Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 121

I helped a Brahman and tricked a tiger back into its cage. Who am I?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Think of a character from a well-known Indian fable.

Correct Answer: B) The jackal.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

In Indian folklore, the jackal is a recurring character known for its cunning and strategic thinking. The jackal is often depicted as a trickster who uses its wit to outsmart larger and more powerful animals. This character is a central figure in many stories from the Panchatantra, a collection of Indian fables that are widely known and studied for their moral lessons and cultural significance.

The specific story referenced in the question involves a jackal who helps a Brahman (a member of the priestly class in Hinduism) and tricks a tiger back into its cage. This story highlights the jackal's cleverness and resourcefulness. The jackal is able to manipulate the situation to its advantage, showcasing its ability to think quickly and act decisively.

The jackal's role in this story is not just to help the Brahman but also to trick the tiger, which is a much larger and more powerful animal. This demonstrates the jackal's cunning and strategic thinking, which are key traits associated with this character in Indian folklore. The jackal's actions in the story are a testament to its ability to use its intelligence to overcome challenges and achieve its goals.

It is important to note that the jackal's character in Indian folklore is not always positive. While the jackal is often portrayed as clever and resourceful, it is also sometimes depicted as deceitful and manipulative. This duality in the jackal's character adds depth to the stories and provides a rich tapestry of moral lessons for the reader.

Understanding the jackal's role in Indian folklore is crucial for anyone studying Indian culture and literature. The jackal's stories are not just entertaining but also serve as a means of imparting wisdom and moral lessons to the audience. The jackal's ability to help a Brahman and trick a tiger is a prime example of the jackal's cunning and strategic thinking, which are central to its character in Indian folklore.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. The swindlers are not a specific character in Indian folklore known for helping a Brahman and tricking a tiger. The swindlers are more commonly associated with Western tales.
  • Option B: This option is correct. The jackal is a character from Indian folklore, particularly in the Panchatantra, known for its cunning and ability to help humans and trick other animals. The story of the jackal helping a Brahman and tricking a tiger is a well-known fable.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Scar is a character from "The Lion King," which is a Western animated film and not part of Indian folklore. The question is asking about a character from Indian stories.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. The Blind Men are characters from a different fable that teaches about the importance of perspective and not from a story involving a jackal, Brahman, and tiger.

Mnemonic: Jackal's tricks: J for Jackal, J for Juggler of tricks

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