The court of Krishnadeva Raya

Start with riddles. The unit opens with four. Try them before you read the answers:

• 'I can be a friend or a foe, depending on how you use me. I can bring both joy or pain.' → words
• 'What is always in front of you but can't be seen?' → the future
• 'I can be measured, but cannot be touched; spent, but not saved.' → time
• 'What has to be shared before you can keep it?' → a secret

Each riddle looks at an ordinary thing from a surprising angle. That is what wit does too, and it is what this whole unit is about.

The setting. The Vijayanagara Empire was renowned (famous) for its glory, wealth and culture. Among its illustrious (great and famous) rulers, King Krishnadeva Raya (ruled 1509–29 CE) stood out as a wise and powerful king.

His reign is often called the Golden Era of the empire: a time when art, literature and architecture flourished.

A king who wrote. Krishnadeva Raya was a great patron (supporter) of learning, an eminent (very important) warrior, and also a gifted poet. His epic *Amuktamalyada and his Sanskrit drama Jambavati Parinayam* are still praised today.

The eight poets. His court had eight famous poets, known together as the Ashtadiggajas. Among them were Allasani Peddana and Tenali Ramakrishna (Tenali Rama).

Tenali Rama. He was known for his quick wit and humour. So he had a special place at court as both a poet and a witty advisor.

Think of the cleverest person in your class, who always finds an answer. Tenali Rama found clever solutions to problems that seemed insurmountable (too big to overcome). In this story, he solves one that no minister dared to touch.