After the tour, Vikraman said, “Father…” in a halting voice.
The king gave him an affectionate look and said, “Don’t
hesitate Vikrama. Have your say. We may not get another opportunity for a
heart-to-heart conversation”.
“I was going to compliment the artwork. The paintings are
wonderful! Where did you learn to paint like this? Even the art in the art
tower is not comparable to these!”.
The king embraced his son and said, “My child, your words of
praise make it all worthwhile. Your appreciation is good enough for me. I don’t
need others’ adulation”.
“But why would you hide such wonderful art? There is no need
to be shy about this work. All the figures in these paintings are lifelike.
Their faces and expressions are so realistic. Who else can paint like this?!
What is the need to keep these locked away? Shouldn’t everyone enjoy these?”,
asked Vikraman with emotion.
“Vikrama, listen. Might is right in this world. Everyone
adores the art if it comes from the mighty. Do you know the older emperor in
Kanchi? A council of artists gathered to award him the title of ‘the tiger of
art’. Mahendra Pallava’s artwork is
mediocre, but everyone sings his praises. Narasimha Varma also has several such
titles, ‘the lion of sketches, ‘the Narada of music’, ‘the Vishwakarma of
architecture’, and so on. All this only because of his army and might. God
doesn't discriminate between kings and paupers but even God’s representatives
on this earth take the side of the mighty. Mahendaran practiced the Jain
religion for a long time. He harassed the followers of Shaivism. All of a
sudden, he pretended to see the light and started feigning devotion to Lord Shiva.
Vikrama, both Mahendran and his son Narasimhan are master actors. They wear
different guises to mislead people. People fell for their fake devotion. Our
Chozha clan has fostered Shaiva and Vaishnava religions for centuries. They
have worshipped the Lord of Chirappalli and the Lord of Srirangam. But whose
court do the Shaiva and Vaishnava scholars favour now? The Pallava court! Do
you now realize why I don’t want to exhibit my paintings? People will mock my
aspirations as a painter. And there is one more thing…”. The king paused.
“What is it father?”
“I did not paint these to display my artistic skills. These
are displays of my ambition for the Chozha kingdom. I have painted my vision
and dreams. I don’t expect people to understand these. They will mock me and
say I build castles in thin air. I want this hall to remain dark while these
dreams remain dreams. I want this to be open to the public when these scenes
start coming true. I am not fortunate enough to see that happen in my lifetime,
but my wish is for you to take these dreams to fruition. Do you now know why I don’t want you fighting
alongside me?”.
“I understand, Father!”.
“Vikrama, I want you to stay alive to realize my dreams.
Your sole aim should be the glory of the Chozha kingdom. Dream the great future
of the Chozha clan. You should always plan for the tiger flag to fly in all its
glory over all the other flags. I am leaving for war the day after tomorrow. I
am not sure if I will return alive. Scriptures say that those who die in the
battlefield go to heaven. But my heaven is this glorious country. My soul will
be roaming the fields, temples, rivers and coconut groves of the beautiful
Chozha country. My soul will be delighted to hear people say, ‘Parthiban’s son
brought glory back to the Chozha clan’. This is what I want from you as the
last wish. Will you do this for me?”
Vikraman, with tears in his eyes, said ‘I swear so,
father!”.
Ponnan, who was listening to all this, was crying copiously
as well. The king turned to him. “Ponna, you have been listening to all this. I
want a few people with true love for the prince to stay with him. It will
please me if you stayed to support the prince after me. Will you?”
Ponnan broke down, but managed to say “I will, your
majesty!”.
Parthban Kanavu: The Tamil version of the novel is in the public domain. Copyright for the translation is reserved by the translator..
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