Arseam

International Journal of Communication, Languages & Literature

THE MAKING OF MORAL SUBJECTS: ‘SELFHOOD’ AND ‘ETHICAL AGENCY’ IN THE PAÑCATANTRA AND HITOPADESHA

Dr. Rajani Jairam, Dr. Payel Sen

Dr. Rajani Jairam, Professor of Sanskrit and Dean, Student Affairs JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Bengaluru, India

Dr. Payel Sen, Assistant Professor and Coordinator-IQAC, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Bengaluru, India

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21438751 Page No : 06-23

Published Online : 2026-06-30

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ABSTRACT

This paper examines the construction of moral subjects through selfhood and ethical agency in the Pañcatantra and Hitopadeśa. It argues that these texts present the self as a dynamic and relational formation shaped by ethical action, social interaction, practical wisdom (nīti), and situational judgment. Through narratives of friendship, conflict, cooperation, and decision-making, they demonstrate how moral agency develops through discernment, adaptability, self-control, and responsibility. Drawing on theories of subject formation, narrative identity, virtue ethics, and Indian ethical traditions, the study explores how storytelling contributes to the making of reflective moral subjects. While the Pañcatantra presents a pragmatic model of selfhood based on intelligence, strategy, and situational awareness, the Hitopadeśa emphasizes relational ethics grounded in trust, cooperation, counsel, and collective responsibility. Through framed narratives, anthropomorphic characters, and exemplary stories, both texts encourage reflection on actions, consequences, and ethical choices. The study shows that these narratives serve not only as moral instruction but also as means of ethical formation, shaping socially responsible individuals. By connecting classical Indian ideas of selfhood with contemporary concerns of social responsibility and global citizenship, the paper highlights the enduring relevance of the Pañcatantra and Hitopadeśa in understanding the relationship between narrative, identity, and ethical behaviour.

Keywords: Selfhood, Ethical Agency, Moral Subjectivity, Pañcatantra, Hitopadesha, Narrative Ethics

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Cite this Article as: Rajani J & Payel S (2026), “The Making of Moral Subjects: ‘Selfhood’ and ‘Ethical Agency’ in the Pañcatantra and Hitopadesha”, International Journal of Communication, Languages & Literature, Volume 9, Issue 1, 2026, pp 06-23. DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21438751

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References

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Gunawardena, M., & Brown, B. (2021). Fostering Values Through Authentic Storytelling. Australasian Journal of Paramedicine, 46(6), 36–53. https://doi.org/10.14221/ajte.2021v46n6.3
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Keränen-Pantsu, R., & Heikkinen, H. L. T. (2019). Pedagogical Purposes of Narratives in Worldview Education: Teachers’ Conceptions. International Journal of Learning Teaching and Educational Research, 18(5), 58–72. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.18.5.5
Killingley, D. (2018). Edwin Arnold’s translation of the Hitopadeśa. Asian Literature and Translation, 5(1), 25–25. https://doi.org/10.18573/alt.30
Kishino, H., & Takahashi, T. (2019). Global Citizenship Development. Journal of International Students, 9(2), 535–559. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v9i2.390
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Leuenberger, M. (2024). Track Thyself? The Value and Ethics of Self-knowledge Through Technology. Philosophy & Technology, 37(1), 13–13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13347-024-00704-4
MacIntyre, A. (1981). After virtue: A study in moral theory. University of Notre Dame Press.
MacIntyre, A. (1999). Social Structures and their Threats to Moral Agency. Philosophy, 74(3), 311–329. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0031819199000431
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Int. J. of Comm, Lang & Litt

THE MAKING OF MORAL SUBJECTS: ‘SELFHOOD’ AND ‘ETHICAL AGENCY’ IN THE PAÑCATANTRA AND HITOPADESHA

Aims and Objectives

Ethics Policy

Peer Review Policy

Call for Paper

Conference

Instruction To Review

Guide To Authors