Dharmaraksha: Protecting Righteousness
Standing up for justice when no one else will
Two powerful tales of Tenali as defender of the innocent. In The False Accusation, he uncovers a plot to frame a helpless servant. In The Poor Farmer's Justice, he proves that even the humblest person deserves a fair hearing.
The False Accusation
"THIEF! THIEF!" The cry echoed through the palace halls.
Everyone came running. A wealthy courtier named Vikramsen was pointing at a trembling servant.
"This man stole my gold necklace!" Vikramsen shouted. "I caught him red-handed!"
The servant, a young man named Gopal, fell to his knees. "Maharaja, I swear I didn't steal anything! I was just cleaning the room!"
"Then why was this found in YOUR pocket?" Vikramsen held up a gleaming gold chain.
The court gasped. The evidence seemed clear. King Krishnadevaraya frowned.
"The punishment for theft from a noble is severe," the king said. "Guards, take him, "
"Wait, Maharaja."
Everyone turned. Tenali Ramakrishna stepped forward.
"May I ask a few questions before judgment is passed?"
The king nodded. "Very well, Tenali. But be quick."
Tenali walked slowly around Gopal, studying him. Then he turned to Vikramsen.
"This necklace, when did you last see it before it was 'stolen'?"
"This morning, before I went to the assembly," Vikramsen said confidently.
"And you say you found it in Gopal's pocket just now?"
"Yes! I saw him sneaking out of my room and grabbed him!"
Tenali nodded thoughtfully. Then he did something strange. He lifted the gold chain to his nose and sniffed it.
"Interesting," he murmured. "Maharaja, may I perform a small test?"
The king was curious now. "Proceed."
Tenali called for a bowl of water and dropped the necklace in. A faint yellow color began to spread through the water.
"Turmeric," Tenali announced. "This necklace has been rubbed with turmeric paste very recently, within the last hour, I'd say."
The court murmured in confusion.
"Now, why would a thief rub stolen jewelry with turmeric?" Tenali asked. "He wouldn't. But someone who wanted to PLANT evidence might. Turmeric makes gold look more golden, more noticeable. More... catchable."
