Story Summary
Read the witty tale of Tenali Raman and the Cat. Discover how the clever jester used a bowl of hot milk to outsmart the King's orders and save his milk share.
King Krishnadevaraya’s kingdom was once plagued by a massive infestation of mice. To solve the problem, the King gave a cat to every household, along with a cow to provide a daily bowl of milk for the feline's nourishment. Tenali Raman, however, felt that giving away milk to a cat was a waste when his own family could use it. On the first day, he offered his cat a bowl of boiling hot milk. The cat, eager to drink, burnt its tongue and ran away in pain. From that day on, the cat refused to touch milk, even when it was cold. When the King called for an inspection, he was furious to see Tenali’s cat looking thin while the others were plump. Tenali claimed his cat hated milk. To prove it, the King offered the cat milk, but it fled in terror. Tenali then explained that while the other cats were lazy from being fed, his cat was lean and hunted mice efficiently, all while saving the milk for his children. The King, realizing the wisdom behind the trick, rewarded Tenali for his pragmatism.
The Moral
Blindly following orders without using your own intelligence is foolish; practical wisdom often yields better results than forced charity.
“A cat that has been burned by hot milk will even blow on cold buttermilk.”
Fun Fact
Tenali Raman stories are part of a larger tradition of 'court jester' folklore in India, similar to Birbal in the Mughal courts. He is celebrated for his sharp wit and ability to solve complex problems with humor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Tenali Raman and the Cat?
The moral is that one should use their wit to find practical solutions to problems rather than following orders blindly. It also highlights that excessive pampering can make one lazy and less productive.
Why did Tenali Raman give the cat hot milk?
He gave the cat boiling milk so that it would associate the bowl with pain. This ensured the cat would never drink milk again, allowing Tenali to save the daily milk ration for his own family.
Who was King Krishnadevaraya?
King Krishnadevaraya was the famous 16th-century ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire in Southern India. He was a great patron of arts and literature, often featuring in stories with his advisor, Tenali Raman.
Was Tenali Raman a real person?
Yes, Tenali Ramakrishna was a real person. He was a renowned Telugu poet and one of the 'Ashtadiggajas' or eight poets in the court of King Krishnadevaraya.
What happened to the other cats in the story?
The other cats became fat and lazy because they were constantly fed milk by their owners. Unlike Tenali's cat, they stopped hunting the mice they were supposed to catch.
How did the King react to Tenali's trick?
Initially, the King was angry that Tenali's cat looked underfed. However, once Tenali explained his logic regarding resourcefulness and the cat's improved hunting skills, the King was impressed and rewarded him.
