The royal court of Vijayanagara was filled with laughter.
A group of scholars had gathered to present their ideas before the king.
Each one spoke seriously, using big words and proud expressions.
At the corner of the court stood Tenali Raman.
He was smiling quietly.
One scholar noticed him and said mockingly,
“Why is Tenali smiling?
Is he here to entertain us or to speak wisely?”
The court laughed.
Tenali bowed slightly and replied,
“Sometimes, wisdom enters through laughter.”
The scholars laughed even louder.
“Listen to him!” one said.
“He jokes even in the king’s court.”
The king, Krishnadevaraya, watched silently.
Then the king announced a challenge.
“Our kingdom has a problem,” he said.
“Merchants complain that their goods disappear from the market overnight.
No guard has seen anything.”
The scholars stepped forward one by one.
They gave long explanations.
They blamed the guards.
They blamed the traders.
Tenali raised his hand.
“May I say something, Your Majesty?” he asked.
The scholars smiled sarcastically.
“Another joke?” one whispered.
Tenali said calmly,
“Tomorrow morning, announce that the market will remain closed for one day.”
The court laughed again.
“Closing the market to stop theft?”
“A foolish idea!”
But the king raised his hand.
“Let him continue,” the king said.
Tenali added,
“And ask everyone to keep their goods exactly where they are.”
The king nodded thoughtfully.
The next day, the announcement was made.
By evening, several merchants rushed to the palace.
“My goods are missing!” they cried.
The king smiled and looked at Tenali.
Tenali stepped forward and said,
“Your Majesty,
the thieves are those who knew the market would be closed
yet came early to ‘collect’ their goods.”
The court fell silent.
The king ordered an investigation.
The truth came out.
The thieves were caught.
The scholars looked at Tenali in disbelief.
The king laughed and said,
“Tenali Raman,
everyone thought you were joking—
until I paid attention.”
Tenali bowed.
“Wisdom,” he said softly,
“does not always speak loudly.
Sometimes it smiles.”
🌟 MORAL OF THE STORY
Never ignore an idea just because it sounds simple.
True intelligence often hides behind humor.
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