Reading Notes: The Priceless Gem (Tuesday)

A collection of pots at a marketplace in Jaipur, India.

Photograph by McKay Savage (2007).

1. This story is a lot like other Indian stories, in that the heroes are born with signs of holiness. Heroes rarely come from the lower castes.
2. The pandits will likely make themselves look ridiculous, rather than wise, in trying to impress the king.
3. The court pandit Senaka doesn’t heed Aushadha Kumar so he’ll probably wind up looking bad.
4. Because Pinguttar, the former student, doesn’t obey tradition’s dictates, he will likely come to an unfortunate end, or at least be punished. His disrespected wife will probably come into good circumstances, such as riches.
5. The king has quite the overreaction. He wants to behead his wife because he thinks she still has feelings for her ex-husband. What kind of king is this? Who would want to be ruled by someone so rash?
6. Most of the king’s pandits only want to ingratiate themselves before him. Aushadha doesn’t and is rewarded for it.
7. This king, Vaideha, is really quick-tempered. It takes days for him and the advice of his wife for him to consider Aushadha’s side.
8. Deception has gotten the pandit Senaka nowhere. Is he destined to always be a scoundrel until the end of his days?
9. Despite Senaka’s attempt to murder Aushadha, the latter forgives the former. Mercy and forgiveness are important traits for rulers and advisers.
10. Senaka isn’t destined for eternal schemes, apparently. He appreciates Aushadha’s freeing him from slavery.

Bibliography

Yagya Sharma. “The Priceless Gem.” Amar Chitra Katha, vol. 672.