Posted April 4th, 2010 by Sushant
Like Panchatantra and Hitopadesha, Jataka tales are hugely popular in India. These tales are wonderful and meaningful collection of short stories. Jataka tales were composed around 300 B.C and have been very popular among folklores and legends. The stories contain morals of life. These tales are not only relevant to young minds but also to adults and mature minds. Important lessons have been woven around these stories. Jataka tales are a way of good living. They have been passed from generation to generation and despite the onslaught of modernity, the stories still hold significance and relevance in today’s world. They serve as bedtime tales for children. Originally written in Pali language, Jataka tales have been translated in numerous languages. Also known as Jataka Buddhist tales, these stories are very popular amongst the children.
Universally popular fables and tales like Adventures of Sindbad, Aesop’s Fables and Arabian Nights etc are said to be inspired from Jataka tales. The stories are written in Pali language because it was the primary language of Buddhist scriptures. The anecdotes talk of the incarnations of Lord Buddha in varied forms like human and animals. Important values like morality, self-respect, honesty, wisdom and respect for others etc are talked about in this book. They teach some of the most important lessons of life and also talk about how hard work and determination can make us achieve many other important goals of life.
There are approximately 547 fables in the book. Most of the stories have Indian background and especially that of northern parts of India. Varanasi, the holy city situated in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh holds a significant place in these fables. The Jataka tales have much educational value and that’s why they have been translated into several languages. Written around 300 B.C, there is no doubt about Jataka tales being a crucial literary work coming out of the great land of India.
Posted April 2nd, 2010 by Sushant
Indian literature boasts of a rich history. From ancient scriptures like Veda to Bhagwad Gita, Ramayana, Mahabharata, we have got plenty of reasons to be proud of our country’s contribution in the world of literature. We have been fortunate to have books like Panchatantra and Hitopadesha that imparts tales of morality and knowledge. Hitopadesha is one of the most widely read Sanskrit book in India and is considered to be the best seller in India after Bhagwad Gita. Most of the stories in the book involve animals and birds that are inspired from the Panchatantra. The stories are quite logical and have been written in a very rational and a lucid way. Every story implies a moral and it’s quite easy to figure out the moral of each of the tale.
The fact that, Hitopadesha has continued to remain popular among the Indian masses does tell us a lot about its acceptance and admiration in the minds of people. Parents like to read the stories of Hitopadesha to their kids so that they learn the philosophy of life. Narayana Pandit has authored the Hitopadesha. This word comes from combining together of two terms Hita and Upadesha that means, to counsel or advice with wisdom. The tales of the book are very fascinating and helps youngsters and kids to grow into responsible and mature adults.
The book was written almost a millennium ago. The literary work gets its inspiration from another famous Indian literature Panchatantra, but the stories are totally different from each other. Popularity of the Hitopadesha is not just restricted to India. It has been circulated all around the world and has been translated into many languages. It definitely ranks on the top when it comes to most widely read children’s book. People get inspired from the tales of Hitopadesha. Its simplicity and meaningfulness will ensure that no matter how much progress we make, Hitopadesha will always remain popular and relevant to our lives.
