Question 11 of 14intermediate⚖️ EvaluateEssay3 marks

Select a few stories from the Pañchatantra and discuss how their message is still valid today. Do you know of any similar stories from your region?

Correct Answer

Pañchatantra stories like 'The Monkey and the Crocodile' teach about friendship and betrayal — still relevant as people continue to face deception in relationships.

'The Stork and the Crab' warns against false promises and cunning behavior — applicable to modern scams and frauds.

'The Lion and the Mouse' demonstrates that even the weak can help the strong — teaching humility and mutual respect.

These messages remain valid because human nature and moral dilemmas have not changed over centuries. The stories teach practical wisdom about choosing friends wisely, avoiding greed, and thinking before acting.

Many regional folk tales across India carry similar messages — stories about clever animals, moral choices, and life skills passed down through oral traditions.

The Pañchatantra's enduring relevance is evident from its approximately 200 adaptations in more than 50 languages worldwide.

Exercise: Questions, activities and projects | Q: 3 | (Page Page 12)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The chapter describes the Pañchatantra as 'a collection of delightful stories, with animals as the main characters' that 'teaches us important life skills.' It notes that the original Sanskrit text is 'at least 2,200 years old' and its stories 'have been adapted in almost every Indian language' and have 'travelled well beyond India.' This question asks students to connect these ancient stories to contemporary relevance.

Solution Steps

  1. Pañchatantra stories like 'The Monkey and the Crocodile' teach about friendship and betrayal — relevant to modern relationships

  2. 'The Stork and the Crab' warns against false promises and cunning behavior — applicable to modern scams and frauds

  3. 'The Lion and the Mouse' demonstrates that even the weak can help the strong — teaches humility and mutual respect

  4. Messages remain valid because human nature and moral dilemmas have not changed over centuries

  5. Stories teach practical wisdom: choosing friends wisely, avoiding greed, and thinking before acting

  6. Regional folk tales across India carry similar messages about clever animals, moral choices, and life skills

  7. Pañchatantra's global impact: approximately 200 adaptations in more than 50 languages worldwide

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