Summary of Chapter 1—Mitrabheda (Seperation of Friends)

The Pancatantra of Visnusarma consists of five tantras, each of which deals with different perspective of a human life. At the outset Visnusarma writes Kathamukha as introduction to the Pancatantra. an Visnusarma in the beginning performs Mangala following the Indian tradition of writing a work for the good cause. brahma rudrah kumaro harivarunayama vahnirindrah kuvera- scandradityau sarasvatyudadhiyuganaga vayururvi bhujangah | siddha nadyo'svinau sriditiraditisuta matarascandikadya vedastirthani yajna ganavasumunayah pantu nityam grahasca || manave vacaspataye sukraya parasaraya sasutaya | canakyaya ca viduse namo'stu nayasastrakartubhyah ||

57 sakalarthasastrasaram jagati samalokya visnusarmedam | tantraih pancabhiretaccakara sumanoharam sastram || In the Mangala slokas above, the author Visnusarma pays homage to the gods such as Brahma, Rudra, Kartikeya, Visnu, Varuna, Yama, Agni, Indra, Kubera, Candra, Surya, Saraswati, presiding deities over four yugas. Goddess Laksmi, Asvins, goddess Prthvi, four Vedas, all holy rivers, eight Vasus [1. Apas 2. Dhruva 3. Soma 4. Dhara 5. Anila 6. Prabhasa 7. Pratyusa 8. Anala]. Further, showing due regard for ancient preceptors of Arthasastra, Visnusarma offers his salutations to Manu, Brhaspati, Sukracarya, Vyasa, Parasara and Canakya too. As stated in the third verse above, all five tantras of the Pancatantra in one or the other way inherit the essence of the texts on the Arthasastra brought to light by the ancient scholars. Thus, it is evident that the Pancatantra has the basis of Arthasastra itself. Further, the Kathamukha proceeds to narrate that how Visnusarma happened to write the didactic treatise on the science of polity by name Pancatantra. There was a king by name Amarasakti ruling over Mahilaropya kingdom. He had three sons named Bahusakti, 1. • Pancatantra, Gokuldas Gupta, Chowkhamba Vidyabhavan, Varanasi, Kathamukha, verses 1-3, p. 1.

58 Ugrasakti and Anantasakti. Observing their foolishness, the king called his ministers and asked them to make his sons wellversed in the science of polity.² Then one of the ministers told the king that Visnusarma was a singular scholar who could educate your sons in the proper manner. On hearing this suggestion, the king invited Visnusarma and said to him to make his sons versed in the science of polity.³ Visnusarma too promised him a word that he would make them well-versed in the sastra within six months.4 Accordingly Visnusarma received those princess as his students and started writing the Pancatantra of five sections. Then he gave lessons to the princes on these tantras. And as he had promised he made them well-versed in the science of polity within six months. Henceforth the text Pancatantra has come down to us through many generations for making unmatured children or youngsters intelligent with moral precepts through stories of the text. At the end in order to uphold the significance 2. 3. 4. tasya trayah putrah paramadurmedhaso bahusaktirudrasaktiranantasaktisceti namano babhuvuh atha raja tasastravimukhanalokya sacivanahuya provaca "bho jnatametadbharyanmamaite putrah sastravimukha vivekarahitasca tadetanpasyato me mahadapi rajyam na saukhyamavahati | Pancatantra, Kathamukha, p. 2. sa raja tadakarnya visnusarmanamahuya provaca - 'bho bhagavan madanugraharthametanarthasastram prati dragyathananya sadrsanviddhasi tatha kuru | tadaham tvam sasanasatena yojayisyami | ' Pancatantra, Kathamukha, p.4. tvatprarthanasiddhasyaryam sarasvativinodam karisyami | tallikhyatamadyatano divasah | yadyaham sanmasabhyantare tava putrannayasastram pratyananyasadrsanna karisyami tato narhati devo devamarga samdarsayitum | } Pancatantra, Kathamukha, p. 5.

59 importance of the Pancatantra, Visnusarma declares with confidence that he who undertakes the study of Arthasastra or Nitisastra through this text of Pancatantra, will never be won even by god Indra.5 Of the five tantras of the Pancatantra, the first one is entitled as Mitrabheda. It runs into twenty-two stories and forms the biggest portion of the Pancatantra. Kathamukha: The story of Pingalaka and Sanjivaka The story of a lion named Pingalaka accompanied by two jackals Karataka and Damanaka weaves its thread in itself through all other twenty-one stories. Thus the first story lays its effect until the last one. No doubt, the opening story of Mitrabheda forms an introduction to the rest of the portion. As is evident from the title of the first tantra, the main stream of the Mitrabheda concludes generating the difference between two friends Pingalaka (lion) and Sanjivaka (bull). As a result of venemous deed of discrimination, Sanjivaka perishes and at which Pingalaka laments. 1. The story of a Monkey Akined to this main thread of the story of Mitrabheda, the second story of a monkey is narrated wherein it loses its tail and 5. • adhite ya idam nityam nitisastram srnoti ca | na parabhavamapnoti sakradapi kadacana || Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, verse 10, p.6.

60 its life too, with a view to substantiating the general rule " vyaparah na karaniyah " one should not undertake any work without sufficient knowledge thereof.6 2. The story of a Jackal (Gomayu) : The second story is narrated how a jackal named Gomayu suffered the pain of losing its tooth by an hitting the thread of skin being cut. This story strengthens the point that "the king whose courage does not fail him when a very powerful or fierce enemy attacks him." 3. The story of Dantila: The Karataka tells Pingalaka, this story of Gomayu to dispel Pingalaka's fear for unknown dreadful sound. Having removed the fear Karataka says that he would find out the source of the sound. After finding out the same, Karataka approaches Sanjivaka and makes the latter approach Pingalaka. Consequently Karataka asks Sanjivaka to render him with due honour acknowledging his importance before Pingalaka. In this context, the Karataka states that "He, who, 6. 7. avyaparesu vyaparam yo narah kartumicchati | sa eva nidhanam yati kilotpativa vanarah || Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, verse 21, p.13. atyutkate ca raudre ca satrau prapte na hiyate | dhairyam yasya mahinatho na sa yati parabhavam || Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, Katha-1, verse 112, p.33

61 through pride, does not honour men in proximity with a king, whether they are the best or low or middling, falls from his position, as did Dantila in the third story. 4. The story of Devasarma : As Sanjivaka and Pingalaka became bosom friends, Pingalaka gives all the responsibility of the kingdom to both Damanaka and Karataka and starts treading soft path of life. Therefore, other animal-subjects suffer by the want of food. Observing this, Damanaka charges against Karataka, that the plightful condition prevailing in the kingdom of the forest caused by disinterestedness of Pingalaka, is all due to mistake committed by Karataka himself. Listening to the words of Damanaka, Karataka, supports the Damanaka's stand-point and adduces three examples of the jackal, Devasarma and dutika who suffer because of their own mistakes; and thus the fourth story is read to indicate the cause of suffering as being one's own fault. As "the jackal owing to the fight between (two) rams, I on account of Asadhabhuti and the female messenger through her being serviceable to another, suffered; in all these three cases the fault was of one's own making.⁹ 8. yo na pujayate garvaduttamadhamamadhyaman | bhupasammanamanyo'pi bhrasyate dantilo yatha || Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, Katha-2, verse-141, p.44 9. jambuko huduyuddhena vayam vasadhabhutina | dutika parakaryena trayo dosah svayamkrtah || Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, Katha-3, verse 173, p.57.

62 5. The story of Weaver and Chariot-maker : Being intolerant to see the friendship between Pingalaka and Sanjivaka, both Karataka and Damanaka think of separating one from the other. In this context, Karataka gives a suggestion that if either Pingalaka or Sanjivaka come to know about their plan, then they will have to undergo the consequences therefrom. 10 Listening to these words, Damanaka says that in any tough circumstances one should be very strong at his intellect. Even though, one's destiny is against the will of a person, one's intelligent efforts never be futile. Damanaka says that if the secrecy of the plan to be executed to separate them from one another is well protected, then there will be no harm at all."1 And well protected secrecy sometimes becomes inaccessible to god Brahma. Therefore, the success of the plan rests in maintaining the secrecy. With a view to strengthening this point, Damanaka tells the story of a weaver and chariot-maker who in guise of Lord Visnu enjoys a princess.¹ 10. yadi kathamapi tava mayapravesam pingalako jnasyati, samjivako va tada nunam vidhata eva | Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, Katha-4, p.76. 11. tyajyam na dhairyam vidhure'pi daive dhairyatkadacitsthitimapnuyatsah | yate samudre'pi hi potabhange samyatriko vanchati karma eva || Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, Katha-4, verse 216, p.76. 12. • suprayuktasya dambhasya brahmapyantam na gacchati | kauliko visnurupena rajakanyam nisevate | Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, Katha 4, verse 218, p.77.

63 6. The story of Crow-couple : Further, being hesitant, Karataka says that execution of their plan may not render its fruit before strong Pingalaka and intelligent Sanjivaka. In such case, what could be the other way to see the success. Damanaka says with all confidence that even if the efforts go in vain, a strong strategy has to be functioned. Because strategy is always stronger than physical strength. To uphold this point, Damanaka narrates another story of crowcouple who could kill black cobra, through a strategy." 7. The story of crab and crane : In the same view another story of crab and crane is narrated by Damanaka to show that without the help of any weapon one can achieve the goal by resorting to a strategy. 14 8. The story of lion and rabbit: In the same line, Damanaka narrates before Karataka another story of lion and rabbit wherein a small animal, rabbit accomplishes its work of killing the lion Bhasuraka; and shows 13. upayena hi yatkuryattanna sakyam parakramaih | kakya kanakasutrena krsnasarpo nipatitah || Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, Katha - 5, verse - 228, p.89. 14. upayena jayo yadrg ripostadrn na hetibhih | upayajno'lpakayo'pi na suraih paribhuyate || Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, Katha - 6, verse - 213, p.91.

64 that a strong man if devoid of intellect, is weak indeed; because the strength of intellect is all supreme. 15 9. The story of Mandavisarpini and bed-bug: With a view to accomplishing their strategy, both Karataka and Damanaka approach Pingalaka. And Damanaka says that he who without computing his own strength and that of his enemy attacks through eagerness in haste, meets with destruction just like a moth in fire flying towards it.16 Therefore with due consideration of others' strength one may give his company to the other. Despite this, as Damanaka says, Pingalaka is completely engrossed in enjoying the company of Sanjivaka and gratify itself. As a result, all its attendent-animals suffer from the want of food and leave for another place where food can be available. Thus, Pingalaka being always followed and served by his attendents, now destitute of them. Thus Damanaka alarms Pingalaka with the words that shelter should not be given to a person whose behaviour is not known. In otherwise case that a person 15. yasya buddhirbalam tasya nirbuddhestu kuto balam | vane simho madonmattah sasakena nipatitah || Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, Katha - 7, verse - 237, p.97. 16. aviditvatmanah sakti parasya ca samutsukah | gacchannabhimukho nasam yati vahnau patangavat || Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, Katha - 8, verse - 260, p.104.

65 perishes himself like Mandavisarpini by the fault of its association with bed bug. 17 10. The story of jackal (Candarava) : Supporting the point highlighted in the previous story, Damanaka explains another story of the king Kakadruma. Damanaka in this connection, pinpoints that one who decards one's own kinsmen and admits strangers to one's presence, no doubt suffers death. 18 11. The story of Madotkata (lion) : For generating difference in the mind of Sanjivaka, Damanaka approaches the former and conveys Pingalaka's plan of killing Sanjivaka by faul means. Without showing its cruel nature Pingalaka presents himself to be a trustworthy. But as a matter of fact Pingalaka is very cruel and deceiteful. Therefore Damanaka says to Sanjivaka that it is not proper on his part to live in association with Pingalaka. Mean- minded Pingalaka is in the company of wicked beings and he carries his livelihood resorting to faul means and makes his enemy as a victim for his 17. 18. na hyavijnatasilasya pradatavyah pratisrayah | matkunasya na dosena hata mandavisarpini || Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, Katha -8, verse - 275, p.110. tyaktascabhyantara yena bahyascabhyantarikrtah | sa eva mrtyumapnoti yatha raja kakudrumah || Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, Katha - 9, verse - 282, p.114. University ព

66 food, just as Kratanaka (a camel) was killed by the lion called Madotkata by faul means to feed himself and his attendents. 19 12. The Tittibha couple and the sea: Observing Sanjivaka's readiness to face the consequence arising from Pingalaka, Damanaka thinks to himself that Sanjivaka if kills Pingalaka in fight with his sharp horns, then there would be great downfall of animal-kingdom. Therefore, this Sanjivaka should be made run away from this place.20 As such Damanaka said to Sanjivaka that fight between the king and servant is not at all proper. On seeing that an enemy is more powerful, one should verily protect oneself. 21 Moreover, without having properly ascertained the strength of his enemy if he begins hostilities, he will be overpowered by the other, just as the sea is defeated by Tittibha birds.22 19. vahavah panditah ksudrah sarve mayopajivinah | kuryuh krtyamakrtya va ustre kakadayo yatha || | Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, Katha 10, verse - 311, p.125. 20. tadyadi kadacitiksnasrngabhyam svaminam praharisyati tanmahananarthah sampatsyate | tadenam bhuyo'pi svabuddhaya prabodhya tatha karomi yatha desantaragamanam karoti || Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, Katha 11, verse - 336, p.136. 21. balavantam ripum drstva kilatmanam pragopayet | . balavadbhisca kartavya saraccandraprakasata || Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, Katha 11, verse - 336, p.136. 22. satrorvikramamajnatva vairamarabhate hi yah | 'sa parabhavamapnoti samudrastitibhadyatha || Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, Katha - 11, verse - 337, p.136. +-6589 015

67 13. The story of Kambugriva (tortoise) and Sankata, Vikata Swans : Adjoining the story above, Damanaka tells another story to substantiate that one should listen to the words of well-wishing friends. Otherwise that person invites his death like Kambugriva. 23 14. The story of Anagata Vidhata, Pratyutpannamati and Yadbhavisya: Continuing the same thread of advice, Damanaka quotes the story of three fishes wherein a fish by name Yadbhavisya remains at the hands of death by neglecting self-diffensive words of other two fishes. The suggestion given by those two fishes is that a person who thinks of the remedies well in advance to protect himself from the impediments, will prosper happily; in otherwise case he would perish.2 15. The story of sparrow couple and elephant: In the same flow of the story above, Damanaka adduces a story of sparrow-couple and elephant, which is narrated by 23. suhrdam hitakamanam na karotiha yo vacah | sa kurma iva durbuddhih kasthad bhrasto vinasyati || Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, Katha - 12, verse - 344, p.139. 24. anagatavidhata ca pratyutpannamatistatha | aladi yanaa unclawi fanyufa || Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, Katha - 13, verse - 347, p.141.

68 Tittibha bird. In precise, it is that, Tittibha makes it clear that he is not like that Yadbhavisya fish. He starts his effort to win over the sea by picking up the drops of the sea, continuously. Seeing this, his consort gives suggestion to him to take the help of his friends to achieve his goal. Her suggestion is to uphold "unity is the strength". The combination of many things though wanting in strength is irresistable. Because, a rope made out of the combination of grass is enough to bind even the strong elephant.25 In this connection, Tittibha tells the present story wherein an elephant called Kastakuta meets with death at the hands of the sparrow, the wood pecker, the fly and the frog by becoming the enemy of many. 16. The story of Vajradamstra (lion): Damanaka gives his opinion that one should be decisive to achieve his own goal even by means of tormenting others. Because, he is a wise man who enjoys the accomplishment of his own end without allowing his intellect to be confused, by means of getting another into difficulty. And he further supports his opinion by a story of Caturaka (a jackal).26 25. vahunamapyasaranam samavayo hi durjayah | trnairavestyate rajjuryaya nago'pi baddhayate || Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, Katha 14, verse - 361, p. 147. 26. parasya pidanam kurvan svarthasiddhim ca panditah | mudhabuddhirna bhakseta vane caturako yatha || Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, Katha 15, verse - 399, p.162.

69 17. The story of foolish monkey (Sucimukha) : Supervising the faul efforts of Damanaka, Karataka says to Damanaka that he should not have done any efforts to create the difference between Sanjivaka and Pingalaka. Inspite of Karataka's advice, Damanaka is found not giving his efforts up. Therefore, Karataka condemns himself that he should not have given any advice to a fool Damanaka. In such case the person who advises, would see his destruction just as a bird called Suchimukha died as an effect of giving advice to a fool monkey. 18. The story of sparrow-couple and monkey : Emphasising the same theme of the previous story, Damanaka expresses another story of a monkey and sparrowcouple. Herein, the monkey was suffering from chilly cold. Seeing this a sparrow in the Sami tree, advices the monkey to build a resting home with the help of which, one can live with protection from cold. Being agitated at the words of sparrow, that monkey destroyed the nest of the sparrow. Thus, it is evident that advices should not be given to a fool which causes difficulties therefore advice to a fool is in vain. 27 27. upadeso na datavyo yadrse tadrse jane | pasya vanaramurkhena sugrhi nigrhikrtah || Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, Katha - 17, verse - 421, p.175.

70 19. The story of Dharmabuddhi and Papabuddhi : Meanwhile Karataka says to Damanaka that he should not enjoy seeing the miserable condition of other person. Indeed a wicked person gets delighted at the misfortune of others, at the same time he does not mind his own destruction. Karataka illustrates this point by narrating the story of Dharmabuddhi and Papabuddhi, wherein Papabuddhi, a croocked natured one, steals the money of Dharmabuddhi and invites the destruction of his own father. 28 20. The story of cranes and black cobra : In the same spirit, Karataka remarks that a wise-man should think out a remedy and at the same time he should foresee the evil that might result from it, if a person goes on thinking of near remedy, it will result in destruction, just like the cranes were devoured by mangoose while a foolish crane was helplessly looking on. 29 21. The story of Jirnadhana : In the opinion of Damanaka, it was Karataka that brings the Pingalaka to a destressed condition caused by the death of 28. dharmabuddhih kubuddhisca dvavetau viditau mama | putrena vyarthapandityatpita dhumena ghatitah || Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, Katha 18, verse - 429, p.179. 29. upayam cintayetprajnastathapayam ca cintayet | pasyato bakamurkhasya nakulena hata bakah || Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, Katha - 19, verse - 439, p.183.

71 Sanjivaka. Therefore, Karataka considers that if this be the condition of their king, then what to say about its attendents like me. Therefore, Karataka says that he does not want to remain in the company of Damanaka. It is better to be with a wicked natured-scholar than to live together with Karataka. In this connection Karataka says another story of Jirnadhana.³ 22. The story of Monkey and Robber: Ascertaining his leaving for another place to keep himself away from Damanaka. Karataka states that it is better to have a wise man for one's enemy than a fool for a friend. If one's friend is a fool, then it will lead to destressed condition like a king killed by a fool monkey. So also a wise man though an enemy of a theme protects the latter.31 At the end of Mitrabheda, Damanaka approaches his king Pingalaka and consoles him. He says that the policy of a king has a number of forms. Sometimes it is full of truth, some times falsehood, sometimes harsh, sometimes very mild, sometimes cruel, sometimes merciful at others. Therefore Damanaka says that Pingalaka has killed Sanjivaka for the betterment of its world. Therefore it is no sinful at all, listening to these words of 30. tulam lohasahasrasya yatra khadanti mupakah | rajastatra harecchyano balakam natra samsayah || Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, Katha -20, verse - 442, p.186. 31. pandito'pi varam satrurna murkho hitakarakah | vanarena hato raja viprascaurena raksitah || Pancatantra, Mitrabheda, Katha 21, verse - 450, p.190.

72 Damanaka, Pingalaka gets himself free from paugs of Sanjivaka's death and appoints Damanaka as his minister and ruled over its kingdom.