Kuru Kingdom Faces Political Turmoil Over Divyaratna Mine

Regardless of the historical splendor of the Kuru kingdom, Indraprastha was merely a tourist destination with a favorable climate at that time. Indraprastha, once the center of Kuru dynasty's glory, political dominance, and cultural dignity, was gradually losing its former luster. Storytellers recounting past victories could be found in the nooks and crannies of the city. But in the weak days of the present, those heroic tales of the past had become mere folklore. Although the beautiful environment along the Yamuna river and the enchanting natural scenery made Indraprastha attractive from the outside, a vicious cycle of political weakness and economic stagnation was spreading within that beauty. While powerful neighboring states were busy expanding their borders and increasing their strategic influence, the capital of Kuru, Indraprastha, was content with the memory of its past prestige. The commander-in-chief of Kuru King Koravyaraj was Vajrapal. One day, Commander Vajrapal met King Koravyaraj in extreme secrecy and slowly said: 'Your Majesty, our spies have learned from merchants of Magadha that there is a highly important Divyaratna mine in the Marugiri mountain on the western border of Kuru.' Kuru King suddenly became active. His face lit up. He asked Vajrapal: 'And is that true, Commander Vajrapal?' 'We still need to understand the truth of that, Your Majesty.' 'It is the king's duty to immediately investigate information received from spies. So, summon the merchant Maniratna Karna of Panchala country here by any means, who is a wealthy merchant of Panchala working for us. He is a gem expert. Arrange for Maniratna to go to Marugiri with the spy Aryak. As an expert in gems, he can tell the truth accurately. Also, due to his enmity with the Panchala administration, the secret will remain safe.' 'As you command, Your Majesty.' Commander Vajrapal bowed and left. Kuru King Koravyaraj became serious. If a mine of Divyaratna was indeed found, his weakening economic status would be greatly improved, and he would once again hold his head high in front of prosperous countries like Magadha, Kosala, Panchala, Gandhara, and Matsya. Divyaratna was a type of mineral stone that could change the form of other metals. Consequently, the kings of Magadha, Kosala, Gandhara, Chedi, Matsya, and Malla were also secretly active in the search for Divyaratna. Whichever kingdom possessed the Divyaratna mine, its dominance would be unassailable. After some time, the king said to the commander, 'Your Majesty, according to Maniratna, there is a great mine of Divyaratna in Marugiri. But...' 'But what?' 'Yes, Your Majesty, as per your command, I immediately arranged for Maniratna Karna of Panchala to be summoned here to Kuru and sent to Marugiri with Your Majesty's personal spy Aryak. He has confirmed that there is indeed a mine of Divyaratna there. However, he stated that refining machinery and significant financial investment would be required for proper excavation, extraction, and cleaning.' 'Where can those refining machines be found?' 'Only in Magadha and Kosala, Your Majesty.' Kuru King Koravyaraj sent for Rajguru Harshavardhana. Soon, the royal scholar Akhand Gyanarashi Mahapandit Rajguru Harshavardhana arrived. After Vajrapal explained the matter in detail, Rajguru Harshavardhana said, 'Your Majesty, I will tell you what I understand. Listen carefully. A rare mineral gem certainly brings wealth. But it can also bring war and conflict. The foolish who does not know what comes first destroys himself and his nation. Therefore, we must think deeply about this matter. Hence, Your Majesty, if we do not exercise sufficient caution before handling this mineral gem, the nation could suffer direct harm.' 'I will consider it.' The Kuru King said that and adjourned the discussion assembly. 000 000 000 Emperor Bimbisara of Magadha was seated on a grand royal throne. In their respective seats, according to protocol, the commander-in-chief, ministers, and some distinguished dignitaries were present. Emperor Bimbisara of Magadha said, 'Let the assembly begin.' As per the rules, the chief minister Virabhadranath said, 'Our spies have safely returned to their homeland after discovering Divyaratna on the western border of Kuru.' 'Now, let us discuss how the Divyaratna from that desert mountain of Kuru can be brought into Magadha. What is the opinion of the chief of spies, Padmadeva?' asked Emperor Bimbisara of Magadha. Chief of Royal Spies Padmadeva stood up and said: 'It has been confirmed that Divyaratna is available in large quantities there. Our skilled artisans have discovered this. It is of strategic importance to us. However, we cannot directly enter Kuru and excavate in the desert mountain. For this, we must win over the Kuru King by doing him a favor.' King Bimbisara of Magadha nodded in agreement. Chief of Spies Padmadeva suggested and pleaded with Emperor Bimbisara of Magadha: 'Your Majesty, invite Kuru King Koravyaraj to Pataliputra for a state visit. Welcome him appropriately and persuade him to sign a treaty for the excavation of Divyaratna.' 'Make arrangements for the state visit without any shortcomings in the hospitality of the Kuru King.' The royal assembly concluded as per the king's command. 000 000 000 The subjects of Kuru were extremely happy. Because it was an unbelievable event for a prosperous and powerful country like Magadha to invite the King of Kuru for a state visit. For a long time, no king of Kuru had had the opportunity to visit Magadha. When Kuru King Koravyaraj reached Pataliputra, the capital of Magadha, with appropriate gifts, he was grandly welcomed with a military salute. Various decorations adorned every place. Colorful flags and torans of fragrant flowers decorated the roads everywhere. High-quality chariots pulled by tall and sleek horses moved in front and behind the procession. Music was playing everywhere. Dancing was going on everywhere. The words 'Victory to Kuru King' echoed everywhere. At the dinner, unimaginable dishes and various delicacies of divine honey were prepared. After Emperor Magadha and Kuru King dined together on the same seat, and other ministers and officials sat in their respective places, friendly talks began - 'We have been cooperating on various matters for a long time in history. This process has weakened somewhat in between. Now we must revive our old friendship and elevate our relationship to a new level. We are interested in investing in Kuru. King Koravyaraj, we want to provide Kuru with the necessary iron. Let Kuru give us sand. We need sand to make lead.' Emperor Magadha began the formal talks, hiding his main objective. 'Valiant Emperor of Magadha, we are extremely pleased with your noble words. The entire Kuru rejoices. Kuru will never forget the goodwill and harmony of this mutual cooperation proposed by Your Majesty. Exchanging materials needed by each other is very beneficial. It is also necessary. We need iron, and we are happy to know that Emperor Magadha needs sand to make lead.' 'We have heard that the King of Kuru is very brave and fearless. But the King of Kuru is also very soft-spoken and gentle. So why delay? Let's prepare a treaty and sign it.' Said Emperor Magadha. 'What the Emperor of Magadha says is appropriate in all respects. However, according to Kuru's customs, to obtain public consent for treaties with foreign countries, we cannot agree to the treaty and sign it now. We will do it later according to public consent. Let this visit continue, may our long-standing friendship last, may our relationship be further strengthened, may our mutual trust be immortal.' Emperor Magadha's heart was wounded, but without showing any pain on his face, he calmly said: 'It is not just to act against the rules. Everything should be done according to Kuru's rules. The main point is that we are ready to wholeheartedly cooperate in Kuru's economic development. Not just iron. We will provide other necessary resources as well and are ready to take our friendship with Kuru to new heights.' Thus, immediately after the dinner talks concluded, Emperor Bimbisara of Magadha called Rajguru Brihaspatyananda into a secret chamber and asked, 'Rajguru, as you saw. The King of Kuru did not sign any treaty. He dodged our proposal with sweet words. What should be done now?' 'Your Majesty, this is natural. When Magadha makes its presence felt in Kuru, the kings of Kosala, Panchala, and Matsya will not remain silent. Kuru itself is weak. If we use force and enter Kuru, those neighboring countries will not let Kuru remain peaceful. It will not be easy for us either. Those other countries will also turn against us. In this sense, the stance taken by Kuru King Koravyaraj for his own benefit is justified. We must change our strategy now.' 'How?' 'To achieve one's goal (to get work done by a weak king), one must tempt him with greed. (If greed doesn't work) one must use fear to get the work done. We showed greed. It didn't work. Now we must achieve the goal by creating fear.' 'But Rajguru, how can fear be created? Is it possible?' 'Yes, Your Majesty. We offered Kuru King free salt and gold. But spread the rumor in Kuru that the King said, 'I have not come to take salt and gold. I have come to reclaim my old self.' Hundreds of our trained spies, including snake charmers, monkey trainers, and dancers, will spread this rumor in Kuru. Nothing more needs to be done. Whatever happens, Kuru's subjects will do it themselves. We don't have to lift a finger. We don't need to arrange any further expenses. Once the Kuru King is weakened, he will come begging for the throne's protection and sign the treaty himself.' 000 000 000 The neighboring country of Kosala was prosperous and peaceful. To ensure that the happiness and peace of the subjects were not disturbed, it did not engage in quarrels or wars. It wanted to enrich the country and its subjects by quietly expanding its trade. Its spies were active inside and outside the country to maintain national interest. Assemblies were held in the palace from time to time to discuss national security, trade, and diplomacy. One day, King Prasenjit of Kosala convened an emergency royal assembly. And asked in the assembly: 'What is the tug-of-war going on between Kuru and Magadha?' After the king's inquiry, Commander Vira Bandhula read out his written report to King Prasenjit: 'Your Majesty, spies of Magadha have discovered a mine of Divyaratna in the Marugiri mountain located on the western border of Kuru. According to our spies, in the Kuru King's visit to Pataliputra last month, Emperor Bimbisara of Magadha proposed an exchange of metals to obtain the Divyaratna. After the Kuru King Koravyaraj skillfully evaded the proposal instead of readily accepting it, Magadha has spread various confusions among the subjects of Kuru. Magadha spies are constantly working to defame the Kuru King by spreading rumors that he spoke ill of Magadha while drunk and asked for gold and salt. They have blown the wind in the opposite direction. Due to the adverse effects, all the subjects of Kuru are organizing against their own king. If the situation continues like this, the Kuru King's throne may be in danger.' 'We need Divyaratna. Kuru's desert mountain is near us. Kuru has made a good decision by not giving Divyaratna to Magadha. The Kuru King is blessed. We must be prepared to rescue him, and our eyes must be constantly fixed on Divyaratna.' 'Yes, Your Majesty, all the intelligence services and military power of Kosala are secretly focused on it.' 'Arrange for an immediate royal visit invitation to the Kuru King for the upliftment of Kosala.' 000 000 000 Immediately after the visit to Magadha, the Kuru King visited Shravasti, the capital of Kosala. King Bimbisara and the subjects of Kosala gave a grand welcome to Kuru King Koravyaraj. Celebrations lasted for three days. It was during this visit that all the subjects learned that Kuru King Koravyaraj does not consume meat and alcohol. The king was like a saintly ascetic. Far from the five forbidden things, calm and polite. After this rumor was spread by the spies and royal administration of Kosala, the restless subjects of Kuru were forced to think positively about the king again. The Kuru royal administration also actively worked to maintain the king's image. On the last day of the visit, the Kuru King and the Kosala King had a one-on-one meeting. 'King of Kuru, you have done well by refusing to give Divyaratna to Magadha. Divyaratna is not easily obtainable. Even if obtained, it is not easily usable. Under the pretext of Divyaratna, Magadha wants to bring even Panchala and Kosala under its sphere of influence. Magadha should not be allowed to come this far. If Magadha comes this far, this entire region will become unstable. Therefore, the entire Kosala is ready to provide you with assistance, adding to the support you have received from Magadha. We are ready.' 'What the valiant King of Kosala says is correct. It is true that Magadha wants to take control of the Marugiri mountain under any pretext. Regarding this matter, one of their specific intelligence officers, Kashyap, has threatened us by saying he will incite a civil war in Kuru.' 'Yes, they can do that. To defeat them, we must exchange information. By strengthening our traditional mutual relationship, we must counter Magadha's diplomacy and push them back.' 'What Your Majesty says is appropriate. We will do that after obtaining public consent.' The Kuru King did not want to fall into the machinations of Kosala, just as he did not fall into Magadha's trap. 000 000 000 The royal administration of Panchala country was trying to find out the cause of some disturbances in the neighborhood. Panchala King Chuli Brahmadata was angry when his intelligence network could not ascertain the truth. Just then, a spy disguised as a merchant from Gandhara country left a message for the court: 'There is a mine of Divyaratna in the desert mountain of Kuru country. Magadha and Kosala are secretly working to obtain it. The Kuru King is under pressure.' After this, King Brahmadata of Panchala could not sleep. He tossed and turned. To have a Divyaratna mine so close and Panchala not knowing about it was a matter of shame for him. Then the king showed his activeness and sent a highly trusted envoy to Kuru with a secret message. 000 000 000 The Kuru King was under great pressure. On one hand, his capacity to excavate Divyaratna was insufficient, and on the other hand, the great powers Magadha and Kosala were active, and Panchala had also shown undue interest. The subjects of Kuru were unaware of the main issue of the Divyaratna mine. They were engrossed in the ripples of superficial events. They had no idea what was happening at a deeper level. 000 000 000 'Rajguru, the acquisition of this Divyaratna is making the entire country restless. Great kings want to seize it. They want to come here for some reason or another. One says he will come. Another says don't let him come. What should be done in such a situation?' Kuru's Mahapandit Rajguru Harshavardhana told King Koravyaraj: 'Magadha is a warrior. When they tried to win us over with flattery, we skillfully evaded them. Now they are trying to subdue us by threatening us. Kosala has also threatened us in soft words. Their soft words today could become harsh tomorrow.' 'Some of our learned people believe that if we welcome Magadha here, we can use Divyaratna to gain wealth, prosperity, and fame, and ensure our security forever. Some intellectuals say that Divyaratna is not something we can handle. What should we actually do?' 'I have said this before, Your Majesty. Rare gems also possess divine power. Powerful countries are always deeply interested in them. Friction between powerful countries like Magadha, Kosala, Panchala, Gandhara, and Matsya generates heat. Not everyone can withstand that heat.' 'What should be done then?' 'Your Majesty, sometimes a crisis comes in the life of a nation. It must be overcome with strategy. Now we must openly state: We have a mine of Divyaratna. But we will not excavate it with the help of any country. Nor will we allow anyone else to excavate it. The day our capacity allows, we will excavate it ourselves. All countries should remain neutral on this matter. We will not sign any treaty with anyone on this matter. This should be clearly explained to all the people and subjects. Because policy says: He who takes on an impossible burden crushes himself. It is wisdom to leave such a burden where it is. Therefore, O King, it is best to keep this Divyaratna mine secure where it is for now. Excavating or arranging for its excavation is currently beyond our control.' King Koravyaraj accepted the suggestion of the great scholar Rajguru Harshavardhana and explained everything clearly to the public in plain language, after which the subjects of Kuru gradually became peaceful and united. Immediately, the country of Kuru, which was synonymous with conflict, took a different turn. Amen.