Getting Better and Growing (Part II)

Time Stamp: Vikram Era: 3 Magha 1636 (January 1578), Prayagraj Palace and institute of Prayagraj

It was known that the Gupta-Pala Empire cared about schooling and intellectual growth. Boarding schools, where kids from all walks of life lived and learned together, were a big part of this commitment. These places of learning were also places where new ideas, study, and philosophical debate took place.

Acharya Devananda, a famous teacher known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, taught Siddharth the basics of science and philosophy when he was very young. The young prince had lessons all day long, from the useful to the more general. These lessons were meant to make him a well-rounded and thoughtful leader.

A cold winter morning, Siddharth and Devananda walked through the palace gardens. There was a faint smell of jasmine in the air. The scrolls and manuscripts that Devananda carried around with him made him look forward to a day of deep intellectual study.

As they sat down under a big neem tree for shade, Devananda said, "Today, we will look into the works of ancient scholars." "Their thoughts and discoveries have shaped our understanding of the world and continue to influence modern governance."

Devananda opened a book that had the lessons of the great mathematician and astronomer Aryabhata on it. "Aryabhata's work on astronomy and mathematics laid the foundation for much of our current knowledge," he said. "He proposed that the Earth rotates on its axis, a revolutionary idea for his time."

Siddharth's eyes got bigger with interest. "How did he know that?"

"He watched how the planets and stars moved," Devananda said, referring to the pictures on the scroll. "Through careful observation and calculation, he deduced the Earth's rotation. This taught us the importance of evidence-based reasoning and the scientific method."

As the day went on, they talked about the ideas of ancient philosophers like Chanakya, whose book on government called the Arthashastra taught them about politics, economics, and military tactics. Siddharth learned about the balance of power, how important it is to be a good leader, and how a leader's job is to make sure the people are happy and healthy.

Devananda said, "Philosophy is not just about abstract thought." "It is about applying wisdom to real-life situations. A ruler must understand the principles of justice, ethics, and governance to lead effectively."

Siddharth liked to look at the stars after school, which is why the lessons often went late into the night. Devananda set up a small observatory on the palace grounds. It had a metal telescope that Siddharth could use to look up at the stars at night.

On a clear night, they stood under a blanket of stars, and Devananda pointed out different constellations. He led Siddharth's eyes through the telescope and said, "That is the Saptarishi, also known as the Great Bear." "And over there is the bright star, Dhruva, which remains fixed in the sky while others move around it."

Siddharth was amazed by how big the universe was. "It's incredible how everything is connected," he told me. "The stars, the planets, and even our lives here on Earth."

"Indeed," Devananda said. "The cosmos teaches us about the order and harmony that exists in nature. It reminds us of our place in the universe and the importance of balance and perspective in governance."

The young prince was very interested in everything. He learned about the stars, how they move, and what they mean by spending many nights in the telescope. These meetings taught him to be humble and full of wonder, which would help him as a leader in the future.

Siddharth had gone to the prestigious boarding school in Prayagraj, which was outside the palace walls. This school was like a miniature version of the empire; it brought kids from all over the kingdom together to live and learn together. The school had big libraries, places to copy manuscripts, and workshops where students could put what they were learning into practice.

Siddharth spent hours reading books in the big library that were about a wide range of topics, such as math, science, history, and philosophy. The manuscript copying centers were busy with workers carefully copying important works to keep them alive and share knowledge with others.

The workshops, which were like trade schools, let people learn by doing. Siddharth learned the basics of many trades, from metalworking to woodworking. He learned the value of hard work and the skills needed to make simple things. He learned a lot about how different guilds helped the empire grow and thrive from these events.

Siddharth saw a class about the basics of hydraulics and gears in the workshop that was just for engineers. He saw a a small water wheel with the help of skilled craftsmen and learned about how to change energy and how it can be used in farming and industry.

Devananda said as he watched Siddharth's progress, "Every invention and discovery has the potential to make people's lives better." "Innovation is not just about creating new things but also about solving problems and enhancing the well-being of our people."

During the school years, he had serious conversations with his teachers and classmates. In their arguments, they talked about moral problems, what justice is, and what leaders should do. Siddharth learned how to listen, say what he thought, and look at things from different points of view, all of which were important skills for his future job.

Time Stamp: Vikram Era: 10 Ashwin 1635 (October 1576), Prayagraj Palace

In the days before Siddharth's ninth birthday, he was shown one of the empire's most valuable and closely guarded secrets: the heliograph, which was called the "Dīptasandesha" and was a new technology that had changed the way people in the Gupta-Pala Empire talked to each other. This amazing weapon showed how smart and creative the empire's founders were, and it had been a key part of protecting the kingdom from many attacks and incursions.

The morning sun cast a bright glow over the palace grounds as Siddharth walked with his father, King Madhava, through a series of halls that led to a part of the palace that was heavily guarded. It was heavy with expectation and the need to keep things secret.

"Siddharth," Madhava said, his voice calm, "today, you will learn about one of the most important tools that ensures the security and efficiency of our empire. The Dīptasandesha is not just a device but a symbol of our strength and unity."

They got to a safe workshop that was tucked away deep in the house. Inside, skilled craftsmen and engineers were carefully putting together parts, their hands moving with practiced accuracy. As people worked, a soft hum filled the room, and the smell of metal filled the air.

King Madhava said, "This is where the Dīptasandesha is made." "Each device is made with utmost care and secrecy. The knowledge of its construction and operation is passed down through generations of dedicated craftsmen and engineers."

Siddharth was amazed as a finished heliograph was shown off. The sophisticated set of mirrors and shutters used the sun's rays to send secret signals over long distances. When a trained worker adjusted the mirrors, beams of light flickered and formed patterns that sent specific messages.

King Madhava went on, "The heliograph works by reflecting sunlight." "Operators use a series of pre-arranged codes to send messages. During the night or in low light conditions, we use limelight to provide the necessary illumination."

An older engineer with a beard that was starting to turn gray came up to Siddharth and gave him a small mirror. "Would you like to try, young prince?" he asked with a nice smile.

King Madhava helped Siddharth put the mirror in place and teach him how to move the shutters to make the coded signs. Even though the job was hard, Siddharth's determination shone through as he practiced sending easy texts.

King Madhava said, "Communication is the backbone of our government and military." "The heliograph allows us to relay information instantaneously, far more efficiently than runners or horse messengers. This has been vital in our defense against invasions and in maintaining the coherence of our vast empire."

Then they went to see the communication corps, which is a high-level military unit that runs the heliograph network. The corps was split into two parts: the military part took care of pressing, high-priority messages, and the civilian part handled slower, more routine messages.

Colonel Varun, who was in charge of the communication corps, gave them a salute. "Your Highness, it's an honor to show the young prince our operations."

They were led by Colonel Varun through a big room full of operators, each one sitting at a heliograph. The workers were focused as they sent and received messages. They looked over the mirrors and shutters with their eyes. The atmosphere was tense, which showed how important their work was.

"These men and women are the heroes of our empire who no one sees," Colonel Varun said. "They ensure that information flows smoothly, from revenue reports to military orders. The network runs around the clock, and during the night, we use limelight to keep the messages flowing."

Siddharth looked at the workers with a new level of respect. "So, this is how we stay connected, even across great distances," he thought.

"Exactly," Colonel Varun said. "The Dīptasandesha has allowed us to act swiftly and decisively, often outmaneuvering our enemies who rely on slower means of communication."

They went to a part of the workshop where the spotlight tools were set up to work at night. A example showed how these lights were made by heating a piece of lime (calcium oxide) in a flame. This made a bright white light that could be focused on the heliograph mirrors using lenses.

King Madhava and Siddharth stood on the palace balcony at the end of the day and looked out over the huge city of Prayagraj. Just as the sun went down, the first stars started to shine in the sky.

"Siddharth," Madhava said, with a hand on his son's shoulder area, "the knowledge you have gained today is a great responsibility.

The Dīptasandesha was more than a tool; it is a symbol of our empire's unity and resilience. Use this knowledge wisely, for it will one day be your duty to protect and lead our people."

Time Stamp: Vikram Era: 29 Chaitra 1635 (April 1577), Prayagraj Palace

His ninth birthday was coming up, and plans were being made for a big event. There was a lot of activity in the palace, and Siddharth thought about his trip so far. He was very thankful for the lessons he had learned, the things he had done, and the people who had helped him along the way.

Siddharth sat with his parents in the royal yard the night before his birthday and told them about his plans and thoughts. King Madhava and Queen Nayana paid close attention, and their pride showed as they watched the young prince grow up in front of them.

Siddharth spoke with the voice of a boy who had seen more than most his age. "My journey has been full of learning, and each lesson has been a building block for the future."

The king answered, "As you get older, these lessons will be the basis of your rule." His tone was both reassuring and serious. "Don't forget, my son, that a king is someone who serves his people and that knowledge is what leads him."