The Tiger Throne, page 26
“Where are we, lady?” Devan asked.
“Long ago, when the Chola country was under Pallava rule, the Pallava kings built this palace and fort. Later, the Pandian kings captured this territory and used this palace. A great battle took place here, leaving the fort in ruins. We are now in a small portion which is undamaged. This fort is called Pallava Fort by some and Pandian Fort by others. Do you want my men to escort you? It’s difficult for anyone who does not know the way to find the path.”
“Lady, I’m in a hurry: please ask your men to guide me. Before I leave, is there anything I can do for you?”
“Can you get me a flying horse?”
“Do you mean a fast Arab horse?” Devan asked.
“No. I have heard of horses which spread their wings and fly in the sky …”
“To fly to heaven?” Devan smiled.
“Do I look like the kind of woman who goes to heaven?” she asked. “I’m a sinner.”
“Many of those in heaven are sinners who atoned for their sins on earth and returned to heaven.”
“I have no desire to go to heaven. There’s an outcrop of bare rock in a desert in the Pandian country. There are caves there which the Jain monks once used. Now only snakes and jackals go there. That place is dearer to me than heaven.”
“You have strange wishes, lady.”
“If I had a flying horse, I would go to those caves. Then I would fly to see all the wonders I have heard of: mountains whose summits are always covered with snow and ice that shine like silver in the sun; vast deserts whose white sands burn like fire in the afternoon heat; lands so cold that the seas are frozen and men and animals walk over the ice …”
Devan smiled. “I can’t get you a flying horse, lady, but if you sail on a ship …”
“Sir, I’m terrified of ships: I can’t even get into a boat without trembling! You may go.”
Devan asked, “Were you in Lanka recently? Were you on a street in Anuradhapura one night?”
“I have not set foot outside the Pazluvur mansion. Why do you ask?”
“Lady, I saw you in Lanka: in a simple sari, hair uncombed, wearing no ornaments …”
“It was not me. Did this woman speak?”
“No, she used sign language. If it was not you, she’s a copy of you.”
Nandini’s eyes looked into the distance. She sighed. “If you really want to do something for me, bring that mute woman to me, or take me to her.”
Within an hour, Devan was back on the riverbank. His escort vanished into the night. Devan rode on in the darkness. He looked at the comet and wondered whether it was truly a bad omen. He thought of Nandini. Her words were etched in his memory. The revulsion he had felt when he first met her at Thanjavur gave place to pity. She was a woman scarred by deep sorrow. Her past and her plans remained a mystery to him. Her incomparable beauty and bewitching charm were dangerous. He decided that it would be best to have nothing more to do with her. Shall I throw her ring into the river? No, it may be useful later. I’ll keep it till I report to Princess Kundavai. And I won’t get involved in such dangerous missions again.
Venus rose in the east. Devan tied his horse to a tree and slept awhile.
The Kalamukhas
The rays of the rising sun fell on Vandhiya Devan’s face. He reluctantly opened his eyes and saw two men walking towards him. Their matted locks and the tridents and fire pots they carried showed that they were Kalamukhas. Many believed that Kalamukhas did penance in the cremation grounds and could predict the future. People feared their curses and tried to please them. Many chieftains gave them charity through temples and rest houses, but the Chola kings were not their patrons.
Pity Thirumalai is not here to pick a quarrel with them. Devan decided to pretend to be asleep until they passed. He sensed them stopping beside him. Devan kept his eyes closed as one man cleared his throat.
“Shivoham! It would be good if this young man joined our cause.”
“Shivoham! Don’t be fooled by his good looks,” the other replied. “He’ll be useless to us. Very soon, he’ll face great danger.”
Devan was becoming breathless. If I open my eyes now, they’ll know I was pretending. I’ll keep my eyes closed. They may say more about the danger which threatens me.
But the first man said, “Shivoham! That’s his fate. Come,” and the two men moved on.
Devan waited for them to go a little ahead and got up. Let them babble. After all I’ve been through, what more dangers can come my way? But he was rather eager to hear what his future held. He saw the ascetics standing by a ruined pavilion. Behind it was a former Jain cave which the Kalamukhas now used. Leaving his horse tied to the tree, Devan walked to the pavilion, planning to speak to the men. As he neared the ruins, he heard them talking on the other side.
“That boy was really asleep; I have not yet met a man who can ignore a prediction of coming danger,” one man said.
“I still say that strong young man would help our cause,” the other insisted.
“Why do we need him? Soon, Madurandaka, the next Chola emperor, will be joining our sect.”
“How’s that possible?” the second man said. “What about the other two princes?”
“One is missing at sea and the other’s life is coming to an end,” the first said.
Devan lost all interest in talking to the Kalamukhas. He decided to deliver his message to Kundavai at Pazlayarai and hurry back to Karikalan in Kanchipuram. My first duty is to Aditya Karikalan. Even Parthibendran has fallen under Nandini’s spell. The prince is rash and rushes into danger. I must stand by him. Devan turned back, mounted his horse and rode away. As he crossed the pavilion, the Kalamukhas stared at him. One of their faces seemed familiar; he ignored that and galloped away.
He passed villages where people went peacefully about their tasks. It was clear that news of Arulmozli’s death had not yet reached them. Good. I must get to Pazlayarai before the news reaches the city. Princess Kundavai may not believe it but that Kodumbalur girl might kill herself.
But his horse, not yet comfortable with its new shoes, refused to gallop. Devan reached Pazlayarai only by late afternoon. Slowing the horse to a walk, he wondered how to get through the gates. Just then, a procession came from another direction. Men with spears and banners marched before a gilded, lotus-shaped chariot. In the chariot was Madurandaka. In a flash, Devan hit upon an idea to gain entry into the fort: Didn’t the Kalamukha say no one can ignore a warning of coming danger?
Devan spurred his horse forward. Taken by surprise, the guards failed to stop him in time and he reached the chariot. Devan stood up in his stirrups and shouted, “Danger!” Even as the guards unsheathed their swords and aimed their spears, he jumped off his horse and rolled on the ground. Seeing Devan on the ground, the escort relaxed and laughed. Madurandaka joined them. Ignoring his fall, Devan jumped up and stared at the prince.
“Bring him here,” Madurandaka said. Two guards took Devan to the prince. “Who are you?”
Devan stared at the prince’s face. “Great emperor! Don’t you know me?”
The prince waved away the guards. “Who do you think I am?” he asked Devan.
“Forgive me, prince, I made a mistake. You are not yet … not yet …” Devan stammered.
“Have you seen me anywhere before today?” Madurandaka asked.
“I’m not sure,” said Devan. “Nowadays, one person looks like another: the one in a screened palanquin one day is in an open chariot the next day …”
Madurandaka was startled. “What do you mean?”
“I have seen you, or someone like you, twice before. I had my doubts and so I stood up on my horse to check. I’m still not sure whether the person I saw was you or not.”
The prince grew angry. “You rascal -”
Devan interrupted: “Don’t be angry, sir. Let me tell you where I saw you, or somebody like you. I saw a big fort … a gathering of warriors … the dim light of a lamp … a palanquin … the leader walked to the palanquin and lifted the screen … a handsome man stepped out … the men cheered him: ‘Long live the crown prince!’ ‘Long live the emperor!’ Sir, the man who stepped out of the palanquin looked like you. If it was someone else, please forgive me.”
Madurandaka’s face paled in fear; perspiration stood on his forehead. “Were you in the gathering?”
“No, sir,” Devan said. “I swear I was not.”
“Then how do you know this?”
“I don’t know whether it was real or a dream. Listen to the second picture. There’s a dark underground vault … a passage winds up and down … three men come through the passage … the first holds a lighted torch … the third is a guard … the second man is a handsome young prince … his face resembled yours. You’re the one who must say whether this is true or not.”
“Stop! Enough!” Madurandaka’s voice trembled in fear. “Are you a soothsayer?”
“No, sir, that’s not my profession. But I can read the past and the future.”
The prince thought for a while. “What did you shout when you were on your horse?”
“I said you were in danger. At the same time, great honor awaits you. I must speak with you at leisure. Your men have confiscated my sword. If you take me with you into the fort …”
“Very well, come with me.” He gave the captain instructions which the man obeyed reluctantly. The fort gates opened and Devan entered the fort as a part of Madurandaka’s escort.
Prince Madurandaka
Madurandaka’s parents, Gandara Aditya and Sembiyan Madevi, were ardent devotees of Lord Shiva. They dedicated their lives to the renovation and upkeep of Shiva temples in the Chola kingdom. Gandara Aditya was passionate about compiling the Thevaram hymns of the Shaiva saints and hated war. Due to his pacifist policies, the Chola empire shrunk during his reign. Gandara Aditya married late and his son, Madurandaka, was born when he had not much longer to live. His younger brother, Arinjaya Chola, was wounded on the battlefield and lay on his deathbed. The Chola empire was surrounded by enemies. Arinjaya’s son, the young Sundara Chola, was already a great warrior and battle veteran. Determined to avoid conflict in the family, Gandara Aditya made his nephew crown prince and also announced that Sundara Chola’s sons would succeed their father to the throne.
Gandara Aditya asked his wife to bring up their son to be a Shiva devotee, detached from worldly life. Until the age of twenty, Madurandaka obeyed his mother. He did not interfere in the workings of the empire and was not interested in being king. He then married Kalaanthaka’s daughter. The desire for power raised its ugly head in his heart. Under Nandini’s influence, it became an all-consuming passion. Led by the Pazluvur brothers, some chieftains conspired to make Madurandaka the next emperor. However, Madurandaka was impatient to ascend the throne at once. After all, the emperor is on his death bed, he thought
The Pazluvur brothers tried to control Madurandaka’s impatience, in case it ruined their well-laid plans. Sundara Chola’s two sons were great warriors who had captured the peoples’ hearts. They were supported by the powerful chieftains, Velir and Malayaman. The majority of the armed forces were loyal to the two princes. The Pazluvur brothers judged it wiser to wait until Sundara Chola’s death before making their move. There were also signs that the emperor himself would make Madurandaka his heir, saving them the trouble.
Only Kundavai and Sembiyan Madevi would raise objections to this. Kundavai’s moves could be countered by the Pazluvur brothers, but the people revered the Queen Mother as a saint. It was common knowledge that the queen had no wish to make her son emperor. If Madurandaka was seen to be a son disobeying his saintly mother, the people would not accept him as their ruler. The Pazluvur brothers urged Madurandaka to convince his mother to agree to their plans. But the prince was reluctant to discuss this matter with his mother.
Now, Sembiyan Madevi had asked Madurandaka to meet her at Pazlayarai to discuss her plans to fulfil his father’s wishes. Kalaanthaka urged Madurandaka to use this opportunity to persuade his mother to support his claim to the throne.
Naraiyur Nambi
Madurandaka and his escort went to the royal palace. The streets were largely deserted; a few onlookers casually glanced at the procession. It was clear that Madurandaka was not popular in Pazlayarai. This suited Vandhiya Devan who did not want to be recognized by anyone.
They crossed a large procession led by musicians with cymbals and drums. Behind them came a palanquin carrying a young Shaiva ascetic. Shouts of, ‘Hara Hara Mahadeva!’ and, ‘Long live Naraiyur Nambi!’ filled the street.
Madurandaka stared at the procession with jealous eyes and complained, “The people ignore us, but look at the fuss they’re making over Naraiyur Nambi.”
Devan recognized the man walking beside the palanquin: it was the Shaiva who had shared their boat when they crossed the Kollidam river. Azlvarkkadian had picked a fight with this man.
Sembiyan Madevi was waiting on the palace steps. She kissed Madurandaka on his forehead. “Son, you have come at the right time. Naraiyur Nambi is on his way here. Refresh yourself and come quickly to the durbar hall.”
Madurandaka’s face fell. He had assumed that his mother was waiting to receive him. Seeing himself as the next emperor, he could not accept that her welcome was meant for the Shaiva ascetic. The prince took his time to get ready, ignoring his mother’s messages asking him to hurry. Finally, he made his way to the durbar hall, taking Devan and a few other men with him.
The young Naraiyur Nambi was seated on a throne. With holy ash on his forehead and rudraksha beads around his neck, his handsome face glowed. Bundles of palm-leaf manuscripts lay before him. The Shaiva who had used the Kollidam ferry stood beside him. Sembiyan Madevi, Kundavai and other women of the royal family sat on one side of the hall.
Devan’s eyes took in all the people in the durbar hall but came back time and again to feast on Kundavai’s beautiful face. Kundavai’s eyes widened in surprise at seeing him, but she did not look in his direction after that. Has she forgotten me? Devan wondered with a pang of pain.
Sembiyan Madevi told Madurandaka, “My son, this young boy, Naraiyur Nambi, is blessed by god. He has found some rare Thevaram manuscripts of Saint Sambandar’ songs.”
“Let’s hear the songs, mother,” Madurandaka said dutifully, without enthusiasm. He was disgusted: Seating that young nobody on a gem-studded throne!
Naraiyur Nambi began to sing the hymns. While tears flowed down the Queen Mother’s cheeks as she lost herself in devotion, Madurandaka dreamt of wearing the crown. I have the Pazluvur brothers’ support. I’ll soon be emperor.
Devan did not hear a single word of the songs. His eyes and heart were fixed on Kundavai. Is she pretending not to recognize me? Is she angry with me? How can I meet her?
When Naraiyur Nambi finished singing, Sembiyan Madevi spoke to the man by the boy’s side. “Sir, please take this boy throughout Tamil Nadu to collect Thevaram manuscripts. It was my husband’s dearest wish to have these hymns recited daily in our Shiva temples. I’ll arrange for your travel and other expenses and ask my son to get the emperor’s permission for this.”
The Soothsayer
Sembiyan Madevi turned to Madurandaka. “Son, come and see me after these men leave. I have something important to discuss with you.”
Madurandaka burned with rage. A royal reception for a wandering beggar! The Pazluvur brothers are right: if someone comes to her with holy ash and rudraksha beads or a forgotten hymn, she’ll empty the treasury for him. And whatever remains will be spent by Kundavai on hospitals. If these women go on like this, how can I become emperor and conquer the world? What does she want to discuss? Meditation? The meaning of the crescent moon on Shiva’s head? She has made me a madman in the public eye. I won’t listen to any more nonsense from her.
Madurandaka saw Devan hesitating in the durbar hall. How did that soothsayer know about those two incidents? He has some wonderful power. I must ask him to predict my future. The prince gestured to Devan to follow him and left the hall.
Devan tried to catch Kundavai’s eye, but she left without giving him a glance. He decided that she did not recognize him as she would not have expected to see him with Madurandaka. She meets hundreds of men daily. Why would she remember a man she has met only twice? I’m a fool. Through all those dangerous days and nights I remembered her face. She looks worried. I must find a way of meeting her.
“Soothsayer, what about my fortune?” Madurandaka’s voice startled Devan from his reverie and brought him back to the prince’s room.
Stalling for time, Devan said, “You must sit behind a lighted lamp in a room filled with incense smoke. Only then will images of the future come to me.”
The excited prince arranged for the lamp and incense. Devan closed his eyes in meditation. He mumbled an incantation and shook like one possessed. Then he opened his eyes wide and stared into the flame: “Your fortune is extraordinary. I’m stunned by what I see …”
“Tell me what you see,” said Madurandaka excitedly.
“I’m at a loss for words. Kings, ministers and officials stand in line; beyond them is a sea of soldiers, their armor shining in the sun; crowds of people on terraces and fortress walls roar …”
“Tell me: tell me what the crowds roar!”
“They shout, ‘Long live the Chola heir!’ ‘Long live the emperor!’ The Tiger Flag flutters above the crowd. A gem-studded golden throne stands in a hall, with a white canopy above it. Golden pots with holy water are arranged in a row. Everything is ready for the coronation.”
“Whose coronation? Tell me that, my man!”
“The door opens; an old man walks in with his brother; behind them comes a handsome prince - Sir, it’s you! The men lead you to the throne; you reach the throne. Like a bad omen, a woman with untied hair stands in your way and cries, ‘No!’ You push her away. I see no more …”
