A Kalinjara story
THE WEEK India|August 14, 2022
LAST WORD
BIBEK DEBROY
A Kalinjara story

Cash, flats, houses, farmhouses, land, resorts, guest-houses, businesses—mind-boggling are the assets of Partha Chatterjee’s extended family. In some versions of Uttara Kanda, which has sections interpolated later, Valmiki Ramayana has a story. Briefly, Ram is king in Ayodhya and all is well. King Ram has instated a bell outside the palace, for anyone with a complaint to ring. A dog turns up and rings the bell, and there is a brief discussion between Lakshman and the dog about whether a dog is allowed to approach a king. That sorted out, the dog is taken to Ram. The dog was sleeping on the road, obstructing the path of a brahmana. Had the brahmana asked the dog to move, it would have. Instead, the brahmana beat the dog on the head with a stick. Those facts established, the dog insists the brahmana be punished. A discussion ensues about whether a brahmana can be punished, with ministers and advisers opposing the idea. Finally, Ram asks the dog about appropriate punishment and the dog suggests the brahmana be made kuladhipati (lord) of Kalinjara fort. Accordingly, the brahmana is sent offwith a lot of fanfare, astride an elephant, seemingly rewarded, not punished. 

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