2017-06-15 Thu

A long time ago when the man was seating ideally by his greatest discovery fire, he composed a story. This was the tale of his experience created by his own rules, which shaped the world of his imagination and man bent it to his will. This was a road holding the future with memories of past. It was something that a child in him looks upon, it was his morals. It became the fibres of his society and slowly turned into what we call oral tradition.

Oral traditions are the part of India's intangible heritage, the art of storytelling is a talent that runs into Indian household like the aroma of a ripped mango. The essence of this tradition is Panchatantra, this work is an interwoven sequence of tales in the form of Prose and poetry. These stories mostly revolve around the animal fables that teaches us about the good conduct of life.

Panchatantra was compiled first in Sanskrit and Pali. Its compilation credits attribute to Pandit Vishnu Sharma. According to scholars it dates can be traced to 3rd century BCE. This series of tales has progressed through various changes and mutation it is also the most translated text in the world.

This work of ancient India portraits the origins of the Indian subcontinent, language, and lifestyle. This text was originally compiled for three Princes to enlighten them with the wisdom of good conduct of life and kingship.

Panchatantra is divided into five parts, some of the stories can also be found in Upanishads and Vedas. It is knowledge of wisdom that makes one's life richer, happier and fuller. Its fame crossed Indian border through Persia and went to Europe. It is translated into Persian, Danish, Icelandic, Dutch, Hebrew, French, Spanish, English, etc.

Till date, Panchatantra inspires many writers throughout the world. The most attractive attribute of the Panchantra is the moral of its tales. If Indian literature was a crown, Panchatantra would be its brightest Jewel.

To celebrate this tradition of storytelling India Post has issued four commemorative stamps in 2001.