Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 318

Book Panchtantra is written by which author

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the historical context and traditional attribution of the Panchatantra.

Correct Answer: C) Vishnu Sharma.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, CLAT

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Panchatantra is a collection of ancient Indian fables and folk tales that are known for their moral lessons and wisdom. The stories are structured around five principles of statecraft and human conduct, and they have been widely read and enjoyed across India and other parts of the world for centuries. The traditional attribution of the Panchatantra is to Vishnu Sharma, a wise and learned author who is believed to have lived in ancient India.

Vishnu Sharma is a figure in Indian literature who is credited with the authorship of the Panchatantra. The exact historical details of Vishnu Sharma's life are not well-documented, and the stories of his life are often intertwined with legend and myth. However, the Panchatantra is one of the most enduring works of Indian literature, and its stories have been translated into numerous languages and adapted into various forms of media.

The Panchatantra consists of five books, each containing a series of interconnected fables and stories. These stories are designed to impart wisdom and moral lessons to the reader, and they often feature animals as the main characters. The tales are not only entertaining but also serve as a means of teaching important life lessons and principles of statecraft.

It is important to note that while Vishnu Sharma is traditionally credited with the authorship of the Panchatantra, the exact authorship and the historical context of the work are subjects of scholarly debate. Some scholars suggest that the Panchatantra may have been compiled over a long period and that Vishnu Sharma may have been a compiler or editor rather than the original author. Nonetheless, the traditional attribution to Vishnu Sharma remains widely accepted and is the basis for the correct answer to this question.

Understanding the authorship of the Panchatantra is crucial for students preparing for competitive examinations, as questions related to Indian literature and cultural knowledge are common in such exams. Familiarity with the works of famous Indian authors and their contributions to literature is essential for success in these examinations.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Mahadevi Verma is a renowned Hindi poet and writer, but she is not the author of the Panchatantra. This option is incorrect because the Panchatantra is traditionally attributed to Vishnu Sharma.
  • Option B: Mrilani Pandey is not associated with the Panchatantra. This option is incorrect as the authorship of the Panchatantra is traditionally attributed to Vishnu Sharma, a well-known figure in Indian literature.
  • Option C: Vishnu Sharma is the correct author of the Panchatantra. This option is correct because Vishnu Sharma is traditionally recognized as the author of this ancient collection of fables and folk tales, which are known for their moral lessons and wisdom.
  • Option D: Prem Chand is a famous Indian writer known for his novels and short stories, but he is not the author of the Panchatantra. This option is incorrect as the Panchatantra is traditionally attributed to Vishnu Sharma.

Mnemonic: Vishnu for Vishnu Sharma, the wise author of Panchatantra.

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