Which among the following statements are true about Panchatantra?
A. Panchatantra is a descendant of Hitopadesha. B. It is a manual for the instruction of the sons of a king in the principles of good conduct. C. The first book deals with the adventures of a tortoise, deer, and a cow. D. Tantrakhyayika is one of the oldest redactions of Panchatantra. E. Panchatantra is divided into five parts.

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) B, D, E only. The true statements about Panchatantra are:
· B. Panchatantra is a manual for the instruction of the sons of a king in the principles of good conduct. It was originally written as a collection of stories to educate young princes in matters of statecraft and moral values.
· D. Tantrakhyayika is one of the oldest known redactions of the Panchatantra. It preserves many of the original versions of the stories found in later redactions.
· E. Panchatantra is divided into five parts, each dealing with different aspects of statecraft and morality.
Information Booster:
1. Panchatantra is a collection of ancient Indian fables that use animals as characters to convey moral lessons and principles of governance.
2. The text is divided into five books, each with its own theme, such as the acquisition of friends, the separation of friends, and strategies for war and peace.
3. Hitopadesha is actually a descendant of the Panchatantra, not the other way around (A is incorrect).
Additional Information:
· A. Panchatantra is the original source; Hitopadesha is based on it, so this statement is incorrect.
· C. The first book deals with a lion and a bull, not a tortoise, deer, and cow.