A Royal Glimpse into the King's Court

The servant, who had previously gone to retrieve the writing pad, returned bearing what seemed to be palm leaves, a quill, and an ink pot. I attempted once more to communicate, 'Could you assist me in opening the window?' However, what came out of my mouth was a firm command: 'Open the window,' spoken with such authority that it allowed no room for argument. I then instructed the servant to depart.

After the servant had departed, I settled onto the bed, deep in thought about my next steps. "What should I do?" I vocalized this question, a realization that caused my eyes to widen. I could speak and move as freely as I desired when alone, so why couldn't I do the same in the presence of others? A deep frown etched itself onto my forehead.

Stepping away from the bed, I made my way to a meditation mat nestled in a corner of the room. With my gaze fixed to the east, I initiated my meditation session, nurturing a hope deep within that I might uncover answers to my predicament.

In a most peculiar twist of fate, I found myself adrift within the depths of my meditation. It was as though I were suspended in an abyss of darkness, gradually bearing witness to the gradual illumination of my vision. This time, I emerged within an expansive ocean vista, where a clear, cerulean sky seemed to seamlessly merge with the endless sea that stretched before me. The gentle caress of a soothing breeze enveloped my surroundings, infusing me with a profound sense of tranquility.

"Hmm, you are quite quick to discern your whereabouts," a familiar, soul-stirring, melodic voice resonated in my ears. I turned to behold Goddess Saraswati, her visage graced with a gentle smile. Her long, pitch-black hair and tranquil black eyes framed the most perfect countenance I had ever seen, a sight that remained mesmerizing no matter how many times I encountered it. Yet, not a hint of desire stirred within me; it was as though a son were admiring the beauty of his mother. A small chuckle from her brought me out of my reverie.

"It was a gift from me," she spoke, her words carrying an air of puzzlement. She continued, "Don't mistake life for a novel; no one can simply step into someone's shoes and deceive fate itself." Her divine voice bore a hint of amusement as she spoke, accompanied by a faint smile.

"Even you read novels, Goddess Saraswati?" I asked, surprise evident in my tone. She responded with a melodious laughter that resonated like a symphony. "I am the Goddess of knowledge and art, you know. What makes you think I wouldn't?" Her words prompted me to nod in realization.

She chuckled and offered reassurance, saying, "Do not fret, my child. That body is entirely yours, and you can exercise your will as you wish. Only your speech and body language will mirror Jayadratha's. As you grow accustomed to your new vessel, you will gradually regain full control over your body." Her words alleviated my fears, allowing me to release a sigh of relief.

"But what about prophets like Sahadev and sage Jaimini? Can they discern that I am not who I appear to be? If they cannot, then I doubt I can escape the scrutiny of the Great Maintainer of the Universe himself," I voiced my concern.

In response, she reassured me with a cryptic air, "Do not worry, child. Your mere appearance has already altered the course of the world, and even 'He' won't be able to see through you."

As I contemplated, I ventured to ask once more, "If I lack full control, how would I defend myself should the need arise?"

"That will depend on your diligence, my child. Remember, you carry my blessing, and combat is, too, an art," she replied with a serene smile.

"Thank you, Mata (Mother)," I expressed my gratitude and bowed deeply.

"Quite clever, aren't you?" she chuckled, her laughter carrying an enigmatic quality

"Very well, it is time for you to depart." She bestowed upon me another warm smile. I bowed once more and thanked her, receiving her blessing. A gentle light enveloped me, and I vanished.

Now alone, she expressed a hopeful sentiment, stating, "I hope that when we meet again, you will remain the same, my child," as though she held a concern that time might transform her child to the point of being unrecognizable.

Inside the King's chamber within the royal palace, a gentle knock on the door roused my attention. "Enter," I instructed. A servant entered and respectfully bowed, stating, "Your Majesty, it is time for the court proceedings to commence," as a reminder. "I will join in a moment; you may take your leave," I replied. He bowed once more and left the chamber. With a sigh, I acknowledged that even a king had responsibilities.

I composed myself, filled with confidence thanks to the blessings of Goddess Saraswati. Then, I exited my room.

The king's court, known as the "Durbar," was a resplendent sanctuary of opulence and grandeur that transports visitors into a realm of unparalleled magnificence.

As one steps across the threshold, they are instantly ensnared by the splendor of this architectural marvel. The walls are festooned with meticulously crafted frescoes, alive with vivid depictions of heroic legends and the king's triumphant conquests. The very ceiling overhead is a masterwork of artistry, adorned with intricate carvings and bathed in the soft radiance of countless crystal chandeliers that hang in celestial suspension.

A lavish carpet, rich in color and texture, veils the cool marble floor, cradling each footfall in luxurious comfort. The air is redolent with the exotic fragrances of precious incense, imparting an aura of mysticism and devotion that pervades the chamber.

At the end of this opulent stage lies the king's throne, a dazzling seat of authority meticulously hewn from the most prized sandalwood. It is adorned with gemstones and gilded accents, commanding reverence and admiration from all who gaze upon it. Positioned upon an elevated dais, it symbolizes the epicenter of power and prestige.

Flanking the throne were the seats for courtiers and nobles, swathed in regal silks and adorned with resplendent gemstones. Their attire reflects their elevated status, while their hushed conversations delve into matters of statecraft and diplomatic intrigue.

The king's court resonates with the mellifluous strains of traditional Indian music, serenading its patrons from concealed alcoves within the walls. Graceful dancers, clad in vibrant, flowing attire, execute intricate Kathak and Bharatanatyam performances (Traditional Indian dance forms), casting a mesmerizing spell upon the audience.

The attendants of the court, bedecked in sumptuous uniforms, move with silent grace, offering an array of delectable treats and exotic refreshments upon gleaming silver platters. Perfumed petals are scattered delicately across the floor, trailing fragrant pathways in their wake.

The atmosphere in the king's court is an exquisite fusion of power, heritage, and elegance. Here, monarchs wield their authority, nobles flaunt their riches, and artists and intellectuals converge to celebrate the resplendence of Indian culture. Every meticulous detail, from the gilded columns to the aromatic incense, contributes to the palpable sense of majesty and sophistication that characterizes this epitome of a luxurious king's court.

The king's throne stands as the crowning jewel within the court, an embodiment of power and authority that leaves an indelible mark on the beholder. Crafted from the most exquisite materials, it is a symphony of opulent design and meticulous craftsmanship.

The throne itself is a grand, imposing structure, elevated on a platform that offers an unobstructed view of the entire court. It is fashioned from the finest sandalwood, its rich, golden-brown hue serving as a testament to its royal lineage. The wood is masterfully carved with intricate motifs and embellished with precious gemstones that catch and reflect the ambient light, casting a dazzling display throughout the chamber.

The backrest of the throne rises high above the king's head, adorned with a majestic canopy that shelters the monarch from above. The canopy, adorned with sumptuous fabrics, bears the royal emblem, a symbol of the king's authority and lineage.

The seat itself is plushly upholstered with the finest silk cushions, providing both comfort and regal splendor. The arms of the throne are sculpted into elaborate designs, showcasing the prowess of the court's artisans. On either side, armrests extend gracefully, further emphasizing the throne's imposing presence.

The base of the throne is supported by intricately carved legs that stand firmly on the platform. These legs are often adorned with ornate carvings and embellishments, adding to the throne's overall opulence.

On either side of the throne, you'll find smaller seats, designated for the queens and members of the royal family in the king's court. These seats, while positioned at a slightly lower elevation than the king's, yet still higher than those of the nobles, symbolize their privileged status. They are equally resplendent, often echoing the design and materials of the throne itself to emphasize their significance and their proximity to the king.

The king's throne, with its regal aesthetics and commanding presence, is not just a piece of furniture; it is a symbol of authority, heritage, and the majesty of the monarchy. It encapsulates the very essence of the court and stands as a testament to the grandeur of the king's reign.

Although it may seem surprising, the ancient legal system closely resembles the modern legal framework. Essentially, the court system was categorized into six distinct tiers based on their hierarchical ranks:

Kula (Family Councils or Groups): Comprised of elderly members who imparted wisdom to family members on handling conflicts within their family or among families of similar backgrounds.

Shreni (Trade or Professional Councils): Consisted of seasoned individuals recognized for their impartiality among groups of traders, professionals, and craftsmen, tasked with arbitrating disputes.

Gana (Village Assembly): A large assembly of respected village or grama elders, acknowledged for their wisdom, impartiality, and trustworthiness among the local populace.

Adhikrita (King-Appointed Courts): These courts were officially recognized by the King to administer justice. Their justices were extensively trained in the Shastras and Smrithis (knowledge). Adhikrita courts varied in form, including Pratishtitha (local), Apratishtitha (mobile, convened as needed), and Mudrita (higher-level with royal seal authority).

Sasita (King's Court): The highest court in the kingdom, presided over by the King himself. To assist the King, a Chief Justice known as Pradvivaka and a panel of Judges called Sabhyas were appointed.

Nripa (King Himself): The King served as the ultimate authority in the legal adjudication process. He adhered to Dharma precepts that he could not contravene.

With the exception of violent offenses, Kula, Shreni, and Gana could handle both civil and criminal cases (Sahasa). Cases related to violence were heard by Adhikrita courts, Sasita (King's Court) decided on corporal punishments, but the King had the final say in their execution.

Kula rulings could be reviewed by Shreni, and Shreni decisions could be examined by Gana, thus forming a hierarchical structure of courts. In ancient times, the concept of lawyers representing parties in court was employed. A Niyogi was an individual well-versed in the law and appointed by a party to a lawsuit (akin to a lawyer).

The ancient courts adhered to a well-defined procedural framework. Those wronged by others could file a Pratijna (complaint) with the court. Prati Vadin was the Defendant, and Vadin was the Plaintiff. Dharma Kosa (Ancient Constitution) defined the complaint as concise, meaningful, clear, devoid of irrelevant details, free from improper reasoning, accurate, and logically consistent. Court fees were levied, with the judgment debtor responsible for five percent of the lawsuit amount, and the plaintiff paying an equivalent sum. Trials were conducted in accordance with Dharma Sastras, ensuring public trust in the court and judiciary. The burden of evidence and proof rested on the party alleging wrongdoing, and both parties had the option to present witnesses.

In the current setting of the Sindhu Kingdom's durbar, the courtiers and nobles were engrossed in a fervent discussion. Today marked a significant occasion as their king was about to make his appearance after an absence of nearly a year. During his absence, the first queen had shouldered the responsibilities of the kingdom, as the king had appointed her as his regent. Surprisingly, not a single objection had been raised regarding this arrangement.

The name of Sindhu Raj Jayadratha wasn't merely for show; he was genuinely a feared king. His pronouncements were considered as immutable as carved stone, and no one dared to defy him. The courtiers were deeply engaged in deliberations about the topics to be addressed during the forthcoming court session and were particularly cautious about avoiding any actions or words that might offend the king.

Following their king's return, news had already circulated about his recent aloofness, which had left his once-energetic demeanor behind. Consequently, no one in the court wished to incur his displeasure, fearing the potential consequences that might result from his recent cold behavior.

The court had already been brimming with courtiers, nobles, and ministers. The queens and generals had graced the gathering, leaving only the king himself yet to arrive. Suddenly, the daroga, the esteemed announcer of the court, raised his voice in a resounding proclamation, "His Royal Highness Sindhu Raj Jayadratha, the Sovereign of Sindhu, the Defender of our Realm, and the Custodian of our People, graces us with his august presence in this venerable darbar." 

In response to this announcement, all the courtiers and members of the royal family rose from their seats and, in perfect unison, bowed in reverence to acknowledge the king's arrival.

I stood before two magnificent gates that led to the darbar. As the gates slowly swung open, the daroga announced my arrival. The sight of every single person in attendance bowing to me was indeed unusual, yet it sent a tingling sensation through me. I couldn't help but smile inwardly; well, I had set my expression to remain unchanged for a period, so I supposed I could take a break from maintaining my facial composure for a while.

I entered and walked into the darbar, where everyone continued to bow and greeted me with a thunderous chorus, "We greet His Highness!" With confident strides and a striking presence, I ascended the steps of the elevated platform. Upon reaching the pinnacle, I executed a dramatic turn, then settled slowly and elegantly onto the throne, resting my arms on the armrests and placing one foot on the footrest.

In a voice devoid of emotion yet exuding dignity, I addressed the assembly, "You may be seated." Pausing for a moment, I continued, "Let today's court commence."