In the glorious kingdom of Vijayanagara, King Krishnadevaraya often challenged his witty minister, Tenali Raman, to prove his brilliance. One day, the King proposed a grand challenge: "Raman, travel to the distant capital of Delhi and win a great prize from Emperor Babur using your wit. Only then will I admit your genius is unmatched."
Tenali Raman set out on his journey. However, the King, wanting to test Raman's true mettle, secretly sent a message to Emperor Babur. The message warned, "Tenali Raman is incredibly funny. If he speaks, everyone will burst into laughter. To maintain the dignity of the court, ensure no one laughs during his performance."
When Raman arrived at Babur's court, he performed his best jokes and clever stories. The court was filled with hilarity, but to Raman's surprise, the ministers and soldiers sat perfectly still, their faces frozen in serious expressions. They were struggling to hold back their laughter due to the Emperor's strict command. Realizing he was being sabotaged, Raman quietly exited the palace.
As Emperor Babur went for a stroll through the palace gardens, he noticed an old man carefully planting a small sapling near a large tree. Curious, the Emperor approached him. "Old man, why do you toil so hard at this age? You will not be around to taste the fruit of this tree," Babur remarked.
The old man looked up with a gentle smile. "Your Majesty, my ancestors planted trees that provide me shade and fruit today. I plant this sapling so that those who come after me may also enjoy its sweetness. It is my duty to the future."
Impressed by such selfless wisdom, Babur declared, "You are a wise man! Take this golden mango as a token of my respect."
The old man accepted it but said, "But Majesty, this tree will take years to bear fruit. Your kindness has given me a fruit much sooner than nature intended!"
Babur, delighted by the man's wit, offered another golden mango. The old man chuckled and said, "Sire, if you continue to praise me, I shall end up collecting all the gold in your treasury! It is better if I leave now before you give me even more."
Confused, Babur called for his guards to find the man. To his astonishment, the old man pulled off his disguise—it was Tenali Raman! Raman had used his wits to turn a silent court into a successful mission, earning three golden mangoes. Emperor Babur was so impressed by Raman's cleverness that he sent a letter to King Krishnadevaraya, praising his minister's incredible intellect. The King welcomed Raman home with a grand feast and great honor.
Moral
Wit and presence of mind can turn any obstacle into an opportunity.
