Five Fools
When the King of Sind passed away, his son Mandukavarma ascended the throne. Not known for his intelligence, Mandukavarma was somewhat of a dunce. Unfortunately, his minister was just as incapable. In their hands, the kingdom did not flourish.
A Wise Voice Silenced
The former king had been assisted by a shrewd minister named Gunasila. However, following the old monarch’s death, Gunasila chose to retire deep into the forest, leaving no one to advise the ill-equipped Mandukavarma.
A Confused Queen and a Foolish Demand
Mandukavarma’s wife was a suspicious soul, frequently raising doubts about the king’s decisions, contributing to the kingdom’s general chaos. One day, she queried the recurring utterance of the word ‘fools’ every time they entered the court. Mandukavarma, sharing her confusion, pledged to discover the identities and whereabouts of these ‘fools’. The king set his minister an ill-informed challenge: produce five ‘fools’ within a week or face execution.
Seeking Answers in the Forest
Panicked and clueless about what a fool truly was, the minister rushed into the forest to escape the king’s wrath. In the woods, he encountered Gunasila, sought the ex-minister’s assistance, and narrated his predicament. Amused, Gunasila agreed to help and accompanied the minister back to the city.
Finding the Fools
En route, they found two men who clearly demonstrated a lack of common sense. Upon reaching the city, Gunasila comforted the anxious minister, promising to identify three more fools at the court.
A Lesson in Wisdom
Once in the king’s presence, Gunasila introduced the two fools they’d encountered and then dubbed the minister, the queen, and the king himself, as the remaining three. The court jeered loudly, confirming the truth in Gunasila’s words. The king, maintaining composure, invited Gunasila to become his minister. However, the wise ex-minister declined, advising Mandukavarma to put an end to his own foolishness and rule wisely before returning to his forest retreat.
