Hitopadesha is an ancient Indian collection of fables and moral stories, written in Sanskrit. It is attributed to the scholar Vishnu Sharma and serves as a guide for teaching ethics and practical wisdom through engaging narratives. The tales often feature animals and convey important life lessons, making them accessible to readers of all ages. The text is structured in a way that combines storytelling with moral instruction, similar to the Panchatantra. Each story typically concludes with a moral, emphasizing values such as friendship, loyalty, and cleverness. Hitopadesha has been translated into many languages and continues to be a popular source of wisdom in Indian literature.