There were four Brahmin friends. After finishing their education in the gurukul, they were ready to go back home. On their way, they had to pass through a forest. After walking a distance, they saw a pile of bones on the ground. They wanted to test their knowledge. The first Brahmin chanted a mantra and […]
“She wasn’t a good woman. But the story shows that it is the presence of mind that saves us from disaster,” said the second fish. The third fish was not very sensible, and could not make up his mind what to do. He was a fellow who waited for something good to turn up or
In Vikramapura long ago, there lived a merchant and his wife. She was a wicked woman who was in love with a servant in the house. One day, the merchant saw her giving a kiss to the servant and was very angry. But the merchant’s wife was a cunning woman. When she saw that her
The tortoise told them the story of the three fishes. “They lived in this lake,” began the tortoise, “and they faced the same situation that we are facing now. Some fishermen had decided to lay nets to catch all the fish in the lake.” The three fishes consulted one another. The first fish decided that
The King Silver Plume wanted to know what Chakravaka meant about the foolish tortoise. So, he told the story to the King. In the kingdom of Magadha long ago, there was a beautiful lake. Many birds and water creatures lived there in harmony. Among them were two lovely swans, Sankata and Vikata, who were friends
King Silver Plume was talking to Chakravaka after the war. “Who do you think set fire to our fort and the houses in it?” he asked, “I wonder if it was a spy from the enemy’s camp or one of our own who betrayed us, leaving the fort to be destroyed and plundered?” “I suspect
Once, there lived a colony of mice in a ruined village. Daily, a herd of elephants would visit the lake in the village. On their way, the elephants would crush hundreds of mice under their feet. King Mouse met King Elephant and said, “Sir, kindly change your path. Every time your herd crosses the village,
The Princes had learnt about war through the stories of the swans and the peacocks. Vishnu Sharma told them that even the greatest kings finally get tired of war. The swans had been defeated by the peacocks. King Jewel Plume had plundered the fort and taken away a lot of wealth from Karpuradweepa to his
King Silver Plume was extremely sad, since his kingdom had been betrayed by the crows whom he had befriended and treated with courtesy. He too went slowly to the lake with the rest of his forces. One of his generals, the saras, was helping him. Silver Plume asked the saras to leave him and try
King Jewel Plume finally realised that his minister was wise and he should have listened to his counsel earlier. But now, having reached Karpuradweepa with all the preparations of the war, there was no way they could turn back. If they turned away now, it would bring them great dishonour. He asked Doordarshi why he
The crane who had gone to spy in the enemy camp had told King Silver Plume and Chakravaka that the blockade was being prepared. The King did not understand why Chakravaka wanted him to spend so much money giving gifts at a time like this. Meanwhile, Meghavarna, the Crow King, came and offered to go
“Sir,” said the wise minister, “work should be given to the people who are experienced and skilled in doing that particular task. Someone who is good at the study of scriptures cannot build a fort!” This was a piece of sound advice and was accepted by the King. Chakravaka also insisted that they should store
Chakravaka was a wise minister and had a lot of advice for King Silver Plume. He knew that great wisdom is required to fight a war. One should not simply charge against a powerful enemy. “If a man fights with an elephant, he will be trampled to death, Sir,” said Chakravaka, “so, we should be
“Sir, the minister can only advise the one who is willing to listen,” said the old vulture, “I cannot guide you if you are going to do foolish things in spite of my advice. That is why I kept quiet.” King Jewel Plume apologised to his minister, saying that he had depended only on the
Once, there was a farmer. His horse had grown old, so he asked him to leave. The horse said, “Master, let me stay.” The farmer said, “I will, but only if you bring me a lion’s skin.” The horse went deep into the jungle. There, he met a fox, who offered to help him. The