The Panchatantra is an ancient Indian collection of interrelated animal fables in Sanskrit, attributed to the scholar Vishnu Sharma. It is believed to have been composed around 200 BCE to 300 CE and serves as a guide to political science and moral lessons through storytelling. The tales are structured as a series of stories within stories, featuring anthropomorphic animals that convey important life lessons. Each fable typically concludes with a moral, making The Panchatantra not only entertaining but also educational, influencing literature and folklore across cultures worldwide.