The Hitopadesha: Timeless Wisdom Through Animal Tales & Fables from Ancient India
Welcome to the world of the Hitopadesha, a timeless treasure trove of wit and wisdom from ancient India. Composed in the 12th century, these fables have captivated readers for generations with their charming animal characters and insightful stories.
Embark on a journey where cunning Jackals outsmart mighty Lions, clever Rabbits outwit strong Elephants, and everyday experiences become valuable lessons.
Prepare to be entertained and enlightened as you explore the Hitopadesha, a collection that continues to resonate with readers of all ages.
Hitopadesha Tales
![The Birds and the Monkeys The Birds and the Monkeys](images/thumbs/the-birds-and-the-monkeys-th.jpg)
The Birds and the Monkeys
High in a tree lived a bunch of Birds in cozy nests. One rainy day, they saw a group of Monkeys shivering...
Read More ➔![The Blue Jackal The Blue Jackal](images/thumbs/the-blue-jackal-th.jpg)
The Blue Jackal
Once upon a time, a Jackal was wandering near a town. He accidentally fell into a vat of blue dye! When he climbed...
Read More ➔![The Brahmin and the Goat The Brahmin and the Goat](images/thumbs/the-brahmin-and-the-goat-th.jpg)
The Brahmin and the Goat
Once upon a time, a kind Brahmin named Ravi needed a goat for a special ceremony. He went to the village market...
Read More ➔![The Elephant and the Jackal The Elephant and the Jackal](images/thumbs/the-elephant-and-the-jackal-th.jpg)
The Elephant and the Jackal
Deep in the forest, lived a group of Jackals. They all wanted to eat a giant Elephant named Karphooratilaka...
Read More ➔![The Greedy Jackal The Greedy Jackal](images/thumbs/the-greedy-jackal-th.jpg)
The Greedy Jackal
Once upon a time, a hunter named Bhirava went hunting and found a delicious deer. But before he could take it...
Read More ➔![The Jackal and the Cat The Jackal and the Cat](images/thumbs/the-jackal-and-the-cat-th.jpg)
The Jackal and the Cat
Deep in the forest, lived a blind Jackal named Jarad-gava. He was kind and other animals helped him find food. One day...
Read More ➔![The Lion and the Rabbit The Lion and the Rabbit](images/thumbs/the-lion-and-the-rabbit-th.jpg)
The Lion and the Rabbit
High in the mountains lived a hungry Lion named Durganta. He ate so many animals that all the creatures were scared...
Read More ➔![The Lion, the Mouse, and the Cat The Lion, the Mouse, and the Cat](images/thumbs/the-lion-the-mouse-and-the-cat-th.jpg)
The Lion, the Mouse, and the Cat
High in the mountains lived a Lion named Maliavikrama. He had a tiny problem - a little Mouse kept nibbling on...
Read More ➔![The Mouse Who Became a Tiger The Mouse Who Became a Tiger](images/thumbs/the-mouse-who-became-a-tiger-th.jpg)
The Mouse Who Became a Tiger
Deep in the forest lived a kind Hermit named Maha-tapa. One day, he saw a tiny Mouse fall from a crow's mouth...
Read More ➔![The Poor Woman and the Bell The Poor Woman and the Bell](images/thumbs/the-poor-woman-and-the-bell-th.jpg)
The Poor Woman and the Bell
In a town called Brahma-puree, everyone was scared of a giant named Ghautta-Karna! They thought he lived in the...
Read More ➔![The Rabbits and the Elephant The Rabbits and the Elephant](images/thumbs/the-rabbit-and-the-elephant-th.jpg)
The Rabbits and the Elephants
There wasn't enough rain, and a group of thirsty Elephants were desperate for water. The only place with water was...
Read More ➔![The Traveler and the Tiger The Traveler and the Tiger](images/thumbs/the-traveler-and-the-tiger-th.jpg)
The Traveler and the Tiger
Once upon a time, a traveler was walking down a road when he saw an old tiger sitting by a river. The tiger held...
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