The Pre-Loved edit from Shopbop
To share your reaction on this item, open the Amazon app from the App Store or Google Play on your phone.
Add Prime to get Fast, Free delivery
Amazon prime logo
Buy new:
$11.00
FREE delivery Monday, January 27 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$11.00
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Monday, January 27 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Saturday, January 25. Order within 15 hrs 47 mins.
In Stock
$$11.00 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$11.00
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$1.78
Item in very good condition! Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc... Item in very good condition! Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc... See less
$3.98 delivery January 31 - February 1. Details
Or fastest delivery January 28 - 31. Details
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$11.00 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$11.00
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Ships from and sold by glenthebookseller.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Panchatantra Paperback – January 1, 1991

4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 222 ratings

{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$11.00","priceAmount":11.00,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"11","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"00","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"1173MgEuChItK6tD1DbNBrEbiAOxF2jBdXnb4XPoVL0ay8c0jdkmpT0R1c7HQeCw%2FGZlhN2Hu3tjolDb5r%2F%2BODpg3yK90gFmhtQZJj4s2U1eTJaFD0jyfuD379uipFIuQ6zghZ8Pvv0%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$1.78","priceAmount":1.78,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"1","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"78","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"1173MgEuChItK6tD1DbNBrEbiAOxF2jBFXrrAAwfBqdRc%2Fwd4Rvq4f9CwP1DfQHChjostaLet8AyuGQWZwaOrd1nHGgfC1yhE3%2FiuJ8hhffLsrzK66iJCDWCFTcLPDJ9B2lYWirn2s5NSjaCo%2FwIVs%2F7Rv5kG%2BE%2B%2BP5MNyek7OJJXa3wHz1c9ju59Vw43scJ","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

The Panchatantra is a collection of folktales and fables that were believed to have been originally written in Sanskrit by Vishnu Sharma more than 2500 years ago. This collection of stories features animal characters which are stereotyped to associate certain qualities with them. The origins of the Panchatantra lie in a tale of its own, when a King approached a learned pandit to ask him to teach the important lessons of life to his ignorant and unwise sons. This learned scholar knew that the royal princes could not understand complex principles in an ordinary way. So, he devised a method wherein he would impart important knowledge in the form of simple and easy-to-understand folktales. Thus, the Panchatantra came into origin. It is one of the most popular collection of Indian tales, and has influenced literature all over the world since the time of its conception. This particular version of the Panchatantra was translated by G L Chandiramani, who has also translated the Hitopadesha. Panchatantra comes from the individual words, 'pancha' and 'tantra'. While pancha refers to the number five, tantra refers to ways/strategies related to inner fulfilment. The stories in this book aim to impart the deeper wisdom of life, through the simple portrayal of animal characters. The story of two geese and an tortoise is dedicated to the moral of heeding a trusted friend's advice. Another story deals with a wise old rabbit and an angry lion who can't control his impatience.
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

From the Publisher

23

In Conversation with Pandit Vishnu Sharma

The original text of the Panchatantra in Sanskrit was probably written about 200 B.C. by a great Hindu scholar, Pandit Vishnu Sharma. But some of the tales themselves must be much older, their origin going back to the period of the Rig-Veda and Upanishads (from 1500 B.C. to 500 B.C.). According to some scholars of the Indo-European languages, the Panchatantra is oldest collection of Indian fables surviving.

In course of time, travellers took these stories with" them to Persia and Arabia and ("many through Greece, they’ reached Europe. It is surmised that a version of the Panchatantra was composed in the Pahlavi language of pre-Islamic Iran sometime in the 6th century A.D., being followed by an Arabic one in the 8th century AD. The Greek translation was made towards the close of the 11th century A.D. from which it was translated into various European languages. This accounts for the fact that to many Westerners,

32

some of the stories have a familiar ring. So far it has been translated into 50 or more languages of the world.

Whose Indian origin is well established, also helped in spreading these tales in Europe. The Panchatantra is essentially connected with one of the branches of science known by the Indians as the ‘Nitishastra’ which in Sanskrit means ‘A book of wise conduct in life’. It attempts to teach us how to understand people, how to choose reliable and trustworthy friends, how to meet difficulties and solve problems through tact and wisdom, and how to live in peace and harmony in the face of hypocrisy, deceit and many pitfalls in life.

The Panchatantra is woven round the fame of a tale of a king who entrusts his three ‘dud’ sons to a learned man, a Brahmin, called Pandit Vishnu Sharma, to enlighten their minds within six months. The Brahmin promises to educate them and takes them to his ashram (hermitage).

123

There he recites to them his especially composed tales divided into five tantras (in Sanskrit: Pancha=five and tantra=systems or parts) of how to deal with people in life.

The language of the author is both artistic and elegant. The tale is narrated in prose while the exposition of a philosophical and moral theme is put in verse; maxims or wise sayings are also expressed in verse, which either sums up the narration or introduces the next tale. The storyteller’s art sugars the pill of his sober philosophy. He sets story within story and keeps us waiting for the sequels and so leads us on through the five ‘tantras’. As one fable follows another, people and animals are constantly changing places, and they share the same characteristics of love and hatred, compassion and wit, selfless courage and base cowardice, generosity and meanness. Each story has a moral and philosophical theme which has stood the test of time and so is true even in modern times—an age of atomic fear and madness.

The Panchatantra is a rare book, for in no book will you find philosophy, psychology, politics, music; astronomy, human relationship, etc., all discussed together in such a simple and yet elegant style. This is exactly what Pandit Vishnu Sharma had in mind, to give as much knowledge to the princes as possible. And no doubt not only the princes but also millions of listeners and readers for the last 2,200 years have benefited from this most unique book. The book is intended for the adult mind, though children will love it if helped; it contains a fountain of India’s philosophical wisdom—a fountain of nectar.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Believed to be original author of the Panchatantra, Vishnu Sharma belonged to the Kashmir region going by the kind of animals he featured in his stories. His magnum opus, the Panchatantra was translated into Pahlavi in 570 AD, Arabic in 750 AD, and by the 16th century, appeared in German, Greek, Czech, Latin, etc. He is considered to be one of the most-widely translated authors in history who authored non-religious books.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Rupa & Co. (January 1, 1991)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 8171670652
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-8171670659
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.3 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 222 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Pandit Vishnu Sharman
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Vyanst Publication, started in 2013, is committed to bring Indian Literature to the modern ebook Platform. India has a rich cultural heritage and is a diverse nation. The classic literature is not only confined to the traditional folk stories but also the rituals and diverse practices of the multiple religions that can be found in India. Our aim is to capture and preserve these stories and the Indian way of life onto modern platforms. We hope that our endeavor will reach out everyone across the globe and help people to understand the beauty of India.

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
222 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Customers say

Customers find the book enjoyable and interesting. The stories provide meaningful lessons and are thought-provoking. However, opinions differ on the translation quality - some find it easy to understand, while others consider it poor or like reading direct translation.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

5 customers mention "Readability"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read. They mention it's a nice book to read off work to relieve stress and is a great children's story.

"It's a Wonderful Book that every one should read and apply it on a day to day basis in there lives even in doubt and conflict situations that we..." Read more

"Good to read to and talk about with children ,or any age person." Read more

"It was a very nice book to read especially off your work to take the stress and yet a self-educating experience." Read more

"Great children story book..." Read more

5 customers mention "Story quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the stories. They find them enjoyable, thoughtful, and suspenseful. The stories are interesting and morally stimulating.

"...I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the book has the entire collection of stories...." Read more

"The book is comparable to Aesop's fables. The stories are thoughtful and suspenseful; but unlike Aesop, the stories are too long...." Read more

"...be a wise leader. Simple, enjoyable tales, and good advice." Read more

"Interesting and morally and intellectually stimulating." Read more

3 customers mention "Enlightened content"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's content meaningful and stimulating. They say it's interesting and morally enlightening.

"...This book has meaningful lessons in it." Read more

"...read especially off your work to take the stress and yet a self-educating experience." Read more

"Interesting and morally and intellectually stimulating." Read more

4 customers mention "Translation quality"2 positive2 negative

Customers have different views on the translation quality. Some find it well-written and easy to understand, while others think it's horrible and almost like reading a direct translation.

"...I must say the Author has kept it very simple,easy to understand form." Read more

"...I believe this was translated from Hindi and the translation is horrible. Go with Aesop, still the gold standard!" Read more

"...be a wise leader. Simple, enjoyable tales, and good advice." Read more

"The translation was not made in a way that relates to today's reader. Almost like reading direct translation...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2017
    It's a Wonderful Book that every one should read and apply it on a day to day basis in there lives even in doubt and conflict situations that we come across.

    It is very beautifully said and so easy to understand.

    Thank You So Much :) I must say the Author has kept it very simple,easy to understand form.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2017
    I've always been a fan of panchatantra as I grew up with its stories. Akin to Aesop's fables which is more familiar in the West, however, with much more depth in terms of morals and plots, in my opinion.
    I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the book has the entire collection of stories. The quality of translation and language used is superb as well. I would highly recommend it for kids anywhere in the world for its literary richness interlaced with cultural references here and there that give a nice cultural touch of ancient India.
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2016
    The book is comparable to Aesop's fables. The stories are thoughtful and suspenseful; but unlike Aesop, the stories are too long. The kid's attention is often lost. I now read the stories first myself and precis them for the 5-12 yr olds.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2010
    In the office, one of the women mentioned that her and her daughter would read the Panchatantra comics.
    What's that? Oh, it's a bunch of comic books with morals. Our comics in the states have long since
    strayed to the more adventurous, exciting comics we see today which may or may not have a moral.

    The kids looked forward to more comics. These comics that are the stories of relationship building,
    deceit and the eventaul outcomes of friendships, treachery, honesty and deceit.

    How did we do it when we grew up. Well, I guess we had Aesops Fables. But I never saw them in comic
    book form.

    This book is a subset of the textual versions of those morals. I hear that the comics are still available,
    but there are about 2000 of them. I liked it. The storeis reminded me that some of the stuff you
    hear may not always be honest. After all, people may have a reason for being dishonest at one time or
    another. Eventually, they'll come around.

    Thanks for the recommendation, Chandrika.
    9 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2021
    Not commenting about the content but Panchatantra stories are written specifically to teach kids values and morals through stories involving animals, as kids are attracted to animals. This book has just two images of animals, and that too on the cover. Kids will have no motivation to spend time reading this book.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2013
    I love stories about the east because they always have lessons in them,but this was way too childish for me.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2014
    Like most movies, I can guess the middle and ending at the beginning. Same old formulas. This book is like a foreign film, it makes you feel deeply. This book has meaningful lessons in it.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2016
    Great short stories using animal characters but having a message. I use to tell a story whenever my daughter persists for it.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Te
    3.0 out of 5 stars It's only for grown-up people. No colors and pictures
    Reviewed in Mexico on January 22, 2021
    Its very good story book but I don't recommend this book for kids as it lacks pictures and colors. It's presentation is not for kids.... I bought this for my little girl and she doesn't like it because its not colorful and no pictures.....
  • Amandeep Singh Gujral
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good
    Reviewed in Canada on June 11, 2019
    Good. Reminded me of my childhood
  • Reader
    1.0 out of 5 stars Don't buy, it is not complete
    Reviewed in Germany on April 16, 2019
    Please don't buy this book. These stories are incomplete. There is no connection between each of the stories. Also it contains only first part of the book. Some fake publishers using the name of panchatantra to lure in customers. Stay away. I will report about this seller.
  • Ravi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in India on October 26, 2017
    Easy language good short stories which are easy to understand and reciprocate to the kids
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 1, 2016
    Invaluable insights to the intricate working of worldly affairs, friends and enemies.