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 Pasymcatantra, the
Hitopadea, the Vetlapacaviati, the Sihsanadvtriik, the
ukasaptati, 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.
