The famous ancient collection of animal stories known as Panchatantra was originally written by which scholar?

Introduction / Context:
Panchatantra is a classic work of Indian literature consisting of moral stories, usually told through animals, that has influenced storytelling traditions across the world. Competitive exams frequently ask about the original author of this work, because it links general knowledge of literature with ancient Indian wisdom traditions. This question tests whether you remember the correct name of the scholar associated with Panchatantra.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The text in question is Panchatantra, a well known collection of didactic tales.- Several famous names from Indian literature and scholarship are given as options.- We assume the standard academic attribution of Panchatantra accepted in most reference books.

Concept / Approach:
The commonly accepted tradition attributes Panchatantra to the ancient scholar Vishnu Sharma. He is believed to have composed these stories as a teaching tool to educate royal princes in practical wisdom, political understanding and moral values. The other names in the options are also well known, but they are associated with different works. Kalidas is celebrated as a great Sanskrit poet and dramatist, linked to works like Abhijnana Shakuntalam. Tulsidas is associated with Ramcharitmanas in Hindi. Chanakya, also known as Kautilya, is linked with Arthashastra. Valmiki is credited with the epic Ramayana. Therefore, Vishnu Sharma is the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Identify the work mentioned in the question, namely Panchatantra.2. Recall that Panchatantra is a collection of stories used to teach wisdom and Niti or practical conduct to young princes.3. Remember that the traditional author associated with Panchatantra is the scholar Vishnu Sharma.4. Compare Vishnu Sharma with the other famous authors listed in the options and link each of them with the works they are known for.5. Select Vishnu Sharma as the only option that matches the original author of Panchatantra.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard reference books on Indian literature and culture, as well as school textbooks, explicitly mention that Vishnu Sharma composed Panchatantra to impart worldly wisdom to the sons of a king. The historical details may vary across sources, but the attribution of authorship is consistent. By cross checking this fact with trusted literature guides, you can confirm the answer easily.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Kalidas: a great classical Sanskrit poet and dramatist, but not associated with Panchatantra.- Tulsidas: a medieval saint and poet known for Ramcharitmanas, not for Panchatantra.- Chanakya: an ancient political thinker and adviser, linked with Arthashastra rather than story literature.- Valmiki: traditionally regarded as the author of the epic Ramayana, not of Panchatantra.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse Panchatantra with Jataka tales or Hitopadesha. Another frequent confusion is between Vishnu Sharma and more widely known names like Kalidas or Valmiki. To avoid this, create a small mental mapping: Panchatantra goes with Vishnu Sharma; Arthashastra goes with Chanakya; Ramcharitmanas goes with Tulsidas; and Ramayana goes with Valmiki. Repeating such associations helps lock the names and titles together in long term memory for examination purposes.

Final Answer:
The ancient collection Panchatantra was originally written by the scholar Vishnu Sharma.