Jackal Stories - English

Jackal Stories were composed as early as the period between 3rd century BC and 5th century AD and typically portray jackal characters as clever tricksters, but with a moral twist. Unlike their portrayal in some fables where they are purely deceptive, jackals in Amar Chitra Katha are often presented as underdogs using their wit to overcome stronger opponents like outsmarting a greedy lion or a pompous crow.

The jackal's success often hinges on exposing the opponent's vices, like a lion's pride or a crow's greed and the underlying message is that wit should be used for good, not just personal gain. Amar Chitra Katha emphasizes the power of intelligence which is substantiated in the wily jackal, despite being physically weaker, prevails through clever thinking and resourcefulness.