Raman Becomes the Court Jester

One day, a magician from North India arrived at King Krishnadevaraya’s court. He entertained everyone with a series of magical tricks that amazed the king and the courtiers. Toward the end of his performance, he presented a most unusual act — he appeared to separate his head from his body!

Proud of his skills, the magician challenged, "Can anyone in the great kingdom of Vijayanagar perform this trick?”

No one in the court dared to step forward. The king was disappointed that none of his courtiers could respond to the challenge.

At that moment, Tenali Raman rose from his seat and bowed before the king. “Your Majesty,” he said with a smile, “I can perform a trick with my eyes closed. Let us see if this magician can do the same trick with his eyes open.”

The magician, thinking it would be easy, confidently agreed. Raman then brought a bag full of chilli powder. He closed his eyes, sprinkled some of it on the floor, and calmly stood for a while. Then he wiped it away and opened his eyes, unharmed.

Next, he handed another bag of chilli powder to the magician and said, “Now, my friend, do the same—but keep your eyes open!”

Realizing the trick, the magician panicked and tried to leave the court. The audience burst into laughter, mocking the magician for his arrogance. Defeated and humiliated, the magician ended his show and left the palace.

The king was overjoyed by Raman’s quick wit and intelligence. Impressed by his cleverness, King Krishnadevaraya appointed Tenali Raman as his royal jester. The crowd cheered, and even the court priest, Tathacharya, praised Raman—though secretly, he was jealous of Raman’s newfound honor.

Moral: Wit and wisdom can overcome even the greatest display of power or illusion.