Kalila and Dimna by Bidpai, the Indian philosopher
Kalila and Dimna by Bidpai, the Indian philosopher
The introduction to the book, narrated by Ali ibn al-Shah al-Farsi, tells the story of the philosopher Bidpai with his Indian king Dabshalim. It mentions that Alexander the Great, the Roman Dhul-Qarnayn, invaded India during his conquests of the East and decided to appoint a ruler for India to rule in his name. Among the candidates, Dabshalim was chosen by the people of India.
Over time, Dabshalim transformed from a just and merciful king to his people into a tyrannical despot who committed the crimes of corrupt rulers. This prompted the wise Bidpai to approach him and offer advice. When Bidpai requested permission to meet the king, he was granted it, as the king believed the philosopher had come to ask for a favor. The king said to him: “I looked at you, Bidpai, silent, neither presenting your need nor mentioning your desire.”
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About the Author of Kalila wa Dimna
The Indian sage and philosopher wrote a collection of stories dealing with wisdom and ethics, which he compiled into a book called "Panchatantra," meaning "The Five Chapters." It was translated into Pahlavi Persian, and then into Arabic under the title "Kalila wa Dimna." This book features mostly animal characters.
The sage Bidpai wrote this book at the request of an Indian king named Dabshalim, who wanted to possess a valuable book that would be passed down through generations and spoken about. In this book, Bidpai introduces stories with wisdom, then makes the story an interpretation of this wisdom, as in the saying: "He who acts on suspicion has believed what should be doubted, like the woman who gave herself to her slave until he exposed her."
Description of Kalila wa Dimna
The introduction to the book, narrated by Ali ibn al-Shah al-Farsi, tells the story of the philosopher Bidpai with his Indian king Dabshalim. It mentions that Alexander the Great, the Roman Dhul-Qarnayn, invaded India during his conquests of the East and decided to appoint a ruler for India to rule in his name. Among the candidates, Dabshalim was chosen by the people of India.
Over time, Dabshalim transformed from a just and merciful king to his people into a tyrannical despot who committed the crimes of corrupt rulers. This prompted the wise Bidpai to approach him and offer advice. When Bidpai requested permission to meet the king, he was granted it, as the king believed the philosopher had come to ask for a favor. The king said to him: “I looked at you, Bidpai, silent, neither presenting your need nor mentioning your desire.”
Among the most important topics in Kalila wa Dimna
The Chapter of the Lion and the Bull / The Chapter of the Owls and the Crows / Investigating the Matter of Dimna / The Dove, the Fox, and the Heron / The Collared Dove / Burzoy the Physician