Pancatantra of Visnusarman

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Extract From The Preface to The First Edition The present edition is meant for such of the students as have not the means of securing private assistance….A full English translation has been given of all difficult verses. But in the case of easier ones, the translations stops after giving a rendering of the unintelligible parts only. The same has been done with regard to the difficult prose passages. Thus there is scope left for the boys to exercise their own brain power. A short commentary of explaining all difficult compounds and giving the prose order of difficult verses has bee added. In the case of intricate passages I have added, sometimes a word, at others, a sentence or two to make the same clear. The exigencies of space, however, did not permit me to add full explanations. But what is given is sufficient to make the text intelligible to a student of ordinary understanding. A special feature of the present additional verses found in two MSS consulted by me.

The student will observe that the reflections and citations which are so profusely interspersed in the first three Tantras become much less copious in the last two-a circumstance which, however, much adds to the interest, if not to the utility, of the compilation.

Back of The Book The Pancatantra is a famous literary work of Visnusarman, the Court-Pandit of King Amarasakti of Mahilaropya in the south. Originally it was intended by the author to educate the princes of his patron in the science of politics and practical life. The work comprises five Tantras, consisting of stories interspersed with verses which are full of political maxims applicable to exigencies of life. The present edition contains, besides the text, copious notes and literal translation in English. A short Sanskrit Commentary, explaining difficult compounds and grammatical formation of words has also been added. The edition contains some additional verses and different readings found in some manuscripts. Any student who has acquired a preliminary knowledge of Sanskrit grammar will understand the text with the help of notes and translation without difficulty.