Krishnadeva Raya was very fond of Tenali Raman. The Vikatakavi had a ready answer to every question and a solution to every problem, no matter how difficult it was. But the King enjoyed teasing him with all kinds of questions and riddles. He could set things right without getting angry. And he managed to make most people laugh too! It gave the King a lot of amusement and it also helped to put down the arrogance of some of the conceited courtiers.
One day, the King was in a playful mood, so he called Tenali Raman. “Raman, tell me why hair doesn’t grow on the palm of one’s hand.”
“Oh Sir! How can you ask such a question?” smiled the clever Tenali Raman, gently flattering the King. “You are so generous and kind. You are always giving gifts and money to the poor, the needy and to those deserving rewards. Your hands are always busy with such good deeds! How can there be any opportunity for hair to grow on your palms?”
“But what about your palms? Why do they not have any hair then?” persisted the King.
“Your Majesty, I receive so many gifts and rewards from you that my palms are always kept busy receiving them! Where is the chance for them to have any time in order to grow hair?” said Tenali Raman quickly.
“That still doesn’t explain why the courtiers don’t have any hair on their palms, Raman. How do you explain that?” said the King, hoping to trick Tenali Raman this time.
But Tenali Raman knew what the King would ask next and was ready with his reply: “Sir, you are so kind to me always that it has made them jealous. When they see you giving me so many gifts and rewards, they rub their hands in anger and envy. So, their palms do not have any hair on them as they are constantly rubbing them together!”
The King was delighted with Tenali Raman’s wit and burst out laughing. Meanwhile, the courtiers swallowed their anger and jealousy quietly, muttering under their breath but unable to retort.
