Chapter I — The Birth of Manimekalai

The Land of the Cholas is most fair and fertile. No wonder a Tamil poet once called ita Lotus-Land. Is not the lotus the most lovely of all flowers ? That poet lived a long, long time ago. Yet even now, the land is very rich and green. The River Kaveri flows through it still, and turns a dull flat plain into a Garden of Eden.

Near the mouth of the river stands a mean little village, called Kaveripatnam. Who would guess that this was once a busy seaport? Who would believe that this poor little place was once a_ capital? Who would see in Kaveripatnam the proud city of Poompukar ? Yet so it was. Kaveripatnam is all that remains of an ancient splendour. Such indeed are the sad changes made by Time.

To Poompukar, once flocked merchants from all over the world. Sailors from every clime once met in its streets. Goods from every

country were sold in its great markets. There men spoke a hundred different tongues.

Poompukar was many times bigger than Kaveripatnam, It spread out on every side. The streets were planned and laid out nobly. Great spaces were left for parks. Flowers breathed out their sweetness from gardens without number. Their bright colours made the whole city joyous and gay. Great buildings rose in their pride to the sky. Here were palaces and pagodas. Everywhere were splendid mansions.

For the people’s toil there were factories and markets. For the people’s pleasure there were theatres and music halls. Sick people had their hospitals. The aged and poor had their almshouses. Men could seek learning in schools and colleges. They could wait upon their gods in splendid temples. Every need of a man’s body was supplied. Every hunger of his soul could be satisfied. Great indeed was the city of Poompukar.

Over this city, ruled a king. The kings of Poompukar had long been renowned for their virtues. Each knew he must be wise and just. It was his duty to guard the fair name of his house. Nor would the people endure a vain or foolish monarch. Many

weligions existed side by side. The chief of these was Hinduism. Buddhists had just begun to grow in number. But Jesus Christ was not yet known. As for Mahomed, he had not yet been born.

At this time, there lived a rich merchant in the city. He had an only son whose name was Kovalan. The fond father married his son to the daughter of his friend. She was called Kannaki. Young and handsome was Kovalan. Young and beautiful was Kannaki, his bride. And for some years, the young couple were very happy. They loved each other fondly. Their days were full of sunshine and of song.

But one fateful day, Kovalan saw the young dancer Madhavi. She was fair as she was clever. Her charms made Kovalan forget his own wife. He began to neglect Kannaki. ‘Soon he forgot her quite. All his time, all his money, he devoted to Madhavi the dancer. Nor was Madhavi less fond of him. She loved him in return. Poor Kannaki was forsaken and alone.

Time passed. Madhavi gave Kovalan a little daughter. They called her Manimekalai. She was a lovely child. Everyone said, *‘Manimekalai will be fairer even than her

mother.” ‘Chitrapathi, the mother of Madhavi,: loved her grand-daughter dearly. She said) “Twill rear the lovely one. | will teach ‘heri to sing and dance. She will do me credit. Some day, her beauty and talent will amaze: the whole of India.”

The prophecy of Chitrapathi was ful- filled. Day by day, the child grew in beauty and in charm. Her tiny feet were light and lovely as the petals of a flower. No maid in the country was as fair as she.

Then one day. Kovalan and Madhavi quarrelled, Each was proud and _ fiery. Neither would ‘ask pardon of the other. In the end, Kovalan left the mother of his child. Sad and ashamed, he returned to Kannaki, his wife. He expected to be met with anger and reproach. So much had he forgotten the gentle heart of Kannaki. She gave him warm and tender words. She soothed his wounded pride. She healed his stricken heart. Kovalan was much alfected. by her love. He burned with shame and remorse. “You are too good for me, Kan-: naki,” he groaned. “I have been a fool.”

Kannaki said to herself, “I know why: my lord has returned to me. All his wealth’ is gone. He has spent it on Madhavi.’”

MANIMERALAL ; 5

Shhe had a pair of golden anklets. They were her father’s gift. They were .of great vialue. MKannaki offered them to her ausband. * Do not grieve, my lord. See these golden anklets. They arei mine. Gladly do L give them to you. Do with them what you will.”

Kovalan’s heart was touched at this «onduct. More than ever, he was ashamed 4of himself. He embraced his wife. tenderly. “Never will I leave your side again,” he swore. “In this city, all men know of my folly and shame. Let us leave this place, dear wife. Let us go to Madura. We are unknown there. These golden anklets I will sell ata good price. With the money, I can set up my shop again. We shall begin life anew, you and I together.”

_ Kannaki was very pleased. She smiled. Tears of joy stood in her eyes. See whispered, “Yes, we shall begin a new life, you and I together.”

rH MANIMEKALAI