Latest news with #KalilawaDimna
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Remembering a text and reviving a cultural link
In April, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra visited Saudi Arabia for a third time since assuming office 11 years ago. During this period, India has enhanced its centuries-old ties with the Persian Gulf nations, which host the largest (25%) share of Indian expatriate population globally (about nine million), to the level of strategic cooperation. In an interview with Arab News ahead of his April visit, PM Modi emphasised the long-standing ties between India and the Arab world. He said Indians and Arabs have interacted with each other since the days of Kalila wa Dimna. Much of this interaction has centred on culture, through transmission of ideas and translations of texts. The PM did not elaborate on Kalila wa Dimna; nor did Arab News add a parenthesis, for it has been among the most popular books in the Arab world since Ibn Muqaffa compiled it in the 8th century from Panchatantra for philosophers to benefit from the wisdom of the Indian classic. Panchatantra reached the rest of the world as a celebrated treatise on governance tutelage through its Arabic translation. Novelist Salman Rushdie has argued that Alf Laylah wa Laylah (The Arabian Nights/One Thousand and One Nights) also has probable Indian origin. The Arabian Nights, the Arab world's biggest contribution to literature, has influenced storytelling and inspired writers globally for centuries. In a May 2021 New York Times piece, Rushdie cited scraps of information and wrote that The Arabian Nights stories first found their way into Persian somewhere around the 8th century Indian texts were of great interest during what is regarded as the Islamic Golden Age, when Arabs preserved and transformed the lost Graeco-Roman philosophical and scientific knowledge. In 771, the Abbasid ruler Al-Mansur commissioned translations of Indian texts into Arabic, when Baghdad's centrality to scholarship and trade drew people to the city. Baghdad had an Indian quarter apart from Jewish and Christian suburbs, Greek, Chinese, and Armenian quarters by the 9th century. The milieu facilitated the exchange of pivotal ideas. An Indian text in the 8th century introduced nine numerals and zero to Arabs and helped develop the decimal system. Polymath al-Khwarizmi, who invented the algorithm concept, built on these ideas in Baghdad and created what is known as 'the Arab hegemony' in mathematics. The new system of numerals reached Europe via the Arab world. The Europeans called them Arab numerals, while Arabs rightly refer to them as the Indian numerals or Hindsa. The Cheraman Juma Masjid in Kerala, among the oldest mosques in the subcontinent, has stood as a symbol of deep India-Arab ties for centuries. Chera emperor Cheraman Perumal, the story goes, travelled to Mecca after Arab traders told him that the miracle of the moon splitting, which he saw in his dream or from his palace, was associated with Prophet Muhammad. The legend is that, in the 7th century, a friend of Perumal built the Cheraman Juma Masjid after he died in the Arab peninsula. In modern times, India continues to be part of the Arab world's social fabric, thanks to the expatriates in the region. Their remittances have enhanced living standards in states such as Kerala. Six Indians in the UAE were on Forbes' India's 100 Richest List in 2023. The Gulf countries accounted for an average of 28% of total remittances from 2014 to 2020, according to RBI. But it all began with words and trade: PM Modi's recall of Kalila wa Dimna was a reminder of an ancient connection, a cultural bridge of civilisations. The views expressed are personal.
Gulf Today
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
House of Wisdom highlights ‘Kalila wa Dimna' at SCRF
Visitors are excited to see the classical fables of 'Kalila wa Dimna' through interactive technologies and once again dive into the ever-lasting wonders of classical stories. The classical stories of 'Kalila wa Dimna' are being presented at the exclusive stall of House of Wisdom (HoW) which takes part in the 16th Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF), running from April 23 to May 4 at Expo Centre Sharjah, with a special focus on the timeless fables of Kalila wa Dimna. Originating in ancient Sanskrit and later translated into Middle Persian, Kalila wa Dimna entered the Arabic literary tradition through the 8th-century translator Abdullah Ibn Al Muqaffa, a key figure in Abbasid-era literature. The beloved work is now being brought to life for young readers through a series of interactive experiences and storytelling sessions at the HoW booth. The initiative aims to present the classic tales in a fresh, engaging format that blends play with learning-encouraging critical thinking and helping children explore universal values through symbolic narratives. Renowned for their moral and philosophical depth, the stories of Kalila wa Dimna have played a significant role in shaping educational and literary traditions across cultures. Their continued relevance today underscores the enduring power of storytelling in cultivating wisdom, empathy, and imagination. Marwa Al Aqroubi, HoW Executive Director, said: 'Kalila wa Dimna is a brilliant example of allegorical storytelling at its finest-timeless wisdom told through animals in a style that is both elegant and accessible. Ibn Al Muqaffa gave these tales new life in Arabic, enriching them with moral and educational depth.' She added: 'These fables remain a cornerstone of Arabic literature and cultural exchange. Through our participation in the SCRF, we're reimagining them in a modern, interactive way-inviting children to explore their meaning, reflect, and grow.' House of Wisdom's booth features main stations, beginning with a Manuscript Display showcasing two rare digital copies of Kalila wa Dimna from the collection of the Bibliothèque nationale de France. The first is a unique illustrated manuscript titled The Hare and the Elephant, dated 1222 CE. Comprising 18 chapters and 89 exquisite miniatures, this edition presents animal-led fables interwoven with proverbs and wisdom in a tone that is both witty and profound. The second manuscript dates back to the 14th century Mamluk era and is believed to have originated in Egypt or Syria. It features six tales attributed to the sage Bidpai, complete with a decorative index and striking visual elements that reflect the refined artistry of Islamic manuscript tradition. The second section of the booth, Meet the Characters, invites children on an engaging journey of self-discovery. Through interactive storytelling, young visitors get to know the fable's most iconic characters-like the clever hare, the brave lion, the cunning fox, the mighty elephant, and the vain tortoise. This experience encourages children to reflect on their own traits and connect them with the values each character embodies, combining fun with thoughtful exploration. Visitors will then embark on a unique interactive journey powered by AI, where children can discover which Kalila wa Dimna character best reflects their personality. By answering simple, life-inspired questions, young participants are matched with their spirit animal from the tales. A personalised short story then appears on the screen, tailored to the child's traits and adventures. These stories can be printed or emailed as a meaningful keepsake, inspiring children to create their own tales. The HoW booth also hosts a range of engaging activities and workshops for children, including the interactive Shadow Theatre. This time-honoured storytelling art revives the classic tales of Kalila wa Dimna, immersing children in exciting performances that highlight the ethical lessons within these stories. The experience concludes with a special gift shop offering a curated selection of books, plush toys, educational games, and artistic merchandise inspired by the Kalila wa Dimna world. To celebrate the launch of the SCRF, HoW is offering a 10% discount on its Regular, Premium, and Digital memberships throughout the event.
Sharjah 24
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
HoW highlights ‘Kalila wa Dimna' at 16th SCRF
Originating in ancient Sanskrit and later translated into Middle Persian, Kalila wa Dimna entered the Arabic literary tradition through the 8th-century translator Abdullah Ibn Al-Muqaffa, a key figure in Abbasid-era literature. The beloved work is now being brought to life for young readers through a series of interactive experiences and storytelling sessions at the HoW booth. The initiative aims to present the classic tales in a fresh, engaging format that blends play with learning—encouraging critical thinking and helping children explore universal values through symbolic narratives. Renowned for their moral and philosophical depth, the stories of Kalila wa Dimna have played a significant role in shaping educational and literary traditions across cultures. Their continued relevance today underscores the enduring power of storytelling in cultivating wisdom, empathy, and imagination. Marwa Al Aqroubi, HoW Executive Director, said: 'Kalila wa Dimna is a brilliant example of allegorical storytelling at its finest—timeless wisdom told through animals in a style that is both elegant and accessible. Ibn Al-Muqaffa gave these tales new life in Arabic, enriching them with moral and educational depth.' She added: 'These fables remain a cornerstone of Arabic literature and cultural exchange. Through our participation in the SCRF, we're reimagining them in a modern, interactive way—inviting children to explore their meaning, reflect, and grow.' Rare Exhibits and Interactive Encounters House of Wisdom's booth features main stations, beginning with a Manuscript Display showcasing two rare digital copies of Kalila wa Dimna from the collection of the Bibliothèque nationale de France. The first is a unique illustrated manuscript titled The Hare and the Elephant, dated 1222 CE. Comprising 18 chapters and 89 exquisite miniatures, this edition presents animal-led fables interwoven with proverbs and wisdom in a tone that is both witty and profound. The second manuscript dates back to the 14th century Mamluk era and is believed to have originated in Egypt or Syria. It features six tales attributed to the sage Bidpai, complete with a decorative index and striking visual elements that reflect the refined artistry of Islamic manuscript tradition. The second section of the booth, Meet the Characters, invites children on an engaging journey of self-discovery. Through interactive storytelling, young visitors get to know the fable's most iconic characters—like the clever hare, the brave lion, the cunning fox, the mighty elephant, and the vain tortoise. This experience encourages children to reflect on their own traits and connect them with the values each character embodies, combining fun with thoughtful exploration. Discover Your Tale through AI Visitors will then embark on a unique interactive journey powered by AI, where children can discover which Kalila wa Dimna character best reflects their personality. By answering simple, life-inspired questions, young participants are matched with their spirit animal from the tales. A personalised short story then appears on the screen, tailored to the child's traits and adventures. These stories can be printed or emailed as a meaningful keepsake, inspiring children to create their own tales. The HoW booth also hosts a range of engaging activities and workshops for children, including the interactive Shadow Theatre. This time-honoured storytelling art revives the classic tales of Kalila wa Dimna, immersing children in exciting performances that highlight the ethical lessons within these stories. The experience concludes with a special gift shop offering a curated selection of books, plush toys, educational games, and artistic merchandise inspired by the Kalila wa Dimna world. To celebrate the launch of the SCRF, HoW is offering a 10% discount on its Regular, Premium, and Digital memberships throughout the event. This offer provides access to millions of knowledge resources, including books, journals, scientific theses, research papers, and multimedia files, as well as full access to the library's modern facilities and year-round educational and cultural programmes.
