Tenali Rama and the Trader

King Krishnadevaraya loved horses. One day a trader from Arabia brought a fine horse to the palace. “If you like this one,” he said, “I will bring many more.”

The king loved the horse. He paid five thousand gold coins as advance. The trader promised to return in two days.

Two days passed. Then two weeks. Still the trader did not come. The king grew worried.

One evening in the garden, he saw Tenali Rama writing on a paper. “What are you writing?” asked the king.

Tenali looked up. “I am listing the biggest fools in the kingdom.”

The king took the paper—and saw his own name at the top! He grew angry. “Explain this!”

Tenali said calmly, “Any man who gives five thousand gold coins to a stranger is a fool.”

“And if the trader returns with the horses?” asked the king.

Tenali grinned. “Then I will erase your name—and write the trader’s name instead!”

The king could not help but smile. He had learned a sharp, useful lesson.

Moral

Do not trust strangers blindly. Be careful with money and promises—especially in business.