Once King Krishnadeva out of his love for humour decided to hold a grand contest- the 'Fool of the Year'. To encourage active participation, the king decided to keep the contest open to all. He further decided to lure people with the handsome prize of 5,000 gold coins.
The word about contest spread like wild forest fire in the town. People were more concerned about the prize rather than the contest itself.
The courtiers of King Krishnadeva gathered in the evening outside the palace to discuss about the contest. They feared that if Tenali Raman participated in the contest, he victory is inevitable. The courtiers decided to devise a plan to keep Tenali out of the contest.
Next day one of courtiers, made his way near Tenali's house. When Tenali's servant came out of the house to complete some work, he quietly began following him. Soon he began conversation with the servant - "Are you participating in the contest? Imagine if win, you need not work for Tenali".
The servant shrugged his shoulders. He replied dejectedly, "How can anyone win when Tenali himself is contesting?"
The courtier nodded in agreement and said, "Hmmm.... But you can do something to keep him out and increase your chances of winning", he suggested.
The servant gave a suspicious look to the courtier - "How?" , he asked.
The courtier suggested, "Tenali leaves home everyday after praying. On the day of contest, before Tenali leaves lock in the room while he is seated for prayer. We know his wife is away to her parent's home and will not be back before contest. So once locked, there would be no one to help him until you return".
The servant blushed. He suddenly looked hopeful and gave a dreamy smile. The courtier felt assured and smiled too. He gave a small pouch of silver coins to Tenali saying, "Keep this for your savings".
The servant returned home happily.
The day of contest arrived. That day the servant woke up early and kept close vigilance on Tenali. After ablutions, Tenali went into the prayer room and seated himself peacefully on the mat. The servant quickly locked the door of the room and rushed out towards the palace to participate in the contest.
The contest was full of humours. Laughter echoed and filled the palace. After hours of show, the contest finally came to a conclusion and the organisers were set to announce winner.
However, just then Tenali entered the court. He looked happy. When the King saw Tenali he asked, "Tenali, where were you? The contest is over".
Tenali smiled and said, "My Majesty, I needed some hundred gold coins. I was busy arranging them".
Hearing the argument the King thundered, "Tenali where are your wits? Don't you remember that the contest held today entitled the winner with 5,000 gold coins? How can you forget 5000 gold coins for 100? Indeed you are slain and foolish. Very very foolish!"
Tenali jestered and said, "Indeed I am a fool!"
The king once again said, "No just another fool. But the biggest fool!"
Tenali gave a pointer to all, "So I am the biggest fool, as the mighty king just entitled me".
The King was suddenly taken aback. He realised that he had confronted the honorary title to Tenali! This implied Tenali had won the contest. However, the King was proud to yield to such abrupt situational consequence. He sat quietly in anger.
Meanwhile, Tenali convinced the chagrin of the other courtiers about his title. He was finally declared as the winner of the contest and received 5000 gold coins.
No comments :
Post a Comment