Indian mythology seems to focus on showing the frailties of the Mogols ... and showing how the serving classes were smarter than their rulers... the same is probably true today. Here are a couple of short stories told by guides over the last two weeks.
Who is who
The first story is short... and makes you think about primary responsibilities. The largest fort in Rajastan is Chittorgarh... surrounded by territory keenly contested by the Mogols and the ancient Indian rulers. This first story belongs in mythology... no dates... and the main characters were first cousins to the gods. The king died young... leaving an infant male heir to inherit the crown. A Head Council was appointed amongst the cousins of the late king to conduct kingly duties while the infant king reached maturity. The appointed Head liked the job so much, he decided to murder the infant king... to continue his period of power. His dastardly plot to murder the infant king became known to the nanny (of lowly birth) who was the wet nurse to the infant king. On the planned night of the murder, she substituted her own child for the infant king. The murderers assassinated the baby in the king's cradle
... well satisfied with their night's work. The murderers... including the Head Council... were arrested... the nanny was treated as a hero... and the true prince grew to become a long-lived successful king.
This story raises some interesting ethical points.
First, was the nanny telling the truth? Did she allow the real king to be killed so that her baby could become king? Even if the court knew the nanny to be lying, would the court support the false story... as the most convenient option to run with?
Second, should the Nanny be admired? Shouldn't her first responsibility be to the welfare of her own baby?
The Tragedy of Beauty
The second story is filled with plots and counterplots. My granddaughter may enjoy this story... but be warned... it does not have a happy ending.
The Queen of Chittorgarh (Padmini) was the most beautiful lady in the kingdom. The sultan of Delhi (Ala-ud-din) heard of Padmini's beauty... and besieged her Palace. He demanded that the local king (Ratan Singh) show him Padmini... or else he would destroy the Palace. To avoid a calamity, Padmini agreed to be seen by Ala-ud-din.. on the condition that he not look at her directly... but only see her in a mirror.
So it came to pass that Ala-ud-din was allowed to stand in a palace room and look into a mirror to see the Queen standing by the lake. (Today, we saw the room and the mirror). Ala-ud-din was captivated by the beauty of the Queen... and even more determined to take Padmini to be his wife. As Ratan Singh escorted Ala-ud-din from the Palace, the invading king captured the local king... and held him to ransom... to be released only upon Padmini being given to him.
(This is a complicated sorry... are you with me so far?)
When news of the hostage and ransom reached the Palace, Padmini formed a plan. She dressed up 300 soldiers in ladies' clothing to appear to be maid servants to the Queen. The king's brother dressed up to appear to be Padmini. They meakly progressed outside the Palace and asked to see Ratan Singh before leaving with Ala-ud-din... a request that was granted. Once in the presence of Ratan Singh, the soldiers threw off their disguise... rescued Ratan Singh and fought their way back into the castle.
Now here is the sad part. The Ala-ud-din attacked the Palace and burned it to the ground. In the ensuing fire... the beautiful queen was killed.
I'm not sure what lessons in ethics can be gained from this operatic tragedy... the best that comes to mind is... don't be beautiful... it causes problems.
No comments:
Post a Comment