Did you know that mosquitoes

have names?
Meet AEDES* mosquitoes–they
cause the two crippling diseases
which have been maiming
children, and women and men–
young and old alike.
*
Aedes aegypti - the mosquito species that transmit the virus.

1 Observe this dress code: Wear full-sleeved clothes ; don’t

expose your body.
2 Apply a thin layer of any mosquito repellent on any
exposed part.
3 Sleep under mosquito-nets.
4 If you have an aquarium, change the water at least once in
two or three days.
5 Remember to cover water tanks, and water stored in
vessels.
6 Do not keep drinking water in the fridge for more than two
days; fill them with fresh water.
7 Keep your study room/workplace neat and clean.
Mosquitoes breed where there is junk.

Issued by your magazine in the interests of the health of children in India.

CMYK
 VOL. 37 DECEMBER 2006 NO. 12
7
Double trouble
(Vikram and Vetala)
CONTENTS
 Mail Bag ...06
 Indiascope ...11
12  Science Fair ...14
Waiting to  The Fearless Four (Comics) ... 18
happen
(Ruskin Bond)  Discipline
(A Jataka tale) ...22
 News Flash ...25
16
A King Who  The Most Precious Gift ...30
Disliked Wars  Kaleidoscope ...33
(A page from  Puzzle Dazzle ...37
Indian history)
 Shipwrecked
(From the Arabian Nights) ...38
26  How the Giraffe Got His
Turning the Long Neck ...44
Tables  The Last Gesture of the Great
(Humorous story)
Prince (Anecdotes from the
lives of the great) ...48
46
Glimpses of Devi  The True Wealth ...50
Bhagavatam  Laugh Till You Drop ...52
(Mythology)
 Saga of the Queen of the Air
(Adventure & Exploration) ...57
 Garuda (Comics) ... 60
53
The Tale of  Book Review ...64
Two Sisters  Chandamama Quiz ...65
(A folktale from
 Photo Caption Contest ...66
Bengal)
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION : English Rs.180/- FOR BOOKING SPACE
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Add Rs.90/- on outstation cheques. Ph: 044-2231 3637 / 2234 7399
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© The stories, articles and designs contained in this issue are the exclusive property of the Publishers.
Copying or adapting them in any manner/medium will be dealt with according to law.

CMYK
Founded by Editor Editorial Advisors Consultant Editor
B. Nagi Reddi Viswam Ruskin Bond [Link]
Chakrapani Manoj Das

F irst it was chikungunya. From stray cases, it slowly spread to reach epidemic proportions.
Then came yet another crippling disease called dengue, a viral fever, which was also not
confined to one region. For nearly six months from last May-June, these two diseases were
‘talking points’, with discussions around possible treatment and prevention. We were told that
the name chikungunya came from a tree in African countries which goes dry or assumes a bend.
The victims reach a stage when they will be unable to walk straight, and take a long time, even
after sustained treatment, to become normal. Similarly, dengue was wrongly called Japanese
fever. After reading through research findings, and investigations in India, the origin of the two
diseases was pinpointed to a mosquito-bite! The villain was identified as aedes aegypti capable
of spreading a virus causing both diseases. Strangely, this mosquito is found to be more active
during the day than at night. By now, the spread of the diseases has been checked, and people
are being advised on methods of prevention. A two-pronged strategy is being promoted: to
annihilate the existing mosquito population and to deny them facilities to breed.
Ultimately, it has boiled down to the discovery that we ourselves are the culprits – by
keeping our immediate surroundings unclean, collecting junk all over our houses, and allowing
putrefication of garbage.
We are familiar with the sight of modern cities existing side by side with slums where there
is no proper drainage; there is stagnation of water. That 'prevention is better than cure' remains
a proverb in text-books, while we search for an easy scapegoat–‘government’! Who is this
government? They are none other than our elected representatives, some of whom may even be
our neighbours.
Let all of us remember our duty: keep our environment clean. We should know that cleanliness
reflects not only the character of the residents but the health of the community.

Today learned men everywhere take the best from small and large
books, like a bee from flowers. - Kapila
Smaller than the small, greater than the great, the self is
set in the heart of every creature. - Kathopanishad

Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard are sweeter.

- Keats
Visit us at : [Link]

CMYK
 Reader Dipankar Dutta, New Delhi,
has this to say :
For the last three years, I have not missed even
a single issue. I am highly impressed by its wide
collection of stories and articles on science. I
devour the content like a knowlege-hungry
child. I am greatly touched by the folktales and
stories from mythology of the bygone era.

This came from Saisuman Pahan,

Balasore :
Chandamama has been my favourite magazine
from my childhood. I have not missed any issues.
“Science Fair” is the best feature. I like to read By e-mail from reader Sesikala,
the Arabian Nights comics. The stories in the Visakhapatnam :
magazine are not only interesting but informative. Chandamama is well-loved by kids and
Congratulations on completing 60 years. adults alike. The magazine’s language is
of a good standard, despite ‘printer’s
devil, like growse instead of grouse
(November issue).

Reader [Link] Shankara Bhat writes from

Bangalore:
This came from Soibam Sonali of
I like all the stories in Chandamama. The Garuda
Imphal, Manipur :
comics is shaping well. I also like News Flash,
Science Fair, and other knowledge-giving articles. I am a new reader of Chandamama.
It is very informative and interesting.
The magazine is of great value for the
growing generation. I have gained more
knowledge after I started reading
Ms. Pavithra Srinivasan, Editor, Chandamama. The stories are quite
Katha, Chennai, writes : interesting and help me to spend my leisure
The reviews (of Katha books) are insightful hours usefully. The stories invariably have
and elaborate. I deeply appreciate them. great morals. I really liked the folktale from
I am sure Chandamama will continue to Orissa “The Seven Sisters-in-law”.
publish excellent stories and articles as it I am keenly looking forward to seeing
does now. the next issues.

December 2006 6 Chandamama

CMYK
NEW TALES
OF KING
VIKRAM AND
THE VETALA

T he cremation ground presented an eerie spectacle

on that dark night. The moon was hidden behind
the clouds, and it was drizzling intermittently. The pitch
darkness was relieved only by occasional flashes of
lightning that lit up the sombre scene, causing an eerie
dance of jerky shadows in the cremation ground.
Occasionally, a jackal’s spine-chilling howl
or the blood-curdling laughter of some
invisible evil spirit cut into the silence that
hung like a shroud over the area.
Altogether, it was a scene that would
strike terror into the bravest heart. But
nothing could daunt the intrepid King
Vikram. Once again, he made his way to
the gnarled tree from which the ancient corpse
was hanging. Bones crunched under his feet,
and a screeching ghost rose from the dust in
shuddering frenzy as he marched determinedly
ahead.
Oblivious to everything but the mission at hand,
he brought the hanging corpse down by cutting the rope
with his sword. Slinging it astride his shoulder, he had
just begun his return journey when the vampire that
possessed the corpse said, “O King! Braving the dangers
of this cremation ground, you have been working
relentlessly to achieve your goal. But I doubt whether
you will be able to achieve it. Further, even if you do get
what you wish for, will you be lucky enough to enjoy it,
or will you end up squandering the fruits of your triumph?
This was what happened with Jayant, a prince who set
out on a mission, only to abandon it when success was
within his grasp! Listen to his story.”
The tale the vampire narrated was as follows.
Prince Jayant, heir to the throne of Chandragiri, had
attained marriageable age. When the king and queen let
it be known that they were looking for a suitable bride

CMYK
 you are and what you’re doing in this lonely wood? You’re
so beautiful that you look hardly human. Are you celestial
nymphs?”
The girls giggled. One of them answered, “We’re as
human as you are. We’re twin sisters Shweta and Shyama,
daughters of the renowned astrologer Pandit Narayan.
Our father loves this valley and has a hut here which he
often uses as a retreat. We had come down here for a
family holiday, when Father was invited by the
neighbouring king for consultation. So he has gone there,
leaving us behind.”
The prince said, “Permit me to introduce myself. I’m
Jayant, the crown-prince of Chandragiri. My parents want
me to get married, but I didn’t like any of the girls they
found for me. I left home in search of a suitable bride of
my own choice. Now that I have seen you, I think I need
look no farther. I would like to marry one of you. I want
to discuss the matter with your father. When does he
return from his visit?”
“As a matter of fact, he’s expected tomorrow
morning,” answered the girl who had spoken earlier.
for their son, marriage proposals from royal families poured Now, the other girl spoke up: “But before you
in. The queen showed him the portraits of several proceed further, there’s something you need to know.
princesses which she had received, and asked him to Our father is an astrologer whose predictions seldom go
make his choice. However, Jayant did not like any of wrong. After examining our horoscopes, he has predicted
them. Soon, he was fed up of the whole exercise. that both of us are destined to marry one man.”
Suddenly an idea struck him – ‘Why should I agree to “That’s not a problem,” said Jayant enthusiastically.
having a bride chosen for me? I shall go out into the world “You needn’t fear that I shall cause your father’s prophesy
and find a girl whom I like, and marry her!’ to go wrong. I have no objection to marrying both of you
The idea filled him with excitement. Without telling – if that’s what you all wish!”
anyone of his plan, he swiftly saddled his horse and rode The first girl asked, “What do you know about us,
out of the palace. Before long, he had left the capital far O Prince?”
behind him and was in the countryside. “I don’t know anything as yet,” shot back Jayant,
After riding aimlessly for a few hours, Jayant came “but I’m ready to learn – whatever you tell me!”
to a picturesque wooded valley. The scenic beauty of The girls exchanged glances. The second said, “Both
the place urged him to stop and explore it. He had just of us are very obstinate by nature. We would do anything
dismounted when his attention was drawn to two young to get our own way. Also, despite being devoted to each
women who were plucking flowers from the bushes a other, we are also fiercely competitive by nature.” She
few yards away. Their beauty took his breath away. paused and looked at her sister.
After watching them from afar for a few moments, The latter now spoke up: “One thing we’re both very
Jayant could no longer restrain his curiosity. He particular about is that the man we marry must be very
approached them and asked, “Ladies, may I know who intelligent. If you don’t mind, we’d like to test you.”

December 2006 8 Chandamama

CMYK
 This challenge appealed to the prince’s sporting they invited him to their hut. Quickly, they prepared a
nature. “By all means!” he said. delicious repast and served him.
“Well, then,” she went on, “we’ve already told you “Thank you for a most tasty feast!” said the prince
that our names are Shweta and Shyama. But which of us as he washed his hands after the meal.
is Shweta, and which Shyama? Can you answer that, O Seating himself on the chair offered, he turned to
Prince?” Shweta and said, “And now, I have the answer to your
For a moment, the prince remained silent, studying question. You are the older twin.”
their faces intently. Then, with a smile, he told the girl “Right! But how could you guess?” asked Shweta in
who had asked the question, “Evidently, you have been admiration.
named on the basis of your complexion. Now, you are The prince explained, “Generally, it is the older sister
of a slightly dusky complexion, compared to your sister who cooks the food, while the younger helps her in
– so, you are Shyama. She is fairer than you; hence, she cooking and in serving the food. I observed that you did
must be Shweta. Am I right?” all the cooking, while Shyama did the serving. That’s how
The girl beamed and nodded. “Yes, you are. I must I came to this conclusion.”
compliment you,” she said. “You’re intelligent indeed!” said Shyama. “And now,
It was now Shweta’s turn to pose a question. “Can there’s one more thing I want to ask you. According to
you find out which of us is the older twin, and which the our horoscopes, both my sister and I are destined to give
younger?” birth to our children on the same day. But my child will
Jayant replied, “I can’t tell you that immediately. But be born a few minutes before Shweta’s. In such a
if you give me a couple of hours’ time, I shall give you the scenario, which of the children would you designate as
answer.” your heir?”
The girls agreed. Meanwhile, as it was lunch time, The prince said, “I need some time to think it over

Chandamama 9 December 2006

CMYK
 Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and is easily
destroyed by heat, light, air and oxidation; therefore
it is also easily lost in cooking water. When cooking
with copper or iron utensils, there is an even greater
loss if alkalis such as baking powder or soda is used.

before answering. I would now like to take your leave. I part to back out after having virtually promised marriage
shall come and meet your father tomorrow.” He then to the two innocent girls? If you know the answer, speak
bowed to the girls and departed. out. Otherwise, your head shall shatter into smithereens!”
The next morning, Pandit Narayan returned from his Without hesitation, King Vikram answered, “It’s true
visit. The girls told him all about the prince’s visit. that Jayant was initially smitten by the girls’ beauty and
However, evening brought not the prince as he subsequently rejected them in a rather callous manner.
expected, but a royal messenger, bearing a letter from But this was not because they were commoners, but for
the prince to the girls that read: “After thinking over the another reason. By their own admission, they were
matter, I have come to the conclusion that I cannot marry obstinate and competitive. On reflection, he realised that
you, after all. Pardon me for not keeping my word to these traits in them, if he made them his queens, would
you. Next week, I shall be getting married to Princess cause havoc to the kingdom. Each would insist on her
Pushpa of Suryapur, the bride chosen by my parents.” own son being nominated the heir-apparent. This, in turn,
Concluding the story at this point, the vampire would not only cause strife within the family but weaken
demanded, “O King, why did Jayant – who had earlier the kingdom. Hence, he wisely decided not to marry
been hell-bent on choosing a bride himself without either or both of them!”
parental interference – suddenly change his mind, and On hearing this, the vampire nodded in approval,
opt for a traditionally arranged marriage? Perhaps, he before going off into peal after peal of thunderous laughter.
had originally been smitten by the girls’ beauty, but on The next moment he, along with the corpse, moved off
subsequent reflection realised that they were commoners, the king’s shoulder with a jerk and flew back to the tree.
and as such, unsuitable! But if he was determined to marry King Vikram gave a little sigh as he gazed upon the scene.
only a girl of royal blood, why did he embark on this Then, he squared his shoulders and retraced his steps
exercise at all? Wasn’t it the height of callousness on his towards the tree.

December 2006 10 Chandamama

CMYK
 BULLOCKS AND MUSIC
I nside the impregnable Gwalior fort is the palace
Man Mandir built by the Tomar ruler Man Singh(1486-
1516). He had designed it in such a way that he could
listen to music even from the corridors, as music was his
greatest aspiration. It was music that brought him and the
tribal girl Mriganayani closer. He met her for the first time
under strange circumstances. As he was returning from a
hunting expedition, the elephant he was riding could not
move forward as two fighting buffaloes blocked his way.
Suddenly, some village belles appeared. They, too, stood
aghast, but one of them bravely went forward and separated the bulls! She was Mriganayini. Man
Singh invited her to his palace where, on subsequent days, he would be enchanted by her music.
He wished to marry her, but he could not as she belonged to a tribe called Gujars. However, he
built for her a separate palace calling it Gujari Mahal. At present, it is an Archaeological Museum.

MORE THAN A
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
P eople generally believe that Diwali
commemorates the return of Rama to Ayodhya
at the end of a 14-year exile after his victory over Ravana,
marking the advent of ‘Ramarjaya’. A historical victory
is remembered on this day when King Vikramaditya of
the Gupta dynasty, returned to his capital Ujjain after
defeating the Huns who had invaded India in A.D. 530. For
the followers of Jainism, it was on Diwali day the founder of the religion, Lord Mahavira, attained
Nirvana. Again, it was on Diwali day the sixth Sikh Guru Har Govind reached Amritsar after being
released by the Mughal Emperor Jehangir. To commemorate the occasion, the Golden Temple is
illuminated on Diwali. The Arya Samajists have a special significance for the day, as it was on
Diwali that the founder, Swami Dayanand Saraswathi, ended his earthly existence by drinking
poisoned milk offered to him by his religious rivals. Thus, Diwali is more than a “festival of lights”.

Chandamama 11 December 2006

CMYK
 From the pen of
RUSKIN BOND

henever there was an emergency, it so happened

W that Grandfather was in his bath. He was in his
bath when a wild elephant smashed its way through the
and the baby python had been removed by young master
Rakesh who had put it there in the first place.
Grandfather’s bath consisted of an old-fashioned tin
garden, trampling Grandmother’s prize roses and sweet
tub filled with several buckets of hot water to which he
peas and bringing down the garden wall.
added sprigs of mint. A mint bath! No one had ever heard
He was in his bath when the roof of the house blew
of a mint bath, but Grandfather said it was most refreshing.
away in a cyclone.
Grandfather sang in his bath and splashed around a
He was in his bath when a visiting aunt went into
lot, which is probably why he seldom knew what was
hysterics because there was a baby python curled up on
going on elsewhere in the house.
her dressing-table.
He was in his bath when they felt the first shock of
On all these occasions he expressed surprise that
the great earthquake that was to reduce most of the town
anything could have happened during the twenty minutes
to a rubble.
he was in his bath-tub; by the time he got dressed,
The family was living in Shillong, a busy little town in
everything was over: the wild elephant had gone
the Cherrapunji Hills, where Grandfather Burman had
trumpeting on its way, the cyclonic storm had passed,
retired from the Forest Service. He had bought a
large old house on the outskirts of the town, a house
so large and so old that a major part of his pension
was used up in repairing it every now and then.
Grandmother Burman just about managed to make
both ends meet. There were no servants except for
Mumtaz the cook, who had been with the family
since Grandfather’s Forest Service days; he had four
small children of his own.
The Burmans’ grandchildren lived with them.
Rakesh, 11 years, rode off to school on his bicycle
every morning. Mukesh, six, refused to go to school
until he was seven. Dolly, three, followed
Grandmother about the house and garden, helping
her feed the chickens and the dog (which was a half
dachshund, half spaniel and was called Pickle) and
a goat that Grandfather insisted would provide them
with milk some day––only, so far it had not.
The children’s mother had died when Dolly was
born; and their father, Mr. Burman, worked on a
tea estate a few hundred miles away where there
were no schools. So the children stayed with Mr.

December 2006 12 Chandamama

CMYK
Burman’s parents, who wouldn’t have
parted with them for anything in the world.
Every year there were earth tremors in
this part of India, but there had not been a
really big earthquake for thirty years.
“What do you do when there’s an
earthquake?” asked Rakesh, who had
heard all about the last one.
“There isn’t time to do much,” said
Grandfather. “Everyone just rushes out of
doors.”
“I’ll stay in my bed until it’s all over,”
said Rakesh.
“I’ll get under my bed,” said Mukesh.
“It can’t find me there!”
“It’s best to stand in a doorway,” said
Grandmother. “If you look at earthquake
pictures, you’ll notice that the door frames
are always left standing!”
Although Shillong was in a region where
earthquakes sometimes happened, the
family preferred to live there. There was a
lake and a colourful bazaar, and
Grandmother’s garden was full of butterflies, birds and the elephant that strayed into the garden, nothing very
exotic orchids, as well as fruit trees and trees that were exciting had happened recently to the family. The highlight
fun to climb. Rakesh liked roaming around the town on of the year had been Rakesh’s winning the high jump in
his bicycle. Mukesh enjoyed the sweet shops in the his school sports, for which he had won a small cup––so
bazaar––when he was not wrestling with Mumtaz’s two small that he had given it to Dolly to add to her doll’s house.
boys. Dolly kept herself busy building her own doll’s house Then one morning, while Grandfather was in his bath,
under the staircase. the town seemed suddenly very still and very quiet….
Life moved at a gentle pace in Shillong. Apart from (To continue...)

DID YOU KNOW?

A cat sees about six times better than a human at night because of
the tapetum lucidum, a layer of extra reflecting cells which absorb
light.

Chandamama 13 December 2006

CMYK
 - By Rosscote
Krishna Pillai

XMAS-BORN: ISAAC NEWTON

I saac Newton, universally acclaimed as the world’s greatest-ever scientist,
was born on December 25, 1642 (according to the Julian calendar, but
on January 4, 1643 as per the prevailing Gregorian) in Lincolnshire in
England. His father, Isaac Newton, a wealthy farmer, died two months
before the son’s birth. His mother remarried and Isaac had an unhappy
childhood. He was sent to the Free Grammar School in Grantham. On his
completing education there, in 1661, he was admitted to the Trinity College,
Cambridge. He graduated in 1665. With the outbreak of plague in England
in 1665, the University was closed and Newton was soon back home.
But that year became the most productive period of his life. He made some of his most
outstanding contributions to science. He invented a new form of mathematics, calculus, and worked
out the binomial theorem. His work in optics, using glass prisms, led to his finding that white light
is a combination of several different colours and also that light consists of corpuscles or minute
particles.
Seeing an apple fall from a tree in his farm made him think about the force of gravitation, and
concluded that the same force governed the motion of the Moon and the fall of the apple. Ultimately
it led to his general theory of gravitation. It stated that every particle of matter attracts every other
particle and that the attraction varied as the product of their masses and inversely as the square of
the distance between them. He identified gravitation as the fundamental force controlling the
motions of celestial bodies and that the law of gravitation was at work in the universe.
His researches on mechanics led to the three laws of motion: (1) A body at rest or in uniform
motion will continue in that state unless a force is applied; (2) The applied force equals the rate of
change of momentum of the body; and (3) If a body exerts a force on another body, there is an
equal but opposite force on the first body.
Newton returned to his college in 1667. He got his Master’s degree two years later. When he
was only 27, he was made the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics in Cambridge University. There
he worked on the behaviour of light and published his results in 1704 in a treatise called the
Opticks. His book Principia in short, detailing his findings, published first in Latin in 1687, is
renowned as the greatest scientific book ever written.
Newton was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (F.R.S.) in1671 when he was 29. In 1703, he
was elected President of the Royal Society, which post he held till his death, and elected a Member
of Parliament in 1689. He was knighted in 1705, the first scientist to be honoured thus for his work.
A bachelor, he remained wedded to science. He died on March 20, 1727 at the age of 85 and
was buried in Westminster Abbey, where the bodies of many of UK’s famous men had been
interred.
December 2006 14 Chandamama

CMYK
 GENETIC COPYING PROCESS
DISCOVERED
D [Link] [Link] of Stanford University, USA, won this year’s
Nobel Prize in chemistry for his discovery of the mechanism by
which the information stored in the genes is copied from DNA
(deoxyribonucleic acid) in the nucleus of an organism’s cells into
what is called messenger RNA (mRNA – ribonucleic acid) and then
transferred to the outer parts of the cells that produce proteins . It
is actually the proteins that build the organism and enable its functions.
This copying and transferring process or mechanism is called
transcription. [Link] analysed and studied this process in the
important group of organisms called eukaryotes, which consists of all higher animals including
mammals and plants as well as ordinary yeast. Their cells have well-defined nucleii. Dr. Kornberg
was the first to create detailed crystallographic pictures of the arrangement of the several thousands
of atoms in each molecule of the machinery.
Diseases such as cancer, heart ailments and several kinds of inflammation are connnected with
disturbances in the transcription process. If the process is interrupted, thereby stopping protein
production, the organism will die. So this discovery has fundamental importance in medicine.
His father, Dr. Arthur Kornberg, had received the Nobel Prize in medicine/physiology in 1959–
a rare instance of both a father and son becoming Nobel laureates.

NEWTONSPEAK SCIENCE QUIZ

1. What is the branch of science
“I do not know what I may dealing with the study of liquids at
appear to the world; but to rest known as?
myself, I seem to have been only a. Hydrolysis; b. Hydrography;
like a boy playing on the c. Hydrology; d. Hydrostatics
seashore, and diverting myself 2. What is a cicada?
now and then in finding a a. a plant; b. a worm; c. an insect; d. a mammal
smoother pebble or a prettier 3. Who discovered the phenomenon of chain
shell than ordinary, whilst the reaction?
great ocean of truth lay a. J. Oppenheimer; b. Albert Einstein;
c. Niels Bohr; d. Otto Hahn
undiscovered before me.”
4. Which gas causes ‘green house effect’?
From a letter to Robert a. Carbon monoxide; b. Carbon dioxide;
Hooke, scientist, 1676: c. Nitrogen; d. Ozone.
“If I have seen further than other October 2006 issue).
men, it is because I stood on the not Carbon monoxide–as given in the
shoulders of giants.”
3. d. Otto Hahn in 1938-39, 4. b. Carbon dioxide (and
ANSWER: 1. d. Hydrostatics, 2. c. an insect,

Chandamama 15 December 2006

CMYK
 A PAGE FROM INDIAN HISTORY

A KING WHO
M ahmud Khalji was succeeded by his eldest son,
Ghyas-ud-din, who had remained his father’s
able assistant and right hand throughout his reign. It was,
No one was able to make him change his mind. He
never touched the sword again.
Ghyas-ud-din was devoted to religious rituals and
therefore, only natural that he became the next king after never missed his prayers. He even woke up at midnight
Mahmud’s death. But he had already spent so much of to pray. In fact, he ordered his attendants to throw him
his time in battlefields with his father that he had no wish out of bed if he was deeply asleep and refused to get up.
to fight any more battles after he was crowned. Crooks often took advantage of his fanaticism and duped
“What does your majesty propose to do?” asked him shamelessly. One day a man came to him with a
his advisors and ministers, surprised. “Who will look after handful of wheat. When Ghyas-ud-din asked him what
the kingdom?” he wanted, he told him that he had recited the entire Koran
“Nasir, my eldest son. I shall proclaim him heir- over each of the grains in his hand. Ghyas-ud-din took
apparent and he can take over my duties as king.” the grains and paid him a huge sum of money for having
“Sire, I do not think it would be a wise thing to do,” done something so pious.
said his chief advisor shaking his head, “you’re too young Another day a different man turned up with the hoof
to hand over your duties and Prince Nasir isn’t quite of an ass. He claimed that it belonged to the ass that had
steady enough to become the king.” carried Lord Jesus to Jerusalem. Ghyas-ud-din took
“Oh he’ll learn to be responsible once he knows the hoof and paid the man fifty thousand rupees. Three
that he is to succeed me,” said Ghyas-ud-din. “In any other men turned up the very next week carrying three
case, I plan to take things easy from now on. I think I’ve more hoofs and repeated the same story. Again Ghyas-
fought quite enough.” And that was that. ud-din paid the same amount of money to all three. The
next morning yet another man
turned up with another hoof,
claiming that it belonged to the ass
that had carried Lord Jesus. The
courtiers who had been watching
it all in silent anger could not keep
quiet any longer. “Sire,” cried one
of the angry courtiers, “the ass that
carried the Messiah could not have
possibly have had five hoofs! Such
a thing is impossible! This man must
be lying.”
“Perhaps,” said Ghyas-ud-din
unperturbed, “but I cannot be sure
which one of them is telling a lie. It
might not be this man. So let him
have his reward.”
December 2006 16 Chandamama

CMYK
DISLIKED WARS
Ghyas-ud-din never touched wine or
any other intoxicant. There are many
amusing stories in the Wakiat-i-Mushtaki
about this. Once, when Ghyas-ud-din fell
ill, the royal physician made up a special
medicine for him. But the king absolutely
refused to touch it unless the physician told
him the names of every single ingredient
used. There were 300 and the physician
was made to read out the entire list. The
ingredients also included a few poppy
seeds. Ghyas-ud-din ordered the
medicine to be thrown away right in front
of his eyes. “But the ingredients cost me
nearly a lakh of rupees,” cried the royal
physician.
“That cannot be helped,” said Ghyas-ud-din. “I read prayers and women of all trades and professions.
cannot forsake my principle for the sake of money.” Five hundred young Turkish girls in uniform, armed with
“Then please allow me to give it to other sick people bows and arrows which they could use, stood on his
who cannot afford it otherwise,” pleaded the physician. right. On his left stood five hundred Abyssinian girls with
“Never!” cried Ghyas-ud-din. “What the king cannot fire arms.”
have is not to be given to another living soul!” We also get to know more about this from the
Ghyas-ud-din was said to have great affection for Memoirs of Jehangir: “He (Ghyas-ud-din) had a whole
birds, animals and all ‘dumb creatures’. One day he city of women and had it made up of all kinds–soldiers,
discovered a mouse in his bedroom. But, instead of magistrates, qazis, kotwals and whoever else is necessary
getting angry or ordering it to be killed, he told the for the administration of a town. He taught women all
attendants to take it away and feed it regularly. He treated kinds of arts and crafts and also hunting and took many
the pigeons and parrots who strayed into the palace the of them along when he went to hunt deer.”
same way. Ghyas-ud-din stayed in Mandu throughout his long
Ghyas-ud-din had yet another peculiar trait. All reign. He had the same love of beauty as his father and
biographers agree that he had great faith in women’s ability built several monuments. Of these the most famous is the
to do practically everything a man could do. He had Jahaz Mahal. Built between two tanks, the Munja Talao
thousands of women “in his service”. Within the fort city and Karpur Talao, the building reminded people of a ship.
of Mandu he created a separate world for them where Hence the name. The Hindola Mahal was also made
they learnt to do all kinds of work. This is how historian around this time. Ghyas-ud-din built both for the ladies in
Firishta describes it: “Among them (women) were school his palace. They are an artist’s dream even now.
teachers, musicians, dancers, embroiderers, women to -Swapna Dutta
Chandamama 17 December 2006

CMYK
 Mithun and his friends are They see a number of children with identical
visiting the children’s ward infection – discoloured hands and peeling skin.
at the local General Hospital.
Where are
you from? How
did you get this
infection?

BONDED CHILD Our

LABOUR FREED latest class
project looks
interesting. But the boy does not reply.

My goodness! Outside, the friends

Your hands must be discuss the matter.
paining badly.
The kids
seem afraid
Someone brought to speak.
them. He didn’t give any Something
details, except that they work is wrong here.
in a silk mill in Rampur. We must
Let’s go to investigate.
Rampur! My
grandparents
The ward nurse tells them what she
live there.
knows about the children.

Soon, they are at Rampur. Soon, they are out exploring… They are rudely stopped at the gates.

Come on, No visitors.

everybody! Meet Go away, if you
my grandpa and don’t want a
grandma. The silk mill? beating!
There it is, in the
distance.

Welcome,
children! We’re See! A truck-
so glad to have load of children
you all here. being taken into
the mill!…

December 2006 18 Chandamama

CMYK
The children are undaunted.

Let’s hide
outside and see if
we can pick up some Right!
information.

A little Look, there’s The boy sneaks up to them… …and tells them a
later... a boy coming to shocking story.
fetch water! I saw you at the
gate. They don’t let anyone
in – they’re afraid of the
police!

But
why?
What’s We’re bonded
going on labourers…we boil
here? cocoons with bare hands and
work the loom. If we don’t
He work, we’re beaten up. We get
seems to be barely enough food
a worker. to eat.
We need some They are busy
proof to help you. Can clicking away…
we take photographs?

Yes. Follow
me, but don’t make
any noise.
…when disaster Hearing the noise,
strikes! CR the watchman
AS
H! comes running.

You little pests,

what are you doing
here? How did you get
in? Wait until I
catch you!

Oh! I’m
slipping!

Chandamama 19 December 2006

CMYK
 The fearless four Jojo’s growl
flee, with the stops the
watchman in watchman in
hot pursuit. his tracks.

Jojo’s growl stops the watchman in his

tracks.

On returning to their home They go to the TV unit and meet Hmm…let’s

town, the four show the the news reporter, Pereira. first go to the hospital
photos to their teacher. and interview those
children.
This is serious!
We must take it to
the TV.

At the hospital, they Pereira and the children

are disappointed. proceed to Rampur, where he
gets all the evidence he needs.

The children from It’s going to be

Rampur? They were taken a scoop! Just wait till it
back to Rampur only today hits the screen!
morning.

December 2006 20 Chandamama

CMYK
The story …that the Home Minister
is soon on is forced to react!
the air.

Look
at the way
those About that
children child labour incident,
are being Commissioner, take Yes, sir!
made to It’s cruel! action against the mill
There is such a stir… owners immediately!
work!
Soon, Pereira himself gives an interview. The children, now free, meet their benefactors.
Thank you so
much for coming to our
rescue! We can now go
back to school.

Behind me,
you see the mill
owners being taken
into custody. The child
workers finally get justice…
Soon, at a special function organised by the school...

Congratulations,
children! The whole school
is proud of you four. You’ve
set a role model for
other students.

…thanks to the
efforts of four gutsy
children and their dog!

Thank
you, Sir!

Chandamama 21 December 2006

CMYK
 DISCIPLINE
W hile Brahmadutta ruled Banaras,
Bodhisattva was born as a Master
Sculptor at Takshasila. Princes from far-off
“pay the Master the thousand pieces of silver,
obey him and learn the art from him, and come
back after your education is complete.”
countries went to him to learn the art of sculpting The prince had a hard time carrying the bag,
from him. walking the long distance, resting under trees,
The king received several reports of the sleeping on hard ground, eating whatever he
Master and decided to send his own son to study could get, and having no one to look after him.
the art under him. He finally reached Takshasila and went to the
None of the ministers and other courtiers Master, told him the purpose of his coming,
liked this idea. The prince was hardly sixteen. handed him the money, and joined as a pupil.
How could he live alone at far-off Takshasila, The boy was very sharp and quick in learning,
serve the Master, and learn art? “O King,” they and the Master was satisfied.
said, “don’t we have enough sculptors in our The Master and his pupil used to go to the
own kingdom? Why should the prince undergo river every morning for a bath. One day, as they
an ordeal?” were having their bath, an old woman came
But the king did not agree with them. In the there with a basket of groundnuts. She washed
kingdom, the boy was a prince and as such he them and spread them on a cloth. The prince
would never learn anything properly. At Takshasila saw this, finished his bath in a hurry and came
he would be an ordinary person; he would serve out of the river. When he thought the old woman
his teacher and learn things under discipline. was not looking, he grabbed a handful of nuts
The prince was given only a pair of thin and put them into his mouth. The old woman
slippers and an umbrella. He was asked to carry noticed everything but said nothing.
a bag of one thousand silver pieces. “Walk all The next day the same thing happened. The
the way to Takshasila,” the king told his son, old woman ignored it again. But, when the boy

JATAKA KATHA

December 2006 22 Chandamama

CMYK
repeated the offence on the third day also, she
got very angry. “Good sir,” she told the Master,
“your pupil has been stealing my groundnuts
every day. I do not mind the loss much. But this
boy is a thief and a real blot on your great
reputation. Punish him so that he will stop thieving
in future.”
On reaching home, the Master ordered his
other pupils to hold the prince by his hands and
gave him three strokes on his back with a cane.
“I punished you,” he told the prince, “because
you did something bad. Don’t you ever do it
again!”
The prince was in a terrible rage, but he could
do nothing. Though he was a prince in Banaras,
he was a common man here. Also, the Master
had the right to punish his pupils.
‘When I become king,’ he swore to himself,
‘I shall get him to Banaras on some pretext and
have him killed.’
In the course of time the prince completed Let him enjoy his new status for some time. He
his studies. Having got ready for his journey back could go and see him later.
to Banaras, he touched the feet of the Master Some time later the Master made the trip to
and received his blessings. “Sir,” he said, “I Banaras. When he went to see the king, the entire
request you to come to Banaras after I become court received him with great respect because
king. I shall then be in a position to give you a he was a teacher to the king himself. He was
reception which you merit.” The Master was glad made to sit next to the king.
to hear these words, and he promised to make The rage that was smouldering in the breast
the trip to Banaras in due course. of the king began to grow into a fire at the sight
In course of time the prince became king. of this old man who had once dared to punish
One day he thought of the vow he had taken in him. In the midst of general conversation, he
regard to his teacher. So he got an invitation suddenly turned to the Master and said, “Sir, one
sent to the Master at Takshasila. who dealt out punishment for a mere handful of
The Master accepted the invitation but did groundnuts is surely fit to be put to death. Tell
not start for Banaras at once. The boy had me, is it not so?”
ascended the throne only recently, he thought. None in the court save the Master could

DID YOU KNOW?

24 Karat gold is not pure gold, as there is a small amount of copper
added to it. Pure gold is so soft that it can be moulded with bare hands.
India's largest selling sweets and toffees.

Chandamama 23 December 2006

CMYK
 understand what the king said. He wanted the man would never get angry with one who
Master to undergo the tortures of a doomed man. punished him for a misdeed; on the contrary,
He was going to die anyway. he would be grateful!”
But the Master was not shocked as the king Now that the entire court knew of his
expected. On the other hand, he revealed the misdeed, the king blushed with shame. He fell
king’s secret in the full court. at the Master’s feet and cried, “O Great One! I
“O King,” he said, “while you were my pupil made one more slip and you’ve pulled me up
and under my charge, you did something which once again. I’m really grateful to you!”
was beneath your status. It is the duty of the By saying these words, the king earned the
teacher to punish his pupil when he does respect of not only the entire court but the Master
something wrong, and to make him walk the himself. The king insisted that the Master
path of rectitude. Had I not punished you that remained with him for good. So the Master gave
day, you would have been a bandit by now, up his residence in Takshasila and settled down
instead of occupying this dignified throne. A wise in Banaras.

What looks a little like an octopus and can live for 1,000 years?
It’s the odd Welwitschia plant, which grows in the desert areas of
Namibia and Angola, two countries in Africa. The Welwitschia has
only two leaves that shred into many long, leathery pieces as
they grow. Welwitschias provide shelter for small desert animals
and are an important part of the web of life in the desert.

DID YOU KNOW?

Porpoises and dolphins communicate with each other by
squeaking, growling, moaning, and whistling. Porpoises and
dolphins are mammals. There are about 40 species or kinds of
porpoises and dolphins. Most porpoises and dolphins navigate
by using “echolocation”. The largest member of the dolphin family
is called an Orcas or killer whale.

December 2006 24 Chandamama

CMYK
 MILLIONAIRES UP
E conomists of India often tell us that nearly 30 per cent
of the population are placed “below the poverty line”.
The governments in the Centre as well as States are tackling
the situation, trying to reduce the percentage by launching
several programmes and schemes to improve their status.
According to the Planning Commission, however, the
number of millionaires and ‘crorepatis’ in the county has
gone up by nearly 68 per cent in the last four years.
Disclosing the figures in the Lok Sabha, the Minister of
State for Planning said that in 2000-2001, the number
was 54,900. In 2006, this number has gone up to 92,000.
India may not be a rich country, but we have enough wealthy women and men!

REFLECTORS FOR ELEPHANTS

I n metropolitan cities, traffic policemen can be seen wearing
arm bands and jackets which reflect light at night even from a
distance. Two Keralites, Harinarayanan and his friend Muhammad
Rafi of Alathur, have prepared luminescent outfit for elephants.
They were prompted to think of a method to save elephants, who
often move at night from one place to another. They were sad that
five elephants had met with tragic end in the last three years during
their noctural journeys in the dark. On September 3 last, as many
as 139 elephants took part in an elephant ‘mela’ in Trichur. All of
them were given protective “cover” as they dispersed and went
back to their respective ‘homes’. Incidentally, Harinarayanan makes
the design while Rafi, who is a professional tailor, stitches them
with reflector cloth.

THE BLIND CAN NOW READ

S chool children and college-going students, who have their
eyesight impaired, often take the help of ‘readers’ who do it as
a social service. At examinations, they read out the questions, the
candidate dictates the answers, which are written down by the
‘writers’ without changing the language or facts. Recently, a hand
held device has been fabricated by the scientists of the Central
Scientific Instruments Organisation in Chandigarh. This device works
like “reading eyes” and is expected to eliminate the need to convert
the text into Braille. The CSIO Director feels that the visually impaired
will be able to read any printed material.

Chandamama 25 December 2006

CMYK
 TURNING
THE TABLES
M any courtiers in Emperor Akbar’s court were
jealous of Birbal. They knew he was intelligent. In
fact, he was far more intelligent than any of them! He had
“O! God! Why were you so partial?” some of the
courtiers sighed. God did not reply. Silence, even God
knew, was golden.
an answer for every situation. Often he solved problems The courtiers, however, would not remain silent. They
that faced the Emperor. So, he received special favours got into the act. They sat down and discussed how they
at the hands of the Emperor. could make Birbal lose favour with the Emperor. Several
They wished they could be as clever and quick- suggestions were considered. Finally, one of the courtiers
witted. Who would make this wish come true? (for the purpose of this story, let us call him Vinay) said
Intelligence could not be bought. It was God’s gift. And he had a plan. They asked him for details. He said he
God had gifted intelligence to Birbal. would cast doubts on Birbal’s integrity.
“Will the Emperor believe you?” they asked.
“He will. Wait and see,” Vinay gloated.
“Won’t you tell us how you propose to do that?”
they asked.
“No. I must keep it a secret. But, rest assured, my
plan won’t fail,” Vinay smiled confidently.
The courtiers danced for joy. One of them told Vinay,
“You aren’t a whit less intelligent than Birbal. You’re the
right man to take on Birbal. Execute that plan,
successfully. Then we shall accept you as the brightest
star among us all. The Emperor may give you the place
that Birbal will lose if your plan succeeds.” The courtiers
were lavish in praise.
“My plan will succeed. I am sure of that,” Vinay
puffed up with pride.
“Your name may be Vinay, but there is no humility in
you,” a courtier joked.
Vinay gave him a stern stare, held his head high and
asked, “Do you want me to remain humble, practise
humility? Or you want me to knock out Birbal?”
“Bring Birbal down on his heels. And we shall accept
you as our leader,” the courtiers gave their colleague,
who had made a joke with Vinay’s name, an icy look
and turned to Vinay with admiring eyes.
“Thank you,” Vinay grinned. “Tomorrow, be at the

December 2006 26 Chandamama

CMYK
Court at the usual hour. I shall come after all of you
have assembled. All of you, including Birbal! Before
the Emperor notices my absence and asks where I
am, tell him very politely that I had sent word stating
that I had come across a sensational crime. I am so
shocked that I am reeling under its impact.
Therefore, I seek the Emperor’s permission to
arrive a little late. When I come, I shall
present to the Emperor full details of the
crime.”
The courtiers nodded their heads. They
gossiped for some time. Dusk was falling fast
when the meeting ended. They went their way.
Next day, the courtiers arrived at the
Court. All of them including Birbal. The only
notable absentee was the clever courtier who
was preparing the plan to bring Birbal into
the bad books of the Emperor.
“Shahenshah padaar rahe hain!” the
Court attendant tapped the floor with his staff
and shouted thrice, announcing the arrival of
the Emperor. The courtiers stood up. The guards stood here once he is free from the shock,” said one of the
at attendance. courtiers.
The Emperor smiled at the courtiers, and sat on the The Emperor scowled. The thought that one of the
throne. Three young women took their place behind the officials at his court could be involved in a crime upset
throne. They fanned him. The cool air kept the Emperor him. He sank into silence. Soon afterwards Vinay walked
in comfort. in. His footsteps broke the silence.
The courtiers bowed. The Emperor looked up. Vinay bowed low, waved
“Be seated, O Noble Sires!” the Emperor waved his arm respectfully and said, “Salam alei kum,
his hand. Shahenshah!”
The courtiers sat down. the Emperor started checking “I am told you had learnt of a crime.”
whether all the courtiers were present. “Yes, Shahenshah.”
Then one of the courtiers stood up, bowed and “I learn that the prime suspect in this case is a powerful
waited for the royal nod. “You’ve something to tell us, O official at the Royal Court?”
Noble Sire?” the Emperor asked. “I’m sorry, Shahenshah, but it is indeed so,” Vinay
The courtier bowed again. “Shahenshah, the behaved as if he was sad that things had come to such a
venerable Vinay sent word that he would be late.” pass.
“What is holding him back?” the Emperor raised his “Tell me what happened. Who is the suspect?” the
voice. Emperor stood up. His eyes glowed like burning coal.
“Shahenshah, he has discovered a heinous crime. “Let’s forget it, Shahenshah. I don’t want to speak
The chief suspect in this crime is a powerful official at ill of one of my colleagues,” Vinay posed as if he hated
the Court. Vinay is shocked. He said he would rush himself for having to accuse one of the courtiers.

Chandamama 27 December 2006

CMYK
 “Nobody is above law. Not even the Badshah. Who lost. I tried to catch up with him. But he was too fast for
is the accused?” Emperor Akbar thundered. me. Alas! I’m no longer young!”
“Shahenshah! The accused is Birbal!” “Birbal!” the Emperor’s voice was razor sharp.
The courtiers sat up. All eyes turned to Birbal. They “Shahenshah!” Birbal stood up.
had expected that charge. They hoped that Vinay would “Is it true?”
prove his charge. Otherwise, he would get it on his neck. “No, Shahenshah.”
Birbal was taken aback. He scowled, unsure what “Shahenshah! I may be wrong,” Vinay butted in.
more was to come. “How do we confirm that Birbal is not guilty?” the
“Birbal?” the Emperor could not believe it. Emperor asked.
“Yes, Shahenshah! Yesterday evening, I was walking “Shahenshah! If Alampana will not take offence, I
back home when I saw Birbal pick up a gold necklace suggest Birbal agrees to stand a test to prove his
from the roadside. I thought it had dropped off and he innocence.”
was just picking up what was his. Instead of putting it on, “What test?”
he tucked it in the folds of his dress and walked off quickly. “Shahenshah, I shall bring a heated, red-hot rod to
I was about to move when a young man rushed in crying, the court. Let Birbal touch it with his bare hands. If he
`Did anyone see my necklace?’ he was almost in tears. I remains unscathed, he must be innocent,” Vinay dropped
asked him whether he had indeed lost the necklace. He a hint.
said he had. I wanted more information, but the man was “Shahenshah, we’re sure Birbal can’t be guilty of
totally distraught. He ran off searching for what he had such a mean act. Yet, it’ll be good he proves his innocence
by undergoing this test,” said the oldest among the
courtiers. Most of the other courtiers nodded their heads.
“I agree,” the Emperor turned to Birbal. “I know
you are not guilty. But since the charge has been made, it
is better you clear yourself. In the eyes of the law, all are
equal.”
“I understand, Shahenshah!” Birbal said politely.
He knew he was in a tight corner. The charge was
false. But who would take his word? He also knew no
one could touch a red-hot rod with his bare hands without
getting scalded. The rod would hurt the guilty as much as
the innocent. But he could not tell that in the Royal Court.
How could he escape?
It did not take him long to find a way out. He bowed,
first to the Emperor, and then to the courtiers. He made
a special show of respect to Vinay.
“Shahenshah! The test suggested by my revered
colleague is acceptable to me, but . . . ,” he paused.
“Go on,” the Emperor nudged.
“Shahenshah! Vinay says he is telling the truth. I
believe him. But I think he, too, could prove he is telling
the truth. All that I want him to do is to fetch the red-hot
rod, and carry it in his hand to the Court. I shall take it, I

December 2006 28 Chandamama

CMYK
hope, from his hands, unhurt by the heat,. . .,” Birbal
paused.
“Oh, no,” Vinay howled like a dog hit by a stone. He
knew he had been worsted. Birbal had turned the tables
on him.
“Shahenshah! I’m sorry. Thinking of it, I now realize
that the man who picked up the necklace and walked
away was slightly taller than Birbal. It could not have
been Birbal. My revered colleague won’t stoop so low,”
Vinay knelt on the ground and buried his face in his hands,
seeking Royal mercy.
“Take him away! To the dungeon he goes, till we
decide what to do with him,” the Emperor breathed down
at the wily courtier, his eyes glowing like those of an
enraged lion.
The guards dragged Vinay out.
The Emperor turned to Birbal, hugged him and said,
“I’m sorry, Birbal! For a moment, I thought you could be
guilty. I should have known you would never do that.”
“Shahenshah! I owe my all to you. I’ll never play false to you,” Birbal
bent low and expressed his gratitude to the Emperor. - R.K. Murthi

TO FULFIL A CONDITION
One morning, a young man walked into the city’s biggest pet shop and said, “I’ve
heard that you can supply all kinds of animals.”
“Yes, sir! We pride ourselves on our commitment and ability to supply any breed of
animal or bird – even the most exotic ones,” answered the salesman eagerly. “We go the
extra mile to satisfy our customers. Last year, we even imported two cockatoos from
Malaysia for a customer who wanted a pair!”
“That’s good,” broke in the young man. “I’m sure you won’t have that much difficulty
in filling my order. I want 500 cockroaches, 250 beetles, 50 spiders, 25 lizards, ten rats,
and five mice to be delivered at my place by
tomorrow morning.” The salesman was
dumbfounded. After a moment, he recovered his
wits and said, “I…I’m afraid we can only supply the
mice, sir. This is the most unusual request we’ve
received! May I know why you want these
animals?”
“Well, I’m vacating my rented house tomorrow
morning,” said the young man. “And the lease says
I must leave the house in exactly the same
condition in which I found it!”

Chandamama 29 December 2006

CMYK
 THE MOST PRECIOUS GIFT
S uryasen was the able ruler of Vindhyagiri.
He was compassionate towards his citizens,
and their welfare was always uppermost in his
kings. He invited both of them to attend the
ceremony. They, on the other hand, wanted to
exploit the goodwill visit for creating a deliberate
mind. The subjects, too, in turn held their king conflict with Suryasen which would lead to a war
in high esteem. He had a small, but powerful with his kingdom.
army and the soldiers were extremely loyal to Hectic activities were seen in the capital on
the king. He also had a very wise prime minister the eve of the ceremony. According to the
and a number of efficient and honest officials. tradition, the young prince was supposed to go
Thus, the kingdom enjoyed a peaceful time. in procession on an elephant with his father
However, there was one disturbing factor. The along the streets of the capital and receive the
rulers of Vidarbha and Vaishali, who were his blessings of the citizens. The procession would
neighbours, were not friendly with him. They end at the gurukul, where the guru would initiate
aspired to bring Vindhyagiri into their fold. ‘aksharabhyas’ by making the child write holy
Suryasen, however, tactfully avoided any direct names on a slate. It will be followed by a great
confrontation with them and tried to maintain a feast where the public would participate along
congenial relationship with them. But both his with the royal family. The whole capital was in a
neighbours were looking for an opportunity to festive mood.
start a conflict with him on some issue and then A day before the ceremony, the king of
go for a war. Vidarbha, Mahipal and the king of Vaishali,
When Suryasen’s son turned four years old, Sisupal, arrived with their entourage. A red carpet
he wanted to conduct the ceremony of welcome was accorded to them. At night, after
‘Vidyarambham’ for the prince on Vijaya Dasami the guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner,
day. He wished to celebrate it in a grand manner, Mahipal told Suryasen, “My friend! I’m delighted
and to make use of the opportunity to further to participate in the function. I’ve brought a gift
the good relationship with his neighbouring for your son!” He then took out a slate enclosed

December 2006 30 Chandamama

CMYK
 You know that wind is moving air. But what causes the air to
move? It’s the uneven heating of the earth’s atmosphere. As the
sun warms the earth’s surface, the atmosphere warms, too.
Some parts of the earth receive direct rays from the sun all
through the year and are always warm. Other places receive
indirect rays, so the climate is colder. Warm air, which weighs less
than cool air, rises. Then cool air moves in and replaces the rising
warm air. This movement of air is what makes the wind blow.

in a beautiful ivory frame. “I want you to honour however humble it might be! It’s only your love
me by using this board for your son’s initiation.” that counts. Please give me whatever it is!”
Immediately, Sisupal, too, took out a slate in The child took out a simple slate with a
a gold frame. “Dear Surya! This is a gift from wooden frame and handed it to the king. “O
me! I’m sure you would only use this board on King! This is my humble gift to the prince. I want
the auspicious occasion.” him to use this for the aksharabhyas!” The king
Suryasen was now in a dilemma. He thought, cuddled the toddler fondly and accepted it from
‘Surely, they’ve come here with a plan. If I use him and said, “Come along with your mother to
Mahipal’s gift, Sisupal would take offence. If I the ceremony.” As he mounted the elephant
choose Sisupal’s gift, Mahipal would take it as again with the gift, he had decided what to do
an insult. Either way, one of them would make a with it.
prestige issue out of this and wage a war against Soon, the procession came to an end at the
me. It would be a serious problem if I don’t gurukul. The king came to the dais with his son
handle this issue tactfully.’ With a perplexed
mind, he accepted both gifts.
Next morning, the procession started.
Suryasen and the prince rode on an elephant
through the streets of the capital to the cheers of
the people who had thronged all thoroughfares
right from early morning. The prince received
the blessings from the people. En route, amidst
the tumultuous cheering, the king noticed one
young child weeping loudly while his mother was
trying to console him.
At once, he got down from the elephant and
went up to the child. “Son, what makes you cry
at this joyous moment? Don’t you know your
prince is going to have his vidyarambham today?”
The child replied: “I want to present a gift to
the prince. But my mother is not allowing me to
do it!”
The king was elated. “Dear child! Your prince
will accept any gift from his dear citizens,

Chandamama 31 December 2006

CMYK
 NUTRINE QUIZ-3
1. Which State has the only diamond mine 2. Which of these rivers flows into the
in India? Arabian Sea?
a. Maharashtra b. Madhya Pradesh a. Narmada b. Godavari
c. Rajasthan d. Karnataka c. Krishna d. Cauvery
India's largest selling sweets and toffees. (Answer on page 37)

and addressed the people. “I take pleasure in and said: “My esteemed guests! You’ve heard
inviting all of you, including our guests of honour, the verdict of the people. Under these
for the function which would begin shortly. Now, circumstances I’m compelled to select the gift
I’m in a dilemma and I would like to seek your given by the child. Please take no offence! The
advice. Usually, aksharabhyas is done on a slate gift given by the child might be very simple, but
board and I had made one for this occasion.” it is a token of the sublime love of my subjects
He then showed the slate with the silver frame. towards me and the royal family and I can’t
He continued: “However, my esteemed guests ignore it. In a democratic government like mine,
have brought more expensive and beautiful the gift given by the child on behalf of the citizens
slates which are here. During the procession, is the most precious one.”
one child presented a simple slate for the prince. Both Mahipal and Sisupal were speechless.
Out of the four, however, only one can be used. They admired how tactfully Suryasen had handled
I want to know your opinion regarding which an embarrassing situation to his advantage. They
one to be used on the auspicious occasion. You could also realize the implicit faith and the
all know very well that I love you very much and immense affection the people had for him. Such
value your collective opinion in all issues. In this a king enjoying the goodwill of his citizens could
case, too, I shall abide by your decision!” never be conquered in any war, they felt.
At once, there was an uproar from the crowd: Soon, the ceremony started. Suryasen picked
“The slate gifted by the child should be used.” up two more poor boys along with the boy who
The king was happy to find that things had taken had gifted a slate and conducted aksharabhyas
place the way he wanted. He turned to his guests for them also using the other slates.

December 2006 32 Chandamama

CMYK
 BLOSSOM’S LITTLE SECRET
Once upon a time, there lived a little girl called
Blossom. She lived with her parents. School
had just closed and the summer vacation
had started. This time Blossom went to
her uncle’s house, which was in a small
village. She spent most of the time
playing with her friends in the village.
One day, as she was walking beside
a stream, she heard a voice crying.
Blossom looked around to see who
it was who was crying. She saw a little
fairy sitting near the stream. Blossom
asked her why she was crying. The fairy
told her she had no friends and was all
alone. Blossom comforted her and said she
would be her friend. The fairy was delighted. She and Blossom became best friends. They
played happily every day. Nobody ever knew this. That was Blossom’s own little secret.
- P. Malavika (9) Chennai
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

WHO AM I? 1. I am a 7 letter word. Remove 1 letter, it remains the same;

remove 2 letters, it remains the same; remove 3 letters, it
remains the same; remove 4 letters, it remains the same;
remove 5 letters, it remains the same; remove 6 letters, it
remains the same; remove 7 letters, it still remains the same!
- SS.. Palaniappan (10), Hosur
Palaniappan
2. I am a 6 letter word. If I am split into two, one part
becomes the present, the other past.
M. Subhasri (10), Hosur
(Turn to page 36 for answers)
Chandamama 33 December 2006

CMYK
 BEST FRIENDS
Best friends are one in mind,
In two bodies,
Playing and chatting happily.
They are like two peas in a pod
Even difficult to be described by a bard.
They are always seen together
However be the weather.
Not everyone is lucky enough
To have a best friend
And a love to lend.
Friendship keeps us close,
And please do not make it loose.
[Link] (14), Chennai
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

GROWING UP
Heaven knows when I will grow “Our daughter’s grown big” in a gulp.
I often hear Mother say, “Heaven knows Hip! Hip! Hoorah!
When our daughter will grow?!” Sarada Mahesh (11), Bangalore
So, to be big, I wore Mother’s dress
Which kept coming down,
I tried to do Daddy’s chores
But always ended with a frown,
I tried to study sister’s history
But ended up studying none,
I tried to play brother’s racing car
And ended up breaking one.
I went and told my Mother
Of all that I did,
She laughed and said,
“Oh! You’ll never grow big!”
But now I’m eleven and all grown up.
I often hear Mother say,
December 2006 34 Chandamama

CMYK
 ○
○
Mother : Romi, Doctor : Why

○
○
just see why your didn’t you take

○
○
little sister is those iron

○
○
crying. tablets?

○
○
Romi : Ma, I’ve Patient :

○
○
○
no time, I’m busy They’re fake,

○
○
eating her doctor.

○
○
biscuits. Doctor : How do you know?

○
  

○
Patient : I tested them with a magnet; they

○
○
One day an ant weren’t attracted.

○
○
met an   

○
○
Shyam : Are

○
elephant.

○
there any letters
○
Ant : Come on,
○
○
friend, let’s play ○
○
for me?
cricket. Postman : What’s
○
○

Elephant : No, your name?

○
○

my grandma has warned me against talking Shyam : It must

○
○

to strangers. be on the
○
○

Ant : Don’t worry, if she were to come, you envelopes.

○
○

may hide behind me. S. Vismitha Katyayani (12), Bengaluru

○
○
○

A. Lokesh Goud, Hyderabad ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

○

Mother : What’re you

○

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
○

doing in the kitchen?

○
○

Father : Murad, where Sania : I’m helping

○
○

do you stand in the Amit.

○
○

class? Mother : And what’s

○
○

Murad : In a corner he doing there?

○
○

facing the wall, Dad.

○

Sania : He’s eating

○
○

the jelabies made for the guest.

○

     
○
○
○

Teacher : Santosh, now

○

Prateek : Prem, why

○

that you’ve come back

○

have you tucked up

○

to school, what would

○

your trousers?
○

you like to do?

○

Prem : I want people

○

Santosh : Go back
○

to see my new shoes.

○
○

home, miss.
○
○

Dipankar Dutta A ditya Paresh

Paresh
○
○

New Delhi Ramnathkar

amnathkar,, Borivli (W)
○
○

Chandamama 35 December 2006

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

CMYK
 RIDDLES TRIANGULAR TANGLE

○
○
○
○
○
1. What is a volcano? How many triangles can you count

○
○
2. Why do in the diagram below:

○
○
elephants

○
○
have trunks?

○
○
○
Ashuthosh K.S. (13), Alike

○
○
○
3. Why should you not

○
○
reveal secrets in a

○
○
cornfield?

○
○
4. Where do ghosts go

○
○
for a swim?

○
○
[Link] (11), Sohar

○
○
5. What is black when it is clean and white
○
○
when it is dirty? Panneru Arvind (12) ○
○

Kharagpur
○
○

6. Which cup is a cartoon

○
○

character? - K. Samuel Suhas (11), Hyderabad

○
○
○

BRAIN-TEASERS
○

7. What follows a dog

○
○

wherever it goes?
○
○

P. Malavika (9), Chennai

○

1. Sita’s mother has

○
○
○

8. Which part of a clock is always old? three daughters.

○
○

9. What has a bed but does not sleep? The eldest is Gita;
○
○

Preeti is the
○

Vismita K atyayani (12)

Katyayani
○

second one. Who

○

Bangalore
○

is the third?
○

10. Why are clocks not

○
○

allowed in a library?
○
○

Karthik Bhushan (13) 2. What is the answer: B x B + F E=

○
○

Udupi
○

Basurjit Maisnan (10), Imphal

○
○
○

15
○

river, 10. Because they tock too much.

○
○

Buttercup, 7. Its tail, 8. Its second hand, 9. A ANSWER TO TRIANGULAR TANGLE:

○
○

4. In the Dead Sea, 5. Blackboard, 6. 1. Sita, 2. Two

○
○

3. Because corns have ears, ANSWER TO BRAIN-TEASERS:

○
○

2. They had trouble carrying suitcases, 2. See-saw

○
○
○

1. A mountain blowing its top, 1. Post Box

○

ANSWERS TO RIDDLES: ANSWER TO WHO AM I?:

December 2006 36 Chandamama

CMYK
 CROSSWORD ON VEHICLES
Here is a
crossword on
vehicles. The
clues below
will help you
solve it.
consists of conventional rail tracks,
monorail or maglev (5).
12. A vehicle used for transporting goods or
groups of people (3).
Across:
Down: 3. An aircraft without wings that obtains its lift
1. A popular mode of transport in India, from the rotation of overhead blades (10).
Pakistan, and Nepal. A motorized version 4. A two or three-wheeled vehicle designed to
of the traditional rickshaw, a small two-or be propelled solely by human power (7).
three-wheeled cart manually pulled (12). 7. A vehicle, or aircraft, which obtains thrust
2. A railborne vehicle, lighter than a train, by the reaction to the ejection of fast moving
designed for transport of passengers within, exhaust gas from within a rocket engine.
close to, or between villages, and towns (4). Often the term is also used to mean a
4. A structure designed to float on, and rocket engine (6).
provide transport over, water (4). 8. A large, sea-going watercraft. It usually has
5. A four-wheeled vehicle for passenger sufficient size to carry its own boats, such as
transportation, propelled by an engine (3). lifeboats, dinghies, or runabouts (4).
6. A large automobile for carrying a large 9. A two-wheeled vehicle powered by an engine
number of persons in addition to the driver (10).
and a conductor. A shortened version of 11. A specialized watercraft that can operate
omnibus (3). under water (9).
10. Rail vehicles that move along guides to 13. An aircraft having a fixed wing and
transport freight or passengers from one powered by propellers or jets (9).
place to another. The guideway usually - by R V aasugi
Vaasugi
9. Motorcycle, [Link], [Link].
NUTRINE QUIZ-3 Across: [Link], [Link], 7. Rocket, 8. Ship,
6. Bus, 10. Train, [Link].
ANSWERS : Down: 1. Auto rickshaw, 2. Tram, 4. Boat, 5. Car,
1. b) Madhya Pradesh, 2. a) Narmada SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD:

Chandamama 37 December 2006

CMYK
 THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

December 2006 38 Chandamama

CMYK
 SHIPWRECKED

Chandamama 39 December 2006

CMYK
 THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

December 2006 40 Chandamama

CMYK
 SHIPWRECKED

Chandamama 41 December 2006

CMYK
 THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

December 2006 42 Chandamama

CMYK
 SHIPWRECKED

Chandamama 43 December 2006

CMYK
 L ong, long ago the giraffe resembled his cousin, the
antelope. He had a similar neck, thin legs and a similar
brownish red coat. So, how did giraffe get his long neck?
All was well in the open grasslands of Africa until a
terrible drought raged in the region. Trees shrunk, water
holes dried up, and animals went hungry. The competition
to find greener pastures was fierce among animals. Only
the strongest survived.
One day, Giraffe met his friend Rhino on the dry
plains. “My friend,” said Giraffe, “see how the animals
are trampling the remaining grass in their search for food.
Soon we’ll have nothing left to eat. But look at those tall
Acacia trees in the distance. If only our necks were long
enough, we could have surely nibbled at the tender
leaves!”
Rhino glumly nodded. “Perhaps,” he finally said, “we
could meet the witchdoctor. He’s very powerful and he
could make our necks long!”
“What a marvellous idea!” exclaimed
Giraffe. “Why don’t we go and meet him?”
So Rhino and Giraffe trudged along dry,
difficult terrain for many long days until they
reached the dwelling of the witchdoctor.

December 2006 44 Chandamama

CMYK
 NUTRINE CONTEST-3
Take a close look at the Nutrine advertisment on the back cover
and find the number of times the word "Nutrine" appears. Write down the answer on a
piece of paper, add your name, date of birth, class, name of school, and complete
home address with PINcode and send it to Chandamama India Ltd.,
82 Defence Officers Colony, Ekkatuthangal, Chennai 600 097,
before DECEMBER 31. An attractive prize* awaits you.
India's largest selling sweets and toffees. *Conditions apply

“Witchdoctor!” they called out. “Can you help us?” at his legs and neck. How long they had grown! He was
When the witchdoctor heard what the two beasts delighted, for he soon could nibble at the fresh leaves of
desired, he laughed out aloud. “Of course, I can help the Acacia.
you! Come here by noon tomorrow and I’ll give you Rhino suddenly remembered his appointment with
both some magic herbs to eat. Soon you’ll find your necks the witchdoctor and trotted to his hut. On seeing the tall
reaching the height of the Acacia trees!” giraffe, he gasped.
Giraffe and Rhino thanked the witchdoctor and “Give me the herbs! I, too, would like to have a neck
trudged back home. as long as that of Giraffe!” he told the witchdoctor, but
The next day Giraffe was the first to reach the he just shook his head.
witchdoctor’s hut, but there was no sign of Rhino. Where “You’re much too late!” he told the lazy animal. “Your
was he? He had stopped on his way to nibble at fresh friend has eaten all the herbs.”
grass which he found near a water hole. Giraffe waited Rhino was so angry with the witchdoctor that he
for his friend for a long time but the witchdoctor lost his chased him a long way into the bush, but he could not
patience and gave Giraffe the magic herb he had collected, harm his tall friend.
including Rhino’s share. It is believed that Giraffe to this day is a contented
Giraffe ate the magic herbs and suddenly felt giddy. animal proud of his height, while the bad-tempered Rhino
Soon he found himself growing tall and his head reached loses his temper every time he sees Giraffe’s long, long
the top of the Acacia trees. He looked down admiringly neck. - Nabanita Deshmukh

Chandamama 45 December 2006

CMYK
 INDIAN
MYTHOLOGY

T hat special Yajna required that all the sages should

participate in it. When Vasishtha heard of the
preparations for the Yajna, he forbade as many sages as
But a new heaven was bound to create new
problems. Therefore, Indra requested the sage to refrain
from doing so. Indra then gave Trishanku a new body in
he could to participate in it. place of his mortal body and admitted him into heaven.
This infuriated Viswamitra. “If not by the Yagna, I’ll Sage Viswamitra’s spiritual power made it possible
send you to heaven by my power of Yoga!” he consoled for King Trishanku to ascend the heaven. His son, Prince
Trishanku. Harishchandra, was crowned king.
He gathered all his power and sent Trishanku upward Harishchandra remained childless for long. He was
to heaven. But when Trishanku reached the portals of worried about the future of his kingdom. He met Sage
heaven, Indra and the other gods did not allow him to Vasishtha, the guru of his dynasty, and asked him, “O
cross into their domain. With his supernatural power, Indra Learned One, is it so ordained that I should not have any
toppled him. issue? Will you kindly enlighten me about it?”
Trishanku began falling. At once Viswamitra shouted, “O young king, whatever be in store for one in one’s
mustering his Yogic power, “Stop!” destiny cannot be altered. But so far as having a child is
Trishanku thus remained midway between the earth concerned, it is Varuna who decides it. Meditate upon
and heaven. Viswamitra now got ready to create a new him. You shall be blessed with a child if he is pleased.”
heaven solely for Trishanku. Harishchandra retired to a lonely spot on river Ganga

34. THE TRAVAILS OF A PRINCE

December 2006 46 Chandamama

CMYK
and meditated on Lord Varuna, the presiding deity of the
waters. He appeared before him.
“Be pleased to grant me a son,” said Harischandra.
“You can have a fine son on condition that you’ll
sacrifice him in a Yajna. Do you agree?” asked the god.
The king was in a fix. If he did not agree to the
condition, he would not get a son. His penance would go
in vain. But how could he sacrifice his son in a Yajna?
He kept quiet.
“I’m sorry, dear king, but there’s no other way to
alter your destiny. You cannot have a son unless you agree
to this condition,” said the god.
“Bless me with a son. O Lord Varuna, I shall face
my fate!” the king cried out.
“Let it be so,” said the god and he disappeared.
The king informed his queen Shaivya about the boon.
In due course the queen gave birth to a son. The child
was named Rohit.
Varuna called on the king in the guise of a Brahmin.
Nobody but the king recognised him. “Come on, let me king. “O King, you must now arrange for the Yajna.”
see you sacrifice your son in a Yajna!” he said. “O kind-hearted lord! But don’t the Brahmins believe
The king was at his wit’s end. He fumbled and said, that until the thread-ceremony has taken place, one is
“Well, at least a month must elapse before the newborn not fit to participate in any auspicious rite? According to
can be called a human child. Am I not right?” the scriptures, a Brahmin boy becomes eligible for the
“Very well, I shall come after a month,” the god said. thread ceremony at the age of eight, whereas a Kshatriya
The king heaved a sigh of relief. He tried to forget all lad has to wait till eleven. Pray, let my boy live till he has
about it by looking at the child’s face. gone through the thread-ceremony,” the king pleaded.
But Varuna did not fail to appear after a month. Varuna went away quietly. The king felt relieved. Time
“O Lord! The child is toothless. How can it be eligible passed happily for him.
for sacrifice?” asked the king. But soon the prince became eleven years of age and
The god departed, only to reappear a few months wore the sacred thread after the necessary rituals. As
later. “Your child must have gone through its teething. soon as the ceremony was over. Varuna appeared before
There can’t be any more delay,” he said sternly. the king!
“O compassionate Varuna, you surely know that a “Welcome O Lord Varuna! How lucky am I to receive
child who has not yet gone through the head-shaving you! My son has just begun to study the Vedas. You’ll
ceremony can hardly be called a human being. Should agree with me that he’ll qualify better to become an object
you not wait?” asked the king. of sacrifice for the Yajna once he completes his study of
“Harishchandra! You hail from a great dynasty. Let it the Vedas!” said the king.
not be said that you are guilty of breach of faith! Let this Varuna flared up. “You are trying to be clever with
be the last time I have to go back,” said the god. me. Very well, I shall be back as soon as your son’s
Days passed. The little prince’s head-shaving study is completed. Don’t you play any trick with me
ceremony was over. The very next day Varuna met the then!” he said. (To continue)
Chandamama 47 December 2006

CMYK
 THE L A ST
GESTURE OF THE
GREAT PRINCE
E mperor Shah Jahan had four sons. The eldest, Dara Shukoh was a remarkable young
man, and unlike the other princes, he was a keen seeker after truth. He studied the
Vedas and Upanishads with intense zeal and even translated some of the scriptures into
Arabic. He was never tired of discussing philosophy with noted scholars of his time. He
was not interested in either merrymaking or in politics. Though brave and strong, he
never sought any glory through military
triumphs. He charmed everybody with his
courtesy and impressed all with his wit and
intelligence. He generously helped the needy with
money and material.
As he grew more and more interested in the
Vedic scriptures and spent his time in the
company of learned pundits, the fanatics among
the courtiers became angry with him. But
what could they do? Shah Jahan loved the
eldest prince most and trusted him. The
wise among the nobility found in the young
man the image of his illustrious great-
grandfather, Akbar.
The fanatics began to arouse hatred
against him in the minds of the other three
sons of Shah Jahan. The one who was ready
to take advantage of the situation was the
third son Aurangzeb, who did not hesitate
to do anything cruel to fulfil his ambition.
When Shah Jahan fell ill in 1657 and it was
believed that Dara Shukoh would succeed him after
he breathed his last, Aurangzeb, assisted by Prince
Murad, marched towards the capital to occupy the throne. Dara put up resistance with
his father’s support, but was defeated in three battles, one after another. Aurangzeb
took his father prisoner and declared himself the emperor. His second brother, Suza, who
too tried to capture the throne, died as a fugitive in Arakan. The simpleton, Murad, to
whom Aurangzeb had promised half the empire was imprisoned and beheaded.

December 2006 48 Chandamama

CMYK
 Prince Dara had to flee from place to place in the course of which he lost his wife. At
last he took shelter with an Afghan chief named Jiwan Khan. He had once been ordered
by Shah Jahan to be trampled to death by an elephant, when Dara had pacified his father
and saved the man’s life. But the ungrateful Jiwan Khan handed him over to Aurangzeb.
Dara was brought back to Agra as prisoner.
Though he was the rightful heir to the throne, Dara Shukoh was made to sit on an
aged elephant and paraded through the streets of Agra as thousands watched and
sympathized with him, but he could do nothing except to lament his misfortune. A fakir
cried out, “O noble prince, how many times had you given me alms! What a sorry sight
for me that you have nothing to give me now!”
Alas, Dara had nothing on his person except torn linen and a shawl. He greeted the
fakir and immediately removed his shawl and threw it at him. People who saw this sang
his glory in a subdued way and shed tears. That was the last they saw of their beloved
prince.
Aurangzeb made a farce of his trial by some fanatics who passed the death sentence
on him. He was beheaded on August 30, 1659. (MD)

SOLVING A
PROBLEM
One night, Kishan was pacing his bedroom
restlessly, frowning and muttering to himself.
After some thirty minutes, his wife Jaya could
no longer keep quiet.
“What’s the matter? What are you worrying
about?” she demanded.
Kishan shot a shamefaced glance at her and
said sulkily, “I suppose I’d better tell you; there’s no use trying to hide it any more. Last
month, I borrowed two hundred rupees from our neighbour Shakil, promising to return it
after thirty days. Tomorrow is the thirty-first day, and I don’t have the money! What on
earth am I going to do? This worry is driving me crazy!”
“That’s nothing to get so worked up about,” said Jaya calmly. “There’s only one way
out now. Just go to Shakil and tell him that you can’t pay him tomorrow. It’s as simple as
that!” Kishan pondered the matter and admitted, “You do have something there! I think I’ll
follow your advice. I’ll go to him right away!”
Before Jaya could remonstrate with him over the lateness of the hour, he had dashed
out of the house. Five minutes later, Kishan re-entered the room, happy and smiling. Jaya
enquired, “What happened?”
“My worry is over now, thanks to your sage advice,” said Kishan, beaming. “As for
Shakil – now, he is pacing up and down his room!”

Chandamama 49 December 2006

CMYK
 THE TRUE
WEALTH
are filled with the best variety of trees. You know, if
you send their wood to other countries, you’ll
become one of the richest persons in this region.”
“Really!” exclaimed Veer.
“Of course. Nidhi has an abundance of natural
beauty. It has verdant hills, lovely valleys and a
beautiful river. It is a paradise of Nature. You can
make Nidhi a tourist resort. Thousands will flock
to your kingdom.” Lobh tried to explain.
“I don’t know whether we should take such a
revolutionary step. My father always believed that
nature was like a Mother and that trees, mountains
and rivers are to be worshipped,” Veer said.
nce there was an island kingdom called Nidhi “Oh! Come on, Veer. Times have changed. Today
O which was ruled by the kind and benevolent King
Vishwanath. River Sundara flowed through the kingdom.
you cannot live in isolation. When opportunity knocks
on your door, you have to open it at once.”
The king was a nature lover, and Nidhi abounded in Within a year Nidhi was completely transformed. The
flowers, fruits and trees. Every month the king himself trees were savagely cut and the wood shipped to different
went about planting saplings. Nidhi was dotted with parks countries. With the destruction of the forests, the birds
and gardens in which the young, as well as the old, spent and animals lost their sanctuary. Lobh had zoos
their leisure hours. The only source of fresh water on the constructed to house the animals and birds. The
island was river Sundara. The king made sure it remained magnificent creatures, which used to roam the forests
pure. The river was held in reverence by the people of and fly in the open skies in gay abandon, were now
Nidhi and no one polluted it. cooped up in small cages and tiny enclosures.
The king himself lived to a ripe old age before he Attracted by Lobh’s marketing strategy, tourists
died. His son Veer Singh ascended the throne. He was started flocking to Nidhi. They visited the parks and
an ambitious young man who had had his studies in a far zoos and enjoyed themselves at the expense of the poor
off land called Paschim. A year after he became king, his animals.
friend Lobh, who had studied with him in Paschim and Their favourite haunt, however, was river Sundara.
lived there, came on a visit. Lobh went round Nidhi and It was converted to a picnic spot. The river banks were
was amazed at its natural wealth. lined with shops. Animal rides, merry-go-rounds and
“Veer! Do you realise you are sitting on a gold shops selling toys and gift items and many kinds of snacks
mine?” he said. were the main attractions. More than fifty boats were
“What do you mean?” said Veer Singh. now offering rides to the tourists for a price.
“Your kingdom is a treasure-house. Your forests River Sundara gradually grew disgusted with the state

December 2006 50 Chandamama

CMYK
of affairs. Its clear and clean waters were getting polluted become after my plan was implemented?” shouted Lobh.
every day. Men, women and children would throw food, “But sir, suppose we lose Sundara, where will we
waste paper and every kind of junk into its waters. The get our water from?”
boats would invade its privacy, shattering its stillness and “Don’t worry. We’ll construct an artificial fresh water
scare away the different kinds of fish which lived in the lake,” Lobh declared. Within days a fresh water lake was
river. constructed.
The animals and birds, who would often come to After getting Koyal’s message, Sundara felt hurt. She
Sundara to quench their thirst were now trapped and put went back to her source in the mountains. Megh, the
in cages. Sundara really missed their company. She had king of monsoon clouds who was Sundara’s friend, came
no one to talk to anymore. Earlier, the creatures of the to know about King Veer Singh’s betrayal of Nidhi and
forest would carry lively tales and share their joys and decided to teach him a lesson. That year the monsoon
sorrows with her. Now all she had for company were the clouds stayed away and Nidhi started reeling under a
dirty, noisy, messy tourists. severe drought. Next year, too, there was no rain. The
Sundara had a friend –a little bird called Koyal who artificial lake also dried up. Tourists stopped coming and
understood her language as well as the language of the Lobh suddenly decided to return to Paschim. Poor Veer
humans. She sent a message through Koyal to King Veer. did not know what to do!
“O King! Sundara has sent a message. If you don’t There was a very old man in his kingdom. People
stop this destruction of Nidhi, she’ll go back to her called him Acharya. He lived alone in a hut on top of a
source.” hill. One day, the king went to him for advice. The wise
“Destruction! You stupid bird, do you call progress man said, “Veer Singh, there’s only one way to end this
some destruction? You know how prosperous Nidhi has crisis. Go to the Airawat mountain, the source of river
Sundara, and pray for her forgiveness.”
The king sat in prayer on Airawat. “O Sundara!
Please forgive me. I made a mistake by forsaking
my father’s legacy. I’ve now realised that nature’s
bounty alone is the true wealth,” the king said. Tears
of repentance flowed from his eyes.
Sundara was a kind and gentle river. She once
again started flowing down Airawat, across the
valleys and finally to the plains. Men, women and
children were overjoyed. With Sundara back, Megh
returned with his band of clouds and they blessed
Nidhi with copious rains. King Veer Singh organised
a plantation drive when thousands of saplings were
planted. He chose plants which grew fast. In a year
or two, Nidhi had once again become green. The
king closed down the zoos and released the birds
and animals into the forests. Soon they were back
at the river bed to chat with [Link] was now
happy. Its waters were once again clear and clean.
Nidhi was now a lovely green, and Nature was again
the island’s wealth. - Ramendra Kumar

Chandamama 51 December 2006

CMYK
 Laugh till
you drop!
Laughter rises out of Driver to his friend: I was getting
tragedy, when you need it the Rs 1,000/- a week, and the boss just
most, and rewards you for doubled my salary.
your courage. Friend: Yeah? What are you getting now?
- Erma Bombeck Driver: Rs 1,000/- every two weeks.
Friend: ?!?!

The two Rahul: That hat makes you look

pickpockets ten years younger. How old are
were you?
discussing Ranjit: Twenty-nine
business. Rahul: I mean without the hat.
“Say, The teacher put two baskets of
where did treats on her desk, a basket of
you get apples and a basket of cookies.
that lovely watch?” She told the students each to take
“From my cousin.” only one treat.
“From which cousin?” Next to the basket of apples was a
“How would I know? I found sign: Take only one, God is watching.
the watch and in the cover it As one little boy reached over for a
said, ‘In memory of your cookie, the boy next to him said, “Take all
grateful cousin.’ ” you want, God’s watching only the apples!”

DUSHTU DATTU
One evening, He is rather Pat comes the
after Dattu’s bewildered next question…
father returns at the Gu
from office... question. lp
!

Why did
Mummy shout at me
when I spilt a little
on the carpet?

No, it’s not

all that costly.
Daddy, is ink But why do
very costly? you ask?

December 2006 52 Chandamama

CMYK
 FROM BENGAL

THE TALE OF
TWO SISTERS
A brahmin once abandoned his two little daughters in
the forest. Reason: they ate two peedhas which
he wanted to eat himself. There was nothing strange about
this, because he had an insatiable hunger.
It all happened this way. This brahmin of Durgapur
lived with his wife and two daughters–Umabi and Jumabi.
There was hardly a day when all four of them ate a full
meal. The family was so steeped in poverty. He would
also not go for any work. He would not demean himself
by begging for alms. He would be happy if he could
scrounge off a handful of rice and pulses. Many a time
the pujari of the nearby temple obliged him.
One day, what he got was some rice powder and
coconut gratings. His wife told him she would cook
peedhas (something like the dosa of south India). She
made the batter and began to spread it on the saucepan
after sprinkling it with oil. When the brahmin heard the
saucepan saying sh-sh, he went into the kitchen with a
thread in hand. He tied one knot. The saucepan cried sh-
sh. A second knot was tied on the thread. When he saw
his wife washing the vessel in which she had kept the
batter, he knew that there were no more peedhas to be
made. He then went for his bath.
On returning from the well, he sat down. "Come on,
now you serve," he commanded to his wife. He ate one fumbled for an explanation.
peedha and untied one knot. He ate a second peedha "What happened to the two peedhas? I wanted to
and loosened one more knot. This exercise went on till eat all of them!" he said, staring at her face. "You ate
the woman said, "That's all. There are no more peedhas." them, didn't you?"
The brahmin found there were two more knots "No, no! I didn't eat them. The girls were feeling
remaining on the thread. "No! There should have been hungry, so I gave the peedhas to them," she replied and
two more!" he shouted at his wife. busied herself re-arranging the vessels.
"Yes, there were another two," confirmed his wife, The brahmin felt sorry that his wife had to go hungry,
though she wondered how on earth her husband had kept but he had already decided that he would punish the
a count of the peedhas she had made. "But... but..." she children. He then went to bed.

Chandamama 53 December 2006

CMYK
 The sisters huddled together till they saw the first
rays of the sun. Then they started walking. They did not
know for how long they walked. But they heaved a sigh
of relief when they reached a village. They found the streets
decorated and the porches of houses well swept,
sprinkled with water, and decorated with floral patterns.
They saw an old woman coming out of her house.
“Is anybody getting married here?" asked Umabi.
"No, my child," replied the woman, "these are puja
days."
"But, grandma, Durga puja was over long ago,"
Umabi reminded her.
"It must then be Diwali time," said Jumabi.
"No, my little ones," said the old woman," Diwali is
also over. We're celebrating the Sun festival. We worship
Surya to bring us health and prosperity. Now tell me,
who are you? And why are you here all alone?"
"We are from Durgapur and our father was taking us
to our uncle's place. On the way, we all felt sleepy and
lay down beneath a banyan tree. When we woke up in
the night, we could not find him anywhere. Grandma we
don't know how we would go back to Durgapur,"
explained Umabi.
Next morning, he woke up the girls. “How would "Don't worry. You can stay with me for the time being.
you like a visit to your uncle's house? Get ready, quick." I'm alone," said the old woman to console them. "You
Father and daughters started, after an affectionate both go and take a bath in the pond. Afterwards you
farewell from their mother. They walked and walked and must worship the Sun god."
reached a dense forest. The girls wanted to rest for a She gave them some clothes and they went to the
while. They lay down beneath a shaded banyan. When pond. The girls had the shock of their life. When they
he saw them sound asleep, the brahmin placed some had hardly stepped into the pond, the water disappeared!
stones like a pillow, mixed sindoor powder in water and They found themselves standing on a patch of dry land.
sprinkled it around the stone pillow and then left the place They went back to the old woman and told her of
quietly. the strange happening. "It's a special kind of pond. Here
It had already become dark by the time Umabi and take this dry grass and throw it into the pond. You'll find
Jumabi woke up. They missed their father. They saw the water rising."
something blood-red near the stones on which he might The girls took the sacred grass and threw it into the
have rested his head. They were now scared. "Father pond. Lo and behold, water began rising. The sun
might have been killed by some wild animals!" said appeared bright and Umabi and Jumabi thought that the
Jumabi. "What shall we do now, sister?" god was happy with them. In no time, the pond was full
"But this is not blood, Jumabi," remarked Umabi. of water, and they had a good bath. After putting on fresh
"I'm afraid, father has left us here and gone away. We'll clothes, they went back to the old woman. She asked
have to spend the night in this forest till sunrise." them first to put rangoli in front of the house. When the

December 2006 54 Chandamama

CMYK
girls were through with that task, they were asked to land? Jumabi went in a palanquin in which she did not
prepare offerings to the Sun god. They turned their faces forget to take her puja vessels, for, she wished to continue
to the east and remained in worship for some time. They her worship of the Sun god even if she were to lead a
were then given rice and fruits. They forgot their hunger. comfortable life in the house of the prime minister.
During their stay with the old woman, they made As Umabi had failed to worship the Sun god before
friends with the other villagers who also sometimes shared she started for the palace, her journey was not smooth.
their food with them. One day, the prince of the kingdom There was a heavy downpour and the chariot had to stop
and the son of the prime minister happened to come that at several places, so much so her arrival at the palace
way. They were thirsty and hungry after a hunting spree. was greatly delayed. However, the marriage rites were
They had seen the girls and so stopped by to ask for performed, though the exchange of garlands could not
water to drink. Having refreshed themselves, they readily take place during the auspicious hour. The prince's
accepted an invitation by Umabi to come in and enjoy mother, the queen, thought it was a bad omen for the
some food. kingdom. Under her influence, the prince too did not
The two young men found the girls very courteous shower his affection on his bride.
and social. They told the young men that their grandmother At the prime minister's residence, the wedding was
was away collecting firewood. They requested them to a grand affair. At Jumabi's instance, her husband sent
stay back till she returned, but they told the girls that they sweetmeat and other delicacies to her village. The old
had set out early morning and it was time they went back woman and the other villagers were surprised that no
to the palace. Only then Umabi and Jumabi were aware sweetmeat had come from the palace, and they soon
who their young guests were. They went about excited forgot Umabi.
and anxiously waited for the old woman to come back to When, even after one year, Umabi did not bear a
share the news with her. child, the queen suggested to the prince that he should
The prince and his companion never visited their new send her back to the village. He was not quite willing to
acquaintances again, but messengers from the palace do that, so he discussed it with his friend, the prime
came and met the old woman with proposals of marriage. minister's son. He, in turn, consulted his wife, Jumabi,
She felt elated. The girls were almost orphans and she who told him that, as she was expecting a baby, he should
was not related to them. But
suddenly she had become an
important member of the
family. She consulted the
girls. Weren't they exulted?
Their only sorrow was that
they would have to leave the
old woman. They would
certainly miss her and the
other villagers who had
looked after them.
Umabi was so excited
that she wanted a chariot to
take her to the palace for the
wedding. After all, wasn't
she to wed the prince of the

Chandamama 55 December 2006

CMYK
 bring Umabi so that she could be of help to her after the
birth of her baby. Thus, Umabi found herself once again
with her sister.
They often recalled how they found themselves
abandoned in a forest and how they grew up in a village.
Both Umabi and Jumabi now worshipped the Sun god in
earnestness. Soon a baby boy was born to Jumabi and
there were festivities in the prime minister's residence.
His son invited his friend, the prince, to join the
celebrations.
At the prime minister's residence, the prince saw his
wife, Umabi, and he was taken over by remorse. Then
and there he decided to take Umabi back to the palace.
The ananouncement met with great rejoice in the prime
minister's residence.
When the prince entered the palace with Umabi, both
the king and queen received her with great affection, as
by then they had started missing her. The queen regretted
that she had advised her son to send her out of the palace.
Umabi realised that the change of heart in the queen was
because she was worshipping the Sun god when she was
with Jumabi.

EXPERT DIRECTIONS!
Rahul’s birthday was approaching. Although his parents were tired out after the strain
of having shifted house recently, they agreed to host the usual birthday party. Rahul was
determined to invite great-uncle Alok – a distant relative, but much valued by Rahul for his
generosity.
As soon as the party was confirmed, the first thing Rahul did was to ring up great-uncle
Alok and invite him. “You’ll surely come, won’t you?” he asked anxiously.
“Yes, my child,” said great-uncle, flattered by the youngster’s concern. “But I don’t
know the way to your new house!”
“Oh, that’s no problem; I’ll give you the directions.
You turn to Ashok Desai Road, take the left turn beside
the supermarket, and walk straight along the lane. Just
before the lane branches off, you’ll see a red house with a
green gate on the right. The gate will be open. Just walk
in and ring the doorbell with your elbow. Is it clear?”
“Your directions are very clear, son! But why should I
ring the bell with my elbow?” enquired great-uncle Alok,
bemused. “Because your hands are sure to be full of
birthday presents for me!” came the cheeky reply.

December 2006 56 Chandamama

CMYK
 SAGA OF THE
QUEEN OF THE AIR
O ne fine morning about a hundred years ago, two
little girls went on a joyride in an aeroplane. It
was a thrilling experience! The elder of the two dreamed
was a prosperous fish merchant and she was the eldest
of his three daughters. She gained much experience and
developed self-confidence during her stint in the London
of one day flying a plane of her own. She was an active Aeroplane Club. In those days, resistance to women in
and rebellious young girl. After graduating from a aviation was fierce. Despite being told after her first
university, she worked as secretary in a British firm. lesson that she would “never make a flier”, she
Her childhood dream never waned and flying became persevered with dogged determination.
her passionate hobby. She joined a flying club where Soon she obtained the necessary licenses and
she learned to fly, navigate and repair engines–a very navigation certificates and also became a thoroughly
unusual choice for a girl of her times. Before long, her qualified mechanic. She was the first woman in her
hobby became the preoccupation of her life. Not only country to get a ground engineer’s license. This was no
was she aiming to make a career in flying, but to do mean feat for a young lady of her times. But she never
what no woman had ever yet accomplished and tread forgot the experience of her first joyride with her sister
the field till then dominated by men. Who was this when they were little girls. Now she had a burning
challenging young adventurer? ambition and aimed high, to make pioneering long
She was none other than Amy Johnson, born on distance flights, and she dreamed of flying from England
July 1, 1903 in Hull, Yorkshire, England. Her father to faraway Australia.
With the help of her family, who always backed
her, and that of a kind rich businessman, she finally got
a small light aircraft for her epic flight. It was a two year
old De Havilland Gypsy Moth with extra fuel tanks.
She got her machine painted in her favourite colour,
bottle green, and named it Jason. She wore a green
helmet and flying suit, and to her amusement, her
superstitious friends found the colour unlucky. Charles
Lindbergh had already made the first solo Atlantic
crossing and Captain Bert Hinkler had flown from Britain
to Australia setting a record. Now will she be able to
fulfil her dream in her fragile little plane? In fact, everyone
doubted whether this petite young woman with fair hair
and blue eyes will be able to withstand the rigours of
the journey. It looked impossible.
At daybreak on May 5, 1930 Amy Johnson took
off from the Croydon Airport. She had to fly around

Chandamama 57 December 2006

CMYK
 11,000 staggering miles across unfamiliar and dangerous she could faintly discern a pair of railway tracks. She
territories. She had never flown more than 200 miles at closely followed them and soon reached her
a stretch. Only few people, and among them her father, destination. In torrential downpour, fading light and fuel
were present to wish her good luck. Will this brave fast running out, brave little Amy managed to bring
young woman succeed in her daring endeavour? down her little aircraft with great skill and accuracy
Through the morning mist she flew in her little between the two goal posts of a playing field.
aeroplane to Vienna and then to Constantinople, Unfortunately the plane wobbled on the unknown
covering almost 1,600 miles. The world began to take ground, finally ending up in a ditch with considerable
notice of this lone girl flyer and was impressed by her damage.
courage and ability. Amy continued to press on with as It took her almost two days to get the plane
much speed as possible. airborne with some willing local hands working hard
So far everything was going according to plan. But day and night. Then finally she flew once again after
on the fourth day, as she was crossing the desert before losing much precious time. An excited world still
Baghdad, her little craft was caught in a blinding followed her trail and everyone on her route encouraged
sandstorm. She had to make a forced landing. It was her and was too eager to give her all assistance towards
the most forsaken of all places and she dreaded it. Now her success. Once again she battled rain and storm and
there loomed the danger of the terrific force of this sand- fog and mist, often flying blind over mountain ranges
laden gale toppling her light-weight machine and burying and dense jungles. Amy Johnson was in constant danger.
its nose in the ground. Quickly pushing her way out of But she bravely pressed on skilfully guiding her plane
the cockpit Amy piled all her luggage against the wheels through the only safe pass through the high mountains
to make the craft more stable. She took out her revolver with good visibility and landed in Bangkok.
and held it ready, in case some unfriendly natives She was now cruising almost neck to neck with
suddenly turned up in this desolate place. Then with a the timing of Bert Hinkler. In spite of her extreme
prayer on her lips she waited for the storm to die down. physical exhaustion, her will and determination remained
Fortunately the storm died down and she was soon unshakable. She continued on her daring flight. When
airborne again winging her way towards the great city. she reached Singapore she had already dropped behind
From Baghdad she reached Calcutta via Karachi Hinkler’s time due to inclement weather. But she did
and Allahabad. She was indeed challenging Bert not mind at all. Her aim was to complete the great
Hinkler’s record and was ahead of him by two days journey. She now entered the most dangerous leg across
and had already flown about 7,000 miles. This girl- the stormy East Indies and hours of lonely flight over
wonder at once caught the world’s imagination and it the treacherous Timor Sea with its extreme tropical
watched her progress with bated breath. Will she be weather. Here a failure of the engine would mean very
able to reach her destination and also beat the record? meagre chance of survival. Unfortunately, her little Jason
She was feeling quite exhausted and knew that ahead was not running smoothly and had developed some
lay more difficult and hazardous terrains. minor engine problems. Indeed, great risk lay ahead.
As she flew over a massive mountain range on her But that did not discourage her and she pressed on.
way to Rangoon, in Burma (now Yangon and One afternoon the plane suddenly disappeared and
Myanmar), her little Jason was thrown about in the air nothing more was heard or seen of it for the rest of the
by strong winds and lashing rain. She climbed to an day. Night fell and there was still no news. People all
altitude of 12,000 ft to avoid the storm and met with over the world grew anxious. They feared that this young
bad visibility. Then, when she dropped to almost 150 ft brave adventurer had ultimately fallen a prey to the

December 2006 58 Chandamama

CMYK
forces of nature, the forces she had so courageously looked with wonder at her accomplishment. She was
challenged till then. The following morning the happy news called the “Queen of the Air”.
came that she had managed to land in a remote island Overwhelmed by the welcome by an enormous
village. crowd and adulation, she seems to have remarked, “I’m
Many thought that she would now give up the afraid I didn’t break the record, but you don’t seem to
attempt. But Amy Johnson felt otherwise. She was mind that – it’s jolly sporting of you.”
determined to carry on across the dangerous sea. Her Later, she established many long distance flight
predecessor, Bert Hinkler, had a rubber boat attached records and was showered with honours and awards.
to the back of his machine. But she had none and must At the outbreak of World War II, she joined the Air
entirely depend on her little aircraft, Jason, and her ability Transport Auxiliary. Her duty was to ferry aircraft from
to keep it afloat in the air above the deadly shark-infested the factory depot to air force bases. During one of these
waves, if situation so demanded. routine flights in 1941, her plane was caught in stormy
Finally on May 24, 1930 she reached her destination, weather and crashed into the Thames Estuary. She was
Port Darwin, in Australia to a tumultuous reception. The never heard of again. (AKD)
anxious world breathed again and jubilantly applauded
the heroine, the brave young English damsel. She was
the first woman to fly alone from Britain to Australia. She
became an overnight celebrity as an astonished world

Chandamama 59 December 2006

CMYK
 12

In the wake of the postponement

of the coronation in Chandrapuri, the royal invitees leave.
On their way back, King Vikramsingh of Vajrapuri and Prime Minister
Pushparaj call on Narendradeva who is happy to meet his old
classmate. In Chandrapuri, the Rajguru and Jyotishi discuss a
new date for the coronation.
Art : Gandhi Ayya

The Rajguru remembers his

dream of the previous night.

A strange
creature, with a
serpent head, was
saying something,
which I couldn’t
understand.

I was at my
prayers today when I
had a vision of a bright
light coming from behind
mountain-peaks. Our
kingdom was in
darkness!

I also saw a temple. It had an idol of

Vishnu. There were smaller temples
for Lakshmi and Garuda. But the
whole place was in
ruins...

December 2006 60 Chandamama

CMYK
 According to The temple in the north-eastern corner
general belief, neglecting of our kingdom was believed to have
one’s family temple can bring been damaged in an earthquake and
misfortune. If there had been later by floods. There was once
a temple in the kingdom, a prosperous city around
something has to the temple.
be done.
I shall
now go, and
come back with a
new date for the
Is it so? coronation.

After the departure of the Let’s not worry about the coronation. The king is apparently not happy.
Rajguru and Jyotishi... If something good can happen to the
kingdom by resurrecting the temple,
we should attend to it immediately.
Your majesty, if you’ll permit
me, I shall go and
find out...

Can’t that wait, Yes,

Sire? Aditya, should
you go away
from the palace
now?

Suryanagar, for
Aditya, long long instance. We had invited
ago, some rebels in the the king to the coronation,
dynasty caused a break-up of but he didn’t come.
the kingdom. The rulers in
the northeastern parts may I shall avoid those
not be friendly to kingdoms and stick to
Chandrapuri. our border.

But that will

be a longer route,
Aditya. If you cut through
Vajrapuri you can reach
Who are they, earlier. You can travel
your majesty? incognito.

Chandamama 61 December 2006

CMYK
 If we had kept to our plans, I would
have been crowned by now and it When do you As soon as
wouldn’t have been proper for me to propose to leave, I receive a reply from
go in disguise. I shall take Aditya? Vajrapuri, your majesty.
bodyguards with me. I will Please bless me for the
also ask Vajrapuri for a success of my
safe passage. mission.

Take care
and come
back safe!

Two days later... Your majesty, I came to know that the

King of Vajrapuri had stopped at the
mountain-caves and he and his Prime
Minister went to meet Narendradeva. That is very
I am expecting more details. thoughful of you,
Meanwhile, I’ve sent some Ramsingh. Now that you
soldiers to guard the route tell me, I’m not certain
the prince may whether Vikramsingh is
take. friendly to us.

In Vajrapuri...
I think it’s time It is from
we found out what’s Prince Aditya.
happening to Aruna. Your majesty, He’s on a visit to
this has come from the northeastern
Chandrapuri. parts and wishes
If there are any to pass through
developments I shall Vajrapuri.
report to you
immediately.

Pushparaj,
take it and read
the message.

December 2006 62 Chandamama

CMYK
 I wonder He plans We must I shall The next day, Aditya is
why this arriving tomorrow. extend all send word ceremoniously led to
sudden interest Shall we ask him to courtesies. that he’s most Vikramsingh.
in the north- stay for a day? We’ll give him welcome.
east. When is a banquet.
he coming?

You’re welcome That gave me time to call

to Vajrapuri, Prince Aditya. on my friend, Narendradeva. Till your
You must stay here king told me, I didn’t know he had met Lucky, he
for a day. with an accident. survived. Tell me,
what is taking you to
the north-east?

Thank you,
Yes. We heard
your majesty. It was
he was attacked by
unfortunate that you had
crocodiles, but had
to leave Chandrapuri
escaped.
suddenly.

Pushparaj beckons a bodyguard.

There was a Vishnu That’s only very
temple which was affected proper. Tomorrow, my
soldiers will escort you Take Prince Aditya
by an earthquake and floods. to our guest apartments
My king wishes that the temple is to the border.
and look after to his
renovated, so that I can offer comforts.
worship after my coronation.
That was the tradition with
the royal dynasty.

Yes, sir.

I’m beholden to
you, your majesty. To continue

Chandamama 63 December 2006

CMYK
 BOOK REVIEW

A GRIPPING READ
The Khan’s Talisman…and other stories,
by J. P. Kerawala, illustrations by Sonal Goyal and
Sumit Sakhuja, Unicorn Books, New Delhi,

A 15-year-old bully gets the lesson of a lifetime when his

younger cousin lures him into a magic cabin that takes the duo
backwards into space and time – into 12th century Mongolia, at
the time of Genghiz Khan’s invasion…
A little boy’s prayer – that his farmer father is saved from a
rapacious money-lender’s clutches – is answered miraculously,
as four city boys swing into a rescue act after hatching a most
ingenious plan…
Disgusted with his lazy, quarrelsome sons, a rich landowner,
Raghunathan, leaves them a cryptic riddle, which they must decipher in order to claim his legacy.
When the sons give up in frustration, it is left to the intelligent Sonu, a friend of the late Raghunathan’s
grandson, to take up where they left off…
Four dogs play Cupid and by their almost-human intelligence and perseverance, defeat nefarious
forces bent on sabotaging a budding romance …
When small, but valuable things in Priyanka’s household start vanishing, only to reappear
mysteriously elsewhere, her parents ascribe it to ‘Little Pinku’, the mischievous poltergeist whom
they apparently inherited with the house. However, Priyanka’s friend Karishma, who somehow
cannot digest this story, sets out to find the real culprit and vindicate the poltergeist…
The five fast-paced, action-packed stories, set in various locales as diverse as Pune and
Pudukkottai, reveal the author’s vivid imagination and descriptive powers. However, the book could
have done with tighter editing in some places – an example being the long-winded introduction of
the story, The Power of a Prayer. Also, the grisly content and language of two of the stories make the
book unsuitable for very young readers. The first story, The Khan’s Talisman, in particular, has a
couple of episodes of beheading and butchering which, while making an exciting read for a
teenager or young adult, would probably be too gruesome for the under-tens.
The stories are garnished with generous lashings of humour. I especially enjoyed the episode in
To Save a Poltergeist where the gluttonous hostess, Mrs. Kukude, generously brings plates of snacks
(all apparently bought from the best shops in town) for her young guests and urges them to eat, but
swiftly gobbles up everything herself amid her talk, leaving not even a morsel for the guests. In an
ironic touch, the guest while taking leave of Mrs. Kukude thanks her for ‘all the refreshments’. The
irony goes unnoticed by the lady, who contentedly goes on eating!
All told, an excellent read for teenage and older readers. - Rajee Raman

December 2006 64 Chandamama

CMYK
 AN
ALL-CORRECT
Co-sponsored by FOUNDATION,Bangalore ENTRY WILL
All the questions are based on the contents FETCH A CASH
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What you should do: 1. Write down the answers; 2. Mention
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January 2007 issue. all-correct entries will be published.

1. Which bird has the longest life span?

2. Which is the only place where one can see sunrise on the Pacific Ocean
and sunset on the Atlantic Ocean?
3. “Three brave men disappeared, never to be seen again. Several
expeditions were sent to trace them without success.” Who were the
three men? Where did they disappear?
4. “The only other place comparable to these marvellous regions must be
space itself, out far beyond atmosphere, between stars, where sunlight
has no grip on the dust and rubbish of our planetary air.” Who made this
remark? What is being compared to?
5. The Boxer Rebellion of China of 1900 is called
after which Englishman? 10. Can you identify
these funny-looking
6. “He returned to his father’s kingdom when he
characters? Who are
was 12, and lived to be one of the greatest kings
they talking to?
in Mewar history.” Who is this prince? Where
was he till he was 12 years old?
7. Which metal is abundant in the earth’s crust?
8. “The investment was worth it. It revolutionised
world shipping. Even today it remains a
technological marvel.” What is being referred
to here? How much was the total investment?
9. Where in the USA is Main Street located? What
is its attraction?

Chandamama 65 December 2006

CMYK
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No. 82 Defence Officers Colony, Ekkatuthangal, Chennai - 600 097. Editor : B. Viswanatha Reddi (Viswam)

December 2006 66 Chandamama

CMYK
PCRA Page Website : [Link]

HOW TO
ECONOMISE GAS
B rinda was in a fix. Her gas cylinder
was about to get exhausted and it might
last only for another couple of days. There was a
shortage of refills and she had been told by the agency
not to expect a cylinder for a week. She already had the
tough task of preparing food for her children, husband,
and in-laws. Now, her uncle and aunt had arrived quite
unexpectedly. She decided to take her aunt into
confidence.
“Don’t worry, Brinda!” said her aunt. “You go and
relax! I shall take care of the cooking and see to it that
we don’t run out of gas!”
Her aunt entered the kitchen and took over full charge. That day passed off peacefully. Next
day, when Brinda was expecting bad news from the kitchen, nothing of that sort happened. Unable
to conceal her curiosity, Brinda went to her aunt.
“Brinda!” said her aunt. “I followed all the steps already taken by you to economise gas.
Additionally, I did something you had overlooked all these days. To cater to the different needs of
your family members at different times, you were cooking three or four times to prepare different
types of food, needing frequent reheating. Besides, you’re not using the available vessels in the
kitchen. I chose the large cooker in which I could cook khichri, vegetables and dal all at the same
time. Then, I put them in different casseroles which again you were not using. I could thus serve
hot food. There was thus no need to reheat the food. I did the same thing in the evening. From
today onwards, all of us together should eat our breakfast, lunch and dinner. We can thus manage
to economise on gas.”
“My god!” exclaimed Brinda. “This simple thing hadn’t occurred to me earlier! Thank you,
aunty! Not only for now, but in future, too, I shall plan my cooking in one stretch and see that we
eat our meals together.”

December 2006

CMYK
CHANDAMAMA (ENGLISH) DECEMBER 2006
REGD. WITH REGISTRAR OF NEWSPAPER FOR INDIA NO. 17914/70 REGD NO. TN/CC(S)DN/166/06-08
LICENSED TO POST WPP - INLAND [Link]/CC(S)DN/98/06-08, FOREIGN NO. 99/06-08