Merchant Dantila learns Humility
Long time ago, in the bustling city of Vardhamana, lived a prosperous merchant, by the name Dantila.
He served as a close counselor to the king and was respected by all.
It was the day of Dantila’s daughter’s wedding. His splendid mansion was lavishly decorated.
Clink-Clink! golden bells tinkled at the doorway. Swish-Swish! silk curtains danced at the windows.
Pat-Pat, Tap-Tap! servants hurried across the marble floors.
Dum-Dum-Dum! went the drums. Clang-Clash-Clang! Chimed the cymbals.
Guests arrived in chariots clippety-clop,clippety-clop.
Dantila, dressed in shimmering robes, welcomed everyone with a warm smile.
Among the guests was the royal sweeper, Gorambha. He walked quietly, unnoticed. When he arrived in the glittering hall, he unknowingly sat on a seat reserved for nobles.
Gasp! went the crowd. Murmur-Murmur! Whispered the courtiers.
Dantila frowned hmph! “Remove him”, he ordered the guards.
Stomp-Stomp! The poor sweeper was pushed out by the guards.
Gorambha left feeling insulted and anger bubbled in him.
Next morning, as the king awoke in the palace, Gorambha started sweeping the floor outside the kings bedroom. swish-swish, scrape-scrape
He muttered loudly, “Oh my! Dantila is so close to the queen!”
Gulp! The king froze. Thump-thump! went his suspicious heart.
The angry king withdrew his favours from Dantila and ordered him to stay away the palace.
Days passed – Dantila wondered what went wrong. Soon he learned of Gorambha’s grudge on him.
Realising his mistake, Dantila invited Gorambha to his house. He welcomed him kindly and served him delicious food – Slurp! Munch! Yum! He offered gifts – clink! Gold coins, swish! Fine clothes.
Dantila apologised to the royal sweeper, “Please forgive me. I had no choice but to push you out that day, as the other guests were feeling uncomfortable.”
Gorambha understood and forgave the merchant.
Gorambha returned to the palace. Next day as usual, he was sweeping near the kings room.
Swish, Swish!
He again muttered loudly, “How strange! Our king eats cucumbers while bathing!”
What?! The king burst out – ha-ha-ha! “What nonsense!”
Gorambha bowed – “Your Majesty! I must have been dreaming. Kindly pardon my careless words.”
King realised – ding!
If this is false, then what Gorambha said earlier about Dantila can’t be true either!
The king realised his foolishness for believing others without verifying the facts.
He summoned Dantila back to the palace and treated him with great honour. He reappointed him to his former position.
Dantila was taught a lesson he would never forget.
Never insult or underestimate anyone, no matter how small or unimportant they may seem.
Even people in humble positions can influence powerful outcomes.
Moral of the story:
Treat everyone with humility and kindness.
