Panchatantra

The Panchatantra (200 BCE - 300 CE) is an ancient Indian collection of interrelated animal fables in Sanskrit verse and prose. These stories are arranged within a ‘frame story’, meaning each individual tale contributes to a wider narrative. The Panchatantra is considered to have influenced later European books, such as Boccaccio and The Grimm Brothers.

The soft light of dawn seeps through the cracks in the palace walls, gently gilding the ornate white marble inside, while in contrast, the dusky red exterior glows bright like a hot coal. Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan, The Red Fort is a monolithic structure brimming with extraordinary detail and extravagance. The palace is surrounded by impressive gardens and outbuildings, housing all manner of magnificent beasts. The animals are free to roam the grounds as they please, kept well-fed and thriving as a symbol of the emperor’s power.

The golden sunrise has awakened the four young princes, and they creep from their opulent beds to run and dance around the vast spaces and courtyards of the palace. As the day breaks, the overwhelming quietness echoes around them, reflecting from the polished walls and filling the infinite hallways. Gradually, the children realise they are home alone, and not for the first time; Overnight, the adults have been called to court and will be away for the remainder of the day. In an effort to comfort themselves, the princes find a wooden ladder and work together to pull a large book from the shelf; Much loved and handled, the covers are tattered and worn from years of use. The large, bold lettering on the cover spells PANCHATANTRA, but the boys are still too young to read. They sit beside the blue pool in the Rang Mahal and turn each page, running their fingers along the lines of text, trying to recall each story from memory.

Through the ornate archways of the enclosure, the Shah’s creatures watch as the little princes struggle with the tales. The animals have seen many children pass through this palace, and have heard each story recited a thousand times, through windows and doorways, in the gardens and by the lakes. The elephant takes pity on the small boys and turns to summon the great pelicans with his trunk; they fly gracefully from the banks of the Yamuna River to land at his side. He motions them to observe the children’s’ struggle, and they bow their elegant heads in compassion. After a short while, the noble elephant turns to them, and swiftly and quietly relays his idea. The pelicans nod their blessing, before flying away to gather the other beasts. They fluidly circle the gardens issuing their call, and within a few short minutes, the animals are assembled. Even the tiger has deigned to partake in the entertainment, although all wisely keep a respectful distance; She is compliant for now, but her obliging attitude can turn on a knife edge. For now, everyone is ready for the show to begin.

The astounded children sit mesmerised as the emperor’s magnificent creatures perform the tales of the Panchatantra within the palace walls. The scenes are set, the stories are woven, and the little princes are enchanted.