Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c8.1749

c8.1749

1) Origin. There is a statement in the preface itself regarding the composition of this book : "Three sons were born to an emperor named Amaraśakti. All the three were dull-witted. The emperor was very sorry for them but found no way to improve them. Greatly disappointed the King called the royal council and told them about his sons. Then one of the members of the council, a man named Sumati, stood up and said "Oh best of Kings, let us not try to teach your children the śāstras one by one. It will not only be unpleasant study but would also take a long time to complete. If we can mix all the śāstras cleverly and make it palatable like sweetmeats the children would take it easily. There is a suitable man also for this work in our state. He is Viṣṇuśarmā, a kind-hearted scholar who is not only well-versed in all the śāstras but also an adept in the art of the up-bringing of children. I am sure he would make your children wise and learned." When the emperor heard this he sent for Viṣṇuśarmā and told them everything. After understanding well the nature of his would-be disciples and the ambition of their father, Viṣṇuśarmā took charge of his wards and within six months he taught the sons of the emperor the science of government. The stories which he used to teach them the science of administration were all compiled into a volume called Pañcatantra."