Tenali Raman Exposes a Spy in the Vijayanagaram Court

During the year 1520 A.D., the Vijayanagaram Empire, under the rule of King Krishnadevarayar, was preparing for an attack on the neighboring Bijapur Kingdom. The Bijapur Sultan, eager to learn about the military preparations of the Vijayanagaram Empire, sent a spy to infiltrate the palace. This spy, a cunning and deceptive man named Rajasaheb, had a deep knowledge of Brahmin rituals and Sanskrit, which he used to disguise himself as a Brahmin. He introduced himself as “Raja Iyer” and managed to gain the trust of the king and his court.

Rajasaheb, dark in complexion and well-versed in the traditions of Brahmins, fooled everyone in the palace. He was warmly welcomed by the king, who had no reason to suspect his true identity. Raja Iyer, as the spy was called, was granted full access to the palace and its secrets. He carefully observed the movements of the king and his army, gathering valuable information to report back to the Bijapur Sultan. However, Tenali Raman, the king’s trusted advisor, became suspicious of the newcomer.

Raman, known for his sharp wit and intelligence, observed Raja Iyer’s behavior closely. Something about the man did not seem right. He voiced his concerns to the king, but the king scolded Raman, dismissing his suspicions. Despite the king’s disbelief, Raman remained determined to uncover the truth. He continued to monitor the spy and was soon convinced that Raja Iyer was not who he claimed to be.

One day, Raman decided to prove his suspicions to the king. He confidently told the king, “Raja Iyer is not a Brahmin, but a spy sent by the Bijapur Sultan. I will prove it.” The king, intrigued but skeptical, allowed Raman to carry out his plan.

Raman then collected leeches from a nearby pond and placed them in cold water. The next day, while Raja Iyer was sleeping, Raman poured the cold water with the leeches onto the spy. The moment the water touched his skin, Raja Iyer woke up with a loud cry, “Allah! Allah!”

The king, who was observing the scene, was immediately convinced that Raja Iyer was not a Brahmin, as he had invoked the name of Allah, a clear indication of his Muslim identity. The spy’s disguise had been exposed.

The king, enraged by the betrayal, ordered the immediate arrest of the spy. Upon further inspection of Raja Iyer’s room, several documents revealing the spy’s true mission were found. These documents confirmed that he was indeed a spy sent by the Bijapur Sultan to gather intelligence on the Vijayanagaram Empire’s military plans.

Raja Iyer was sentenced to death for his treasonous actions. The king, grateful for Raman’s sharp observation and quick thinking, rewarded him with a lavish gift of one lakh gold coins. Raman’s wisdom had once again saved the kingdom from a dangerous threat.

Moral:

Never underestimate the power of suspicion and observation. Sometimes, what seems innocent may hide a dangerous truth.