Prācyā, 2022; 14(1): 07-15

Abstract:

The Sanskrit fables and tales, which have their origin in the Vedic

literature, contain no such rigid distinction. These are specially intended to

teach practical wisdom and lessons of polity. The fables and tales always

attract the human mind, which have a didactive motive and a sententious

note. It is interesting to note that, in the fables, all sorts of human behaviour

are transferred to the animal kingdom. Thereby, the stories become allegories,

which provide moral instruction through amusement. The Pañcatantra, the

Hitopadeśa, the Vetālapañcavimśati, the Simhāsanadvātrimśikā, the

Śukasaptati, etc., deserve particular mention among the Sanskrit fables. The

fables have an extensive circulation, both in the country of its origin and

throughout the nations as various versions of translations and adaptations

are composed all over the world. This is due to the vast popularity of the

fables that these texts have gained currency in different parts of the world.

Equally, the fables have enriched the diverse art forms of the various nations

of the world.