Which one of the following statements about the famous text of Panchatantra is correct?
- A.It is a philosophical text reflecting the debates of the time and refuting rival positions.
- B.It is a text ushering in linguistics as a formal science.
- C.It is a text discussing developments in various spheres of natural sciences.
- D.It is a text showing through illustration what should and should not be done.
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is D, It is a text showing through illustration what should and should not be done. The Panchatantra teaches practical wisdom (niti) through animal fables, each story showing the right and wrong way to act.
The Sanskrit collection is credited to Vishnu Sharma, who, according to its frame story, composed it to educate the dull sons of King Amarashakti in statecraft and worldly sense. Its five books (tantras) are Mitra-bheda (loss of friends), Mitra-labha (winning of friends), Kakolukiyam (crows and owls), Labdhapranasham (loss of gains) and Aparikshitakarakam (rash deeds). It is one of the most translated works of Indian literature: it reached Persia as Kalila wa Dimna and later Europe as the Fables of Bidpai. The Hitopadesha of Narayana is a later work drawing on it.
A is wrong because that describes philosophical treatises of rival schools, not a book of fables. B is wrong because linguistics as a formal science is linked with Panini's Ashtadhyayi. C is wrong because the Panchatantra is not a scientific text.
Exam tip: Panchatantra = Vishnu Sharma, five tantras of animal fables on niti; Hitopadesha = Narayana.
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