Pataliputra
Pataliputra was known for respecting knowledgeable people and scholars. The intellectuals from across the country were warmly invited for the intercourse of new ideas and development of the state.
It was virtually the city of fortunes as it recognized the true talent and rewarded richly for the work done by an individual.
When Chanakya entered the city, it had grown richer materially but weaker in administration. He found fewer gaurds at the check points of the city, although vasnatotsav was still some time away he found many groups of men and women enjoying themselves singing and dancing.
Due to lack of strict security he could enter the city with comparative ease.
The whole city was immersed in a sort of languour felt by a person on the morning after the previous night's drunken revelry. With eyes reddened and bodies lax, the people of Magadh projected an image of utter debauchery.
Chankaya thought "They don't know that grim times are ahead which was casting its shadows even in the interior parts of the country."
Swetha
Edited by vss08 - 12 years agoMeeting Katyayan ji after a Decade
Chanakya headed straight towards ex-minister's (Katyayan) house on the banks of the river Ganges. After few cautious check points he finally met Katyayan ji who was not doing well.
Chanakya surprised to see him worn down by atleast 20yrs older than he met first a decade ago.
Katyayan ji was delighted to see Chanakya.
The tender, bony boy was replaced by a strong limbed, mature man, who had grown rather darker in complexion but sturdier in appearance.
But the thing which didn't change was the look in Chanakya's eyes the same faraway look as though unconcerned with what was present and looking far beyond.
Swetha
Edited by vss08 - 12 years agoSensitive Moments
Katyayanji asked: "Vish …. Oh …. Chanakya Dear! How are yoy? Iam really thrilled to see you back. I did learn that you had not only finished your education at Takshila but also teaching there.
You have made Magadh proud. Iam really glad that you could come back and meet me."
Chanakya replied and inturn asked: "you're very kind, Arya! But how is my mother? Where is she?"
This question almost doused the gleam in the eyes of Katyayan ji but he had no other option.
"Dear …..! Your mother passed away a long time ago. She grew quite restless after your secret departure. Then, probably in the second year of your departure, she began to get very ill.
Though I fed her on a heavy dose of false hopes, she wouldn't accept it. She lost all desire to live. Ultimately she died of protracted illness. In the absence of any known relation, I had to perform the last rites of my Guru Mata.
He went inside and emerged with a tiny bundle of cloth.
"These are her ashes some of which I have preserved for you. I was certain that you would come."
Receiving that parcel, Chanakya was moved to tears but he held them back. He thought painfully "So this is what is left of that fair lady for me."
Katyayan ji spoke "My deepest sympathies for you. You must now immerse these ashes in the Ganga tomorrow and perform her Shraddha.
We can now do so openly as Nanda is not as hostile to the Brahman as he used to be.
The scion of the family of Vakranas, Rakshas himself a Brahman, has manage to take that rancour out of the monarch's heart and has almost immersed him in Madira."
Swetha
