”The elder prince Bhatrihari also hovered around the life of Vikramaditya alongside parents. He had grown very fond of his younger brother. Only a couple of years separated them in age. They grew up together in each others company. Vikramaditya too loved and respected Bhartrihari as his senior brother. The princes progressed towards the change over teenage years. Their mutual love continued to prosper. Both were intelligent and talented.
They were getting educated and trained in the use of weapons as was the tradition of all the royal families. Their progress delighted Raja Gandharvasena. The close observation of the princes told Raja that in wisdom. sharpness, valour and fortitude Prince Vikramaditya was cut above his elder brother. Gandharvasena was not surprised as he knew his younger son had some divintiy in him being the blessing of Lord Shiva. The two finished their education almost together with fine achievements and specialisations.
Raja was getting old and he wanted to make one of crown prince to inherit his throne. But there was a dilemma. Bhartrihari was elder prince, a natural heir to the throne by tradition but Raja Gandharvasena preferred merit as sole qualification. The merit went in favour of younger prince Vikramaditya who was more intelligent, crafty, valiant and capable in comparison to Bhartrihari. Thus, he wanted Vikramaditya to be the crown prince.
One day Raja Gandharvasena summoned Prince Vikramaditya to his chamber to know his mind. The prince arrived and dutifully touched the feet of his sire. Gandharvasena patted the prince affectionately and asked him to take seat beside him. Vikramaditya obeyed.
The father appeared hesitant as he tried to clear his throat several times.
“Well son…,” at last Gandharvasena spoke.
“Yes father…?”
“How did your education go?”
“Fine! Guruji must have revealed to you.”
“He did, he did as was expected of him. I wanted to know from your angle. Sometimes the royal pupil have different experience from what gurus say.”
“As learners the brother and I never considered ourselves to be royals. The gurus educated us in true sense. No doubt about it,” Vikramaditya asserted.
Raja nodded his head. “That is fine. I am satisfied. Tell me frankly, my son, how did your gurus rate you in comparison? I heard you beat Bhartrihari in all academic and weapon use competitions. In every way your gurus rated you far above your brother in every field. Is that not true?”
“That is not exactly true, father. In some subjects we were at par, in some he excelled while in others I did. May be, I did better in larger number of fields. It was only that,” Vikramaditya indirectly protected his brother’s merit.
“It is good that you love and respect your brother Bhartrihari. You are doing your duty…but…”
“But what, father?” Vikramaditya asked.
“I wanted a fair assessment of the true merits of both my sons for a particular purpose without any consideration or influence of sentiments or courtesy. The intention was to choose crown prince to succeed me only on the basis of merit. I think you are better qualified than Bhartrihari. You have superior administrative capabilities, valour and wisdom to make an ideal king.” Raja was not meeting the eyes of Vikramaditya.
“Father!” Vikramaditya said in a shocked tone, “That would be very unfair to brother Bhartrihari. By tradition and seniority right he should be the crown prince and not me.”
“Son, seniority is no yard stick of merit. The kingdom deserves the best talent to rule it sagaciously.” Raja argued.
“To some extent you may be right,” agreed the prince but added, “the tradition is also important equally because the people are basically traditionalists. They will see it as an injustice being done to the eldest prince who did no wrong to attract disqualification. Their minds may have already accepted my brother Bhartrihari as the next king naturally.”
Gandharvasena explained, “I know the people. For some time they will feel upset taking it to be part of some palace intrigue. But as soon as you will show your administrative brilliance and wisdom they will understand it was done in their own benefit. No one will question our move.” Raja spread his hands in ‘that’s it’ way.
“But I have a question, my revered father,” Vikramaditya said and asked,” I will have to deal with my conscience also. Before people I will feel like a culprit who usurped the throne of his elder brother. Look like a thief, I will in the eyes of our subjects.”
Raja Gandharvasena shook his head saying, “No one will blame you, my son. As the king I have the right to choose crown prince from amongst my sons on merit in the best interest of the state and the people.”
Vikramaditya argued, “The issue of merit is also not fair. If it is the sole criterion then you must get the merit of all the eligible youngmen of the state assessed in a contest or examination. You are comparing the merits of only two young people of your state.”
“If I ask you to accept to be the crown prince as my order what would you say?” Raja asked indirectly.
“Father, I may accept your order with a heavy heart and sadness. I can’t disobey my respected sire. That sadness and the guilty feeling may corrode all the good qualities I have and you are so proud of. That will reduce me to a worthless ruler. There is also another factor, it would mortify me if I see people casting aspersions on your fair name and reputation as righteous person who did injustice to elder prince out of infatuation for the younger one. Father, the courtiers and the people are bound to see us two as conspirators who stole the natural right of brother Bhartrihari. How would you like that?”
Raja nodded his head at Vikramaditya. “There you have a point, my son. You sound so intelligent and farsighted. But what about your talents?”
“My talents!” exclaimed Vikramaditya and spoke with a smile,” Father! Bhartrihari is my beloved brother. He can use my talents or capabilities in whatever position and way he deems fit. In that way my skills will be employed in the service of the state. I will always be at the back and call of my brother. I respect him as much as I do to you, father. I will consider myself unfortunate if I lose your affection and trust of my brother Bhartrihari.”
Suddenly the king became emotional. His eyes were moist. He embraced Vikramaditya close to his chest in a sentimental impulse. He knew Prince Vikramaditya was intelligent but had no idea that infact his son was as sagacious as an hoary sage. Feel overawed, Raja Gandharvasena did.
At last he spoke, “My son! You are very wise and extremely fair minded. My Bhartrihari is very very fortunate to have a trustworthy brother like you. Now I can see it does not matter who is the crown prince. Bhartrihari it be since he has the trust of a talent like you. Our kingdom would be in safe hands.”
“Father, you need not worry,” Vikramaditya assured and added, “I will serve brother Bhartrihari to the best of my ability. We will pool our talents together for the welfare of the people. It is in our best interest that my elder brother Bhartrihari becomes crown prince as per tradition and the people retain their trust and faith in the crown. Please organise a ceremony and issue royal order declaring Prince Bhartrihari as the official Crown Prince.”
“Of course, we will do that,” Raja Gandharvasena responded mechanically.
“Allow me to go to the brother Bhartrihari and give him the good news,” requested Vikramaditya.
“You may, my dear Vikramaditya,” said Raja Gandharvasena.
Vikramaditya departed. Raja closed his eyes and thought his younger son had wisely saved him from making an infatuated mistake.
A few days later a ceremony was held and Bhartrihari proclaimed as Crown Prince of Malwa state and heir apparent to the throne. The subjects welcomed the declaration and duly celebrated the continuation of normal traditional propriety.
