Wisdom on Stone: 9th-Century Lessons in the Age of the Internet

By Bikash Chandra Swain

Subheading:
How Ancient Kalinga Preserved Education on Stone Long Before the Digital Era

Nowadays, the young generation is habituated to discovering stories on mobile screens rather than in books. Knowledge reaches them through short reels, posts, and digital stories that disappear almost as quickly as they appear. In such a fast-moving digital age, it is worth pausing before a silent 9th-century marvel in Bhubaneswar—the Mukteswar Temple. Known as the “Gem of Kalinga Architecture,” its walls offer not only artistic beauty but also timeless lessons for life.
Among the many intricate carvings on the temple walls, one small sculpture draws special attention. At first glance, it appears to be a simple animal figure. On closer observation, it reveals a monkey sitting calmly on the back of a crocodile. The monkey is neither frightened nor aggressive; instead, it seems patient and composed. This carving immediately recalls the well-known Panchatantra story of The Monkey and the Crocodile.
The Timeless Tale
The story is familiar to most people from childhood. A clever monkey lived on a jamun tree beside a river and shared its sweet fruits with a crocodile. Over time, a friendship developed between them. However, the crocodile’s wife, driven by greed, demanded the monkey’s heart, believing it must be sweet after eating so many fruits.
Unable to oppose his wife, the crocodile invited the monkey to ride on his back across the river. Midway through the journey, he revealed his true intention. Instead of panicking, the monkey remained calm and said, “If you had told me earlier, I would have brought my heart with me. I left it on the tree.” Trusting the monkey, the crocodile turned back. As soon as they reached the shore, the monkey climbed the tree and escaped safely. The story clearly teaches that presence of mind is more powerful than physical strength in moments of danger.
Temples as Centres of Learning
The presence of such a story on a 9th-century temple wall raises an important question. Why were moral tales carved in stone? In ancient Kalinga, temples were not only places of worship but also centres of public education. At a time when books were rare and literacy was limited, knowledge was communicated through images and symbols.
While scholars pursued higher learning at institutions like Pushpagiri, common people learned life lessons through temple carvings. These visual narratives conveyed ideas of morality, human behaviour, politics, and social values. Even without the ability to read, people could understand and reflect on these teachings.
Relevance in the Digital Age
The Panchatantra, composed by Acharya Vishnu Sharma more than two thousand years ago, was intended to teach practical wisdom and statecraft, not merely to entertain children. The carving at Mukteswar continues to serve the same purpose even today.
In the present digital age, marked by virtual friendships, misinformation, and deception, the story feels particularly relevant. Just as the crocodile betrayed the monkey, modern life is full of hidden intentions. The calm posture of the monkey on the temple wall sends a clear message: intelligence, patience, and clarity of thought are essential for survival.
Conclusion
Ancient Odia artisans chose stone as a medium because they believed in permanence. In contrast, today’s digital content is temporary and quickly forgotten. Yet the wisdom carved on the walls of Mukteswar Temple has remained alive for more than a thousand years.
As the young generation continues to scroll through endless digital content, these silent stone carvings invite reflection. They remind us that while the medium of knowledge has changed from stone to palm leaf to screen, the core values needed to live wisely have remained the same.

About the Author
Bikash Chandra Swain is a journalist and an independent researcher engaged in the study of Kalinga history. His writings focus on history, heritage, and cultural memory, with a special interest in interpreting the narratives embedded in temples and monuments. He also writes poems that reflect a thoughtful engagement with time, place, and identity. He hails from Cuttack district of Odisha. Contact: 8249990958