The Pancatantra by Visnu Sharma (Penguin Classics)

“The Pancatantra” is a collection of ancient Indian fables and stories attributed to the scholar Visnu Sarma. The book was originally written in Sanskrit and is believed to have been compiled around the 3rd century BCE.

The stories in “The Pancatantra” are structured as a series of interconnected tales, each one featuring animal characters who demonstrate certain moral or ethical principles. The stories are intended to impart wisdom and knowledge to the reader, and many of them contain valuable lessons about human behavior, relationships, and the nature of the world.

The book has been translated into many languages and has had a significant influence on literature and storytelling around the world. Many of the stories in “The Pancatantra” have become popular folk tales and have been retold in various forms over the centuries.

“The Pancatantra” is a classic work of Indian literature and is considered one of the earliest examples of the fable genre. The book is known for its engaging storytelling, colorful characters, and thought-provoking themes, and continues to be widely read and enjoyed by audiences of all ages.