4.8 Panchtantra - The Jackal's Strategy

Once there lived a jackal named Mahachaturaka in a jungle.

One day he was searching food when he saw a dead elephant lying under a tree. The jackal was happy to see the ample food which would look last for several days.

However, the elephant skin was very thick and the jackal was unable to eat. He was very disappointed and hungry.

While he was trying to tear the flesh, he heard footsteps of an animal approaching towards him.

He saw the lion and went to him.

The jackal respectfully bowed before the lion and said, 'O mighty king! Here is a dead elephant for you to feast upon. I was watching it so that you can have it once you come'.

The lion was arrogant. He refused to eat the dead elephant saying, 'I eat the animal I prey upon and kill myself. Thanks for considering this dead animal for my food, but you can have it all by yourself'.

After the lion left, the jackal saw a leopard approaching. The jackal thought, 'I was humble with lion, but I have to be diplomatic with him'.

The jackal climbed on the huge body of the elephant and said, 'Friend, this elephant was hunted down by the lion himself. He has asked me to guard this body and call him if anyone approaches to eat it'.

The leopard saw the trail of lion's paws and believed the jackal. He humbly thanked the jackal for guiding him and walked away.

The jackal waited to find a way out. After sometime, he saw a tiger coming his way. The jackal knew that the tiger had sharp teeth and he could use this to his own advantage.

The jackal rose and called the tiger, 'O mighty tiger! You look lean and tired. Please come this way and eat this elephant. It was hunted down by the lion. He asked me to guard it, but you can eat it. I will keep a watch for lion. If he approaches, I will alert you'.

The tiger saw the trial of lion's paw. He believed the jackal and was delighted by his friendly attitude. The tiger at once pounced and tore the elephant's skin. He had just began eating, when the jackal yelled, 'Friend, run for your life, the lion is coming this way to eat his prey'.

The tiger left the flesh and can away.

The jackal watched the tiger run away and when it disappeared in the wild, he rejoiced and started eating the flesh.

But, soon another jackal came there in want of food. The jackal fought with him and chased him away. The flesh lasted for many days and jackal ate to his heart content.

Moral: One should be humble before the mighty, diplomatic with cunning and fight rightful with ones who are equal in strength.