PanchatantraTales of Wisdom and Strategy

The Cave That Talked

A clever jackal outsmarts a hidden lion by tricking him into speaking for a 'talking cave.'

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Illustration for The Cave That Talked - a tales of wisdom and strategy Panchatantra story with moral lessons

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Story Summary

Discover the Panchatantra tale, The Cave That Talked. A clever jackal uses his wits to outsmart a hungry lion hidden inside his home. A classic story of wisdom.

A hungry lion named Kharanakara, unable to find prey all day, discovered a large, empty cave. Reasoning that its inhabitant would eventually return for the night, he hid inside to wait for a meal. At sunset, the owner of the cave, a clever jackal named Dadhiccha, arrived. He immediately noticed lion tracks leading into the cave but saw no tracks coming back out. Sensing a trap, the jackal devised a test. He called out, 'O Cave! Why are you silent tonight? We have an agreement that you must greet me when I return.' Hearing this, the lion feared the cave was indeed talkative and that his presence was scaring it into silence. Thinking he could trick the jackal, the lion roared a booming welcome from within. The thunderous echo confirmed the jackal's fears, and he fled instantly, mocking the lion's foolishness from a safe distance.

The Moral

Presence of mind and quick thinking can save one from even the most certain death.

“I have grown old in this forest, but never before have I heard a cave talk!”

Fun Fact

The Panchatantra, where this story originates, was composed in Sanskrit over 2,000 years ago to teach royal princes the art of statecraft and diplomacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of The Cave That Talked?

The moral is that quick thinking and presence of mind can save a person from grave danger. It emphasizes the importance of observing one's surroundings before entering a new situation.

Who are the main characters in the story?

The main characters are Kharanakara, a hungry and fierce lion, and Dadhiccha, a clever and observant jackal. The story revolves around their battle of wits at the entrance of the jackal's home.

How did the jackal know the lion was inside?

The jackal noticed lion footprints entering the cave but saw no prints exiting. This keen observation made him suspicious enough to test the cave’s 'voice' before stepping inside.

Why did the lion answer the jackal?

The lion believed the jackal’s claim that the cave normally spoke to its owner. Fearing that the jackal would leave if the cave remained silent, the lion decided to roar a greeting himself.

Is The Cave That Talked part of the Panchatantra?

Yes, it is one of the most famous fables from the Panchatantra, an ancient Indian collection of animal stories. It is often used to teach strategy and caution.

What lesson does the lion learn in this fable?

The lion learns that greed and impatience can lead to foolish mistakes. By trying to trick the jackal, he actually exposed his own location and lost his opportunity for a meal.