Originally written in Sanskrit, the Panchatantra is the oldest collection of Indian fables. The large majority of the characters are animals, with a typical nature, like the lion is strong but dumb, the rabbit is wise, the jackal is clever, the tortoise is stupid and the cat is intelligent. The stories of the Panchatantra teach us how to understand people, how to choose trustworthy friends, how to solve problems through tact and wisdom and how to live in peace and harmony. Each story has a moral and philosophical theme which has stood the test of time and so is true even today. Young and old alike, the stories of Panchatantra have regaled the readers for more than two thousand years now.