Narrative Wisdom in Indian Knowledge Systems: Ethical and Political Thought from Panchatantra to Jataka Tales

Abstract The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) encompasses a vast and interdisciplinary body of wisdom rooted in ancient texts, oral traditions, and pedagogical practices. Among its most enduring components is the use of storytelling as a means to convey complex ethical, social, and political thought. This paper explores the role of narrative in IKS by examining two foundational storytelling traditions: the Panchatantra and the Jataka Tales. While emerging from distinct philosophical backgrounds—Brahmanical and Buddhist respectively—both traditions utilize fables and allegories to encode practical and moral instructions. The Panchatantra, designed originally as a manual for training princes, emphasizes political prudence, diplomacy, and survival ethics, often through pragmatic and sometimes morally ambiguous lessons. In contrast, the Jataka Tales emphasize virtues such as compassion, truthfulness, and self-sacrifice, grounded in the Buddhist worldview of karma and moral continuity. Through a comparative textual analysis, this study highlights how these narratives functioned not merely as entertainment but as sophisticated tools for ethical reasoning and political education. By situating these stories within the broader context of IKS, the paper argues for their continued relevance in contemporary educational and ethical discourse. The findings underscore the enduring power of narrative as a vessel of knowledge, capable of shaping thought, character, and leadership across generations. Keywords: Indian Knowledge System (IKS), Storytelling Tradition, Panchatantra, Jataka Tales, Narrative Pedagogy, Moral Education, Ethical Reasoning, Political Thought, Allegory and Fables, Cultural Transmission