. u Once, King Krishnadeva Raya ordered his Home Minister to build many wells around his kingdom. Summer was commencing near and the king wanted the wells to be dug, so that his people did not suffer in the summer heat. The Home Minister took a large sum of money from the treasury for the task. Soon it was reported that many wells had been dug as the king had ordered. The king went around the city and inspected some, himself. He was satisfied that his orders had been car hout | well. One day in summer, some villagers from outside the capital ‘city came to, meet Tenali Ramar. They had some complaint “against the Home Minister. Tenali Raman —heard their complaint and told them how to seek ice for it, According to the plan, the next day, Tenali Raman addressed the king. He said, “Your Majesty, I have news about some strange thieves in Vijaynagar. They have been stealing our wells.” At this, King Krishnadeva Raya said, “Don’t be _justi ridiculous, Tenali. How can anyone steal a well ?” “Your Majesty! I was sure ’ that you would not believe me, so I have brought some villagers with me. They are waiting outside the royal court. If ~~ ce - not believe me, please allow them to come to the court. They will give you the details of the matter.” : The king allowed the villagers to come to the court. One of the villagers said, “Your Majesty, the wells dug and built by the Home Minister have vanished. You can come and see for yourself.” i 3 The king agreed. Accompanied by the Home a éMinister, Tenali Raman, some courtiers, the villagers and the » king went to MA inspect the wells. On inspecting all ) over the king- dom, they observed that the | capital city and the bordering | villages had / enough good wells but the villages far away from the capital had no wellsatall. The Homet Minister got nervous. Actually he had ordered for only some wells to be built. The money for the others had been spent by him on luxuries. When the king turned to the Home Minister in anger, Tenali Raman intervened. He said, “Your Majesty, it is not his fault. Actually, they were Magical wells. They vanished into thin air a few days after. being built.” The king realized what had occurred. He scolded the Home Minister strongly. He was ordered to build a hundred more wells for which he had to pay from his own pocket. Tenali Raman was given the responsibility of looking over site job. a VEE = Me SS