Tenali Rama- Stories THE KING'S IRE Tenali Rama was the favourite courtier of emperor Krishnadevaraya.

With his sense of humour and ready wit, Rama could diffuse even a tense situation. One day, the emperor got annoyed with Rama. He shouted, 'Get out of my sight! I don't want to see your face again!' The sudden outburst of the emperor shocked the other courtiers; some of them, jealous of Rama and his closeness with the emperor were secretly pleased. Rama left the court quietly. The next day, Rama promptly entered the court covering his face with a pot. He went and took his usual seat very casually, as if nothing had happened. The emperor, on arrival in the court, was enraged on seeing Rama back in his seat. 'Rama, how dare you come to the court? Didn't I tell you yesterday not to show your face to me?' the emperor thundered. 'My lord, I'm sorry!' said Rama, through the pot, which had two holes for eyes and a third one for the mouth. 'I'm only obeying your command, sire! You said you didn't want to see my face. Haven't I covered my face with this pot?' The emperor burst into a laughter. 'You may now remove it. It doesn't matter if your face is seen,' said Krishnadevaraya. THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PORTRAIT One day, Krishnadevaraya displayed in the court his portrait done by an artist. Those in the court appreciated the painting and the artist. Surprisingly, Tenali Rama remained silent. The emperor was intrigued. 'Rama, don't you have anything to say?' 'My lord, I don't find anything great about this painting. In fact, it is incomplete. It shows only one side of your face. The artist doesn't deserve any credit!' remarked Rama. 'Rama, you don't know how to judge a good painting. A painting need not be complete. One has to imagine a lot to judge the merit of a painting. It's very easy to criticise. Tell me, can you draw anything like this? I doubt whether you can even hold the brush, leave alone paint any object. Well, you draw something and bring it to me.' Rama was not seen in the court for some days. One day, he entered with two bodyguards holding a painting. Everyone was confused to see only the rear portion of a horse in the painting. 'What is this Rama? I can see only the tail of a horse,' commented the emperor. 'My lord, its body is outside the canvas. Didn't you say, one has to imagine a lot to judge the merit of a good painting?' said Rama with a smirk. Krishnadevaraya laughed loudly. 'Rama, none can outwit you,' said the emperor, as he reached for a purse to give to Rama. A ROYAL LOAN REPAID Once Tenali Rama asked Krishnadevaraya himself for a loan. The emperor suspected that Rama might not have paid back the others and he found it shameful to approach them again. He told Rama, 'I can be generous, but don't think you can get away from me as you do with others.' Rama assured him of prompt repayment, but he was surer that his wit would come to his rescue. He stopped attending the royal Court. When the emperor noticed his continuous absence, he had doubts over Rama's intention to repay the loan. Krishnadevaraya decided to call on him. When he reached Rama's house, he found the Court jester lying down, all covered up, as if he was ill. His wife was by his bedside. 'Your majesty, ever since he borrowed money from you, he had been ill,' she told the emperor. 'What's the malady he's suffering from?' asked the emperor with great concern. 'The thought of a debt that has not been repaid seems to have affected his mind and body. Please help us,' the woman pleaded. The emperor comforted. 'Don't worry, sister, you tell him that I shall take it as if the loan has been repaid.' On hearing this, Rama jumped out of his bed. 'Thank you, your majesty, you're very kind.' The emperor was angry. 'How dare you fool me?' he thundered. 'I was ill with the burden of debt. Now that the burden has been lifted, I'm well again!' said Tenali Rama with a mischievous smile on his face. TREASURE IN WELL One day Tenali Rama and his wife were relaxing at home. They heard leaves rustling. 'There seems to be some movement in the garden,' he whispered. 'Could be some intruders!' He then raised his voice.

'Recently there were robberies in our neighbourhood. Come on, let's hide our jewellery in the well.' Rama and his wife went inside, and soon came out with a heavy box, and dropped it into the well. 'PLOMP!' Rama caught hold of his wife's hand and said, 'We can now sleep peacefully.' Of course, they were seen going inside by the two thieves hiding in the garden. They walked up to the well, and began drawing water and pouring it into the compound as quietly as they could. By daybreak the two were dead tired. They sat leaning against the wall of the well. Tenali Rama came out and went towards them. 'You seem to have taken a lot of pains in watering my garden. How much shall I pay you?' He opened a money bag he had brought with him. The thieves were smitten with guilt. 'Please forgive us; we promise not to go athieving in future.' They fell at his feet. 'I'm glad you learnt a lesson. For your information, the box contained only rock pieces and stone!' said Rama. THE HUMBLE HERO OF THE BATTLEFIELD Krishnadevaraya's generals, after a successful battle, were relaxing, with each one boasting about his achievement on the battlefield. 'It was I, who killed the enemy general's elephant. And that turned the battle in our favour,' claimed one general. 'I destroyed the enemy camp in the dead of night. Wasn't that a real achievement?' said a second one. 'I could rout their cavalry in an open combat. Mine is the most remarkable achievement!' boasted a third one. Just then, Tenali Rama entered. 'You people seem to have no idea of my achievement! Did you know that I cut off the legs of the enemy general in one stroke?' 'What!' exclaimed all the army leaders. 'Yours then must be the greatest achievement! You're the real hero!' But one of the generals was intrigued. He asked, 'Rama! Why did you cut off his legs? You should have chopped off his head, instead!' 'Well! It was because someone else had already cut off his head before I reached that place,' said Rama to their great amusement. A NEW TURBAN One day, Krishnadevaraya and Tenali Rama were going on horseback to attend a festival in a nearby village. The king happened to notice the tattered and faded turban Rama was wearing. 'Rama! That's a wretched old turban you have! You may get rid of it. I shall pay for a new turban.' 'My lord! It will be a pleasure to get a new turban. But, I'm reluctant to part with this old turban for the simple reason that whatever I do with it, I bet you won't be able to do with your turban!' The king felt insulted. 'Don't talk nonsense! I'll give you a hundred gold coins, if you can prove what you say.' Soon afterwards, they came to a bridge over a river. Rama untied his turban and threw it into the swollen waters. 'My lord! See I've discarded my turban. Now, could you throw away your turban?' Krishnadevaraya burst into peels of laughter. 'Of course, I can't afford to throw away my bejewelled turban into the river. You've won the bet, Rama! You'll get your reward.' 'My lord! I've not only won the bet, but I've obeyed your orders, too. I've discarded my old turban, and now I'll need a new one.' The king laughed again and said, 'You're very clever, indeed! I'll give you money to buy a new turban, too!' A NEW TURBAN One day, Krishnadevaraya and Tenali Rama were going on horseback to attend a festival in a nearby village. The king happened to notice the tattered and faded turban Rama was wearing. 'Rama! That's a wretched old turban you have! You may get rid of it. I shall pay for a new turban.' 'My lord! It will be a pleasure to get a new turban. But, I'm reluctant to part with this old turban for the simple reason that whatever I do with it, I bet you won't be able to do with your turban!' The king felt insulted. 'Don't talk nonsense! I'll give you a hundred gold coins, if you can prove what you say.' Soon afterwards, they came to a bridge over a river. Rama untied his turban and threw it into the swollen waters. 'My lord! See I've discarded my turban. Now, could you throw away your turban?' Krishnadevaraya burst into peels of laughter. 'Of course, I can't afford to throw away my bejewelled turban into the river. You've won the bet, Rama! You'll get your reward.' 'My lord! I've not only won the bet, but I've obeyed your orders, too. I've

discarded my old turban, and now I'll need a new one.' The king laughed again and said, 'You're very clever, indeed! I'll give you money to buy a new turban, too!' A CLEAN SOLUTION One day, Tenali Rama was on his way to his landlord's house to collect some money from him. He happened to step on a cow-dung heap on the road. He rushed to the nearest pond to wash his foot. The landlord stopped him. 'Rama! That's my pond. You can't wash your dirty foot in my pond, nor can you enter my house with your dirty foot. If you want money, better cut off your dirty foot and then come in!' Rama understood that the landlord was actually evading to oblige him. He went home quietly. Rama had many flowers in his garden. He had dug a deep pit beside the plants and filled it up with cow-dung and dry leaves. One day, the landlord was walking along the road, when he noticed Rama's garden. On seeing him, Rama asked him to come in so that he could look at the flowers from close quarters. The landlord came in. While admiring the flowers,he did not notice the manure pit. He fell into it neck deep. Rama immediately went in and came out with a sword. 'Sir! You can't wash the muck on your body in my pond, nor can you enter your house like this. If you'll allow me, I can cut off your head, so that you can go home leaving your dirty body here.' TENALI RAMA BECOMES A COURT JESTER A jobless Tenali Rama one day listened to a scholar's lecture in the court of Krishnadevaraya. The theme was 'All is Maya'. Rama had a doubt. 'How about eating?' The scholar snubbed him. 'You're stupid. Even eating is an illusion! The food is on a plate, the next moment, it changes place.' he explained. The king prostrated before the pundit and sought his blessings. Rama was watching the happenings. As the scholar came out, Tenali Rama met him. 'Panditji, I propose to throw a banquet in your honour. Please accept my invitation.' The scholar agreed to be present. He reached Rama's house well in time. Rama requested him to be seated on a chair. Soon the place was full of guests who first greeted the pandit and then sat on the floor waiting to be served. Rama himself served them and looked after the guests who, after eating, got up, washed their hands and left one after another. The pandit, who was all the while expecting to be served, could not contain his anger. 'When will I be served food?' he asked Rama. 'Food?' countered Rama very casually. 'It's all Maya!' The pandit left the place in a rage and went straight to the king and complained that he had been insulted. The King sent for Rama and sought an explanation. 'How could I be so stupid as to serve food to punditji? Isn't food a Maya?' Krishnadevaraya understood what Tenali Rama was aiming at. He rewarded him with a ring and shawl and said, 'You're my Court jester from today!' TENALI RAMA AND THE BANDIT The king got annoyed with the exploits of a bandit. He warned the police chief of dire consequences if he failed to nab the bandit. Tenali Rama was passing through, when the overzealous police chief took him to be the bandit and arrested him. He was led to an open ground and buried him up to the neck in sand. At night, the bandit himself was passing by the place. Tenali Rama recognised him as the bandit. He began chanting a hymn loudly. The curious bandit stopped by. Rama explained: 'By remaining buried and chanting this hymn, one becomes stronger ten times. Please take me out so that I can check whether I've become stronger.' The bandit obliged and was made to believe that Rama had indeed become stronger. The bandit then got himself buried in sand. Rama asked him to chant the hymn, assuring him that he too would become stronger. Rama went and brought the king, the police chief, and others to show them the real bandit. He was then arrested. Rama was rewarded by the king, who asked him whether he would like to have something more. 'Yes, my lord!' said Rama. 'I would like to punch your police chief on the face for branding me a bandit.' His wish was granted, and the police chief was dismissed from service. THE REWARD DIVIDED One day, King Krishnadevaraya and the royal family were enjoying a dance recital in the palace. The two

sentries at the gate had been instructed not to allow anyone inside. Tenali Rama arrived and wanted to get in, when he was stopped at the gate and rudely pushed by the sentries. They sneered at him, 'You are one who receives rewards from the king, but you never shared them with us. So, you deserve this treatment!' 'Oh, that's why you are angry with me?'said Rama. 'You let me enter today and I promise to give you half of whatever I receive.' The sentries, now overjoyed, allowed Rama to go in. But the king was very much annoyed, as the dance was interrupted. He called his guards and asked them to give a hundred lashes to Rama. 'Thank you, my lord!' he said. 'But I' ve already promised to give half of what I receive to your sentries at the gate.' The king was intrigued. Then Rama explained how he was allowed to enter. The sentries were brought in and given fifty lashes each. CHOICE OF DEATH The Sultan of Bijapur found an imminent threat in the growing strength of Krishna- devaraya. He wanted to do away with the king. He hired Kanakaraju, a greedy friend of Tenali Rama, to assassinate Krishnadevaraya. Kanakaraju, in turn, employed the services of a paid assassin. One day, he arranged to send a letter to the king in the name of Tenali Rama, requesting him to come to a lonely place to enjoy the beauty of nature. The paid assassin was expected to wait there for the king. When the unsuspecting king came to that place, the murderer pounced on him. But he was overpowered easily by the king. When the truth was known, Krishnadevaraya was angry with Rama for keeping a criminal as his friend and sentenced him to death. Tenali Rama pleaded innocence, but the king would not relent. 'Death is a must for you, Rama, but I can allow you to choose the way you wish to die.''My lord, then grant that I die of old age!' said Rama without batting his eyelid.The spontaneous reply of Rama made the king laugh to his heart's content. He pardoned Rama, for, he knew that Rama was really innocent. Story No. 1 - Tricksters humbled

Four travellers once asked an old woman to keep a little bundle for them and told her to give it back only when all four were present. One of them, however, returned alone and tricked her into giving him the bundle. Later the other three came to collect the bundle. She explained she had given it to the man who had come earlier. They were very angry and took her to court. Maryada Raman, the judge listened to their complaint. "So, you see, Sir, she has to pay us compensation now!" the three cried. "But she will give you the bundle itself," said Maryada Raman, and pausing a little, he added, "provided all four of you are present." There was laughter in the court and the three men realised that they had lost the case. Story No. 2 - The Key to heaven The villagers were delighted. A sadhu who performed miracles, had come to their village. Every morning and evening they would gather at the temple with specially prepared delicacies as offerings to the sadhu. When Tenali Raman heard of this, he smelt a rat. He went to the temple and sat near the holy man. The sadhu began reciting shlokas. To Ramans surprise, he went on repeating the same shloka over and over again. Raman realised that he was a fraud. Suddenly, he leaned forward and plucked a strand of hair from the sadhus beard. I have the key to Heaven! he shouted triumphantly. The villagers looked startled. This sadhu is so great that if I keep the hair from his beard with me, I will be blessed forever! said Raman. Immediately there was a scramble as the villagers rushed to get hold of a hair from the sadhus beard.

The frightened sadhu ran for his life and was never heard of again. Story no. 3, Raman's List of Fools One day a horse trader- a foreigner, came to the court of Krishnadeva Raya and told him he had some fine horses for sale. The emperor offered to buy them. The man took an advance of 5000 gold coins and promising to return with the horses in two days, went away. That evening Krishnadeva Raya saw Raman writing on a sheet of paper. "What are you writing?" he asked. "I'm making a list of the greatest fools in the empire," said Raman. The emperor was astonished to see his own name on the top of the list. "What is the meaning of this?" he demanded. "You think I am a fool!" "Any man who would give 5000 gold coins to a stranger and expect him to return, is a fool!" replied Raman. "Oh, so that's what is troubling you," said the emperor. "You think the man won't return. What if he does?" "In that case," said Raman with a twinkle in his eye, "I'll scratch out your name and put his there."
Tenali Raman And Ministers One day there was an argument going on the court of king. Because, the king asked what in the moment is a wonderful in his life? Every body discussed with themselves and finally came to a decision that is when one is hungry having food But Tenali was against of nature call is a very good moment. Every body scolds him when they hear it and the king ordered him to prove it and he accepted. The next day, he calls all the ministers and locked them in to a hall. There was no toilet. There were no windows. The room had only one gate. Tenali Raman ordered to the servant to give food what they ask. But do not let them go outside. First day was over. On the second day the nature call was must to every one. But the soldiers were not allowing them to go out. But they gave more delicious food. But nobody took. Eventually they released in the after noon. Every body was running finally they agreed Tenali and he got prize from the king.

A lession to the greedy

Ramakrishna earned the affection and the esteem of the king and the people. He was a comic poet and looked, like an ignorant man; but he was pious and on the side of justice. He used his hurmour to set thins right whenever injustice was done. Krishnadevaraya's mother was a very orthodox woman. She had visited many holy places and had performed religious rites; she had given much in charity. Once she wanted to give fruit in charity and informed so to her son.

Krishnadevaraya who had great respect for his mother immediately got delicious mangoes from Ratnagiri. But on the auspicious day when she was to present those fruits to Brahmins, the king's mother died.

The religious rites connected with her death went on for several days. Meanwhile, the king called a few Brahmins and said, "My mother's last wish was to offer mangoes to Brahmins. But she died before the wish could be fulfilled. What should I do now that she might earn the merit for giving away the fruits?" The greedy Brahmins replied: "Your Highness, only if you offer mangoes made of gold to Brahmins will your mother's soul rest in peace." Ramakrishna came to know of this. The next day he went to the houses of those Brahmins, and asked them to come to his house next to perform his mother's ceremon. The Brahmins came to Ramakrishna's house after receiving the gold mangoes from the king. Ramakrishna's servants closed all the doors of the house. They brought red-hot iron bars and stood before the Brahmins! The Brahmins were taken aback. Then Ramakrishna told them His mother had knee pains and as remedy wanted Ramakrishna to burn her with read hot rods but she died before he could do it. So he now wanted to execute her wish. When the Brahmins said he was unjust towards them, Ramakrishna says there is nothing unjust because they had just taken golden mangoes from the king. Then the Brahmins understook their folly and left the golden mangoes at Ramakrishna's house and left. Later when Krishnadevaraya asked Ramakrishna why he had behaved like that with the Brahmins, Ramakrishna says the palace treasury should not be exploited by these selfish people it is not there to feed lazy follows. It is there to serve the people.

The King's Condition

One day, King Krishnadev Rai was in a good mood. He gave each of his courtiers a bag containing fifty gold coins. The courtiers were thrilled. Just then the king said, "You have to use these gold coins within one week. At the end of the week, you will show me all that you have bought with these gold coins. But there is a condition. Every time you spend some gold coins, you will have to see my face." All the courtiers were very pleased. They left for the market to do some shopping. But whenever they decided to buy something, they remembered the king's condition. How could they see the king's face in the market? And if they did not see the king's face, they could not spend the gold coins. The courtiers were puzzled. Some of them roamed the market for the whole week. They thought, "If the king himself comes to the market to buy something, we might get to see his face. And then we can spend the gold coins." But the king never came to the market. The whole week passed in this way. When the court assembled after a week, the king asked the courtiers, "Well, what did you buy with the gold coins that I had given you?" The royal priest arose from his seat. On behalf of all the courtiers, he said, "Your Majesty, all of us went to the market with great enthusiasm and excitement. We all had our bags of gold coins with us. And we wanted to buy many things! But we could not buy anything at all... Only because of the condition laid down by you. How and where could we see your face in the market?" Pointing towards the bags of gold coins that all the courtiers had brought back, the royal priest said, "Since none of us could see your face in the market, not a single gold coin could be spent." Hearing this, the king began to laugh. He then asked Tenalirama, "Did you buy anything?" That day, Tenalirama had come to the court wearing new clothes and ornaments. He said, "Your Majesty, Look at this new dhoti... this silk kurta... this beautiful scarf...And this shining ring... I bought all these things with

the gold coins given by you." All the courtiers were pleased to hear this. They thought, "Tenalirama did not see the king's face. Yet he spent all the gold coins. He has not fulfilled the condition laid down by the king. Tenalirama will be surely punished today." The king said, "Tenalirama! You have not fulfilled the condition laid down by me. You did not see my face in the market. Yet you dared to buy these things!" Tenalirama said, "Your Majesty, I have spent every single gold coin only after I saw your face." The king was surprised. He said, "How is that possible?" Tenalirama said, "Your Majesty, Have you forgotten that every gold coin bears the imprint of your face ?" "Oh..." said the King, rather pleased. He smiled gently. All the courtiers were rendered speechless.
No Mooli, No Recipe "I've never eaten anything more tasty in my life!" declared Raman, who had just returned from his friend's house. "What did you eat?" asked his wife. "Mooli (radish) halwa," Raman said, smacking his lips. "Mooli! Whoever has heard of halwa being made from mooli! It must have been something else," said his wife disbelievingly. She just could not understand how anyone could make halwa out of mooli. Nevertheless, her curiosity was aroused and next day she asked him to get her the recipe from his friend and some moolis from the market. "Where are the moolis?" she asked, when he returned. "You see," he explained, "while I was returning from the market, a goat snatched the moolis away." Annoyed at his carelessness, she said "Have you brought thr recipe?" "Well, I thought," said Raman with a shrug, "The recipe is of no use without moolis, so I let the starving animal eat that too." Raman the Boy Wonder When Raman was a boy, his neighbour once took him to the house of a rich and powerful landlord. "He's a prodigy," the neighbour told the landlord. "I've never seen a more intelligent boy. He has an answer for everything!" The landlord was a proud and haughty man who thought himself the only intelligent person in the country. He was not at all pleased to hear his visitor praise Raman. "He doesn't look very intelligent, " he said, glancing at Raman. "In any case the more intelligent a boy is, the duller he becomes as a man!" "Is that true?" asked Raman, with an air of innocence. "Then, sir, as a boy you must have been even more intelligent than I am!" Honest Opinion A poet visited Tenali Raman hoping to impress him with some poems he had written. Raman asked him to leave the poems with him and promised to read them later. The man, however, insisted on reading out the poems to him. As the poet droned on Raman fell asleep. When he woke up, the poet asked: "Sir, shall I read the poems again?" "Why? I've already given you my opinion, haven't I?" "No, Sir," said the man. "You fell asleep." "That's right," replied Raman. "When I fell asleep I gave my opinion."

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The Costliest Present

Once, King Krishnadeva Raya won a big battle. He was very happy. In the celebration ceremony, he announced, This is not just my win but the win of my supporters and soldiers. I, therefore, want that all my

courtiers should get some presents on this occasion. You can take the present of your choice. But there is one condition; everyone has to take only one present. Two courtiers cannot have the same gift. Saying this, the king unveiled the curtain behind which all the presents were kept. All the courtiers started fighting to get the best present. The presents were already kept according to the number of courtiers. After struggling for some time with one another, all the courtiers got their presents. There was only one present left, a silver dish. That present was for the person who would come late in the court. When all the courtiers were counted, it came to light that Tenaliwas not present. He was late. All the jealous courtiers were now very happy. They got a reason to tease Tenali for the most ordinary present. Just then, Tenali Raman arrived at the court. All the courtiers shouted together, Come Tenali, your costly present is waiting for you. Tenali looked at all the courtiers. Everyone was holding a precious present. Someone was wearing a golden necklace, other was wearing a beautiful satin turban and some other, a beautiful diamond ring. Tenali understood everything looking at those things. He quietly picked up the silver dish, and covered it with his robe. The King saw Tenali covering the dish with his robe. He said to Tenali, Tenali, why did you cover the dish with your robe? I am helpless, My Lord. Till now, every time I have taken a dish full of gold coins from you. How can I show people that this time you have given me just an empty dish? I care for your respect. This is the reason why I covered the dish with the robe, so that everyone thinks that this time also I have got a dish full of gold coins. The King got impressed by the intelligent talks of Tenali. He put off his costly necklace and said to Tenali, Tenali, today also your dish would not remain empty. Then the King put the necklace in the dish. The good courtiers praised the intelligence of Tenali. Few minutes ago, the jealous courtiers who were teasing Tenali were now staring at each other with sad faces. They were feeling jealous of Tenali, who had got the costliest present.

The Biggest Fool

King Krishnadeva Raya used to celebrate the festival of Holi with joy and enthusiasm. Many cultural and colourful programmes used to take place in Vijayanagar. There was a tradition of giving prizes to the successful artists of the day. The most prestigious prize was given to the person, who won the title of The Biggest Fool. Every year, Tenali Raman bagged the titles of The Biggest Fool and The Best Comic Character by virtue of his wit. Thus, he used to get two prizes every year. That year, the jealous courtiers decided not to give an opportunity to Tenali Raman to win the titles. They made a ploy. They bribed the chief attendant of Tenali Raman and asked him to make Tenali Raman drink bhang (an intoxication drink) excessively. As was planned, Tenali Ramandrank bhang and kept sleeping in a state of intoxication.

In the late afternoon when Tenali Raman woke up, he got surprised to see that he got surprised to see that he had been sleeping for so long. He quickly took his bath, wore his robes and ran to the court. When he reached the court, most of the programmes were already finished. King Krishnadeva Raya said to him, You fool, you kept sleeping having drunk bhang! When the king addressed Tenali Raman as a fool, the courtiers felt very pleased. They also shouted, Yes, Your Majesty, you are absolutely right. Tenali Raman is not a simple fool, but the biggest fool. Tenali Raman smiled and said, Thank you, Lord. You gave me the most prestigious reward of the day by addressing me as a fool. All the courtiers realised their mistake. But what could be done? They themselves had addressed Tenali Raman as the biggest fool. That year also, Tenali Raman bagged titles of The Biggest Fool and The Best Comic Character.

The Wicked Kullan Part I

Last week we read about the Kings Dream in our Tenali Raman Stories series. Today we will read the Wicked Kullan. King Krishnadeva Raya was a very good sportsman. Every other week, he hosted sporting events in his palace where men from far and near participated. Apart from the usual games he also arranged strange contests where he rewarded the winner handsomely and punished the loser in weird ways. His fondest game was chess. He loved playing a good game himself and also delighted in watching others contest before his eyes. He often pulled up his ministers to play with him and most of the time even the best of the players lost the game. Now Tenali Raman was the very best chess player in the Kingdom next to the King himself. So many a time one could see the King and Tenali deep in concentration over the chessboard. One day the King was in a sporting mood and decided to hold a chess contest. He declined from participating and announced that the two people who declared themselves as the best players of the country could contest before him that week. He announced that the winner would be rewarded a total of ten thousand gold pieces but the loser would have to pay a price. He would be buried in the ground up to his neck and the next day an elephant would be sent along to trample his head. Hearing this announcement a strange hush fell over the court. No one wanted to come forward to play the game including Tenali Raman who found the whole idea very ridiculous. Days passed and still no one come forward for the fear of losing. But finally the dhobi of the village, a man named Kullan showed up before the King. He declared, My Lord, I am willing to take up the challenge. The King replied, I hope you understand the terms of the game Kullan. I dont understand how you want to contest as I have never seen you play. I am the best my Lord when it comes to chess. I have never lost a game till date. My work prevents me from playing regularly. I shall prove my worth to you this time. Very well, said the King looking around. Now who wants to contest Kullan?

No one wanted to. They were not very comfortable seeing the dhobi standing so confidently with an evil grin on his face. The King became impatient and declared, There can be no game with just one person. So whoever wants to play better come forward immediately or I shall declare Kullan as the winner.

The Wicked Kullan Part II

This is in continuation of the Story The Wicked Kullan Part I There was again a silence in the court. No one wanted the dhobi to simply scoop up the prize and walk away. But no one wanted to take the risk of losing their head either. Finally after a moments of silence, Tenali came forward and said, I will contest him my Lord. The King was happy to see Raman come forward but he was quite uncomfortable to think of what would happen if Kullan proved himself and Raman lost the game. So he asked, Are you sure Raman? This man here says he has never lost a game. You know what will happen to you if he wins. Of course I do my Lord. But it would be a shame to let go of ten thousands gold pieces without even a game. So let me try. The whole court including the King marvelled at Tenalis courage. Very well, said the King. You can commence the game tomorrow at sharp ten in the morning. The loser will be buried in the evening and the elephants will be sent forth the next day at dawn. The next day people from far and near gathered to get a glimpse of the great event. The game began and the two players sat before the King with intense concentration. Kullan was indeed a good player and he planned each move with great care. Raman also was not far behind and the game was getting more passionate by the minute. Raman knew that Kullan was doing well but he also knew that Kullan was cheating him with some of the moves now and again. He wished to beat Kullan and then expose the man instead of interrupting the game. But the game went on and on. It looked like the game would never end. The King and the whole lot of people who had turned out to see the game were getting tense with every move. All of a sudden Kullan let out a loud triumphant shout, You are defeated, he yelled at Raman. The he turned to the king and said, Raman has been defeated. I have won my Lord. Raman was thoroughly bewildered. He could not comprehend what was happening. The game was not yet over but here was Kullan shouting out the victory. The king also looked confused. Raman opened his mouth and said, But my Lord. . . Poor Raman. His words were drowned as a wild uproar broke out in the court and suddenly Raman felt that before he could even utter another word of protest, he was being led away. Kullan was carried and applauded as the hero. The king had to keep his word and amidst loud applause the huge bag of gold coins was handed over to Kullan. The guards who never liked Raman for he was the Kings favourite mocked at him as they dragged him away. You have met your match Raman. Your pride has indeed met its fall.

Raman tried to explain but they just snorted loudly and called him a storyteller. Poor Raman had to shut his mouth and allow himself to be buried. He was so filled with remorse that he had no strength to protest or escape from his sorry plight. The guards took him to a pit that had already been dug the previous day for the victim. It was in a very lonely place where nobody came. Only stray animals and a few birds circled that area. Tall trees hid him from outside view. Raman knew that the King chose the remotest place so that the loser could not even cry for help. The guards pushed him roughly into the pit and filled the pit with mud. Without saying a word they left the place and Raman was left stuck in the ground with only his head out. He looked around and the eerie silence made him shudder. He simply could not imagine how he would spend a night in the pit, let alone wait for the elephant the next day. The King was equally troubled in his palace. He was hoping that Raman would win as usual. He simply could not understand and was filled with horror to think that his beloved friend would be trampled the very next day. He refused to eat and drink and he sat dejectedly wishing he had never held a competition as such. Raman meanwhile was very tired and was growing hungry. It was nearing dusk and all the birds were returning home. He thought of the good food back home and he wondered if his poor wife had been informed of his fate.

To be continued.. . . . . The Wicked Kullan Part III

The Wicked Kullan Part III

As he was pondering, he heard footsteps approaching him at a distance. He saw that the one coming over was none other than Kullan himself. Raman was surprised to see Kullan visiting him. He did not want to show Kullan that he was suffering. So when Kullan came near, he was very surprised to see Raman looking very cheerful and bright. Raman gave him a warm smile and welcomed Kullan. Kullan was amazed at Ramans countenance. He could not understand how a man who would be trampled on the very next day could grin this way. Raman interrupted his thoughts and called out, Hello Kullan, How are you? I hope you are as happy as I am! Happy? remarked Kullan. Why you must be out of your mind! You should be anything but happy. Have you forgotten the elephant tomorrow? No, How can I forget? replied Raman jovially. But still I am very happy. You may not understand Kullan. I have my own secret reasons to be so happy. In fact I feel like singing and dancing too, though this pit does not make dancing possible. Yes, indeed this is the happiest day in my life. You can tell everyone Kullan that Raman has never been so content in his entire life. Kullan could not understand but hearing Ramans speech he was thoroughly curious. Tell me Raman, what is your secret? I shall carefully guard it and never tell a soul? Raman laughed. I dont mind even if you tell the whole world Kullan. Poor Kullan could not stand the surprise any longer. Please tell me, he pleaded. Raman was quite pleased to see Kullan worked up this way. He said, Kullan, for many years I have been suffering from severe backache. Sometimes it was so bad that I used to wish I were dead. I carried the pain with me day and night. It was because of my loving wife that I managed to survive so many years.

Kullan leaned closer and listened attentively. Raman was satisfied to see Kullan very interested for he knew that the only person who was known in the entire Kingdom to suffer from chronic and incurable back pain was Kullan himself! The pain continued to increase day by day. But still I went about cheerful as that was my nature. The King sent his best physicians to cure me but they could not succeed. I was given the best medicines from all corners of the world but all the efforts were in vain. Then, I ended up in this pit. Please continue, cried Kullan. Your story is so similar to mine. Why I have a very acute back pain too! Is that so? asked Raman pretending to be surprised. Anyway, God has been very good to me. From the time I was covered with mud and got stuck in the pit, my backache has vanished. Vanished? questioned Kullan in awe. You mean to say that the back ache is gone because of standing in this pit so long? Yes replied Raman cheerfully. I am indeed a very happy man. But Raman, cried Kullan. Your happiness wont last a day! Why tomorrow you will be killed! Hearing that Raman pretended to be a little sad and thoughtful. Yes thats true he said. But I can die in peace now knowing that I am cured for good. I can face death but not the back pain. Now I am ready to go. Please thank the King for his favour will you? Poor Kullan could stand it no longer. Raman he cried. Can you please help me? I have also been suffering thoroughly with this pain. I need a cure just like you. So would you mind if I dig you out of this pit for a few hours. You can bury me in the same place and I am sure my backache will be gone in an hours time. We can then exchange places again.

The Wicked Kullan Part IV

Raman was thrilled that his plan was working exactly as he had wanted. But he did not show any joy. He replied, No Kullan. I want to enjoy few more hours of bliss. Why, if the guards find me outside they will kill me before the elephant does! No Raman Kullan pleaded. They wont find you. Moreover I want to be buried for just an hour and I am sure no one would come. I beg of you Raman. Please do oblige. Well then. Help me out of this pit said Raman. Kullan was overjoyed and eagerly helped him out. Raman was so relieved to stand on firm ground. He calmly told Kullan, Step inside. I shall bury you. Thank you very much, replied Kullan gratefully. Raman buried him firmly and when he was sure that Kullan could not get out, he said, Just wait here till I return Kullan. I will be back in a few moments. Kullan was aghast and shouted. Hey where do you think you are going? You cant leave me here all alone! Raman. Come back! But Raman was gone. He went directly to the palace and found the king walking up and down greatly disturbed. Your majesty cried Raman and fell at his feet.

Raman! cried the King in great astonishment. How did you manage to come out? Raman quickly narrated the whole incident and said, My Lord, Kullan is a cheat. I can see that the chessboard is still not disturbed. You can see for yourself that the game is not over. The King was greatly astonished to find that Raman was indeed right. The game had not got over and Kullan the cheat had walked away with the gold! The King was furious beyond words. Take me to him immediately, he ordered the guards. And you Raman must ride with me. I will see that Kullan learns a lesson he will never forget. Tenali led the king and his ministers to the lonely place where Kullan stood buried till his neck. Kullan was horrified to see the whole court standing before him. The look on the Kings face revealed that his trick had been discovered. He had to beg for mercy in order to live. My Lord have mercy on me. I shall never cheat anyone again. I have indeed learnt a bitter lesson. No way out of this Kullan replied the King. You will pay with your head tomorrow. Kullan was aghast. Raman felt sorry for him and approached the King and said quietly, My Lord, he has learnt his lesson. Let him live. I am sure he will never cheat in a hurry again. The King was moved at Ramans compassion. He turned to Kullan and said, Here is my faithful servant who wishes you well. You ought to be ashamed of yourself Kullan. I want you out of my Kingdom before day break tomorrow. Your life shall be spared but you will not live here. So saying the King left the guards to dig up Kullan and returned to his palace to reward Raman handsomely. Raman returned home, a happy man with ten thousand gold pieces and an extra bag of gold for his kindness towards Kullan.

The Kings Dream

Once Krishnadeva Raya had a wonderful dream. He dreamt of a beautiful palace made of glittering stones which floated in the air. The palace had everything that one could ever wish for. It could be lit up with a thousand lights or made to disappear into the darkness by merely wishing so. The palace glistened and glowed and whoever entered the palace felt themselves in heaven. But suddenly the dream ended and the palace vanished. The king woke up with a start. The image of the palace was stuck in his mind. He could not forget the dream palace and one day, he summoned all his courtiers and told them about his dream. Then the King then made a public announcement saying, If someone can make such a palace for me, I will give a hundred thousand gold coins! The courtiers who had been singing praises of the Kings dream till then stopped mid-sentence. Their mouths fell open and each of them thought Is the King mad? What on earth does he want us to build? Whoever heard of a palace floating in air! The King is indeed insane. But no one had the courage to say so. Many of Kings well-wishers told him that such a palace could only exist in dreams.

But alas the King was in one of his fanciful moods and he refused to listen. He insisted that it could be built and he also threatened his courtiers with dire consequences if they did not produce someone who could make the dream come true. The courtiers were aghast and worried. And when none of them could come up with a solution, they decided to approach Tenali Raman. Raman listened to the story and assured them saying, Give me a weeks time. I shall cure the King of his fanciful notions. Till then let no one know that you have approached me. A few days later, a very old man tottered into the Kings court. He cried, My Lord, My Lord, I need justice. I need your justice. King asked, Old man, what is the problem? Tell me without fear and I shall see that justice is done. I have been looted, Your Majesty, wailed the old man, All my savings are gone. I have nothing left. Who looted you?, thundered the King. You name him and I will have him hanged immediately. Your Majesty! If you dont take it as a personal affront, I will tell you. But you must assure that you wont punish me, mumbled the old man. Yes, yes, I promise, replied the King. Its you my Lord, said the old man. Me! How dare you. You insolent began the King, but then he remembered his promise and sat back. Your Majesty! Last night, I had a dream. It was quite terrifying. I dreamt that you would come with your entourage of ministers and commanders and looted my entire lifes savings, five thousand gold coins, said the old man. You are a fool indeed! roared the King. It was just a dream youhad. How can you be so stupid as to pretend that your dream is reality? Dreams are not true. Anyone and everyone knows that. But they are, Your Majesty! Dreams are very true. I am sure you know that. If your dream of a palace hanging in air can come true, why cant my dream come true? The King was stunned by the old mans words. Before he could fully comprehend and recover from what the old man was saying, the man tore off his beard and hair and stood before the King. It was none other than his favourite minister Tenali Raman! Bowing low before the amazed King, Tenali Raman said, Your Majesty! This was the only way of convincing you about the absurdity of your wish. Please forgive me if I have dishonoured you. I do hope you understand the impossibility. You are right Raman, agreed the King and burst into laughter. You are really very shrewd! I am proud to have you in my court, saying this King presented Tenali Raman with a Diamond ring and one thousand gold coins.

The Brahmin Thieves

One day King Krishnadeva Rayas beloved mother fell sick and was bedridden. The physicians of the court declared that there was no chance for her to survive and that she was too old to respond to any medication.

One morning, she summoned Raya to her presence. My Dear Son! I realize that I am close to deaths door. I also do not have any hopes that my health would become better. However, I have a fast wish. She paused and asked, Can you accomplish it for me before my soul is taken away? Raya was moved deeply. His mother was on the deathbed, expressing her last wish. How could he turn away from it? He gently said, Mother! Please tell me. I will definitely accomplish your last wish. Anything you want. I will even give you my life if you wish, he assured. I wish to eat mango fruit. Can you please get me one? she said in a feeble tone. It was early summer. The trees had just started bearing tender fruits in the royal gardens. There is no guarantee mother will live until the tender ones ripen on the tree, thought Raya. But Raya knew that not fulfilling her last wish would be a big insult to his royalty. Immediately the King ordered his soldiers to scan through the fields of the Kingdom and bring some ripe mangoes at any cost, immediately. The soldiers plunged into action. They did their best and returned with a basket filled with ripe mangoes. Eventually, just before the soldiers could place the basket before the King, Rayas mother breathed her last. Raya was heartbroken and taken aback. He was filled with remorse for being unable to fulfil the last wish of his mother more than for her demise. He was deeply troubled with the thought that his mother was dead even before her want for mangoes was fulfilled. He refused to eat and drink and slowly day after day he started to sink with the thoughts about his dead mothers unfulfilled wish. One day when he could bear it no longer, Raya invited one of his physicians and explained his struggle to him. The physician thought for a while and told the King, My Lord! Your mother was fond of giving alms to the poor and needy. Her soul would rest in peace, if you can fulfill her last wish through donations. Order for preparing mangoes with gold and distribute them to all the Brahmins of the country. Very well, the King replied. If that will make her soul rest in peace, I will do so. The news spread like wildfire in the kingdom that the King was doling out golden mangoes to all the Brahmins in the memory of his mother. Brahmins from all over the empire started flooding into the capital to accept the golden mango from the King. Day in and out, long queues were always seen and as the days passed, the queues seemed to be getting longer and longer. With this, the gold reserves in the exchequer were melting down rapidly. The King not bothering about the consequences, was increasingly involved in donating golden mangoes to the Brahmins. At last his Chief Minister Thimmarusu came to him and pleaded him to stop. The King ignored his pleas saying, My mother comes first. I will pay my homage to her till I feel satisfied in my soul. Thimmarusu was helpless and he had no clue on how to stop the King. Finally he decided to approach Raman. He urged Raman to think of a solution to stop this extreme madness from the Kings end. Raman thought for a while and turned to Thimmarusu and said, Go home and have a sound night sleep, Chief Minister. Everything will be alright by tomorrow evening. The next morning, Raman went near the long queues and watched what was happening. He then selected a yard close to the queues and sat there, ordering the queue maintenance persons to send each of the Brahmins to him before sending him to Raya for the golden mango.

Everyone knew that Raman was Kings very close associate. They thought that Raman was doing so on the orders of the King and started sending the Brahmins first to Raman before sending them into the palace. Raman explained to the Brahmins who now stood in front of him, Dear brothers, there is a slight amendment to the donation process. The King Raya wishes to donate the golden mangoes to those who can bear a blister from him. There was a slight commotion among the Brahmins but finally one and all of them agreed that for the sake of the golden mango it was worth to have their backs burnt. This went on all morning. Later in the afternoon, one Brahmin pleaded to Raman to give him two burns for two golden mangoes. Raman immediately fulfilled the Brahmins wish. When the Brahmin approached Raya, he was handed one mango as usual. The Brahmin immediately requested the King, My Lord! I had two burns please give me two golden mangoes. The King did not understand what the Brahmin was saying. He enquired, What burns? Then the Brahmin narrated the entire story about Raman and burns to Raya. The King shivering with anger called for Raman and questioned him. Raman, What is happening? Why are you so cruel to these poor and innocent Brahmins? Raman very politely and innocently, explained. My dear King! I am an unlucky person. Recently my mother succumbed to a chronic disease. She wished all during he bed ridden period to cauterize her back so that she could become healthy and live longer. Wiping the tears dropping on his cheeks, Raman continued, Nevertheless, I did not heed to her requests. She died with it on her lips. I thought of presenting it to the Brahmins, as I failed to fulfill my mothers last wish. However, he continued, me being a poor man cannot invite such a huge number of Brahmins to my humble home. Since all of them have come here on your invitation, I thought that this would be a good chance to fulfill my mothers last wish in this manner. With all due respects to the King, I beg for pardon for my deeds, if I am wrong. Raya thought for a while and realized that Raman was attempting to teach him a lesson. He then recalled Thimmarurus pleas about the drastically dropping gold reserves in the exchequer. Appreciating Ramans wise words, the King immediately stopped the venture and sent half a dozen mangoes with Raman as a token of gratitude for his timely intervention.

The Bragging Soldiers

Once Raman had to travel from one village to another. It was very cold towards evening and soon he grew weary and tired. At a distance he saw a huge bonfire burning and before long Tenali Raman found himself in the company of a group of soldiers who were basking in the warmth. They were all veterans of war and they got talking about their experiences on the battlefield. Raman felt that most of them were simply bragging and telling untruths.

One old soldier said, Do you know that I have single-handedly slain seven enemy soldiers? Can any of you beat that? Another soldier declared, I have held an entire enemy battalion at bay. I am sure no one has ever done that in history. When the whole circle of them had finished bragging they looked condescendingly at Raman. I dont suppose to have any adventure worth telling, said one of the grizzled warriors. You are just an ordinary man. I wonder if you have ever killed a fly. All the soldiers laughed hysterically and Raman decided to teach them a lesson. I do have a good episode to share too, said Raman. You have?! said the soldiers. Yes, said Raman. Do you remember the goonda Ram Singh? Now Ram Singh was a dreaded dacoit who had been terrorizing the travellers in that part of the country for years. The big and the small knew of him and anyone travelling was warned to keep a watchful eye for Ram Singh. Ram Singh! Of course we remember him. He was a terror! Now he is dead of course!, they replied. Raman continued, Well, once while travelling I chanced upon a large tent. I entered and there, lying on a mat was none other than Ram Singh himself. I recognized him by his size immediately. There were all sorts of dangerous weapons around him. What did you do? asked the soldiers, their interest now fully aroused. I cut off his toe and ran for my dear life, replied Raman coolly. His toe? said a soldier. Why toe? You fool! You should have cut off his head while you had the chance! Well, I am no bigger fool than you are. You see, somebody had already done that, said Raman, grinning and left the place.

Vidyullathas Test
Simhapuri was a prominent town in the Vijayanagar Empire where a stunning beauty named Vidyullatha lived. She was a rich lady and was very well versed with prose, poetry and composition besides dance and music. She was also very proud of the fact that she was very learned. One day, a huge hording appeared on the compound wall of her house that said, A reward of one thousand gold coins would be presented to the one who can prove themselves smarter than the Lady in the house in their wit and wisdom. The whole town was abuzz with excitement. People from far and near wanted to prove themselves to Vidyullatha and soon the whole event become a prestigious issue for the scholars in the region. Many responded to the open invitation and barged into her house, to prove themselves. But surprisingly everyone who walked into Vidyullathas house lost the battle and came out with their heads down. Even the greatest of scholars did not qualify and day after day, the list of losers was steadily growing and after sometime there were no takers to the invitation.

The King had also heard of the contest and was not very pleased with Vidyullathas audacity. He called Raman over and said, I want you to take up this challenge Raman, I want you to prove yourself to that proud woman. So one morning, Raman disguised as a vendor with a load of firewood on his head started shouting in front of her house. Firewood . . . strong firewood. excess heat generating firewood he continued the sequence for sometime. Vidyullatha heard him and noticed that with every minute the vendor was increasing his pitch. When the noise grew unbearable Vidyullatha finally walked out and enquired, How much will you sell the load for? Instantly the vendor replied, Madam, I will not sell this for money. If you can give me a handful grain I will give you all the load. Vidyullatha assured him that his deal was fine. She ordered him to dump the load in the backyard and return to collect the grains. Raman unloaded the weight off his head then and there started to argue. There is no bargain in this deal Madam! I will sell this only if you can give me a handful grain, did you get it? he stressed, a handful grain. The rich woman got agitated and brought out a handful of grain. Stop shouting. Here is our handful of grain. Now keep the wood in the backyard. Raman was adamant and made his firewood loads price much more clearer, There is no change in the deal Madam. I said a handful grain that means nothing more or less it should be a handful grain. If you cannot pay the price, you should pay me one thousand gold coins and wipe the invitation hoarding on the compound wall. Vidyullatha yelled at him, What nonsense are you talking? I have given you a handful of grain. What more do you want? Raman replied, There is no nonsense madam. I told you the price. You agreed for it and now if you cannot pay the price, you must stand by my wish. You should give the one thousand gold coins. That is it. Both continued arguing and shouting at each other. Finally tried of shouting, Vidyullatha said, We shall go to the King and see what he has to say. Raman was waiting for these words and he immediately agreed to go to the King. In the palace, Vidyullatha presented her argument. My Lord! This firewood vendor must have gone crazy. He is not ready to agree to my offer, though I paid him immediately. He is sticking to his senseless argument to have a handful grain. He demands later for payment of a thousand gold coins and wiping away the invitation hoarding. I plead for justice. The King looked at Raman and asked him to narrate his side. Folding hands Raman started in a humble manner, Your Majesty. I am not crazy. I informed her beforehand that the load of firewood would cost her a handful grain. He continued, When I was clear about a handful grain, she understood that I needed handful of grains. That was her mistake to misunderstand my quote for a handful grain. What I meant was one grain that fills the hand a handful grain.

Vidyullatha was speechless. The King laughed out loudly. He turned to her and said, Well, you have heard the vendor. I am sure you understand that the verdict is in favour of him. You might as well pay him up and remove the hoarding. Shocked and humbled with the judgement, Vidyullatha was compelled to pay him one thousand gold coins and wipe off the invitation from the compound wall. The people of the region head about the incident were glad that Vidyullathas pride had taken a good fall and her ego was shattered to pieces in a single stroke all by a poor firewood vendor. And till date, no one knows that the vendor was none other than the wise Tenali Raman.

Ramans Plight
It was well known fact in the Vijayanagar that anyone who was unfortunate enough to look at Raman the first thing in the morning, would not be able to have food that day. That was why no one in Vijayanagar liked encountering Raman in the morning, if they could help it. King Krishnadeva Raya, too, heard of this fact and wanted to try it out on himself. One day he called Tenali Raman to the palace and made him stay in the night in a room adjacent to his bedchamber. The next morning, the first thing he did after waking up, was to take enter Ramans room. He took a good look at the sleeping Raman who suddenly woke from his deep slumber and saw the King staring at him. The King embarrassed to be caught this way, hurried out of Ramans room. After finishing a few important duties in the court, the king went to the dining hall to eat. The food arrived piping hot. The head cook had made the Kings most favourite dishes. The king had hardly picked up the first morsel when he caught sight of a fly in the food. He left the table in disgust. And when the food was prepared for him the second time, he found that he had lost his appetite. When lunch was served, he found someones hair entwined with his rice. He was very angry and refused to touch the food. As a result, the King could not eat anything at all that day. Thinking about the days events, the king was convinced that Raman was really jinxed. An angry King ordered that Raman be hanged. The soldiers had no option but to take Raman to the gallows. At the gallows, the soldiers felt sorry to Raman and asked him, Raman, tell us your last wish. We will fulfil your wish if it is within our means. Raman replied, I have one last wish, which I am sure you can execute. I would like to convey a message to the King. Once he was heard my message, I would like to hear his response to it. I would like to be hanged only after hearing the Kings response. Very well Raman, said the head guard, that can be done. What is your message? Tell the King while it may be true that anyone who sees my face the first thing in the morning does not get anything to eat that day, its also true that if anyone who sees the Kings face the first thing in the morning, as I did, gets to lose his life. So whos the greater jinx the King or I? said Raman.

The soldiers promptly kept their word and conveyed the message to the King. On hearing the message, the King was stunned. Then he felt ashamed. He ordered the execution to be stopped immediately. He called Raman over apologised to him profusely and offered him gifts. He also asked Raman not to say anything about the incident to the public. He was sure that the people of Vijayanagar wouldnt take well to the idea of having a jinxed person for a ruler. So once again Raman with his wise head escaped the gallows.

Magic of the Stick Tenali Raman Stories

Once upon a time there lived a woman named Ramabai in a village in Vijayanagar. Every evening, she used to beat her husband ten times with her shoes. This woman had a daughter too. When the daughter grew up, the woman started looking for an able husband for her. The daughter was very beautiful, but the people feared that she would also beat her husband with shoes. For this reason, no one wanted to marry her. Now there were many people in the kingdom who were jealous of Tenali Raman. They always wanted to defame him. When they came to know that Ramabai was searching a suitable groom for her daughter, they conspired to blacken the reputation of Tenali. One day, Tenali Raman was sitting in his house after completing his work. Just then, a priest of the village came to meet him. Tenali welcomed him and made him sit comfortably. After discussing general matters for some time, the priest said to Tenali, I believe you know Ramabai. She daily beats her husband ten times with shoes. She has a beautiful daughter. No one wants to marry her. Everyone fears that she would also beat her husband with shoes. If you marry her, then everyone praise you. Tenali understood what the priest wanted to say. He said, You are right. But you know that I am already married. I cannot marry again. But yes, I have a brother who has gone to Kashi for his studies. I think he would give his consent for the marriage. Afterwards, the priest went to Ramabais home and told her the reason for his coming. Hearing the proposal, Ramabai felt very pleased. She at once agreed for the marriage of her daughter with Tenalis brother. She gave the priest the permission to fix a date for marriage. The priest went to Tenali and fixed the date of marriage. Actually, Tenali Raman didnt have any brother. When the marriage got fixed, he started searching for an orphan boy. After two or three days, he found a twenty years old youth. The youth was much educated and had come to Vijayanagar in search of a job. Tenali Raman took the youth to his house and the youth started living there. One day, Tenali told the youth, I will get you married to Ramabais daughter. I will also find a way of your livelihood. But for all this, you will have to become my brother. Only then I can help you further. The youth felt very pleased to hear Tenali Ramans words. He happily gave his consent. After few days, the youth got married to Ramabais daughter. The moment came when the daughter was to be given a send-off. Ramabai gave her a pair of shoes to her daughter and said, Dear, if you are my daughter then you have to get hold of your husband. You know I daily beat your father ten times. You will be my true daughter only if you beat

your husband fifteen times everyday. If you do not act accordingly, the I will never see your face again in my life. The daughter agreed. Ramabai sent her husband to leave her daughter at her in-laws house. As soon as the girl reached her in-laws house, Tenali Raman started behaving very rudely. He had also told the youth how to behave with the girl. When the girl saw such a scary attitude of both Tenali Raman and her husband, she quietly hid the shoe in a corner and dropped the idea of beating her husband with the shoe. When Tenali and the girls father were taking food, Tenali patted the fathers back and said, What happened to you? Why are there so many patches on your back? The girls father told Tenali the entire story. Tenali felt very sorry and said to the father, I have a plan. If you agree to work according to my plan, I can tell it to you. The father agreed. Tenali asked the father to stay at his house for four months. He also asked him to worship the Sun God after waking up early in the morning and taking bath. Tenali gave him good nutritious food to eat. He also asked him to exercise daily. After four months, the girls father could not be recognised. He had got a good built and was looking fit and fine. Then Tenali Raman gave him a stout stick to the father and also told him when and how to use it. The girls father thanked Tenali Raman for helping him so much and set off on his return journey. When Ramabais husband returned after such a long time, she felt very pleased. She was eagerly waiting to beat her husband. When she saw the condition of her husband, she felt nice. Thought the husband had returned after such a long journey, Ramabai didnt show him any mercy. She at once asked her husband to get ready for being beaten by shoes. As soon as Ramabai was about to hit her husband, the husband gave a hard blow at her head with his stout stick. The head got badly injured and it started bleeding profusely. Ramabai started shouting, O, do you want to kill me. O, he hit me! Ramabai fell down. Then her husband gave her another blow of the stick. Ramabai shouted more loudly. Hearing her shouts, all the neighbours came running to her house. They stopped the husband from beating Ramabai. Ramabai got scared on seeing the dangerous side of her husband. From that day, she started obeying her husband. When the people heard that the husband reformed his cruel wife because of Tenali Raman, they all praised Tenali heartily.

The Red Peacock

King Krishnadeva Raya was very fond of collecting strange and amazing things. To keep him happy, the courtiers would often search for such things. The wanted to become favourites of the King. One day, a shrewd courtier played a game. He got a peacock painted in red by a renowned artist. He took the peacock and reached the court. He said to the King, Maharaj, I have brought a strange and unique peacock for you from the dense forests of Madhya Pradesh. King Krishnadeva Raya looked carefully at the peacock. He was very surprised to see it. He said, Red Peacock! Truly, you have brought a unique thing. I will keep it in my royal garden. Ok, now tell me, how much you spent for this peacock? When the courtier heard his praise, he felt very pleased. He said politely to the King, Maharaj, to bring this unique bird for you, I had to send two of my men around the world. They had been searching it for past two

years. After a long search, they caught this red peacock in the forests of Madhya Pradesh. I spent about twenty five thousand rupees on my men. King Krishnadeva Raya ordered the treasurer, Give this gentleman a sum of twentyfive thousand rupees from the royal treasury. After giving the order to the treasurer, the king said to the courtier, This is the amount which you spent for this peacock. You will also get a reward for this peacock after one week. The courtier then looked at Tenali Raman and gave a smile. Tenali Raman understood the meaning of cunning smile. But he kept silent at that moment. He knew that red peacock cannot be found in any part of the world. He understood that the courtier had cheated the king. Next day, Tenali Raman found out the artist who had painted the peacock red. He took four peacocks and went to the artist. He asked the painter to paint those peacocks in red colour. Then he reached the court taking the four red peacocks. He said to the king, Lord, my friend had got only one peacock for twenty five thousand rupees. I have brought four red peacocks worth ten thousand rupees only. They are more beautiful than the peacock brought by my friend. The King looked at the peacocks. They were really more beautiful and attractive than the peacock brought by the courtier. The King ordered the treasurer, Give Tenali Raman a sum of ten thousand rupees right now. Just then, Tenali Raman spoke up, Lord, I am not the right man to be rewarded. It is him. He pointed at the artist, who had painted all the five peacocks. This man is a talented artist. He is an expert in changing the colour of anything. He painted the blue peacocks to red. Now the King didnt take time to understand that the courtier had cheated him. He at once ordered the courtier to return the twenty five thousand rupees and also fined him five thousand rupees. He gave those five thousand rupees to the painter. The courtier felt ashamed and went away from the court. King Krishnadeva Raya felt pleased with Tenali Raman and thanked him.

Tenali Ramakrishna
Garlapati Ramakrishnacharyulu, popularly known as Tenali Rama and Vikata Kavi, was a court-poet of the Vijayanagara Empirein the 16th century. He was born into a telugu prathamasakha niyogi brahmin family. He was one of the Ashtadiggajas who belonged to the court of Krishnadevaraya in Vijayanagar. Tenali is the town from where he came and he was refereed to in the Hampi court as the man from Tenali and so the name Tenali Ramakrishna stuck subsequently. As the king Krishnadevaraya was a Vaishnavite, it is said that he would have changed his name to Ramakrsihna. The temple he built for Shiva is still an important temple in Tenali, a very important town of the Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh. The area in Tenali is called Ramaligeswara Peta.

Biography
Ramalinga practised poetry and composition along with command on language and grammar. Mingling with a group of minstrels, he learnt the art of spontaneous poetry composing techniques at Tenali. He made himself a perfectionist

in Sanskrit and Telugu languages. Gradually, in the natural process of growing up, he was married and was blessed with children. From then onwards, he was compelled to find ways to earn a living and feed his family. He learnt that Vijaya Nagar ruler Sri Krishnadeva Raya was a revered patron for poetry and poets besides being a scholar in Kannada, Telugu and Sanskrit languages on par. Every poet and scholar with some skill in the vast Vijaya Nagar empire was longing for getting into the Bhuvana Vijaya, the royal court of Krishnadeva Raya. Ramalinga headed to Vijaya Nagar with a similar thought and wish in him.Legend has it that he was very lazy as a boy.One day a sage approached him and told him that he should be working and not be lazing under a tree.he told the sage that he had no education,so the sage told him to go to the Kali temple of the village and recite a specific mantra a 100 times. Ramakrishna went to the temple and recited the mantra.It is said that Kali appeared in front of Ramakrishna with a bowl of Milk and a bowl of curd.She told him to pick any 1.The milk would give lots of wealth and the curd would give him all the knowledge he needed. Ramakrishna said that both look tasty but he has to taste each before choosing, so Kali gave him both the bowls . Ramakrishna gorged both the curd and the milk.Kali was furious .But Ramakrishna explained to Kali that what is one without the other.Kali was impressed by his wit and said that he will become a Vikatakavi .Meaning a jesting poet .with his Knowledge he left to Vijaynagara. First, he approached the royal priest Thathacharya and laid his heart before him, after exhibiting his skills. Thathacharya promised Ramalinga to introduce him to the King Krishnadeva Raya. Satisfied Ramalinga spent many a days in vain, waiting for the opportunity. Ramalinga was vexed and started hunting for alternative ways that would gain entry into the court. He then located Nandi Thimmana, another scholar who had a permanent place in the royal court. Ramalinga approached Thimmana and appeased him with his expertise in spontaneous poetry. Thimmana felicitated Ramalinga by presenting him with a Kashmir Shawl, which was presented to him by King Krishnadeva Raya the previous day for his performance. The next day, Ramalinga adorning the Kashmiri Shawl on his shoulders walked into the royal court. King Krishnadeva Raya was discussing various issues with the courtiers at that time. Krishnadeva Raya was surprised to see a stranger in the Shawl that was presented to Thimmana couple of days before. A straight question came from the King Krishnadeva Raya, Where did you get this shawl? With all humbleness Ramalinga replied, My King! Thimmana could have satisfied you with his proficiency. I was fortunate enough to please that great personality with my poetry. Thimmana, pleased with my expertise he continued, presented me this shawl felicitating me at his residence. I am wearing this to exhibit my competence. Sri Krishna Deva Raya was impressed by the way Ramalinga presented himself in the court. Tenali Rama was famous for his wisdom. Tenali Ramakrishna's most famous work, Panduranga Mahatyam, is dedicated to god Panduranga ( in Marathi), a form of Vishnu, whose main temple stands at Pandharpur in Maharashtra. He was known for his wit. After the quick collapse of the Vijayanagara Empire and the death of King Krishnadevaraya, he returned to Tenali and set up a school. He is said to have died due to a snake-bite. His story was made into a cartoon called "The Adventures of Tenali Rama" by the Cartoon Network (India) in 2001. [edit]Works Scholars treat his famous work Panduranga Mahatyamu as one among the Pancha Kavyas. He has [2] dedicated Panduranga Mahatyamto Viruri Vedadri. This book is about the Pundarika Kshetram on the banks of river Bhaimi and its legend. He also composedUdbhataradhya Charitram on the story of Udbhata, a monk, as well as Ghatikachala Mahatyam about Ghatikachalam, a place of worship for God Narasimha near Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
[1]

[edit]Style He followed the Prabandha style. He took the theme for Panduranga Mahatyam from the Skanda Purana and enhanced it with many stories about the devotees of God Vitthala (Panduranga). He is noted for brilliance and wit and for mocking other poets and great personalities. He created a celebrated character called Nigama Sarma akka (sister Nigama Sarma) and a story around her without giving her a name. He also had written many Chatuvu (extempore poems). He is not the joker that the comical cartoons make him out to be. [edit]Titles

He was called a vikatakavi (Telugu: Kumara Bharathi

[2]

) (a phonetic palindrome) meaning clown-jester-poet.

[edit]Movie [edit]1938

film [edit]1941 film

Tenali Ramakrishna is a Telugu film in 1941 made by H. M. Reddy. [edit]1956

film

Tenali Ramakrishna is a 1956 bilingual Telugu and Tamil film produced and directed by B. S. Ranga. The Tamil film is titled as Tenali Rama. N.T.Rama Rao appeared as Sri Krishna Deva Raya in both films where Tenali Ramakrishna is played by A. Nageswara Rao and Tenali Rama is played by Sivaji Ganesan and Subhanjaneya Raju.

[edit]1990

Doordarshan Serial

But most Indian audience became familiar with Tenali Rama due to the TV serial made by T.S. Nagabharana in [3] which Vijay Kashyapplayed the lead role. It was based on short-stories by Mrs. Kamala Laxman.