A popular form of literature during the Gupta empire was the fable, which was what
A popular form of literature during the Gupta Empire was the fable, which was a short fictional story typically featuring animals or other non-human characters that conveyed a moral lesson. Fables were often written in the form of prose or verse and were intended to teach ethical values and virtues to the readers.
One of the most famous fable collections during this time was the Panchatantra, attributed to the scholar Vishnu Sharma. The Panchatantra consists of several interconnected animal fables, where anthropomorphic creatures engage in moral dilemmas and conflicts. Each story ends with a moral lesson, known as a "niti," which provides guidance on how to navigate various life situations.
These fables were not only entertaining but also served as a means of imparting moral and ethical values to the masses. They were considered an effective educational tool in teaching important life lessons to people of all ages, from children to adults. The fables often portrayed timeless wisdom, practical knowledge, and the consequences of various attitudes and behaviors, making them a popular form of literature during the Gupta Empire and beyond.