"May the swords raised against them stop on you. May the fire approaching them consume you. May the poison meant for them kill you. May the arrows aimed at them pierce you. May you be the fortress, weapon and shield of our Emperor. Go forth, kill an...
Coconut trees lined the roads of Vizhinjam and the open view of the green sea merged with the blue sky on the distant horizon. The streets were filled with merchants and noisy customers. Bhaskaran and Ravidasan enjoyed their holiday. It isn't everyday that they get such an opportunity to leave the salai and wander in the town or harbour.
They felt really tired and decided to get ilaneer from a man who was selling them under a Banyan tree opposite the salai. The friendly cheerful man took two tender coconuts, cut off the top and handed it over to them. His movements betrayed a particular stiffness. Maybe he is new to the trade or not used to this sort of manual labour.
"Chatta, ask your friend to day-dream after finishing his ilaneer". The vendor's words woke him up from his thoughts. Bhaskaran observed that he hasn't seen him around this place. The ilaneer seller admited that he is new to this place and trade and is trying to eke out a living here.
So that's it. The seller enquired about their names, specialisations and complained about the troubles of his job.
"Anna, what is your name?"
"Veeran. Bhaskara, what are you planning to do after you complete your studies?"
Bhaskaran explained his plans in detail. He will go to Manyakheta and study more mathematics. Then he will go to Nalanda.
"Why do you want to go to the northern countries?"
"Knowledge has no boundaries".
"There are thousands of learned men in Nalanda. Who will care about one more guy? Why don't you go to the nearby Pandya country?"
Bhaskaran and Ravidasan looked each other and laughed. Everyone knew that Pandya king Rajasimhan had run away to after getting beaten by Cholas. Ravidasan's blood used to boil when he first arrived here and everyone talked about it. But what can a normal man like him do? In the course of time, he too has learned to laugh about it. The ilaneer seller noticed the change in his expression.
"Ummmm? Do you too think that going to the Pandya country is beneath you?"
"Get lost idiot! Who told you that Pandya country doesn't have educated men? Haven't you heard about the great sangams?"
For some reason, the vendor looked really proud of his ignorance. But he shrugged his shoulders and declared that there is no Pandya country anymore because no one even knows what happened to the runaway king. Then he started another argument with Bhaskaran.
"Isn't running away better than sure death? Ravi annan can explain it better than me. He has studied Arthashastram".
"Yes, there is no shame in strategic retreat."
Bhaskaran gave a few coins to the ilaneer vendor. He put the coins in a satchel and returned the change. He asked Ravidasan if he will stay back and help him as he is struggling to do this job alone. Ravidasan wanted to tease him that it will be easier if he concentrates on his job rather than talking incessantly but his curiosity was killing him. Moreover, he offered sufficient payment for his troubles.
Another batch of students from rasayana and kalari batches approached them. Among them was Udayan, a prince of Anuradhapura. Ravidasan knew about his real identity only because he was one of his examiners in the entrance examination. In Kanthallur, he walked among the students and the common people as another man.
"Raviyanna, have you too started selling coconuts? Did you fail in the examinations?"
"Dei, dei, don't be too oversmart".
His employer enjoyed his banter with the juniors and enquired about their future plans. Ravidasan sensed that he had some special interest in Udayan who seemed oblivious to his intentions. Didn't he say that he is new to the job? Can't he be a spy? He sent them away quickly without further chit-chat. He tried to pry out the ilaneer seller's family details and history but he evaded his questions.
"Thambi, I will tell you a secret. I heard your countrymen have plans to resurrect the old rule. Don't tell this to anyone. You know, I go to different places and meet different people with these ilaneer."
"Good for them, I guess. Where is my money?"
He wrapped up his belongings and gave a small gold coin to Ravidasan. Though he protested that he doesn't have enough money to return the change, the vendor insisted that he keep it.
"Would you like a job in the Pandya kingdom? I can put you in touch with the relevant people, maybe even the king if you are lucky".
"Why don't you get a job for yourself if you are friends with the king?"
"He gave me this job."
"I knew it". Ravidasan grabbed the ilaneer seller from behind and dragged him to the back of the banyan tree. "So you are not an ilaneer seller who happened to hear things, are you? You are a spy who pretends to be an ilaneer seller."
"I know that you noticed. That's why I asked only you to stay back. Tell me this, would you like to have a job in the Pandya country?'
"What job? Collecting tax for Parantaka Cholan?"
"Isn't that a good job?"
What! Is this the Pandya king's plan? Maybe he can ask him in person if he takes this opportunity.
"What should I do?"
"Go to the Pazhaya Maligai of Nanjinattu Pillai on the next Friday at midnight. Show this coin and say that I sent you. Remember my name - Veeran'.
He freed himself from Ravidasan's grip and walked away.
This is ilaneer -
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
