A Scholar’s Defeat

It was a custom to have intellectual debates in courts. A ruler would organize such debates to see which scholars were most learned. The ashtadiggajas of Vijayanagara’s court were famous for this.
One day, their fame reached the ears of Ramachandra Naidu of Talikota, who himself was a great scholar. He had defeated many well-known intellectuals in debate. One day, he decided to debate with the scholars at the court of Krishnadeva Raya. The King received him and made arrangements for him to stay in the royal guest house.


The ashtadiggajas had heard of Naidu and were afraid of his knowledge and skill. What would happen if they were defeated in debate? They would be made to look very foolish. But the reputation of the Vijayanagara kingdom and court would also be lost! Only one man could perhaps help: Tenali Raman. They sought his help.
Tenali Raman went to the guest house. He settled down in the garden and began to recite a poem aloud. It was complicated but beautiful. Ramachandra Naidu was taking a walk outside. He heard the poem and was very impressed by its language and thought.


Coming up to the poet he asked, “Who are you? And why are you reciting a poem here?”
“Oh, I’m sorry if I disturbed you, sir. I am a student of Acharya Tenali Raman and I am meeting another student from the Gurukul here. He has gone to fetch a book on logic for the Acharya while I wait for him,” explained the clever Tenali Raman.
“Where is your acharya?” asked Naidu. “He is preparing for a debate, sir. He has been selected to meet a famous scholar from Talikota who is said to be here in Hampi. Tonight, he is reading up several scriptures and books of logic in preparation for the tomorrow’s debate. I was reciting a poem I composed so that he may approve of it,” said the ‘student’.

By then another man came up and bowed to Naidu. Tenali Raman went off with his friend. Now Ramachandra Naidu became very thoughtful. “That poem was not just good; it was excellent. And it was written by a student of Tenali Raman,” thought Naidu, “Tenali Raman is this man’s Guru. If the student is so good, what must be the intelligence of Tenali Raman himself!” He did not want to take the risk of losing his reputation. So quietly in the night, Naidu left Hampi and went back to Talikota. Once again, Tenali Raman’s sharp brain had saved Vijayanagara’s reputation!

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