUNG WIFE AND THE THIEFTHE STORY OF THE BRAHMIN, THE THIEF, AND THE RAKSHASATHE STORY OF THE SNAKE IN THE ANT-HILL AND THE SNAKE IN THE BELLY OF THE PRINCETHE STORY OF THE FEMALE MOUSETHE STORY OF THE HUNTER AND THE BIRD WHOSE DROPPINGS TURNED TO GOLDTHE STORY OF THE LION, THE JACKAL AND THE CAVETHE STORY OF THE FROGS AND THE BLACK SNAKE
Fourth Tantra
THE FORFEIT OF PROFITSTHE STORY OF THE KING OF FROGS AND THE SNAKETHE STORY OF THE LION AND THE DONKEYTHE STORY OF THE POTTER CALLED YUDHISTHIRATHE STORY OF THE LIONESS AND THE YOUNG JACKALTHE STORY OF NANDA AND VARARUCHITHE STORY OF THE DONKEY AND THE WASHERMANTHE STORY OF THE FARMER’S WIFETHE STORY OF THE CAMEL WITH A BELL ROUND HIS NECKTHE STORY OF THE JACKAL, THE LION, THE LEOPARD AND THE TIGERTHE STORY OF THE DOG IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY
Fifth Tantra
ACTION WITHOUT DUE CONSIDERATIONTHE STORY OF THE BRAHMIN’S WIFE AND THE MONGOOSETHE STORY OF CHAKRADHARATHE STORY OF THE BRAHMINS WHO PUT LIFE INTO THE LIONTHE STORY OF THE FOUR LEARNED FOOLSTHE STORY OF TWO FISHES AND THE FROGTHE STORY OF THE SINGING DONKEYTHE STORY OF MANTHARAKA, THE WEAVERTHE STORY OF SOMA SHARMA’S FATHERTHE STORY OF KING CHANDRA
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 5 principles of Panchatantra?
The Panchatantra, an ancient Indian collection of interrelated animal fables, is known for imparting wisdom through its stories. The five principles or strategies derived from the Panchatantra are:
- Mitra Bheda (Loss of Friends): This principle advises on the importance of understanding people’s true intentions and being cautious of deceit.
- Mitra Laabha (Gaining Friends): Focuses on making friends and allies by demonstrating sincerity and goodwill.
- Kaakolukiyam (Crows and Owls): Warns against reckless behavior and advises on the importance of planning and strategy.
- Labdhapranasam (Loss of Gains): Emphasizes the need to protect one’s wealth and assets from potential threats.
- Apariksitakarakam (Rash Deeds): Encourages thoughtful decision-making and avoiding impulsive actions that may lead to regret.
What are the 5 stories of Panchatantra?
The Panchatantra comprises numerous stories, but five of the most famous ones include:
- The Story of the Lion and the Hare (Mitra Bheda): Teaches the importance of discernment and being cautious of deceptive friendships.
- The Story of the Blue Jackal (Mitra Laabha): Illustrates the benefits of aligning with the right companions and using intelligence to gain advantage.
- The Story of the Crow and the Owl (Kaakolukiyam): Emphasizes the significance of wisdom and foresight in avoiding dangers.
- The Story of the Monkey and the Crocodile (Labdhapranasam): Highlights the perils of trusting deceitful individuals and losing one’s gains.
- The Story of the Brahmin and the Mongoose (Apariksitakarakam): Shows the consequences of hasty decisions and impulsive actions.
What does Panchatantra teach us?
The Panchatantra teaches valuable life lessons, including:
- Importance of discernment and critical thinking.
- Significance of choosing friends wisely and detecting deceit.
- Value of strategic planning and cautious decision-making.
- Consequences of impulsive actions and rash behavior.
- Lessons on morality, ethics, and human nature.
Who wrote Panchatantra first?
The Panchatantra is attributed to Vishnu Sharma, an ancient Indian scholar and storyteller. He is believed to have composed the Panchatantra around the 3rd century BCE to impart wisdom and life lessons to young princes.
Panchatantra Characters
Here are the important characters of Panchanatra Stories.
Damanaka: A conniving and scheming jackal, often depicted as the minister or advisor to the king in the Panchatantra stories. He is known for his manipulative nature and cunning plots.
Karataka: Another clever and resourceful jackal, often portrayed as a close associate or friend of Damanaka. Together, they devise strategies and schemes to achieve their goals.
Sanjivaka: A wise and philosophical bull, often depicted as a mentor or sage figure in the Panchatantra stories. He imparts moral lessons and guidance to other characters through his wisdom and experience.
Chakradhara: A character from one of the Panchatantra stories, often depicted as a merchant or traveler who faces various trials and tribulations on his journey. He learns valuable lessons through his experiences.
Suvaranasiddhi: Another character from the Panchatantra stories, often depicted as a wise and experienced individual who imparts moral lessons and advice to others. He plays a mentorship role in guiding other characters through their challenges.
Shukra, Brihaspati, and Chanakya: Philosophical figures whose teachings and principles are often referenced in the Panchatantra stories. They represent different schools of thought and wisdom, influencing the actions and decisions of characters in the tales.
Lion (Singhavaktra): The mighty king of the jungle, known for his strength and wisdom.
Jackal (Gomaya): A cunning and sly creature, often using his wit to navigate through tricky situations.
Crow (Kakolukiyam): A clever bird known for its intelligence and ability to outsmart others.
Monkey (Kapi): Playful and mischievous, the monkey is known for his antics and sometimes uses his intelligence to his advantage.
Bull (Vrishabha): Strong and sturdy, the bull is often depicted as a symbol of power and resilience.
Mouse (Musika): Small and nimble, the mouse is often portrayed as an underdog who uses his intelligence to overcome challenges.
Turtle (Kurma): Slow but steady, the turtle is known for his patience and perseverance.
Elephant (Hasti): Majestic and powerful, the elephant symbolizes strength and loyalty.
Deer (Mriga): Graceful and swift, the deer is often depicted as a symbol of beauty and agility.
Mongoose (Nakulaka): Known for its ability to combat snakes, the mongoose is often portrayed as a brave and fearless creature.
Camel (Krathanaka): Resilient and hardworking, the camel is often depicted as a symbol of endurance and determination.
Ram: Strong and assertive, the ram is often portrayed as a symbol of leadership and authority.
Rakshasa: A mythical creature or demon, often depicted as powerful and menacing.
King Chandra: A wise and just ruler, often faced with challenging situations that test his leadership skills.
Princes: Sons of King Chandra, often portrayed as curious and adventurous individuals.
Horses: Noble and majestic creatures, often depicted as symbols of power and freedom.
Cooks: Workers in the palace kitchen, sometimes depicted as short-tempered and easily provoked.
Veterinary surgeons: Experts in animal care and medicine, often consulted for their knowledge and expertise.
People in the king’s household: Various individuals serving in the royal palace, including servants, ministers, and family members.
Rakshasa’s victims: Unfortunate individuals who fall prey to the Rakshasa’s hunger for flesh.
