Mysterious Time Traveler in Dwapara Yuga

Chapter 32: The Kuru Princes and the Legend of Vaikartana

In Drona Ashram

The Rajkumars of the Kuru kingdom was abuzz with discussions about the Raja Abhishek that took place in Assaka. The event where Surya Dev himself came for the coronation of Raja Vaikartana had left an indelible mark on everyone's minds, even though it had been close to a year. This was exactly the effect Rajkumari Ira intended, and one could say it was a hit.

Not only did the coronation leave a lasting impression, but the rumors of Karna's kindness, humility, valor, quick thinking, filial piety, and intelligence continued to spread across Aryavat. His actions, such as repurposing the corrupted official's properties for public use and releasing hoarded food grains to help the people, were widely praised. For the first time, he also implemented working hours, allowing people to spend more time with their families and feel rewarded for their efforts. These measures led the people to sing his praises to great heights, solidifying his legacy.

Rumors about Raja Vaikartana's achievements, both true and exaggerated, continued to spread, but always in a positive light. This created a strong desire among people from other states to move to Assaka or Kuntala for work. They saw these places as lands of opportunity where they could not only earn more but also enjoy respectful treatment and a balanced work-life, thanks to the implementation of the shift system and regulated working hours.

These rumors even reached the Kauravas, sparking discussions among them. Dushasana grumbled about the widespread adoption of the shift system, complaining, "We've always had shifts, so why is everyone acting like he invented it?" Duryodhana explained, "It's not just about having shifts. People talk about him because he introduced the concept of an eight-hour workday, something no other kingdom has done before. It's his decisiveness, like how he repurposed the wealth accumulated by the corrupt official for public use, which sets him apart."

This emphasis on efficient governance and humane policies earned Karna immense respect and admiration, making Assaka and Kuntala shining examples of progressive leadership in Aryavarta.

Rajkumar Dushasana observed, "It looks like Kuntala Kingdom has received their luck in the form of Rajkumari Ira. Their influence in Aryavarta is growing stronger than ever. It's not that they weren't powerful before, but now they're reaching new heights."

Rajkumar Duryodhana replied, "You're right. When we go to Hastinapur, we need to discuss this with Mamashree Shakuni and devise a plan to form an alliance with Kuntala. If Kuntala becomes our ally, we will also gain the friendship of Assaka. Having strong relations with these kingdoms will only enhance our own."

The Pandavas Discussing the Eight-Hour Work System

Under a separate tree shade, the Pandavas sat in a circle, except for Arjun, who was still practicing with his bow. Hearing the Kauravas' discussion, Bheema turned to Yudhishthira and said, "Bhrata, the eight-hour working system seems beneficial. It allows everyone to spend time with their families, which would increase the happiness of each family and, in turn, the entire kingdom. Why didn't we implement this before?"

Yudhishthira, with his ever-calm demeanor, replied, "It's not as easy as it seems, Bheema." Nakula asked, "What complications might arise?" Yudhishthira explained, "To implement an eight-hour work method, we would need shifts like Morning shift from 6 AM to 2 PM, Afternoon shift from 2 PM to 10 PM, and Night shift from 10 PM to 6 AM. This means people would be in rotation. If everyone has healthy relationships, it would be easier. However, conflicts or laziness could lead to problems, like thinking the next shift can handle everything. Miscommunication between shifts about superior orders could have bad results, and unfiltered workers could endanger the lives of royals in the palace."

He continued, "Important information or royal decisions that need to remain secret would be hard to contain with a large workforce. It would also be easier for enemy kingdoms to plant spies among us. These are some reasons why kingdoms have not adopted the shift system."

Hearing Yudhishthira's explanation, Bheema remarked, "If it is as hard as you say, and Assaka Kingdom has made it possible, it means they have a very strong spy system that others cannot break. They must have solved all the problems you mentioned, which means they are geniuses. They have also gained the trust of the people by providing jobs and rewards, making it hard for anyone to break that trust. Previously, the people were under corrupt officials, but now they have free and just rule, which makes the administration even more trustworthy. By giving appropriate punishments, they have instilled fear, so people wouldn't even think of betraying them. What an idea!"

"What you're saying is true, Bhrata," Sahadev said. "I heard that someone in Assaka Palace tried to sell important information to others but was caught in the act. The King of Assaka punished those involved heavily, though no one knows what the punishment was, and the convicted person hasn't been seen since. However, the family of the person was spared and placed under the palace's protection. There is even a gag order preventing people from discussing the parent's behavior in front of the child, as they are innocent. They are ordered to be treated equally."

Sahadev continued, "I don't know why, but my heart seems to think these measures are also the idea of Rajkumari of Kuntala."

Nakul replied, "It's possible because, according to some rumors, King Vaikartana is a distant relative of Maharani Vishaya, and he is deeply favored by Rajkumari Ira. They are close, and she might have given him ideas for making changes. I also heard it was her idea to make him the King of that region. This shows she has a great eye for people, so I think Bhrata Arjun might not have any chance," he said, glancing sideways at Arjun, whose ears perked up at hearing his name.

Yudhishthira smiled as Bheema and Sahadev, catching the cue, joined in. "He already lost his chance because, according to some rumors, the name Vaikartana itself was given by Rajkumari Ira. It's said she named him that due to his handsomeness and dashing appearance, a fact she shared with her subjects when they asked about it," Bheema added.

Nakul continued, "How romantic! People are saying she will marry him only. Based on how the royal family treats Rajkumari Ira, they would be more than happy because he is someone they know and trust. Moreover, his kingdom is nearby, so it would be easy for them to visit Rajkumari whenever they want."

By this time, Arjun joined his brothers, saying, "It is impossible!"

Sahadev asked, "What is impossible, Bhrata Arjun? Maybe your chance with Rajkumari Ira? We also said it's impossible," Nakul added with a cheeky smile. In a sudden move, Arjun headlocked Nakul and said, "I'm talking about Rajkumari Ira and King Vaikartana. They share a sibling-like bond, as Rajkumari Ira herself said."

Nakul, freeing his head, retorted, "You stopped your practice to tell us they're like siblings? When I, your real sibling, ask for help, you always say you have to practice. See, even before meeting Rajkumari, you're dedicating your time just to talk about her."

Arjun, speechless at Nakul's words, headlocked him again and asked, "When did I ever not help you?"

Seeing them like this, Sahadev and Bheema laughed loudly, while Yudhishthira watched his brothers with a happy smile. He always cherished the strong bond between them and prayed to God for their inseparable unity.

Guru Drona, observing this scene, thought about how much he would miss them once their Shiksha ended in four months. He decided to prepare them thoroughly for the real world that awaited them by testing the knowledge he had imparted to them during this period.