Friends, our country has been a birthplace and a land of action for great men and women, filled with qualities like sages, poets, writers, and musicians, for centuries. The thousands of works created by these luminaries are invaluable. Today's youth, in this digital age, seem lost, and we are moving further away from our heritage and invaluable treasures. subkuz.com constantly strives to bring you not only these precious treasures but also entertaining stories, news, and information from around the world. Presented before you is a timeless story, deeply inspiring, penned by the great writer Munshi Premchand.
The Armor
Long ago, I was a trusted official in a large princely state. As was my custom, I remained detached from the intrigues of the state, engrossed in my duties. I was not consumed by the anxieties of the city, like a judge. New intrigues, new spectacles, new plots unfolded daily in the palace, but I had no stake in any party. I did not interfere in anyone's affairs, nor did I complain or praise anyone. Perhaps for this reason, the king had a favourable disposition towards me. The king was virtuous, compassionate, fearless, generous, and somewhat arbitrary. He did not favour the Resident's flattery. Newspapers from other princely states, which were often feared and not welcome in their own territories, arrived freely in our state. On a couple of occasions, the Resident had hinted at this, but the king paid no attention. He did not want any interference in his internal governance, and the Resident secretly harbored resentment. However, this does not mean that the king was a benevolent, visionary, astute, or frugal ruler. He was not. He was extremely extravagant, a lover of pleasure, and prone to vices. Most of his time was spent indulging in sensual pleasures. There were dozens of queens in the harem, yet new women continued to arrive daily. No restraint or frugality was observed in these pursuits. The worship of beauty had become almost his instinctive nature. He would have even sacrificed his righteousness and integrity for it. He craved freedom, and since the government sought to confine him, he exhibited an extraordinary devotion and enthusiasm for matters in which he felt the complete support and sympathy of the people. Consequently, the populace considered his vices as virtues, while the newspapers constantly celebrated his fearlessness and love for the people.
Recently, a Punjabi woman had joined the harem. Various rumours circulated about her. Some said she was a common courtesan, others claimed she was an actress, and some that she came from a respectable family. She was neither exceptionally beautiful nor very popular, yet the king was passionately infatuated. He had little interest in affairs of state, but now he was completely devoted to her. A new palace was being built for her. Continual gifts arrived, and the latest materials were being imported from Europe to adorn the building. Teachers from Italy, France, and Germany were brought to teach her singing and dancing. The entire state echoed with her name. People wondered what virtue in this woman held such sway over the king.
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