The Rigveda Code

by Rashmi Chendvankar

  Amogh got up and walked towards the window…. “Will I catch a glimpse of her if I take a walk around the palace? She may be standing in the balcony of her chamber…” he thought and turned towards the door. The bells of the palace sounded the eighth prahara. Amogh was startled by the sound…. He let out a quiet laugh at his stupid thought. Which soul would be awake at this hour? He realized that he had hopelessly fallen in love… He turned back and dropped himself into his bed.

  *****

  “Greetings! How was your journey, Your Highness? Prabhavsen asked Rikshavi, as he met her, strolling in the palace garden. His nephew, Amogh, and Vikram were also accompanying him for a walk around the garden. “It was fine, Prabhavsenji… You have fine officers and a smooth administration!” Rikshavi replied. Though her words were full of praise, there was an underlying sarcasm in her tone. She had soon realized during her journey that Prabhavsen had chosen the best administered towns and villages for her tour.

  “But the fact remains, Prabhavsenji…..” Rikshavi added, “that we are disconnected with the people… We are more dependent on our officers rather than a strong system of governance… People respect the royal family, but I am sorry to say, Prabhavsenji - they do not have any sense of belonging towards the Vrijian kingdom…. What is a kingdom without its people? People pay taxes to us, we protect them from external invasions and plunder. That is it! The Kshatriyas fight among themselves for power.… The Bharatkhanda witnessed a great devastating war three hundred years ago, fought for the rights over a piece of land…. We have not witnessed a war of such proportions after that, but the Kshatriyas still vie for power over pieces of land…. They are ready to fight battles for such power… Beyond that, have the Kshatriyas and the royal families of the Bharatkhanda thought about their subjects who thrive on those lands?”

  Rikshavi was agitated, but she gradually calmed down, as she realized that Amogh and Vikram too were listening to their conversation. Indeed, it was inappropriate to talk in this manner to the Prime Minister of the kingdom. “I am sorry, Prabhavsenji….” Rikshavi said, “I do not mean to offend you. I told you what I genuinely felt after the journey. Vrij is indeed a powerful and prosperous kingdom… May God bless this land….. I am grateful to you for this tour, Prabhavsenji!”

  Rikshavi walked away, leaving behind an awestruck Amogh and a fascinated Vikram. Prabhavsen sighed. He had no answers… “She will change the legacy of this land….” Prabhavsen remembered Acharya Devak’s words as he left the garden.

  *****

  Bhairavi hosted a grand dinner for her daughter who had arrived back in Vaishali after a long journey. Prabhavsen and his guests were also invited. “We are connoisseurs of talent, Amogh!” King Vrajesh said, “I have heard about your extraordinary archery skills. Please use the facilities in the palace for your practice! We would also like to introduce to you, Acharya Upendra, the royal Vrijian teacher of archery. He would be glad to impart his skills to you!”

  Rikshavi’s face suddenly lost colour. She felt a strong tinge of jealousy. The kheer in her plate was left untouched….

  Amogh was elated. This was his chance to impress the princess with his archery skills…. History was a testimony that the most beautiful women of the Bharatkhanda had always wedded the best archers of their times… Little did Amogh realise that the princess herself was an accomplished archer…. She had not struck down his bow in the forest by chance… It was a skillful archery feat….

  Amogh looked around. He was surprised to notice that the princess had vacated her seat. A shiny gold ornament near her seat caught Amogh’s eyes. He gasped as he recognized it - It was Rikshavi’s payal – a delicate anklet which she wore in one of her feet. He discreetly picked it up and hid it in a knot of his uttariya…

  *****

  Rikshavi resumed her practice at the usual courtyard at the backside of the palace. Her little friends were delighted to see her back, especially Suketu. Rikshavi, however, could not focus. Her usual practice hours were over. She tried to meditate and calm herself, but in vain. “I will go for a walk in the garden instead!” she thought. She walked aimlessly towards the garden. The strange behavior of her father pestered her mind. He did not care to appoint an archery teacher for her. And now here he was, offering the royal archery teacher to a complete stranger!

  As she walked, Rikshavi came across Vikram, who was silently sitting by one of the fountains in the garden. “Greetings!” said Rikshavi, “Where is your friend?” “Greetings!” replied Vikram, “Amogh is with Acharya Upendra…” Rikshavi looked aside to hide her anger. She decided to change the subject.

  “Haven’t you learnt archery?” she asked Vikram. “No, I have studied military science, but not archery. But never mind. My bare hands are enough for at least three people!” Vikram replied with laughter. Rikshavi smiled. “Sure enough, the tall and well built Vikram could easily be tough for a few men together” she thought, as she stole a glance at his chiseled body.

  “And what do they exactly teach you in Philosophy at Takshashila, Vikram?” she asked. “We learn about various cultures; and the philosophies which form a part of these cultures. We study the philosophies propounded by various learned men, through treatises written by them. We also analyze these philosophies…..” Vikram replied.

  “Interesting!” Rikshavi said, “But what do you mean by analyzing philosophies?” she asked. “Well, we try to study the circumstances and personalities that influenced a particular philosophy…..” replied Vikram.

  “Are religious beliefs and rules, the shastras, also some kind of philosophies, Vikram?” Rikshavi asked. Vikram was stunned. No one he knew, had asked such a bold question to anyone before. “Well Princess, religion is a very sensitive subject. Though I would like to believe that religion and shastras are also some kind of philosophies, it would be a controversial statement to say so…” he said, “As religion is related to God and questioning religion would be interpreted as questioning God. However, religion and shastras have been created by humans, not God…. We are not born with our religion and caste stamped on our bodies… These are rules made by humans themselves, perhaps to regulate the human society…”

  Rikshavi listened with rapt attention. “But we are born with a specific gender, Vikram….” she said… “Yes, but that differentiates us on a physical and functional level. It does not make any of us lesser than the other… In fact, each gender has certain unique attributes which are meant to complement the attributes of the other gender.….” Vikram replied. Rikshavi fell into contemplative silence for a while. “Do you know about Adishakti Vikram?” she asked. Vikram was astonished. “Where did you hear about ‘Adishakti’, Princess? He asked. “This concept is lesser known in this part of the Bharatkhanda. It is mainly known in the eastern kingdoms of Vanga, Anga and Kalinga!” he added.

  Rikshavi told him about her visit to the temple of Goddess Durga at Kaawar, her meeting with Acharya Birendra and the story of the Warrior - Goddess Durga. “Acharya Birendra said that Goddess Durga was a form of Adishakti, the primal cosmic energy that created the Gods themselves….” She added. “This is a belief of the Shakta sect” Vikram informed Rikshavi, “The Shaktas worship Shakti, the feminine aspect of the Supreme Divine.

  “Do you also believe that the Supreme Divine God is feminine?” Rikshavi asked Vikram. “No Rikshavi. I believe that the Supreme Divine God is formless. But yes, I do believe that the primal cosmic force which created the Universe is a feminine aspect of the Supreme Divine God! This force has to be feminine, because it is fertile – it creates living beings!” Vikram said. “God creates new life through women….” Rikshavi remembered her mother’s words.

  “But why is this aspect called Shakti?” Rikshavi asked. She knew that Shakti literally meant ‘strength’ in Sanskrit. This was astonishing. Strength was being described as a feminine phenomenon! Vikram smiled. “Why do you see any contradiction in that Princess?” he asked, “Women do possess strength, Rikshavi. They are resilient. Their mental endura
nce is far greater than their male counterparts. This strength manifests itself at various occasions, especially when a female’s offsprings are endangered – like the way Adishakti took the form of Goddess Durga to protect the Gods!” he said. Rikshavi smiled. “Wonderful!” she said, “I am now beginning to understand what Acharya Birendra said….”

  “Shakti also means energy, Rikshavi…” Vikram continued. This entire Universe is one big melting pot of energy. Energy keeps transforming from one form to another and creates and moves the Universe. Even this is a feminine attribute – a woman also goes through many transformations in her life so that new life can be created and moved!” Vikram said.

  “But what do you mean by saying ‘energy transforms itself’?” Rikshavi asked. “Well… Imagine you are going to shoot an arrow. You pull the string of the bow. The energy stored in your muscles is transformed into energy stored in the pulled string. Then you release the arrow. The energy stored in the string is transformed into an energy which propels the arrow. This energy again gets stored in the object which the arrow hits…” Vikram replied.

  “My God! Philosophy is such a profound subject…” Rikshavi exclaimed. “But are all Philosophy students unusual like you Vikram?” she teased.

  “What’s so unusual about me?” asked Vikram. “Well, a boy who looks like a warrior and talks like a teacher is unusual, isn’t it? Rikshavi said mischievously.

  “Hmm…” said Vikram, “you are no less unusual Rikshavi!”

  “Oh! Is it because I have learnt archery?” Rikshavi asked.

  “Not only that…” replied Vikram, “You are different in so many other ways..… you are a talented archer, you are modest, you treat all people with respect, you are intelligent, you are fearless, you are not afraid to ask bold questions…..”

  “And?” asked Rikshavi, with mischief in her eyes.

  “And… you wear the uttariya only on one shoulder and tie it on the other side… Women in the Bharatkhanda generally place the uttariya on both their shoulders…. And also….” Vikram suddenly paused.

  “And also what Vikram? Rikshavi asked. “And also…. You are unusually beautiful!” Vikram said.

  Rikshavi was speechless… She looked aside to hide the blush on her face…. The two silently walked out of the garden. Coincidentally, they crossed each other at the same spot the next day and broke into a conversation. Such “coincidences” continued…..

  *****

  Rikshavi was at the backside courtyard of the palace, practicing her archery as usual. Suketu came running to her. “Licchavi, Acharya Upendra is organizing an event after a fortnight to showcase what he has taught Amogh. He has invited all the people from the palace. I just sneaked in the courtyard where they are practicing. Amogh is amazing!” Suketu said. Rikshavi gulped down her anger and resumed her practice without any response. “Let’s go and see them, Licchavi! It will be fun!” Suketu persisted. “Yes let us go. Even I am going there!” declared Vikram, as he entered the courtyard. Rikshavi finally agreed.

  They proceeded to the royal courtyard where Amogh was learning under the guidance of Acharya Upendra. Targets were set at various distances and heights. Amogh was hitting his targets perfectly. After all the targets were hit, Acharya Upendra came outside the courtyard and pointed out to a far-away tree. An apple was placed atop a high branch of that tree. It appeared very small due to the long distance and the height of the branch. It was barely visible. Rikshavi looked on with bated breath. She could match all the feats which Amogh had performed in the courtyard. But this looked impossible.

  Amogh took aim and within moments, the arrow had hit the apple. “Bravo!” Rikshavi shouted. Amogh smiled at her. “She has finally seen my skills!” he happily thought to himself… Rikshavi walked towards Acharya Upendra and bowed. “Greetings Acharya! I am Rikshavi, the daughter of King Vikram and Queen Bhairavi. I have learnt archery but I would be grateful if I could get your guidance” she said. Acharya Upendra smiled. “Sure princess!” he said, “Let us go back to the courtyard and see what you have already learnt!”

  Rikshavi enthusiastically went back to the courtyard. One by one, she hit all the targets which Amogh had hit. Amogh was astonished… He gaped at the Princess. Vikram proudly watched his newfound friend.

  “Excellent! Who has taught you archery, Princess?” Acharya Upendra asked. “My mother, Queen Bhairavi!” replied Rikshavi, “Acharya Shashwat also guided me when I was in Sravasti…” “You do not need any further guidance my child!” Acharya Upendra said, “Just keep practicing!

  “But I have never tried shooting at longer distances. Please guide me!” pleaded Rikshavi. Acharya Upendra sighed. “I am sorry, Princess! One requires huge muscular strength to propel arrows at longer distances. I am not sure whether you will be able to do it…” Rikshavi glanced at Amogh’s muscular arms. Her arms were strong, but no match for Amogh’s arms. “There is a certain distance after which your aim would not work…….” she remembered Acharya Shashwat’s words….. “Thank you Acharya!” she bowed down to Acharya Upendra and silently left.

  Amogh was left bewildered. No woman he knew possessed such extraordinary skill in archery. It was indeed not going to be easy to win the heart of the princess!

  *****

  Vikram had waited for a long time in the palace garden. Rikshavi had not turned up at the usual time. Suddenly, Vikram got up. He started walking towards the backside courtyard. He knew Rikshavi would be still there. As he approached the courtyard, he saw what he had expected…. Rikshavi had placed an apple on a high tree branch at a long distance and was trying to hit it, but in vain.

  “Sometimes, you have to accept your limitations, Princess!” Vikram called out. Rikshavi gave a furious glance to Vikram and continued. Each arrow was missing its aim, though Rikshavi applied all her strength. Vikram finally walked down towards her and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Rikshavi broke down in his comforting arms. Her shoulders and arms were sore. She sobbed like a little girl. “Why has Goddess Durga not given me physical strength like Amogh?” she asked. “May be she has given you something else in its stead!” Vikram replied. “Instead of trying in futility, why don’t you think of a way in which the arrow can be propelled at a longer distance even with your limited strength?” he added, in order to console Rikshavi.

  Rikshavi stopped sobbing. “May be we can make a superior bow!” she enthusiastically said, “Let’s go to Shaimak, the person who makes bows for the royal palace!”

  Vikram was not actually very convinced, but he followed Rikshavi to Shaimak’s house. As they entered, they saw Kairee, the young daughter of Shaimak, pulling water from the well in the yard outside Shaimak’s house. “Greetings!” Rikshavi called out to her. “Greetings!” she replied. “I am Rikshavi. I want to meet Shaimakji!” Rikshavi requested. “Princess Licchavi! I am Kairee, his daughter. Please come in!” Kairee invited her in.

  As they waited for Shaimak, Kairee anxiously looked at Rikshavi. “Do you want to say something dear?” Rikshavi asked. “I have heard from my father that you are a skilled archer and you also teach others… Can I also learn from you?” Kairee asked. “Sure, Kairee! Why don’t you start coming from tomorrow? We all meet at the courtyard at the backside of the palace at the third prahara everyday!” Rikshavi smilingly replied.

  Shaimak entered. “Thank you, Your Highness, for accepting my daughter’s request…” he said. “I also have a request, Shaimak!” Rikshavi replied. She narrated her thoughts about long distance bows. “We make bows with limbs which curve outwards, in order to reduce the effort involved in shooting. This also increases the effective distance at which the arrows can be propelled. But I have already provided such bows to the royal palace…” Shaimak said, “I do not know any better method to reduce the effort involved and increase the shooting distance. I am sorry, Your Highness!”

  Rikshavi was visibly disappointed. As she walked out of the house, she saw Kairee pulling water from the well. Kairee enthusiastically waved to her and c
ontinued her work. After walking a distance, Rikshavi suddenly stopped. “I know what we can do!” she exclaimed… She turned back and dashed towards Shaimak’s house. Vikram hurriedly followed. “I will tell you a better method to reduce the effort of an archer!” she told Shaimak, “But you will have to take a vow that this secret shall not be disclosed to any other person…” Shaimak vowed in the name of God that he would keep the secret. Rikshavi took one of the bows lying around in her hands, and whispered her idea with demonstration. “Fantastic!” Shaimak exclaimed… “I will make such a bow for you, Princess!”

  Vikram was anxiously waiting outside the house. “What did you tell him?” he curiously asked Rikshavi. “Why should I tell you? Rikshavi playfully asked. “Because I am your closest friend! Anyways, you cannot possibly keep a secret from me, can you?” Vikram retorted. Rikshavi laughed. “Alright my dear friend! I will tell you… The limbs of the bow will have a double casing. The casing will hide the secret apparatus which will reduce the archer’s effort…” Rikshavi said. “And what will be that apparatus?” Vikram eagerly asked. “Wheels!” exclaimed Rikshavi, “The bowstring will be strung around wheels attached at the limbs of the bow. The wheels will act like the pulley we saw at the well outside Shaimak’s house… It will not only substantially reduce my effort to pull the bowstring, it will give me more holding time till I get the perfect aim…” “Brilliant!” Vikram exclaimed.

  Over the next few weeks, Rikshavi kept visiting Shaimak while he made the new bow. She tested it a few times and made suggestions for necessary modifications. Finally, after three weeks, the bow was ready. Rikshavi, Vikram, Kairee and Shaimak were standing near the backside courtyard of the palace. An apple was placed on a high tree branch at a long distance. Rikshavi held her new bow and took aim. Within moments, her arrow struck the apple! Vikram, Kairee and Shaimak clapped and shouted with joy. Rikshavi was ecstatic…….