Direction: The King of Kanchi set off to conquer Karnat. He was victorious in the battle. The elephants were laden with sandalwood, Ivory, gold and precious stones taken from the conquered kingdom of Karnat. They would be a part of the victory parade for his subjects. On his way back home, he stopped at a temple, finished his prayers to the goddess and turned to leave. Around his neck was a garland of scarlet hibiscus and was the custom for all, his forehead was anointed with red sandal paste. His Minister and the court jester were his only companions. At one spot, in a mango grove by the wayside, they spied some children play. The king said, “Let me go and see what they are playing.”
The children had lined up two rows of clay dolls and were playing warriors and battles. The king asked, “Who is fighting whom?” They said, “karnat is at battle with Kanchi.” The King asked, “who is winning and who is the loser?” The children puffed their chests up and said, “karnat will win and kanchi will lose.” The Minister froze in disbelief, the King was furious and the jester burst into laughter. The king was soon joined by his troops and the children were still immersed in their game. The King commanded, “Cane them hard.” The children’s parents came running from the nearby village and said, “They are naive, it was just a game, please grant them pardon.”