Abstract
This paper examines "The Panchatantra," a grand collection of stories in Sanskrit literature written by an ancient Indian pundit known as Vishnusharma. It looks at how the special quality about the fables of Panchatantra is that they are not only entertaining but educative as well since each and every one of the stories is imbued with a moral and is written with a view to teach the young prince of the time the art of kingship. The Panchatantra stands out for its factual projections of human traits. It is hailed as a good literary work and a moral treatise for children. It is an excellent work where entertainment is neatly interleaved with education.

Outline
Introduction
The Five Volumes
Characters in Panchatantra
Mitrabedha (Breaking Friendship)
Mitrasamprapti (Making Friends)
Labdhapranasha (Intelligent Thinking Under Critical Situations)
Aprikshitakaraka (Common Sense)
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The first volume is virtually a treatise on the relationship between friends and how it can be broken up. It includes all the little niceties and the nuances associated with handling an enemy. The different strategies that are to be adopted with respect to the strength of the adversary are neatly enunciated. For example an emperor has to master the art of breaking down his enemies strength. This aspect is clearly elucidated in the "Story of the bull." In this story the strong relationship between Sanjivak, a bull stranded in the forest and the lion king Pignalik, is broken by the evil designs of the two foxes Damanak and Kartak for their personal gains. By their cunning ways the foxes achieve their ends and ultimately Pignalik the lion kills Sanjivak. Here again we see foxes are shown as cunning animals. This particular story is about the art of breaking the friendship."

Tags:prince, kingship, fables, friendship