TENALI RAMA was from a poor family. things changed after he became the court jester of vijayanagar. soon he and his family forgot their struggle and poverty and indulged in luxury. at times their expenses would be so high that even the king's gifts would not be enough. rama would borrow money from money lenders, fellow ministers and often from the king himself on interest.once rama ended up borrowing more than he could repay. rama knew he was in serious trouble and had to pay back the king. one day tenali was not his usual humorous self in the court. his humour and wit failed to entertain the king. the king thinking that tenali was sick, said, ''rama you don't look well, why not take a few days off and come back?''tenali agreed.
but he did not feel very good at home too.''you are looking very worried swamy, said tenali's wife said.''what is it?'' he told her what was bothering him.''why don't you tell the king about the burden of debt. may be he will waive it off.''suddenly, tenali rama brightened, ''you have given me an idea,'' he said and whispered something into his wife's ears.tenali's wife sent a message to the king that rama was very sick. when the king arrived. she wept, ''o king rama has been like this ever since he borrowed money from you. the burden of repayment has been heavy on him.''don't worry, he need not repay the money back to me,''said the king.
tenali rama jumped out of the bed on hearing this. seeing tenali well the king got angry. ''rama, you have fooled me,''bellowed the . ''no maharaja, the burden of debt was crushing me, but as soon as you waived it, the burden has lifted enabling me to get up again,'' explained the witty tenali rama.
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