Tenali Ramakrishna stories are like moral stories that teach us ways to deal with life challenges with humour, intelligence, strategy, dharma, and affection.

In the grand kingdom of Vijayanagar, ruled by the wise and powerful King Krishnadevaraya, a diverse assembly of scholars, poets, and intellectuals frequently gathered. The kingdom was known for its greatness of art, culture, and intellectual pursuits, making it a beacon of enlightenment in India. Among these brilliant minds, one man stood out as a legend—Tenali Ramakrishna, the court jester whose sharp wit and unmatched intelligence often proved invaluable to the king.

One day, a famous scholar arrived at the court, gaining immediate attention for his extraordinary linguistic prowess. This man, not only well-versed in various subjects, prided himself on his ability to speak multiple languages with ease. He boasted to the courtiers, claiming he could converse fluently in nearly every language spoken across the vast Indian subcontinent. To demonstrate his skill, the scholar began engaging in lively conversations with the courtiers in different languages, switching seamlessly from one tongue to another. His performance left the court in awe.

Encouraged by their admiration, the scholar grew more confident—perhaps too confident. “I challenge anyone in this court,” he declared, his voice ringing with pride, “to determine my mother tongue. I assure you, it’s a task you won’t accomplish.”

The courtiers, intrigued by the challenge, tried their best to uncover the scholar’s native language. They engaged him in discussions, tested him with clever wordplay, and even attempted to provoke him into revealing it by slipping into casual conversations. But no matter how hard they tried, the scholar remained composed and articulate in every language he spoke, leaving them baffled.

Seeing the courtiers fail, the scholar’s self-assurance turned into shame. He wore a triumphant expression, as if he had already won a significant victory over the court. King Krishnadevaraya, observing the situation, grew curious and decided to turn to his most trusted aide, Tenali Ramakrishna.

“Ramakrishna,” the king said, his tone carrying both curiosity and expectation, “I believe you are the only one capable of solving this mystery. Can you uncover this scholar’s mother tongue?”

Tenali Ramakrishna, who had been quietly observing the scholar’s antics from the sidelines, smiled confidently. “Of course, Your Majesty,” he replied with a calm demeanor. “I will uncover the truth, but I will need one day to accomplish the task.”

The king agreed and gave Ramakrishna the necessary time, trusting in his unparalleled ingenuity. Tenali immediately began devising a plan.

That evening, as the court prepared a grand dinner to honor the esteemed scholar, Tenali took charge of ensuring that the visitor was treated with the utmost hospitality. He arranged a sumptuous feast, featuring the finest delicacies of the kingdom, ensuring that the scholar’s appetite was more than satisfied. The scholar, pleased with the lavish treatment, ate to his heart’s content. After the feast, Tenali arranged for the scholar to rest in a palace, where the gentle summer breeze wafted through open windows, creating an atmosphere of perfect comfort.

The scholar, feeling completely at ease, removed his upper garment, stretched out on the soft bed, and quickly drifted into a deep and peaceful sleep.

Late at night, when the palace was silent, Tenali Ramakrishna quietly made his way to the scholar’s chamber. Armed with a slender stick, he approached the sleeping man with very care, ensuring that his movements were silent. Then, with a precise motion, Tenali lightly poked the scholar in the stomach with the stick.

The unexpected pain jolted the scholar awake. Startled and disoriented, he cried out in his native language, “Evudara Adi!”—which, in Telugu, means “Who is that?”

Tenali, hearing the outburst, smiled to himself. His plan had worked perfectly. Without uttering a word, he slipped out of the room and returned to his quarters, satisfied that he had discovered the scholar’s mother tongue.

The following morning, the court gathered once again. The scholar, still confident that no one could uncover his secret, stood before the assembly, his expression one of quiet triumph. King Krishnadevaraya turned to Tenali Ramakrishna and asked, “Well, Ramakrishna, have you discovered the truth?”

Ramakrishna stepped forward with his smile. “Yes, Your Majesty,” he said, addressing the scholar. “Your mother tongue is Telugu.”

The scholar’s eyes widened in shock. “Yes, that’s correct!” he exclaimed, his voice tinged with astonishment. “But how could you possibly know?”

Tenali chuckled, his tone light yet tinged with the wisdom of his years. “It is a simple truth,” he explained. “When we are startled or in pain, we instinctively revert to the language of our childhood—the one closest to our hearts. Last night, when you were startled awake, you cried out in Telugu. That is how I knew.”

The court erupted in applause, impressed by Tenali Ramakrishna’s cleverness. The scholar, though initially taken aback, eventually joined in the applause, acknowledging the ingenuity of Tenali’s approach.

King Krishnadevaraya, delighted by the outcome, praised Tenali warmly. “Once again, Ramakrishna, you have proven why you are the jewel of this court,” he said, his voice filled with admiration. “Your wit and intelligence are unmatched, and your contributions continue to bring honor to Vijayanagar.”

The scholar, humbled by the experience, admitted that he had underestimated the brilliance of the court and its famed jester. “I came here seeking to test the wisdom of this court,” he said, bowing respectfully to the king and Tenali. “But instead, I leave having learned a valuable lesson in humility.”

Thus, Tenali Ramakrishna’s reputation as a man of sharp intellect and humor grew even stronger. His ability to solve complex problems with simple yet ingenious methods made him a beloved figure not only in the court but also among the people of the kingdom. Tales of his cleverness spread far and wide, ensuring that his legacy would endure for generations.

In the vibrant streets and humble villages of Vijayanagar, people retold the story of how Tenali Ramakrishna outwitted the proud scholar. They marveled at his wit and celebrated his unwavering loyalty to the king. To this day, the story remains a testament to the power of quick thinking and the enduring charm of Tenali Ramakrishna, the beloved poet and jester whose wisdom continues to inspire.