Story Summary
Read the clever story of Tenali Raman and the Thieves. See how the legendary jester used his wit to trick burglars into watering his garden all night long.
One summer night, Tenali Raman was resting in his backyard when he spotted two thieves hiding behind some bushes. Realizing they intended to rob his house, Tenali went inside and loudly told his wife, 'My dear, there are many robberies in the neighborhood. We must hide our valuables. Let's put our gold and jewelry in this iron trunk and drop it into the well in the garden.' He then dragged a heavy trunk filled with large stones to the well and pushed it in with a loud splash. The thieves, overjoyed by their luck, waited for the family to sleep. They spent the entire night drawing bucket after bucket of water from the well to reach the treasure. By dawn, they had completely emptied the well and pulled out the trunk, only to find it filled with stones. Just then, Tenali Raman appeared and said, 'Thank you, kind friends, for watering my garden all night! I shall tell the King of your hard work.' Terrified of being caught, the exhausted thieves fled the village.
The Moral
Wit and presence of mind are far more powerful than physical strength or deceit.
“Thank you, my friends, for watering my plants all night; you have saved me a lot of hard work!”
Fun Fact
Tenali Raman was one of the 'Ashtadiggajas,' which refers to the eight great scholars and poets who adorned the court of King Krishnadevaraya.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Tenali Raman and the Thieves?
The moral is that wit and intelligence can overcome any threat. By using his presence of mind, Tenali Raman protected his home and got his work done without any conflict.
Who was Tenali Raman in real life?
Tenali Rama was a famous 16th-century Telugu poet and a special advisor in the court of King Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire.
How did Tenali Raman outsmart the thieves?
He pretended to hide his wealth in a trunk and dropped it into his well, knowing the thieves would spend the night bailing out water to get the treasure, which was actually just stones.
Why did Tenali Raman thank the thieves?
He thanked them because their efforts to reach the trunk resulted in his entire garden being thoroughly watered, a task that would have taken him a great deal of time and effort.
Is Tenali Raman and the Thieves a true story?
While Tenali Raman was a real historical figure, many of the stories about his wit are part of Indian folklore and may be exaggerated or legendary in nature.
What kingdom did Tenali Raman live in?
Tenali Raman lived in the Vijayanagara Empire, serving under King Krishnadevaraya, who was a great patron of the arts and literature.
