Calm Conqueror of the Throne

About a thousand years ago, a large area of Kashmir was ruled by a queen named Didda. She was the widow of King Kshemagupta, who had died young. Didda was powerful, but she was also known for her cruelty, imprisoning, torturing, or even killing anyone who stood in her way. However, as time passed, she realized that she was growing old and sick, prompting her to choose a successor.

Although Didda had no son of her own, she had several nephews. It was decided that one of these young princes would succeed her on the throne. The princes were summoned to a meadow where a hundred apples were scattered on the ground. They were informed that “the one who can collect the maximum number of apples with the minimum injury to himself wins the contest!” However, the true goal of the contest remained undisclosed.

As soon as the minister conducting the contest whistled, the princes began to fight among themselves. Each one tried to snatch the apples from the others. Their fighting grew fierce; some were badly scratched, some twisted their limbs, and others were even bleeding. After five minutes, one of the princes reached the queen with three apples. Shortly after, another arrived with four. However, all the princes who reported with apples bore the marks of their fierce battles.

Then came a boy named Sangram, who had collected the maximum number of apples, yet not a single scratch adorned his body. The ministers and the queen were astonished and asked him, “How did you do this?” Sangram simply explained, “I stood aloof when they fought. I did not go to snatch anyone’s apples. Instead, while they were absorbed in their fighting, I quietly collected the apples.” His wisdom and strategy impressed the queen, and he was chosen as her heir, becoming known as Sangram Raja.