Question

Who wrote Panchtantra?
A. Kalidas
B. Vishnu Sharma
C. Chanakya
D. Nagarjun

Answer 1

Hint: Panchtantra is an ancient Indian collection of animal fables or stories. It is written by Indian scholar and author. It is one of the most famous non-religion books, translated in different languages and is known by different names in different cultures. The book was originally written in the Sanskrit language.

Complete answer: Panchtantra is made of two words, panch means five and tantra means practices or principles. The origin of the book dates back to the times of king Amaraski. He wanted to teach governing skills, morals and principles to his 3 sons for which he hired Indian author and scholar, Vishnu Sharma. He invented an innovative style to teach them governing skills and good values by writing a collection of stories in 5 volumes, known as Panchtantra. The book is translated in many languages such as Persian, Arabic, Hindi and English. Many authors and translators have also translated the book in local and simple languages to make them more accessible.
Now we will discuss the books written by above-mentioned authors.
-There are many books and plays written by Kalidasa. His one of the most famous books is Meghaduta. In this book, he has given a description of the monsoon. It is a detailed and appealing description. For his work, he is famously regarded as India’s Shakespeare.
-Chanakya or Kautilya is famous for his book Arthashastra. In this book, he has given deep examination of governance, friends, enemy, allies, economy polity etc. It was the strategies and Chanakaya that made Chandragupta, the first Mauryan empire.
-Nagarjuna is famous for his work, Mūlamadhyamakakārikā. It is based on the discourses of Nikayas and Agamas.
Therefore the correct answer is option-B.

Note: The name of the five volumes were-
-Mitra-labha about gaining friends
-Mitra-bheda about losing friends
-Apariksitakarakam about actions taking without thinking of consequences
-Labhdapranasam about losing gains
-Kakolukiyam about war and peace.