Many Indian children grow up with seemingly simple tales from a fascinating treasure-house of stories, the Panchatantra. But this classic work of ancient literature, originally written in Sanskrit, appeals to all. 

This talk, a reprise of a recent Monday Morning Lecture, brings you intriguing fables of humans and animals set in five major threads and memorable stories within stories. Abha will introduce major characters, who act out the highs and lows of human conduct in the story, teaching by example in a simple and effective way. Be entertained by a selection of tales and the story of the Panchatantra’s travels to foreign lands.


About the speaker
Abha Dayal Kaul has been a docent and active member of the Friends of the Museums (FOM) since 2008. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, the University of Delhi, a Bachelor’s in Law from the University of Delhi, and a Master’s in Law from the University of Virginia. She previously worked as a corporate lawyer in Delhi, New York, and Mumbai, and since moving to Singapore in 2000 has pursued her interests in history, art, travel, and Indian philosophy. She enjoys research and writing, and guiding others through Singapore’s heritage institutions. Abha is also Coordinator of FOM Study Tours, which are now returning after the Covid-19 pandemic, and thrives on taking enthusiastic travellers to her native country, India.


This lecture is free. Slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.


_{Image: Page from the Panchatantra (detail). India, Rajasthan, 18th century. Opaque watercolour on paper. Stella Kramrisch Collection, 1994. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1994-148-460.}


Organised by the Friends of the Museums (FOM) with support from ACM