History of the Madanapala Book 3: Krishna Flowering 3-7
The speech was soon after the young King assumed his throne from the guardianship of his uncle. One morning he rose early and called his court into his presence well before the usual time. Babajan, his Persian consort was at his side as he spoke. Had his message been other than what it was, her radiance would have distracted all.
“To all our peoples hear me now,
There is no need to bend or bow,
Hear the words from my mouth
And spread them all, both north and south;
The reins of power once held tight
Have been slacked for you despite
The judgment of the privileged few
Who seek my reign to shape and hew…”
He spoke for an hour to the astonished gathering as scribes put all to paper. His deep understanding of his land and people came through as he explained how he was restructuring his government so he had better access to the best and brightest of his realm. To begin seven princes whose lands were best cared for and whose people were most content would be his council. To these, the seven most curious and thoughtful of his scholars would be mixed. And seven more made twenty one: young generals and admirals with eager hearts and ambitions. And still the council grew again with seven farmers from all around who knew the land and water. The final seven to be called were traders who had been afar and seen the world and knew of wonders unknown along the mother Ganges.
The council rules he made quite plain and told them all just what he wanted and how his right as king and lord could be swayed and, perhaps, redirected. This first step taken down a path laid the foundation for many changes to follow. Some say it was the influence of his consort, whose Sufi leaning had captured his heart, that guided these first, hesitant steps.
