Raghupravesha: Entry to the Court

How Tenali won a place in the greatest court in India

Tenali's journey to the magnificent Vijayanagara court and how he caught the attention of the great King Krishnadevaraya through his quick wit and clever responses. The beginning of a legendary partnership.

The Road to Vijayanagara

News of King Krishnadevaraya's court had reached every corner of India. Poets called it the most magnificent court in all the land. Scholars said the king loved wisdom more than gold.

"That's where I belong," Tenali told his mother.

"The capital is far away," she worried. "You have no money, no connections. How will you even get inside the palace?"

Tenali grinned. "I have something better than money, Amma. I have my wit."

He packed a small bag and set off. The journey took many days. When he finally reached Vijayanagara, his jaw dropped.

The city was enormous! Massive stone walls stretched as far as he could see. Temples rose like mountains. The markets overflowed with silk, spices, and jewels from a hundred kingdoms.

And at the heart of it all stood the royal palace, glittering in the sun.

"How do I get in there?" Tenali wondered.

The Guard at the Gate

Tenali walked up to the palace entrance. Two enormous guards blocked his path, their spears crossed.

"State your business," one growled.

"I wish to meet the king," Tenali said cheerfully.

The guards looked at his dusty clothes, his simple bag, his bare feet. They burst out laughing.

"You? Meet the king?" The first guard wiped tears from his eyes. "The king meets with nobles and scholars. Not village boys who can't afford sandals!"

"Go home, boy," the second guard added. "Before you embarrass yourself."

Tenali didn't move. "I may not have sandals," he said, "but I have something far more valuable. I have a message for the king that only I can deliver."

"What message?"

"If I told you, it wouldn't be for the king, would it?"

The guards looked at each other, unsure. What if this strange boy really did have important news? They could get in trouble for turning him away.