Pratyutpanna: Quick Wit

Thinking on your feet saves the day

Two classic tales of Tenali's presence of mind. The Brinjal Curry shows how quick thinking turns an awkward situation into triumph, while The Biggest Fool demonstrates how wit can teach a king a valuable lesson.

The Brinjal Curry

"I HATE brinjal!" King Krishnadevaraya announced one morning at breakfast. He pushed away his plate in disgust. "It's the most horrible vegetable in the entire kingdom!"

Every courtier in the room nodded vigorously.

"Absolutely, Maharaja!"

"Terrible vegetable!"

"I've always hated it too!"

Tenali watched with amusement. These same courtiers had praised the king's brinjal curry just last week.

But then the royal chef came running in, looking panicked. "Maharaja! I'm so sorry! I didn't know you disliked brinjal. From now on, I shall never cook it again!"

"Good!" the king snapped. "Brinjal should be banned from the royal kitchen!"

The courtiers cheered. "Yes! Ban the brinjal! Worst vegetable ever!"

Tenali couldn't resist. He joined the chorus. "Oh, brinjal is truly terrible, Maharaja! It has no taste, no texture, no value whatsoever!"

The king seemed pleased that everyone agreed with him.

A week later, the king was in a wonderful mood. The royal chef had prepared a new dish - a delicious brinjal curry made with special spices.

"This is MAGNIFICENT!" the king exclaimed, eating bite after bite. "Brinjal is the most wonderful vegetable in the kingdom! I was such a fool to hate it!"

Every courtier immediately changed their tune.

"Oh yes, Maharaja! Brinjal is superb!"

"I've always loved brinjal!"

"Best vegetable there is!"

The king suddenly looked at Tenali. "And what do you say, Tenali? Last week you said brinjal was terrible. Now what do you think?"

The court went silent. This was a trap! If Tenali agreed now, he'd look like a hypocrite. If he disagreed, he'd be defying the king.

Tenali didn't miss a beat.

"Maharaja," he said with a straight face, "I am not a servant of the brinjal. I am a servant of the king. Last week, the king said brinjal was bad, so brinjal was bad. This week, the king says brinjal is good, so brinjal is good. The brinjal hasn't changed - but my king's wisdom is greater than any vegetable!"