Year 1775 Arastha

Contents Prologue ........................................................................................................................................................ 2

Chapter 1 ....................................................................................................................................................... 2

Arastha 1768-the present ......................................................................................................................... 2

Chapter 2 ....................................................................................................................................................... 3

Arastha -Early history ................................................................................................................................ 3

Chapter 3 ....................................................................................................................................................... 4

King Dara Sai meets his brother- 1768- the present ................................................................................. 4

Chapter 4 ....................................................................................................................................................... 5

Arastha- Early history part 2 ..................................................................................................................... 5

Chapter 5 ....................................................................................................................................................... 7

Prince Ram addresses his chosen scouts-the present .............................................................................. 7

Chapter 6 ....................................................................................................................................................... 8

Arastha - The English enter the fray! ........................................................................................................ 8

Chapter 7 ..................................................................................................................................................... 11

Way out from within?-the present ......................................................................................................... 11

Chapter 8 ..................................................................................................................................................... 13

Prince Ram .............................................................................................................................................. 13

Chapter 9 ..................................................................................................................................................... 15

The Irrittai forest-the present ................................................................................................................. 15

Prologue “’ Nedumsadi thirthi’, the time has come!” the emperor proclaimed to the audience in his durbar hall. His trusted

aides, including ministers and advisers looked at each other in concern as he spoke. More ministers and military

officers who received the urgent summons hurried in to take their places in the Sai palace durbar hall. The moon

made an appearance over the Arasthan sky as dusk gave way to the hours of darkness.

The emperor as was his wont, paused often between his sentences for the meaning in his words to take effect. He

rose from his throne, forcing the crowd to look up as he continued, “Our enemies amass at the border in

overwhelming numbers.”

The gathering crowd began to murmur among themselves. As they looked up at the figure of the emperor on his

raised dais, a feeling of dread overwhelmed the audience, similar to the horror a wounded victim feels as it looks

up to see vultures circling above.

The emperor raised the forefinger of one hand for his audience to hush. He continued speaking in his normal tone,

but to the audience his words portended the apocalypse. Their saviour turned prophet of doom spoke, and his

words reverberated across the durbar like the distant echo of cannon shots.

“We knew beforehand that a catastrophe of this magnitude could befall us, thus we have made our preparations.

Tonight a few members in the audience are aware of the emergency plan, though most are not. Those who know

can quickly inform the others of ‘Nedumsadi thirthi’. We do not have time to waste, not a moment, and so, I have

decided to put it into effect immediately. This is my command: I have on this day, in the year 1775, set in motion

the process for our continued existence.”

“We will survive. We will endure. We will return. Nedumsadi thirthi!” the emperor declared in finality. In spite of

the gloom his ill tidings beget, the gathered audience rose to applaud and cheer their ruler, until the emperor held

up his hands, demanding silence.

Chapter 1

Arastha 1768-the present

Prince Strashistria Sai Ram relaxed on his easy chair, inhaling the fresh evening air filtered through sporadic

drizzles. Surveying the gathering gloom that preceded a stormy night, the prince sighed in contentment. He

adjusted the position of the small lantern hanging next to his chair so that the light shone on the diary across his

lap. The late monsoon breeze picked up momentum, hurling up dried leaves and swishing it around the courtyard

in front of his veranda. Overhead, ominous obsidian skies fought for territorial rights against pregnant dark clouds.

The prince of Arastha replaced his diary and quill after concluding his daily brief. In its stead, he picked up a book

from the table, and scrutinised its cover with relish.

Watching the haze of mist like spray approaching and the accompanying gust of cool wind brought out the goose

bumps on the prince of Arastha’s forearms. As the drizzle swept across the courtyard, the prince sighed once again

in satisfaction and turned over the first page of his book in anticipation of a good read. He chose the novel, a new

arrival from the royal library because of its author’s projections on atheism.

The pitter-patter of thick droplets heralded a prolonged storm. The inevitable harsh torrent and howling winds

that morphed into the expected storm sounded like classical raga malhar music with its arohana and avorahana

(ascending and descending) characteristics.

Lost in his book, the prince did not notice the a page arriving with a sheet of canvas over his head to ward off the

downpour. The courtier had to shout from the courtyard to make himself heard. Prince Ram looked up, and

beckoned him to step in from the rain. The youth skipped over the three steps, removed the cover off his head,

gasped harsh breaths from his hurried arrival and said, “Greetings, your highness, our king returned from the

border awhile ago. He requests your presence tomorrow morning in his durbar.”

Prince Ram smiled and replied, “Well then, if my brother wants me to see him, I will see him. Thank you for

coming. Please wait, abide by the veranda until the rain peters out.”

Prince Ram debated with himself if he should go straight away to see his brother. It had to be important for him to

send the courtier in the late hour of the evening in the rain to page him. He stole a glance at his book, and

temptation overcame him. He decided that the meeting could wait.

His staff wished him a good night’s rest and left in high spirits, in spite of the rain. The prince leafed over the first

page to immerse himself in the book. He enjoyed reading books with a taut storyline, simple literature, and

worthwhile themes close to his heart. The book that he picked up gave the impression that it contained all the

elements he looked for in his favourite hobby.

Chapter 2

Arastha -Early history

The kingdom of Arastha came into existence during the medieval age in India. Its area measured 750 square

kilometres of land, well lived on by its hard-working and peaceful citizens. Their population of about 35,000

prospered and grew as the small state expanded its borders.

The Irrittai Mountains formed a long, winding border to the rear of Arastha. In the south, the Irrittai Mountains

gave birth to the Rantri River, which flowed inland forming a second natural border. From the foot of the mountain

sprouted a thick, dark, creepy forest inhabited by wild animals. Jagged cliffs and rocky boulders rose above the

water line in the ocean behind the mountains. They stood like sentinels protecting the mountains behind as harsh

ocean waves exploded onto the rocky face of the mountain from behind, making shipping, sailing, or even skiffing

in the immediate vicinity, an impossible task.

The myth of the haunted Irrittai forest and the smooth surface of the Irrittai mountain surface rock prevented

adventurers of the era from scaling up its cliffs.

As a porcupine protects itself with its quills, the Irrittai Mountains used the surrounding natural geographical

features to shield itself from the invasive nature of man.

Arasthan citizens enjoyed an enviable, salubrious tropical climate. The monsoon of heavy rain fell for two to three

months. Spring and the harvest season went together, followed by a short winter. The winter nights could get cold,

but it never dipped below zero. However, snow fell on the peaks of the Irrittai Mountain. The snow formed at night

when the peak was at its coldest. As the sun rose in the morning, it melted to flow down the slopes into the Rantri

River. The summer months in Arastha could get mildly warm to hot. Intermittent light rain, even in summer,

cooled the temperature and kept the countryside perpetually green.

Ancient Arasthans practiced a liberal philosophical sect of Hinduism called Carvaka. Hinduism spawned the Carvaka

tradition, but the philosophy it espoused suggested the parent gave birth to a deformed offspring. Carvaka

philosophy stressed on materialism (physicalism) and rationalism, in effect—atheism. The Carvaka school of

thought and teachings faded and disappeared from most regions of India early in the medieval age. Arastha

became the only state in India that still practiced the materialistic school of thought through the centuries. They

rejected common Hindu values such as belief in the afterlife and the spiritualistic way of life. Over time, Carvaka

values lost its eminence in Arastha and traditional Hinduism, albeit a more liberal version took its place.

The Sai clan, among the earliest settlers, rose to power and ruled the kingdom since ancient times.

The kingdom of Parupati bordered Arastha to the east. Upper caste Hindus ruled the state, and Brahmin priests

had a big say in its internal affairs. A pagan tribal state called Baa’r country spread across the northern border of

Arastha. Tensions between the three neighbours arose due to religious and cultural differences that occasionally

sparked border skirmishes.

Stories of pagan worship, cannibalism and incest abounded from Baa’r country. Parupati, as a Brahmin ruled

territory believed their religious standing placed them above everyone else. Sati, practice of dowry, child marriage

and caste barriers became the standard cultural norm in Parupati.

However, war and greed brought the ideologically and religiously differing states of Baa’r and Parupati to form an

alliance against their wealthy neighbours.

Chapter 3

King Dara Sai meets his brother- 1768- the present

Prince Ram’s staff left their place of work in high spirits as they could afford to arrive for work later than their

normal schedule. They knew their master would awake late the next morning, as they noted he held a thick book

in his hands before they left. They cooked him breakfast while he bathed.

The rain petered out, and the morning sunshine shone over the polished teak wood ceiling of the Sai palace. Prince

Ram stepped out of his chambers to stroll down the corridor to visit his brother, the king of Arastha, in his palatial

building.

Prince Ram met the king in his durbar. The king and his teenage son, Prince Rathore, often dwelt by the border

during troubled times. They lead and rallied their soldiers in battle against their enemies. The king along with his

general and three commanders strategized the shape of the nation’s defence, while the youthful, energetic and

popular Prince Rathore selflessly took part in the skirmishes, earning the respect and gratitude of their soldiers.

The 39-year-old king of Arastha fathered four children: Prince Rathore; the twin princesses, Sheila and Sujatha; and

the slain Prince Raistra. His relationship with the religiously zealous Queen Maheri floundered after the first few

years of marriage. King Dara Sai’s physical traits did not match the Sai clan’s traditional physical characteristics—

the king rose to greet his brother, who had to stoop to gather the offerings of pan leaves and sweets that his

brother held up to him.

The king’s fretful movements that accentuated his potbelly, lacklustre welcome smile and bleak, brooding face

indicated grave tidings awaited Prince Ram, his only brother, younger to him by 11 years. King Dara stepped back

to seat himself on his throne, his podgy fingers tapped a rhythmic pattern on his gold enclosed throne. His bushy

eyebrows met at the centre as he gazed at his brother in an unrelenting stare that unsettled his normally

composed younger sibling.

King Dara Sai could unsettle anyone he wished with his icy stare, when his mood suited him.

Chapter 4

Arastha- Early history part 2

In the 15th century, the all-conquering Mughal army reached the borders of Arastha, Parupati, and Baa'r territories

with hostile intentions. The three states surrendered unconditionally to the powerful Mughal army. The Mughals

left after ensuring the three states signed an annual levy to the Mughal General Rismus, who oversaw the facile

conquest and secured the surrender.

The Baa'rs defaulted on their annual levies citing economic decline of their agricultural income. The Mughals duly

found out that they lied and punished them by sending an overwhelmingly superior army against them. A terrible

bloodbath occurred and Baa’rs suffered a huge setback in economic ruin as well as loss of human life for their

dishonesty. The wily Parupatis whispered roguishly to the surviving Baa’rs that Arasthans informed the Mughals of

their malpractice, an outright lie, which the Baa’rs nevertheless assumed was the truth.

The vengeful Baa’rs initiated cross border raids into Arasthan territories. Small bands of bandits broke into the

homes of Arasthan farmsteads near the border, stealing, beating, raping and killing the hapless, timid Arasthans.

Arasthans tried their best to avoid confrontations with their neighbours. Once they realized that they had no

threat of retaliation, the Baa’rs increased the frequency of their incursions and the atrocities grew from bad to

worse.

In the mid sixteenth century, Arastha under King Sai Shiva Tripthi devised a counter strategy to deal with the

border issue. Sai Shiva, a brave and resourceful man knew that the inherent timidity of past Arasthan rulers

emboldened Baa’r attacks. The king decided to turn the tables on the Baa’rs. He disbanded the ineffective military

structure of the old Arasthan army and recruited a vibrant new army of Arasthan youths. He bade them undergo

vigorous training by bringing in hardened army commanders from outside Arastha.

On a fine spring morning in the year 1557, the Arasthan army attacked a particularly violent Baa'r camp that raided

unprotected farmhouses in the remote areas of Arastha. The savagery of this set of Baa’rs included brutal thievery,

rapes, torture and murder. They also took away dead bodies that led to horrified whispers of cannibalism.

The surprised Baa’rs failed to cope with the newfound courage and fighting capabilities of the new Arasthan army.

The rejuvenated Arasthan army initiated patrols around the borders and enforced peace through effective active

defence. The Baa’rs satisfied themselves with the occasional surprise raid or bandit-like thievery on trade convoys

passing through their territory.

For the next 100 years, the Arasthans prospered and their country expanded. Their neighbours along the borders –

Parupati and Baa’r – abandoned or sold their land and moved away. The geography of Arastha expanded from 750

square kilometres to 1,200 square kilometres.

The Arasthan people improved the fertility of the soil on every plot of new land they purchased. The prosperous

state attracted hard working migrants from other states, and the population doubled over time. The Arasthans

allowed very few Parupatis or Baar’s to settle on their land, which further exacerbated enmity with their

neighbours.

The Arasthan rulers also discovered a gold mine on their land. The ruling Sai family decided early on to keep the

find a secret as much as possible, including from their own people. They fortified the area around the mine. The

ruling family exercised absolute power and possession over the mine to the benefit of their people. They traded

gold for essential goods not available in Arastha. The rulers hoarded a portion of the gold produced in an ultra

secret underground chamber in the king’s palace as a safeguard against possible future troubled economic times,

catastrophic climate hazards or enemy attacks. They kept in this secret chamber select pieces of personal

ornaments, antique furniture, curios, ancient texts, and even the expensive outfits worn by the ruling kings,

queens and other royal family members after their death.

In the early 18th century, King Sai Shiva’s grandson, Ara Sai ascended the throne of Arastha. Finally, the

weaknesses of dynastic rule vent its destructive pall over Arastha. Ara Sai, a weak ruler, alcoholic and bhang addict,

backed away from the bold attacks of the old enemies, the Baa’rs and the Parupatis. Arasthan territory once again

fell prey to Baa’r and Parupati incursions and raids on their trading convoys.

It was then that Ara Sai's cousin, Prince Balashethra decided to take matters into his own hands. Prince

Balashethra talked to his peers in the Arasthan Council of ministers and convinced them that they should not let

their country go to ruin by the inaction of their king. One day, the council of ministers led by Prince Balashethra

walked in to the court of the king and forcibly took control of the state in a bloodless coup.

Prince Balashethra initiated the fight back against their enemies. The Arasthan army fought well under strong

leadership to win back almost all their original territory. The enmity between the neighbours deepened. The

skirmishes and occasional all out battles for border control continued.

Prince Balashethra, a patriot, never cared for personal glory. He kept a close watch on the royal family, and he

made sure that the king's two sons, Dara Sai Raj and the much-younger Strashistria Sai Ram, came under his care.

The brothers’ character, personality and appearance differed radically from each other. The older, shorter Dara Sai

Raj’s personality projected a rare ruthless streak (among Sai rulers) tempered by wisdom, exactly the traits needed

at that time for a future ruler of the beleaguered state. The pleasing personality and appearance of Strashistria Sai

Ram coupled with prodigious interest in arts and literature indicated a future of scholarly pursuits.

As they grew up, Prince Balashethra requested both the princes to attend to matters of state. The Sai brothers, the

younger one still a child, attended state durbars, under the watchful eye of Prince Balashethra who switched from

his role of caretaker to that of a mentor. Prince Dara Sai quickly absorbed the nuances and subtleties needed in

politics that were prerequisites to become a good leader. Prince Strashistria Ram tried to shed his natural shyness

by debating with the palace elders in scholarly matters.

Once he determined that the older of the two--Dara Sai Raj--possessed the right attributes, the interim ruler Prince

Balashethra, ceded power and King Dara Sai Raj ascended the throne of Arastha. He was only 20 years old when he

ascended the throne of Arastha.

In time, old King Ara Sai and his queen passed away. Prince Balashethra retired from politics, knowing the country

would prosper under the wise and firm rule of his protégé, King Dara Sai Raj.

A good ruler and master tactician of guerrilla warfare, King Dara Sai Raj took the fight to the Baa’rs. Parupatis gave

up aggression against their neighbours after repeated defeats against the Arasthans led by King Dara.

Arastha prospered under the imposing but wise rule of King Dara Sai Raj. The Baa’rs still mounted occasional cross

-border raids, and harassed the trading convoys that passed through their territory. King Dara Sai sent scouts

across Baa’r land to find alternate routes for their trading carts and carriages to pass through without threat of

attack.

His ingenuity and verve in finding solutions to newly unfolding crisis, as well as agricultural reform that boosted the

economy made him a much loved and venerated ruler in his country. To their enemies, King Dara Sai became the

new avatar of Sai Shiva Tripthi—their original nemesis.

Chapter 5

Prince Ram addresses his chosen scouts-the present

The morning after the meeting with his troubled king, Prince Ram addressed a group of scouts selected by Balram

Sahni in the courtyard outside his chamber. Balram Sahni, Prince Ram’s mentor and advisor, also held the rank of

honourable minister of Interior Affairs in the Arasthan council of ministers.

Prince Ram drew on his oratorical skill and gifted voice to address the selected batch of scouts, “Ah, welcome to

the Sai palace. Balram Sahni informs me that you are the best scouts in the land. Well, fellow Arasthans, you are

about to embark on a most important undertaking. As you know, the Englishmen entered into an alliance with our

enemies. The English contributed modern weaponry, as well as soldiers and their sepoys. Since then, though we

resist bravely, our army steadily loses ground against the triumvirate of the English, Baa’rs and Parupatis. Our

lengthy borders and the policy of strike and retreat, skilfully deployed again the enemy by my brother is the reason

that our country withstood their combined onslaught all this time.”

Jairam, one of the first scouts that Balram Sahni picked, who came through high recommendation of his senior

officers, raised his right hand for permission to speak. After the prince waved him on, he asked, “Your highness,

can’t we procure modern armaments ourselves? Surely, with cannon and modern weapons, we can repel the

aggressors.”

Balram Sahni nudged the prince. Prince Ram paused in his speech for a moment as Balram stood on tiptoe and

whispered words of advice.

Prince Ram continued after listening to the advice of the older minister, “That is a reasonable question and I am

glad you asked it, Jairam. The answer to your question relates to your call up for this meeting tonight. The enemy

has changed strategy recently. They concentrate their attacks on our convoys that leave the borders with

agricultural products that we normally trade for essential items not present in our country. They have adopted a

patient, risk free choke of our economy. Thus, bringing in weapons at this stage is a high-risk venture. My

compatriots, the king has entrusted me to find safe routes for our trading parties to venture out without risk.

Another reason is that we need to find a safe route in the happenstance that we lose the war. Alas, my brother

fears an eventual defeat. Our geography, with the mountain and river to two sides, and enemy soldiers stalking the

routes across their territories leads to an impasse where we find ourselves squeezed in, gasping for air.”

Prince Ram paused and pointed his hand to address Jairam.

“You have your answer, Jairam. This is the reason you are here now. I am going to entrust you, and the rest of you

worthy people with the dangerous job of finding a safe route out of our country for our citizens to escape. The

enemy, as you may have heard, does not seek our surrender nor are they prepared to sign a peace treaty. The

situation is critical, and you are the only hope of escape. I called you here so that I can convey the importance of

your mission personally. I will let Balram Sahni take over and you can address him on the practicalities of the task

ahead of you. You, the chosen ones, cannot fail us on this mission. Everything, our nation’s very existesance

depends on your finding a route that can take our citizens safely across the borders through enemy territory.

Please take all precautions. Come back once you have found a route. Good luck to you all.”

Chapter 6

Arastha - The English enter the fray!

By the 1760s, the English conquered vast territories and controlled a major chunk of the land in India. They came

in the guise of trade, but with the ultimate goal of conquest in mind. To this end, they formed political alliances

with different rulers, and militarily defeated their European rivals and Indian rulers who stood in their way. They

were lucky that the once powerful Mughal Empire descended into terminal decline. The Marathas and the Mysore

strongmen Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan were their only real obstacles in their campaign of occupation and

subjugation of the richest country in the world at that time. They managed to defeat both and soon established

their empire based on absolute plunder of India’s riches.

The allies of the English became puppet kingdoms, under the thumb of cunning British masters. They conquered

and spread their tentacles across the length and breadth of India, by force when necessary, or by treaties and

alliances, always to the disadvantage of their hosts. The stealthy creeping invasion of India became occupation by

force. The occupation turned to evil suppression of the locals and downright thievery.

The newly formed English East India Company had authority to use all and any means to enrich the mother

country, England, and to downgrade India’s industry, by Royal decree. Thus, they blacklisted trade of cotton – one

of India’s main exports – and instead started their own cotton mills in England leading to the “Great” Industrial

Revolution in Europe. What they could not reproduce or grow in England like the highly valued Indian spices, they

stole and packed away to their country under the guise of trade. Thus, they neutralized the progress of one of the

world’s richest countries of the era. The English conquered, occupied, pilfered and drained India to their benefit

over a vast period of two centuries.

This invasion, along with the Spanish conquest and spread of disease in Latin America and the conquest,

occupation and extermination of the indigenous tribes of America stands through the ages as the worst conquest

and occupation of another country or continent.

It was not too long, then, before the tales of a rich and fertile land with a fine climate attracted the attention of the

Englishmen. They sent their Indian emissaries, who scouted Arastha, and brought back news of prime agricultural

land. In addition, their spies whetted the appetite of the foreign invaders with reports of land that had fine

climate, scenic countryside, forest and mountains. A state, they said, that held fine possibilities for conversion as a

colony. The English trade and business in India flourished and they needed peaceful locales to host their wealthy

trade and business leaders, as well as visiting dignitaries. They aim was to build country homes in places that had

temperate climates suitable for English people not used to the sultry tropical weather of the majority of India.

It was not long after that the English landed with modern guns and superior war machinery. In keeping with their

game plan in India, the English entered into an alliance with the Baa’rs and the Parupatis to invade Arastha.

Arastha had to deal with a three-pronged attack that included natives who knew the land and a small but cunning

foreign army with modern weapons. Even King Dara Sai Raj and his courageous army could not handle the

triumvirate. The Arasthans soon lost territory as well as soldiers in battle. The gains King Dara accomplished over

the years began to erode as the enemies forayed into Arastha.

The Arasthan army had to retreat, pushed back by the relentless assault from the combined forces of their

enemies. The strong currents of the Rantri River borne from the high altitude of the Irrittai Mountains made sailing

on it a nightmare and the impregnable Irrittai Mountains formed natural barriers behind them. Enemy countries

blocked exits from the front and the other side. The Arasthans found themselves boxed in.

One day, the king convened a meeting of his council of ministers. He spoke of his belief that they could not

possibly win the war. In conjunction with the council of ministers, he took the hard decision to surrender. They

summoned the leaders of the Baa’rs, the Parupatis and the British for a meeting. The king of Arastha handed over

a formal message of surrender to their overjoyed enemies. They scheduled another meeting to discuss the terms

of surrender. At the second meeting, the Arasthans bargained hard and succeeded in negotiating terms for a

peaceful handover of large parts of Arasthan land for 100 years of peace. The three enemy parties grudgingly

accepted the terms. They decided to sign a formal treaty the following week at their next meeting.

In the next few days, The Baa'rs parlayed on the division of land and decided that the treaty was not in their best

interests. Arasthans cleverly relinquished properties near the Irrittai forest where the climate suited English

requirements for setting up their summer. Baa’rs and Parupatis received land alongside their border. The central

parts of Arastha, also the most fertile and irrigated farmland, remained with the Arasthans.

The Baa’rs, in secret collusion with their Parupati counterparts formed a devious plan to scuttle the treaty. They

informed the English that some of the land the Arasthans succeeded in keeping in their control contained gold

mines. In one of their earlier bandit raids, the Baa’rs found gold dust at a raid on a trade convoy leaving Arastha.

The gold dust purchased from the state legally by merchants was on its way out of Arastha for trade. However, the

drivers and merchants could not tell the Baa’rs the origin of the gold dust.

The Baa’rs did not believe that gold mines existed in Arastha; there existed just a hint of suspicion. However,

desperately seeking to terminate the peace treaty, they used the lure of gold to hold it like a carrot in front of the

British. When they informed the British that Arasthan land contained gold mines, it infuriated and outraged the

British leaders, who took it as a righteous insult. How could the Arasthans deceive them? It was not at all proper,

of course, said the English, that the Arasthans did not disclose it in the discussions. If gold mines existed in Arastha,

they wanted it. They consulted the Baa’rs for assistance in cancelling the treaty. The Baa'rs gleefully agreed to the

treachery.

The British scheduled the next meeting in a week’s time at a woody part of the countryside, just inside the

northern border. King Dara Sai Raj’s older son, Prince Raistra, lead the Arasthan delegation. However, he never

made it to the meeting. A group of Baa'r soldiers waylaid his group in a valley, and a massacre ensued. The Baa’rs

tortured, killed and beheaded Prince Raistra on the advice of the English commanders. Then they dispatched his

mutilated body to the Arasthan King without the head. The Arasthans believed that a body buried without the

head meant that the soul of the person would have no peace even after death. Although the king appealed to his

enemies, they never returned his head. The Arasthans buried their prince’s body without the head.

The grief stricken, enraged king and his younger teenaged son, Prince Rathore commenced an all out offensive

counter attack against their enemies, and a long drawn out war followed. Though outnumbered and lacking in

sophisticated weapons of the time, the Arasthans fought well. They fought fiercely and with passion; vengeance

drew the king and his son onwards. For their soldiers, they had no personal stake, yet they fought fiercely

alongside their king--for their survival. Incredibly, the Arasthans made headway in the months that followed. All

sides suffered heavy casualties, but nobody readied to quit.

The Englishmen decided to play the waiting game. They had the Arasthans hemmed in and thought it will only be a

matter of time before they constricted and smoked the Arasthans out of their comfort zone. They held meetings

with the Baa'rs and the Parupati leaders and reached an understanding to halt direct fighting for a few months and

instead to concentrate on raiding trade convoys of the Arasthans. They also agreed that there would not be any

more surrender agreements.

The Baa’rs happily agreed. The Parupatis went along.

The king of Arastha learnt through his spies of the new agreements that their enemies took. King Sai did not have

the resources to last for long periods in isolation, as essential items that could not be manufactured in Arastha had

to come from outside. Trade and business suffered and the once buoyant economy of the state began to flounder.

The situation seemed irredeemable. King Dara looked ahead and concluded that his only option lay in finding a

route out of the warzone to another part of India where his citizens could re gather to begin life anew. He put

pressure on his younger brother to find a way out while he continued to fight.

The prince did what he could. His selected scouts travelled to different points along the borders trying to find a

safe passage that could lead the several thousands of his compatriots out to safety.

Chapter 7

Way out from within?-the present

A few weeks after the scouts left on their mission, Prince Ram’s palace staff announced that a young person

awaited an urgent audience. A nervous looking medium tall slouched figure stepped onto his veranda wearing a

turban and an oddly loose outfit. Most Arasthan males wore a piece of white cloth or a towel, around their neck

accompanied with one or two beaded chains and dhotis (long cloth wound around and tied below the waist). This

person wore a sack like garment around his stooped neck. The prince noted he adorned his chest with beads. Too

many beads, thought the prince. It emanated a tinkling noise as he moved. Moreover, he looked very young. The

boy sported a pencil thin moustache and straggly unkempt fuzzy beard. High cheekbones and eyes that slanted up

made for an Indo-oriental appearance. Prince Ram could not place it, but something about the lad unsettled him.

Clearly excited, the teenager announced grandly, "Your highness, I have found the answer!"

Friday, March 22, 2013 10:39 PM

The boy introduced himself apprehensively, clearly overwhelmed in the presence of the prince. He spoke rapidly,

in bursts, "Sire, my cousin is one of your scouts and through him I heard about the predicament our country is

mired in due to the war. I also learned that you have entrusted him and others with finding a route out of our

country through which our compatriots can migrate. Sire, there is a way out of here, if we look inside our own

territory. I discovered a tunnel that leads from the Irrittai mountains to uncharted valleys inside.”

The prince interrupted the boy’s breathless burst by raising his right arm. He calmed the irrepressible youth with

his effervescent smile, and asked. “Did you say the Irrittai Mountains? Where is this tunnel located?” he asked. “Is

it by the side of the mountains near the ocean front or by the river Rantri on the other side?”

“No sire, the tunnel I discovered is at the foot of the mountains inside, beyond the Irrittai forest,” the boy replied.

He continued, speaking with the immaturity of youth, wringing his hands and at times, the words jumbled over, in

his haste.

“Sire, please listen. It is the perfect place for us at this time of emergency. No man has set foot on this valley, as far

as I could make out. Sire, I cannot say if it can hold our entire population and I know it will take time for us to make

it habitable. However, I saw bountiful resources for life--food, water and shelter present in various places of the

valley. The caves I spoke of number into hundreds, maybe thousands. It could, with work and over time, become

our homes.”

Prince Ram interrupted the eager youth again.

“You said time,” the prince said, mild irritation creeping into his tone, “well; you should know that we do not have

time.”

To Prince Ram, the boy’s claims sounded too good to be true, but at that point with no progress on any other

front, he could reach for a wild claim, even one as outlandish as this. He signalled the youngster to continue with a

wave of his hand.

“Sire, there are sweet water ponds inside that will never run dry – it originates from the mountain, I believe it is

the ice that melts from the top, and it flows down through and out into the river Rantri. There are enormous

spaces of fertile land that appears suitable for cultivation of rice and other crops. I saw fruit trees as well and other

trees of all kinds growing naturally in these valleys. Everything points to land that can produce sustainable

farmland.”

Prince Ram put up his hand up to stop the chatter of the animated young boy. Somewhat irritated at the incessant

rattle of the youngster, yet drawn to his fascinating account, the prince asked the youth if he explored the entire

area inside the mountain.

“No, sire, I did not, but what I saw convinced me that this is the solution our country requires for at this moment.

We can stay there unnoticed for many harvest seasons, until our enemies become complacent. We emerge like the

phoenix and attack them with all our might when they least expect it. An attack by an unexpected army from

within will be hard to resist."

The boy paused, out of breath, his eager eyes yearning for a positive answer.

Prince Ram had to stifle a smile. He could see the youth meant well, but the naiveté of his speech patterns and

grandeur of his prediction sounded over the top. He sank further into his easy chair, staring blankly at the youth, as

his mind raced to analyse the potential of the boy’s disclosure.

The prince lifted his hand to his face to brush away a fly, and finally spoke, "I believe there is enough in your claim

for me to want to see the area myself, but I cannot understand why such a place has not been discovered by our

countrymen who have lived here for hundreds of years.”

"Sire, when I lead you to the hidden path to the mountain valley, you will understand why.” His eyes shone when

he spoke, as the youth realized that the prince had more or less agreed to check on the valley.

He continued, “I found it purely by accident. I live by the mountains and the forest bordering it and exploring the

region always fascinated me. A few months back, I stumbled upon a small opening at the foot of the mountains,

partly covered by a large thick boulder surrounded by a cactus grove. A sliver of light shining through the thicket

made me curious. I cleared the area around the cactus grove and chipped into the rocky hole where the light came

through. I found it was a small tunnel, not a hole. I crawled in and it opened into a huge opening inside the

mountain face. After venturing further in, I stumbled into the opening of the valley. I explored the vale spending

hours and days inside. On some days, I camped inside for two or three days doing nothing but walking through

taking in the sights. I wandered and trekked inside and saw caves, green valleys, ponds and streams that flow

through narrow side paths along the side of the rocky cliffs into ponds, waterfalls, small lakes or out into the river

Rantri. I saw huge large trees that I have never seen before elsewhere. Sire, it is indeed, paradise. I also saw many

varieties of birds. Discovering the area fully will take a lot of time and I thought it better to inform you of it first.”

"Hmm, well, let us start with you, what did you say your name was?" asked the prince.

"My name is Aliyari, and I am from the tribe of Illiyari,” repeated the young man.

The young boy’s physique, speech and physical mannerisms appeared effeminate and it distracted the prince’

attention. Prince Ram had to make an effort to focus on the information the young lad brought.

If true, thought the prince, it could be a way out. “How long does it take to get to this ‘secret’ entrance in the

mountains? To this wondrous magic land?” the prince asked with a mocking lilt in his tone.

"It takes the better part of a day's ride, sire.”

Prince Ram did not speak for a few moments. None of the scouts he sent returned with worthwhile information. It

left the boy’s claim as his only real hope of fulfilling the mission entrusted to him by his brother, the king. Prince

Ram finally arrived at a decision.

"I will see you tomorrow morning two hours after the dawn. You can stay in the palace guest quarters today if your

home is far from here,” Prince Ram suggested.

Aliyari smiled and said he would be there. The young lad bowed and left the chambers.

Prince Ram took to his bed that night. Uneasy erotic nightmares resulted in a sleep-interrupted night. He woke

unusually early, in a foul temper.

The announcement from his staff of the presence of a certain Aliyari, from the tribe of Illiyari did nothing to

assuage his vile mood.

The prince strode over briskly to his veranda; his forehead indented with lines and said in a clipped voice, "I asked

you to arrive at a certain time.”

"And I did just that, sire. It is more than two hours since dawn," replied the youth.

"Well, you can have breakfast in the kitchen while I make myself ready," said the prince, to brush off the young

man. The teenager patted his stomach in a gesture to convey he already ate, and looked impatient to leave. He

said he would wait in the courtyard outside while the prince prepared for the ride.

Prince Ram asked his courtiers to saddle up his favourite horse, Shylashi, and ordered a quick breakfast of eggs,

fresh vegetables and fruits. Feeling fresh after his customary morning bath and better after breakfast, the prince

combed his long hair and, as always, plaited it at the back. He brushed his beard and wore his turban and robe.

Looking at the mirror, he felt satisfied at his reflection, except for his nose. The prince did not like his nose, while

others imparted character and reminded him that it was a familiar trait of all Arasthan royal males. Women

reckoned his aquiline nose gave him a feel of ruthless exterior, totally out of character with the affable prince. All

agreed that his compassionate eyes that projected benevolence, deep sonorous voice and last but not least his

wonderful, charming smile fitted more into his character than the eagle nose.

He gave orders to his courtiers on the daily chores for the next few days and finally stepped outside to the stable.

“You are looking very well, sire, when will you return?” asked his head staff.

“Thank you. I should be back in two or three days. I have to trek to the Irrittai Mountain for a short visit. Please

inform the king on his return of my departure.”

Chapter 8

Prince Ram

Shyness and lack of awareness of his handsome features only served to increase the attention of women to the

younger brother of the king. As a child, people noticed a pleasing cheer in his presence.. In Arasthan marriage

eligibility stakes, Prince Ram stood second to the king’s younger son, Prince Rathore, heir to the throne.

In his early student days, Prince Ram immersed himself in advanced studies of anthropology, religion, financial

systems of various civilizations, warfare—its causes and fallout, among other related subjects, unusual for one so

young. The young boy shunned normal athletic pursuits or bonhomie of the teens of his generation, earning the

tag of “loner” amongst his peers.

Prince Ram’s brother sent him on educational visits to other states in India. At an early age, and overcoming his

inherent shyness through sheer will power, the young prince earned himself a reputation as an orator and took

part in umpteen debates in Arastha and abroad. He astounded older scholars with his intellect and grasp of

intricate ideologies. His victories in debates and oratory skills were remarkable considering that the prince was an

introvert.

While an idealist, Prince Ram’s practical mind analyzed that violence and aggression was part of human nature. He

deduced human- nature-induced greed, passion and/or religious animosity could lead to violent episodes on a

personal level or in mass—aka war. Thus, he knew that in the real world he would probably have to accept

violence and war – in personal confrontations or in the defence of his nation. He tried to find books and scholarly

theses by prominent personalities on the subject of war. He yearned for answers to ethical questions of how

humanity tolerated violence in the world to the extent that it did.

He pored through religious texts. Most religious books advocated non-violence, but he found the theories and

analysis given in religious books hopelessly outdated. Researching the history of his nation, the young scholar

stumbled on the Hindu concept of Carvaka philosophy. It induced a profound influence on him, a study that

ultimately led him to turn atheist.

Not satisfied with the analysis of contentious topics by the scholars and elders he frequented for discussions,

Prince Ram laboured to study and research his favourite topics on his own.

Thus, he began to search for answers to the question of greed and religious inspired fanaticism. Though atheism

provided the antidote to religious inspired bigotry, the problem lay in introducing atheism to a world brainwashed

at birth by their parents’ beliefs in theology.

Luckily, for the young scholar not satisfied with Indian philosophical texts, the English colonists brought in Western

education with its windows to world history and modern scientific theories. The young prince studied English and

world history and philosophies at an early age, He prevailed on Prince Balashethra and his brother for English

books on various subjects – from history to medicine to anthropology to philosophy. He thus extended his

awareness of differing societies from outside India through his voracious thirst for knowledge. While poring

through the history of different civilizations, the young prince stumbled on the history of the Inca people of South

America.

The conquering Spaniards decimated the civilization of this ancient tribe. As in India and North America, the

conquest and ethnic cleansing of the Inca tribe took place with the blessing and royal seal of approval from the

mother country of the invaders, in this instance, Spain. He marvelled that the Incas did not seem to have a financial

system in place, while they were at their height as a prosperous tribe far ahead of its times. The financial system or

rather lack of it in the Incas cultivated the seed of an inspiration in the Prince Ram’s subconscious. The seed,

nurtured in the cocoon of the prince’s memory, germinated later in his life to affect momentous shifts in his adult

years.

Another subject, meditation and its ultimate goal--enlightenment fascinated and puzzled the young prince. He

used up many hours and days poring over literature on the subject. The more he researched, the more confused

he became. To further his grasp on the subject, he took lessons on meditation from a prominent Hindu yoga

practitioner. However, the old man’s attempt to connect meditation to Hindu religious practice resulted in

disillusionment and the prince abandoned his attempt.

Ultimately, all his research amounted to his belief that humanity suffered from a few basic faults that hindered the

path to a fulfilling life.

The ego or competitive nature of man, he considered the first and most difficult aspect of humankind’s nature that

hindered progress to a meaningful life style. Everyone had to be better than the next person, and therefore

humanity invented barriers between themselves whereby one can claim that he/she is superior to another. The

abstract tenets of religion, caste, finance, social, and myriad different customs for one person to render him or her

superior to another, however ridiculous the methodology, was borne through the devious designs of mankind’s

ego, he believed. The prince of Arastha estimated that among the most ridiculous and even hilarious of those was

the practice of race discrimination, how fair skinned people supposed they were superior to darker skinned people

in certain countries, and at other places, vice versa.

He believed the off shoots of ego, religion and financial system, in tandem with flawed system of governance were

the principal causes that hindered equality among the masses, and provided riches and happiness for the few,

throughout the world.

While young boys his age in India indulged in normal teenage fantasies of girls, gods and gold, Prince Ram spent

the better part of his early youth trying to crack the formulae that lead to forming the ideal society. Unusual for

any royal family member and especially among the Sai clan, as a young child, Prince Ram spent time hobnobbing

with the normal populace. Thus, he became a popular member of the royal family as a child, especially among the

palace staff, who indulged his offbeat enthusiasm to spend time around them than with the rest of the royal

family.

Chapter 9

The Irrittai forest-the present

If the boy spoke the truth, then secrecy of the location had to be paramount. Therefore, the prince did not request

for the usual princely entourage on the exploratory trek. Nevertheless, the wild animals that abounded in the

forest made him nervous about going in alone with the stranger. The boy declared himself adept to the task, and

said reassured the prince of his skills at scouting and trekking, and said he could cook as we. He asked the prince

not to worry about shelter once they reached the mountains, reminding him about the caves that he discovered.

Prince Ram, though unconvinced had to trust the stranger at that point. He had no other option.

The palace cooks packed parcels of food for the journey as well as rations of rice, flour, vegetables, cooking pots,

pans, cooking oil and all essential items and supplies needed for two or three days. The courtiers packed bulk of

the supplies on a packhorse from the palace stables. The prince strapped on weapons, including bow and quiver

full of arrows and a sword. Prince Ram carried his single shot pistol in a leather holster strapped on to his

waistband. He wore a red Sherwani style long jacket and loose brown pyjamas. Sturdy leather shoes and a turban

completed his outfit.

The prince raised his eyebrows as he noticed that the teenage boy also carried his own weapons. He carried a

sword with engravings on its scabbard, a bow and quiver full of arrows, and an urumi, most unusual for someone

so young. They set off on their journey, and in a few hours left the central area of Arastha village principality.

As they commenced their journey, the prince stole glances at the effeminate young boy, until he realized with a

shock that this person was the figure of his nightmares the previous night. The prince considered himself a man’s

man, and the women he conquered knew him to be a consummate lover. The realization that Aliyari was the figure

from his dreams shamed him and gave rise to a vile temper.

The trek wound steadily uphill. The mountains range from 2,000 meters to a peak of 4,500 meters above sea level.

The prince did not travel to this part of Arastha often, as there was no need for it. He visited the forests bordering

the Irrittai mountains while still a child for wildlife spotting excursions, once with his parents and twice with his

brother. The trip with his family remained one of the few happy memories of his childhood spent with his family.

On all previous occasions, he ventured into the forest, a big group of courtiers, cooks, forest guides and hunters

accompanied his family.

It felt different riding to the forests with the boy, than journeying there as part of a hunting expedition. He could

see more, stop where he wanted, and ride at his own pace. He began to enjoy the ride. The rugged beauty of the

countryside engaged his senses positively. They reached a small hilly area with a rocky pathway between a deep

gorge and a small waterfall adjacent to a grassy slope. The water passed under the pathway to the gorge below.

Prince Ram declared a halt to water the horses and let them graze, while they rested. It was a fine place for a

break; the spray from the waterfall refreshed them and cooled down the horses too. Prince Ram decided that he

would climb the grassy slope on his way back. He wanted to check on the other side of the slope. He thought it

would make for some stunning views of the gorge and wondered if the other side was as scenic. They set off again

and the pathway rose upwards, passing through desolate, uninhabited stretches of Arastha.

An hour passed after their stop at the gorge before they saw the first human settlement. They approached a small

hamlet comprising a few thatch houses spread around rice fields, bamboo grooves and cattle encampments.

Prince Ram noticed a fresh water stream flowing through the village from a waterfall nearby. The boy pointed out

vegetable plots in front or to the side of every hut in the hamlet. Further on from the housing area, they noticed a

lenghty shelter that held cattle and fowls.

People came out of the houses as they heard the sound of the horses approaching. They waved to Aliyari, and he

waved back. The travellers paused in front of a house as one of the senior men folk asked if they needed a drink.

The prince nodded and the women brought carrot juice sherbet in clay pots. Aliyari introduced Prince Ram and

told them they were going to the forest for a visit. The people in the tiny farming village bowed to the prince of

their state and accorded him every courtesy. Starved of news of the mainland each family brought out

refreshments for their guests and chatted with them. It was a good half an hour before the duo could thank and

tear themselves free from their well-meaning but tedious hosts.

They took couple more rest breaks to water their horses and eat. Prince Strashistria Ram noticed that the youth

took a liking for his horse, one of the royal stallions. Shylashi was not yet a full-grown horse; still only 3 years old.

The stallion possessed an independent nature, and allowed very few people to touch its body. Strangely, the horse

allowed the eager youth to pat and caress his forehead and nose. Prince Ram noted that the stallion even allowed

Aliyari to mount him on one of the rest stops. Brownish red in colour and though not fully developed, most horse

enthusiasts in Arastha believed Shylashi was the fastest horse in Arastha. It was strange how the horse and the boy

seemed to bond instantly.

The small hamlet they stopped at was the last village on their path to the forest. They rode steadily up until they

could see the edge of the forest on the horizon. As they drew closer, they saw animals openly walking out of their

forest habitat. Without humans, animals like monkeys, deer and peacocks wandered out of their forest cover into

the area outside. An hour later, the two arrived at the edge of the forest.

Soon as they entered, the shadow of the mountains and the thick canopies of the tall trees cast a pall of

uneasiness over the prince. The temperature dipped further and the light dimmed as they penetrated deeper into

the forest. The prince’s senses adapted to the change in the environment. However, the change that his senses

absorbed did not please him. The darkness during daytime effected by huge trees offered gloom rather than

shade. The tenacious unpleasant odour of rotting leaves enveloped the occasional pleasant fragrance of a

blooming flower. The sting of insects and the sound of eerie silence interrupted by sudden shrieks and other

sounds of an unrecognizable animal or bird startled him. At times, the eerie silence gave way to creepier faint

sounds of rustling leaves as forest birds and fowls prowled unmolested through the bed of leaves, searching for

worms and other titbits of fallen fruits and other eatables.

The entry into the forest brought on memories of how his brother taunted him with ghost stories he did not wish

to hear during the rare family visit to the forest as a child. Only a few metres into the forest the two of them

waded across a shallow pool, part of a long meandering stream of water that ran across the length of the forest. It

resembled a moat dug across and to the fore of a medieval castle or palace, except this one was engineered by

nature. Still, the effect of the serpentine flow imparted an uneasy feeling--of supernatural elements guarding the

forest.

Wildlife that inhabited the Irrittai forest including deer, antelope, monkeys, eagles, vultures, wild pigs and a variety

of birds passed by overhead. Tigers, bears, leopards and lions inhabited the Irrittai forest.

A couple of hours into the dense thickly wooded forest, they came upon a clearing. The prince froze in his stride as

he gazed on the chilling sight of a tigress and her two cubs feasting on the carcass of a sambar deer. At that

moment, a small breeze blew from behind them. The tigress caught their scent and turned her head.

Petrified, the prince tried to think of a plan for a quiet withdrawal without alarming the tiger. He carefully

withdrew the pistol he carried from its holster in his waist.

The tiger rose, a ferocious growl gurgling from the depths of her throat. She took a couple of steps to stand in front

of her cubs, between them and the intruders. The cubs did not seem bothered by the interruption and resumed

their lunch after a pause. Aliyari spoke in delicate tones to the prince, "Please keep your cool and let's circle

around her.”

He led the horses to the left of the clearing and rode unhurriedly around the clearing to the other side. The prince

followed, trembling; he could not tear his eyes off the tigress. His pistol in one hand, the reins in the other, he

managed to reach the edge of the clearing and shifted his gaze onwards. Suddenly, Prince Ram brought his horse

to a halt as the tigress let out an almighty, full-throated roar.

Startled, the prince pivoted his weight around the saddle to see the tigress clawing the ground in front of her with

one paw, as if getting ready to charge. The prince thought of spurring his horse forward, close to panic. Aliyari

slowed his horse to ride alongside the prince. He whispered again to the prince to keep calm. Prince Ram nodded

and trotted onwards, but kept his head turned towards the tigress. Aliyari calmly led him away from the clearing,

not even looking back once. Prince Ram noted that the tiger lost interest in them and turned its attention back to

the carcass after licking her cubs.

The prince stammered when he finally found his voice to question the youth on his handling of the crisis.

Aliyari looked irritatingly unperturbed by it all as he answered squarely. "I have seen that particular tigress a few

times in my forest sojourns. My body scent and presence does not frighten her. To her, you are not a known whiff,

and unfortunately we interrupted her meal with her cubs at hand."

Prince Ram did not find the answer comforting. Instead, it irritated him further and he said, "That's comforting to

know. She would have attacked me for sure and left you in peace. You, are her friend!”

The discomfited, disturbed and distressed prince felt out of his depths in the forest. He wondered how the young

boy held his nerve in the face of a potentially lethal charge of a rapacious tiger. Nevertheless, he felt relieved once

he left the range of the large striped feline.

Aliyari bragged to the prince that he encountered wild animals including leopards, tigers, lions, leopards, wild dogs,

and jackals often in the forest. He said he accustomed to their habits, habitation and hunting grounds early and

thus avoided danger.

It did not console the prince and he replied testily "So, next time I see a dangerous animal, I should call out loudly

that I mean no harm? You have some nerve I have to admit. I was terrified, but you, you were calmness

personified.”

The boy smiled back, saying nothing. After a moment, the prince galloped up beside Aliyari and said softly, “Thank

you. What you did took bravery and presence of mind, even if you are used to the ways of the forest."

Aliyari shook his head in modest acceptance of the praise, and trotted onwards.

They halted for lunch at another clearing an hour or so later. While the prince rested, Aliyari opened two small

lunch packets from the palace kitchen. “Would you like to go to the opening of the tunnel tonight itself?” Aliyari

asked.

The prince hesitated before answering, not sure if they should proceed. The further they rode into the forest, the

darker it got, and he did not like the idea of venturing into tunnels, where he imagined there would be even less

light. ‘What else could he do’, he wondered, knowing that camping out in the forest was not something he would

enjoy either.

He decided to push on and visit the mystery valley the same day. After a lengthy rest, they set off again. The

vegetation became too thick for them to ride. They dismounted and walked, leading the horses behind them.

Aliyari pointed out different types of flora and fauna to the prince. He appeared to know his way around the

forest.

Aliyari told the prince that he loved orchids and pointed out wild orchids in the forest, usually the plants grew high

up on tree trunks. Aliyari climbed up a small tree to fetch one, a strange looking bluish violet coloured bouquet of

small flowers on a long stalk. As he took it from the young boy’s hand, a whiff of heavenly fragrance coursed

through his nostrils.

They passed another stream inside the forest. Aliyari for once appeared a trifle wary as he led the prince straying

to the farthest point from the pond in their route. He said that for some reason he could not fathom, wild animals

gave the watering hole a miss. Prince Ram gazed at a huge tall tree that grew darker as his gaze climbed up the

dark bark until he could see the top branches seemingly blocking out any sunlight with its umbrella like canopy of

branches. His vision roved down and he noted that the roots of the tree clasped the edge of the pool,

circumventing it, part it submerged, wallowing in the pool. He could not see lotus or other water plants and the

water appeared murky and dense. It looked like the tree did not like to share its water with others. Prince Ram

shuddered involuntarily. ‘No wonder animals gave this one a miss’, he thought

After another hour of riding, the prince asked with a hint of suspicion. "How can you know for sure where you're

going? It seems like you are leading me nowhere.” Aliyari cheerfully replied that he knew the way. "The vegetation

is my guided map, sire. I am familiar with the plants, trees and shrubs and use them as landmarks to guide my

path.”

"Venturing in to a forest, especially this forest should scare someone your age, at the least.” the prince said, his

brows knitted to a frown. “You know that our people consider the forest haunted. The wildlife like the tiger we just

encountered should have made you terrified, yet you seem at ease in this habitat?”

Aliyari shrugged his shoulders and declared that he was not much of a believer in spirits, dark or otherwise. “I have

told you, sire, that I spent time exploring the forest. I am used to the surroundings and the animals are my friends.

As long as I do not disturb their way of life or their lairs, I feel I am safe."

Arasthans adopted a surrogate form of Hindu worship to the spirits. The spirits could be in anything and

everything. It could be good spirits that made their crops flourish or bad spirits if it failed. The spirits were

responsible for happiness, sorrow, for birth, death and everything in between. Arasthans elevated the spirits and

deities to sacred pedestals reserved for Hindu Gods. Each village had their own spirits, good and bad, called upon

by their village priests or shamans at regular intervals

Fear of angering the spirits or Gods kept them docile and rather meek, compared to their virulent neighbours, the

Baa’rs, or even the cunning caste conscious Brahmin tribe, the Parupatis. Atheists like Prince Ram kept their

disbelief of spirits and God to themselves, as it went against the societal norm to declare otherwise.

‘Well, here is this 17-year-old boy declaring openly that he did not believe in the spirits’, thought Prince Ram. It

made him envious of the teenager and he decided to press the young lad on his atheist leanings.

“If not the spirits, what do you believe in, Aliyari?"

"Oh, I relate to mankind, your highness. I believe in the goodness of all humanity. Unfortunately, I suffered from an

unnatural childhood, extremely unpleasant. But then again, I was fortunate that my circumstances changed for the

better due to the kindness of strangers who reared me after the loss of my parents. (and I will thank you to please

not pursue the subject)Thus, I have proof that though evil exists, there is always goodness in humankind that

erases and rectifies the mistakes of others. God has no role to play in it. This, I deduced sire, from my experiences.

If I have to worship anything, I could choose nature that I can see, touch, smell and speak to and of. Thus, I live in

the present, and thus I am free. I am at liberty to worship a plethora of Gods, as long as it is beneficial to humanity,

like the air that I breathe, the wonderful aroma of spices, there are other countless examples of whom I can

worship, as long as it is real. I do not leave anything to spirits, to karma, or anything illusory."

The succinct, wise and personal analysis of religion increased the intrigue that emitted from the strange kid. On

another occasion or location, Prince Ram would have cherished such a conversation. However, tiredness of the

daylong journey crept in and he did not pursue the topic, and instead, pushed on.

“How much longer now before we reach our destination?" he asked.

The boy replied pointing ahead, "Here we are, sire, just beyond that huge tree.”

The prince sighed in relief as he realized that they had reached within a few meters from the sheer walls of the

Irrittai Mountains.

He halted by the tree, tied their horses with long lengthy ropes to a low-slung branch, and placed a water trough

nearby. The youth tied the trough securely to the foot of a young plant, as for inexplicable reasons, Indian Marwari

horses tend to knock over water containers. While the prince waited impatiently, Aliyari disappeared into the trees

and returned with bunches of grass shoots, berries and edible leaves for the horses.

Aliyari proceeded to the mountain face. He lead the prince into a thick plot of thorny cacti plants that grew over a

rocky cliff like formation. The prince tiptoed carefully through the bush and spotted a faint trail between the cactus

thickets. He followed the boy for a minute. Then the boy bent over and disappeared from view.

Prince Ram approached the spot where he last saw Aliyari and bent down to check the spot where the lad

vanished. As his eyes adjusted to the dimness, he made out a small hole in the rock, almost covered by the cactus.

The prince lay his body flat on the sandy bed and belly crept through the hole until he bumped into the boy’s head

in the dim tunnel.

"Well, come on in. Follow me, sire." Aliyari grinned and doubled his agile body in the thin space to lead up the

rocky tunnel. Prince Ram had no option but to follow, crawling and grunting in annoyance at the discomfort. He

could see light ahead; the air smelled fresher, compared to the smell of decaying wet leaves, pieces of old bark and

dead wood prevalent in the forest. The crevice widened until he could straighten to crawl on his knees and hands.

Another few minutes and as he looked up, the boy disappeared from view again. Prince Ram felt his stomach knot

in the tight space that seemed to have no end in sight.

A few feet further, the prince noticed an outcropping in the rock, and he crawled his way around it. Frustratingly,

he bumped into the boy again, grazing his forehead against the whiffy sandals of the boy.

The upright Aliyari offered his hand and dragged the prince to his feet. Prince Ram noted that the slightly built

youth possessed strength in his strong forearms and callused palms. The hardness of the grip perturbed him.

The prince of Arastha heaved a sigh of relief as he straightened; glad to be able to stand on his feet. He lumbered

heavily upwards on the jagged rocky surface, with the boy in the lead, until they neared another fork in the rock.

Prince Ram followed the boy through the next few minutes upwards through the low rock roof. Finally, he could

see a glimpse of blue sky ahead of him.

‘Ah, this could be it’, thought Prince Ram. The exertions of the day, the creepiness of the forest, the tiger

encounter, and the crawl and trudge up the hidden entrance took a toll on the prince’s body. He gulped in

mouthfuls of fresh air that the slight breeze from the widening blue sky on the horizon offered.

Infuriatingly, Aliyari appeared unaffected by the journey. It upset the prince, as it pointed to his own unfit

physique. He trudged through the inner tip of the tunnel and peered out from the opening.

What he saw amazed him.