Once upon a time, in a faraway land, there was a large banyan tree, which was home to a vibrant flock of crows. Their serene life was disturbed by a group of owls that lived in a nearby cave. The owls were their sworn enemies, often attacking the crows and their hatchlings at night. Among the crows was a clever one named Kaga, who was deeply distressed by the continuous skirmishes.
Kaga approached the wise old crow, the leader of the flock, and said, “Elder, we must find a way to end this perilous situation. We cannot afford to lose more of our brethren to these hostile owls.”
The elder crow nodded solemnly. “You’re right, Kaga, but remember, the owls are strong, and they have the advantage of the night. We must not act recklessly.”
With a determined glint in his eyes, Kaga said, “I have a plan, Elder. It’s risky, but it might be our only chance to ensure the safety of our flock.”
And so, he unfolded his plan. He proposed to go to the owls, pretending to be thrown out of his community due to some disagreement, and seek refuge in their cave. His goal was to win their trust and discover their vulnerabilities. The elder crow agreed, though with a heavy heart, for the plan carried great danger.
The next day, Kaga presented himself before Uluka, the king of the owls. “Your majesty, my own kind has turned against me. I have been banished. I come to you seeking refuge. I promise to serve you faithfully in return.”
Uluka, a large and stern owl, eyed Kaga suspiciously. However, he was intrigued by the prospect of having a crow as a servant and decided to offer Kaga a chance.
Days turned into weeks. Kaga served the owls diligently, gaining their trust while secretly observing their routines, habits, and weak spots. He discovered that the owls were blind during the bright daylight and that their cave had only one entrance.
One day, Kaga stealthily sent a message to his elder crow. He explained his plan of attacking the owls when they were most vulnerable—during broad daylight. Upon understanding the plan, the elder crow assembled the strongest crows and prepared for the attack.
On the chosen day, the crows swarmed the owl’s cave, blocking its entrance, effectively trapping the owls inside. The owls, blinded by the intense daylight, were helpless and confused. They attempted to escape but collided with the crows, which pecked and attacked them relentlessly.
Hearing the commotion, Uluka shouted, “What is this treachery, Kaga? You betrayed us!”
Kaga replied coldly, “No, Uluka, I served my purpose. I sought refuge to protect my own, just as you would have done.”
That day, the crows claimed victory over the owls, ending their longstanding feud. Kaga, the clever crow, was hailed as a hero, and the crows lived in peace henceforth. The tale serves as a reminder that cunning and intelligence often surpass brute strength.
And so goes the Panchatantra story from the Kakolukiyam, teaching us the values of wit, courage, and loyalty.
