AN EXPERIMENTAL DEATH
Tenali Raman had possessed a lot of wealth. Even the king used to approach Raman when he was in dire need of money. Raman got such huge amount by way of presentation and gifts. As a court jester, he received many gold coins as reward for his services.
There was a system of confiscation of wealth by the king when wealthy persons died. So Raman did not trust the king. He wanted to experiment the consequent happenings after his death. Whether the king will look after his family members? Will the king pay compensation to his relatives? So Raman pretended as ill and later as dead. The rumour of his ‘death’ spread all oveF Vijayanagaram. The news reached the palace after some days.
Meanwhile, Raman put all his money in a box. The lengthy box had holes to breathe air. Raman himself laid in that box along with the cash. The officials, who reached Raman’s house, confiscated the cash box and carried it to the palace. They didn’t realize Raman’s presence inside the box.
When the king unsealed and Opened the box, he got frightened. The dead’ Raman came out of the box alive. Raman said Oh Lord! I did it because I wanted to know what you will do after my death. When I die, please do not neglect my family. The old rule of confiscation of wealth has to be changed. ‘ The king became conscious about what Raman said.RAMAN DIES
Tenali Raman’s death is an accidental one. A snake bite led him to death. When he realized that his death is fast approaching, he sent a man calling the king. But the king did not take it seriously. He thought, Raman as a jester had sent a man to fool him. The king did not go to see his jester. Raman breathed his last in the absence of the king.
Krishnadevarayar wept after hearing the death of his dearest friend. The king cried aloud, ‘Oh! Raman, you had made me laugh several times. I thought this time also you planned to delight me. Otherwise I would have reached at your bedside. You had amused me up to your deaih. Now you have left me by providing sorrow.’
The death of Tenaii Raman caused deep sorrow not only to the king but also to the entire Vijayanagaram empire. Even though Raman died long ago, he is still alive in the hearts of millions of people for his wise and humorous activities.