War and Peace

Deep in a lush forest, a colony of crows lived in constant fear of a parliament of owls. The owl king, emboldened by the darkness, launched nightly raids that devastated the crow population. Seeking a permanent solution, the crow king turned to his wisest advisor, Sthirajivi. The elder crow devised a master plan of deception. He instructed his fellow crows to beat him and leave him bloodied at the foot of the owls' mountain. When the owls found the 'injured' crow, Sthirajivi claimed he had been cast out for suggesting a peace treaty. Despite the warnings of one wise owl minister, the owl king took pity and allowed Sthirajivi to live at the entrance of their cave. Over many weeks, Sthirajivi gathered dry twigs and wood, ostensibly to build a nest. Once the pile was large enough, and the sun was at its peak—leaving the owls blind and dormant—Sthirajivi flew to his king. The crows returned with burning embers, ignited the wood at the cave's mouth, and vanquished their enemies through the smoke and flames. Through patience and strategy, the crows secured a lasting peace.

“Never trust a defeated enemy who seeks your friendship; a fire may turn to ash, but it can still burn the hand that touches it.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of War and Peace?

The story teaches that strategy and patience are more effective than brute strength. It also warns that trusting an enemy who appears vulnerable can lead to total destruction.

Who is Sthirajivi in the Panchatantra?

Sthirajivi is the wise and cunning minister of the crow king. He is the mastermind who infiltrates the owl kingdom by pretending to be a victim of his own kind.

Why did the crows and owls have a war?

In Panchatantra lore, their enmity began during an election for the King of Birds, where a crow insulted an owl, leading to a generational blood feud.

How did the crows defeat the owls?

The crows used fire to smoke out and burn the owls in their cave during the day, taking advantage of the owls' inability to see in bright sunlight.

What does this story teach about leadership?

It shows that a leader must listen to their wisest advisors; the owl king's failure to heed the warning of his skeptical minister led to his downfall.

What is the significance of the cave in the story?

The cave represents a false sense of security for the owls, which Sthirajivi turns into a trap by exploiting its single entrance and the owls' daytime blindness.