Book excerpt: The Panchatantra is a collection of ancient Indian fables. Many-a-times, the central characters are animals and birds, who show their most identifying characteristics in the various stories, and impart valuable life-lessons and morals. In this book, read a fine selection of six stories from the treasury of Panchatantra Tales. Read of the curious monkey that got trapped and caught, how the cat ate up the fighting partridge and hare; find out why it is said the donkey has no brain and more!