Naduka, a merchant who had lost his fortune, decided to travel abroad to seek new wealth. Before leaving, he entrusted his heavy iron balance—a family heirloom—to his friend Lakshmana. Years later, Naduka returned and asked for his balance. Lakshmana, hoping to keep the valuable iron, lied: "I am sorry, but the mice in my storehouse have eaten it." Naduka calmly replied, "If the mice ate it, it is not your fault." He then asked Lakshmana to send his son to the river to help carry some gifts. Once at the river, Naduka hid the boy in a nearby cave. When Lakshmana asked where his son was, Naduka replied, "A hawk flew down and carried him away." Furious, Lakshmana dragged Naduka to court, shouting that a hawk could never carry a boy. Naduka smiled and told the judge, "If mice can eat a heavy iron balance, surely a hawk can carry off a child." Realizing his folly, Lakshmana confessed. He returned the balance, and Naduka returned the boy.
When dealing with a liar, one must use their own logic against them to reveal the truth.
Questions about this story
What is the moral of The Mice That Ate Iron?
The story teaches the concept of 'tit for tat' or using a person's own faulty logic to expose their dishonesty. It shows that deception can be countered by presenting an equally absurd scenario.
Who wrote The Mice That Ate Iron?
This story is part of the Panchatantra, an ancient Indian collection of Sanskrit animal fables. It is traditionally attributed to the scholar Vishnu Sharma as a tool for teaching political and life lessons.
Is it possible for mice to eat iron?
No, it is physically impossible for mice to consume a heavy iron balance. This biological absurdity is the central lie used by the greedy friend to steal from the merchant.
Why did Naduka hide the boy?
Naduka hid the boy to create a situation just as unbelievable as the one his friend claimed. By asserting a hawk took the boy, he forced his friend to admit that some claims are impossible.
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Good night.
