Tenali Raman’s Artistic Lesson on Imagination

King Krishnadevaraya had recently commissioned a grand new palace adorned with magnificent wall paintings. Among them was an alluring piece: a rear view of a beautifully depicted woman with flowing, curly hair. Everyone admired the painting, but one glaring flaw caught Tenali Raman’s attention.

“Where is her face?” Raman asked, pointing at the painting.

The king, amused by Raman’s question, replied dismissively, “Her face is in your imagination, Raman. If you lack the sense to envision it, I can’t help you.”

Feeling mocked, Raman said, “Very well, my lord. I, too, wish to learn the art of painting. Give me a month, and I’ll create something magnificent.”

The king, entertained by the idea, agreed, “Take your time, Raman, but I expect you to bring beauty to our new summer palace.”

For an entire month, Raman kept himself busy, studying and preparing. When he returned, the king instructed him to decorate the walls of the summer palace with his artistic creations.

Raman’s Masterpiece

Raman worked tirelessly for a week. When the king visited to see the completed work, he was stunned—not by admiration, but by sheer horror. The walls were smeared with chaotic and bizarre paintings: disjointed eyes, legs, and teeth scattered randomly across the walls. It was a far cry from the elegance the king had envisioned.

“What is this atrocity, Raman?” the king roared, anger surging. “This palace is meant to host dignitaries tomorrow, and you’ve ruined it!”

Unfazed, Raman replied with a sly smile, “But, my lord, these paintings require imagination, just as you said about the portrait of the woman. Look closely, and you will see the whole picture. If you cannot, perhaps you lack the sense of beauty.”

The king, however, was in no mood for humor. Furious, he ordered, “Guards! Take him away and behead him immediately!”

A Twist of Wisdom

As the guards led Raman away, the ministers intervened, begging the king to reconsider. One minister said, “Your Majesty, Raman’s antics may seem offensive now, but perhaps there’s a lesson in his actions. Let us ask him before such a punishment.”

Raman, realizing his life was in danger, calmly explained, “My lord, my paintings were intended to show how ridiculous it is to expect people to imagine something that isn’t there. Just as a painting without a face is incomplete, so too is a palace adorned with incomplete or meaningless art.”

The king, though still angry, pondered Raman’s words. He realized that Raman’s mischief had a deeper meaning. Slowly, a smile crept across his face.

“Raman, your wit saves you yet again. Let this be a lesson not just for you, but for me as well. Do not mock someone’s curiosity, for it may have wisdom hidden in it.”

The king pardoned Raman and ordered the walls to be repainted before the grand event.

Moral of the Story:

Mocking curiosity stifles growth. A thoughtful question, even if seemingly foolish, often carries wisdom worth exploring.