A popular form of literature during the Gupta empire was the fable, which was
used to convey moral lessons and teachings. Fables are short stories that typically feature talking animals or other anthropomorphic characters and often end with a moral or a lesson. They were an effective way to teach values, ethics, and social norms to both children and adults.
Many fables from this period have survived, including the Panchatantra, which is a collection of ancient Indian fables. The Panchatantra consists of five books and follows a frame story format where a wise sage narrates the fables to teach important life lessons to three young princes.
The fables in this period were not only entertaining but also had a didactic purpose. They often highlighted virtues such as honesty, bravery, loyalty, and wisdom while cautioning against vices such as greed, arrogance, and deceit. Through these stories, the Gupta empire sought to promote moral and ethical values and shape the behavior and character of its citizens.
Overall, fables were an essential part of the literature during the Gupta empire, providing both entertainment and moral guidance to the people.