Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2010

Ancient Indian Secular Literature

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which ancient Indian book has been translated into 15 (fifteen) Indian and 40 (forty) foreign languages?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept The Panchatantra is India’s greatest literary export, using animal fables as a medium to teach 'Niti' (worldly wisdom) across disparate cultures.

Explanation Attributed to Vishnu Sharma, the Panchatantra has been translated into over 50 languages globally, including Arabic (*Kalila wa Dimna*), Persian, Greek, and Latin.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option B is correct. Its universal appeal lies in its practical advice for leadership and social survival.
Logic 2: It holds the record for being the most translated secular work of ancient India.

Active Recall

Question

Why did Vishnu Sharma compose the Panchatantra?

Answer

To educate the three dull-witted sons of a king in the principles of statecraft and moral conduct.

Core Insight

The migration of the Panchatantra via the Silk Road made it the primary ancestor of many European fable traditions.