'There is a new player in Aryavarta. He is the King of Vindhya. Indeed it is the same Vindhya which was said to be infested with cannibals and demons. One of the harshest places in Aryavarta that no one bothered claiming due to arid land and demon infestation. A place that was considered a deathzone. Where crops can't be grown nor can you survive by hunting due to the strength of predators and monsters.
Current Vindhya is said to be a place where Rakshas, Nagas, Gandharvas, Vidyadharas and Yakshas live in harmony. All marginalised tribes like Nishadas and Mlecchas and oppressed people of lower castes like shudras and vaishyas find refuge there.
Even Brahmins and Kshatriyas who have been oppressed and betrayed by their own rulers and thrown away like used products are welcomed there. The caste based system is obsolete. Anyone can be anything. Everyone is allowed to read scriptures. Magic, Mantras and Spells are taught freely to people regardless of caste or species or gender. There are female soldiers of various castes, races and species in the army of Vindhya. Never before had such a free and fair country existed in Aryavarta.
Vindhya is highly advanced in Magic and Mystic Medical Sciences encompassing Ayurveda and Siddha Medicine. Magic is an everyday part of vindhya and everyone is encouraged to learn magic and self defence. There are gurukuls where such things are taught and such schools are free of tuition fees that run on government subsidiaries. Basic education is compulsory. There is no uneducated or illiterate person in vindhya. Everyone knows how to read and write sanskrit. The only nation in Aryavarta with 100% literacy level.
They are skilled in surgery and healing. It's said they can even re-attach severed limbs and heal incurable diseases like tuberculosis, cancer and paraplegic. Some even claim that they have seen the King of Vindhya to resurrect the dead and reattach severed heads.
They are the one who created this so called printing press and various printing methods which has made the dissemination of information and paperwork easy. Invention of 'Paper' instead of tree bark made scrolls and animal skin parchments is credited to them. In fact mass production of scrolls and important documents are said to be possible only due to them.
Invention of paint devoid of lead and advanced dying of rich colors like Blue, purple, indigo and other colors at a low cost has brought the nation immense wealth through the dying and weaving industry.
Low cost production of glass and this unique invention called 'Ceramic' is something they introduced in the Aryan region which until now could only be procured from the distant land of Cinos (Sanskrit name for China). Which became the luxury good sought after by even royalties. Contributing to the country's ever growing trade industry.
In fact silk, a luxury good that had to be imported from Cinos at high price only used during wedding ceremonies of royalties and influential people is a daily commodity for the people of Vindhya. Where even poor people can buy them with their monthly wage.
They have invented this unique building material called 'Cement' that can create far more durable fortified infrastructures.
Their architecture skills are unique as well which matches nothing within Aryavarta. Some even say their royal palace is far bigger and more majestic than that of Hastinapur's. Some even claim that its architecture is far more developed than Lanka when Ravana was its ruler. Even peasants live in houses constructed out of brick, cement and stone. With public parks, orchards and public gardens which are very desirable for young couples to spend alone time.
Prostitution, gambling and slave trading is forbidden and it is the first nation in entire Aryavarta which legally allows women to inherit properties of their husband, father or even their relatives or children. Dowry is forbidden though.
They have invented unique agricultural techniques that let them cultivate crops even during winter or in arid land. They have crops and fruits never seen before in the entire aryavarta. Medicinal plants never seen before. Which created cures for diseases previously thought to be incurable.
A land of savages turned into one of the most prosperous nations in the entire Aryan region in the span of five years. Its national yearly revenue exceeds even the economic hegemon like Panchala by fifteen times
All of it is credited to Vindhyraja. Who is said to be like an omnipotent being. It's said he wears beautiful white garb whose design does not match anything in the Aryan region. Yet not losing luster to royal garbs worn by kings. His ears adorned by golden earrings and in time of battle a celestial armour made of gold appear in his body. A beautiful golden gem shaped like a third eye adorns his forehead . Despite being young he is said to be the strongest and wisest kings in Aryavarta. A face so handsome that some believe he might not be a human being at all. Either a God or a Vidyadhara. Although it's clear that he has supernatural lineage. It's very much possible that he is either the child of a god or perhaps an avatar of one. Or perhaps both.
He is skilled in battle. His skill in archery and swordsmanship is something that is said to defy common sense and transcend the law of physics. Evident from the fact that he practically slaughtered the Kalakeyas and Nivatkavach rakshasas all by himself. Abhira bandits who until now plagued the entirety of Aryavarta and used their vile dark magics to rob, loot and plunder were completely obliterated by him.
He possesses many celestial weapons and astras. Different sources mention that they had witnessed him using astras of Trimurti and other destructive astras never seen before. He is said to be a devotee of Lord Shiva and Kali as well. Some even claim he is immortal and it is impossible to kill him.
Skilled in the art of warfare, strategy and diplomacy. He is well versed in magic and healing arts. His skills in magic and astrology leave people awestruck. Until this point astrology was a mystical science that was only used for divination and to reveal the hidden secrets of the cosmos.
Somehow Vindhyaraja has turned it into a magic system which can be used for offensive purposes. He once claimed that he is capable of harnessing the energy of the stars. And if his battle against Nivatkavach and Kalyavan were to be taken into consideration where he summoned the very celestial bodies to strike them down, one is inclined to believe him. After all, seeing is believing.
If the knowledge he introduced were any indication. Skilled in architecture and engineering. He is well versed in craft and blacksmithing. Introducing several blacksmithing techniques that are sought after in the entire Aryan region. There seems to be no end to his talent.
One of the most distinguished features of his is his platinum gold colored hair and equally magnificent golden eyes which is like the reflection of the sun at dawn. Some women say he might as well be more handsome than the young King of Dwarka.
One of his attributes is that during battle thousands of arms emerge from his back each holding a unique weapon. Some of his enemies even mockingly claim that he is mimicking the great Haihaya emperor Kartavirya. In fact, It has become an epithet from him used by both his allies and enemies. He is also called 'Sahasrabahu' (Thousand Armed One) due to this.
He is strong enough to uproot entire mountains with his bare hands. As seen during his battle with Asura King Kalyavan. After their battle cartographers needed to redraw the maps of the surrounding region permanently. His Prana Shakti capacity seems almost endless.
Those who have seen him in battle claim he is so majestic and dominating to his enemy that it leaves them awestruck and makes them think that a god has descended from heaven to eradicate a sinner.
As for his personality, he doesn't seem to have any bad habits or traits that can be considered repulsive. If anything he can be considered one of the most charitable kings in the entire Aryan region. Hardly if ever he has refused anyone anything that is within his capacity to give. Regardless of caste, gender or species any heartfelt desire so long as it doesn't go against his philosophical doctrine or moral belief is granted. If anything, those who have spoken with him say that he is actually quite polite and cheerful. Yet having the placidity of a sage. In fact from his interaction with sages like Sandipani, Vishwamitra or Agastya, they claimed that he has become a sage as meritorious as King Janaka. Many called him 'Rajarshi' ( Sage King). Despite this he is actually quite humble. He treats everyone politely and equally. He is actually quite fond of children, adopting the five year old daughter of the former king of Mahishmati despite being an unmarried man. Doing so earned him the hatred of the usurpers of the deceased king. He is said to have torn apart the entire army sent by the usurpers in a melee brawl. In fact, it is in this very battle he showed his thousand arms for the very first time. The Irony is not lost to us. Kartavirya Arjuna's kingdom was defeated by none other than another warrior single handedly, who bore thousands of arms similar to Kartavirya. Who eventually inherited his name as an epithet.
In fact he is quite popular among children and women. Many of whom he rescued and gave a home to his kingdom. Even so from the close observation of our spies, he always politely declines offers of courtship. Making some of his enemies mockingly claim he might be homosexual, impotent or infertile.
Despite all this no one seems to know where he came from, who his parents are, where he used to live before creating the Kingdom of Vindhya. This mysterious origin seems to reinforce the idea about him being a divine being.
He claims to have been raised by the Nagas despite not being one. Even claiming to be the adopted son of the Serpent Goddess Mansa. Although the veracity of his claims remains to be tested.
His allies are mostly people he saved, healed, rescued or taught. Vindhyaraja is said to be quite a good teacher who seems to be almost skilled in everything and capable of bringing out the best of his students. Makes one wonder who his teacher might have been. Or from what lineage or dynasty he descended from, he seems tbij, too perfect to be a human being.
One thing is clear: Aryavarta will never be the same. Wherever there this man goes positive changes seem to follow. On the contrary tyrants and evil kings always seem to find their end at his hand. Paundrak Vasudeva, Kalyavan, Jarasandh, Nivatkavach, Kalkeyas and Abhiras are the first hand examples of this. There are rumors that he has destroyed the army of Narakasur multiple times even though he failed to kill Narakasura.
Overall analysis is that he is a good and compassionate person who treats everyone equally and is trying to create a fair society devoid of discrimination and injustice. However for all we know this might just be a ruse. His true goal might be something different. But for all we know the possibility of him being a genuinely good person and having noble goals might just be true as well.
However, to all those reading this report I will advise to exercise caution. As all his pleasant personality he seems to have a low tolerance for injustice. Especially for those who violate women and abuse children.
He also seems to dislike arrogant kings. He doesn't like being threatened either. He will work alongside you or train your people so long as you show basic courtesy and approach him with honesty. He might not aid in an evil cause however if you are forced to side alongside evil he might consider aiding you in gaining freedom. He is extremely perceptive and has a keen intuition. It's as if he can read your mind. It's practically impossible to catch him off guard or defeat him in a verbal debate.So exercise caution when approaching him regardless of your intention.'
The more Drupad read the report the more he frowned. An individual of unknown identity establishing a kingdom against all odds in a place that might as well be a miniature hell on earth all by himself without any aid, doesn't seem remotely possible to him. Tearing apart armies, lifting mountains all of these feats seemed absurd and over exaggerated Then he was reminded of Arjuna. Only possible if you have Astras like Brahmastra Or Pashupatastra. Or have divine or demonic lineage.
He frowned and focused on his minister who handed him the report. Honestly he thought this man was smart. Now he was doubting whether it was wise to give him the job at all. After his defeat and humiliation at the hand of Drona's students all he could think of was revenge. Originally he wanted a son but he was given a daughter as an extra. Something he had no need for. However her beauty made him consider otherwise. Honestly if she wasn't his daughter and he was youthful even he would be interested in her. However Drupad knew how to use every piece of his chess pieces.
In a game of chess one should focus on two things. Taking off the enemy's minister
As soon as possible. For it was the most dangerous piece. (In the eastern chess system, the queen piece is called minister, rook piece is called boat piece and pawns are called soldiers). His son Drishtydumna exists for that.
Then use a strategy that Drupad himself invented. Turn the enemy's pawn that is about to reach the final square margin into your own chess piece. Originally impossible in the game but very much possible in real life. The more powerful an enemy the more flaws he has. Even the most accomplished of the sages like Vishwamitra has fallen prey to lust and lost the goal of their track.
Seduction is the oldest tactic in the book that can and has destroyed even the most powerful of the warriors. He isn't trying to destroy his enemy but trying to turn him into his ally.
Unlike Drona, Arjuna was a member of warrior caste and of royalty. Considering he was someone of divine lineage as well he was worth befriending unlike that bloody brahmin who humiliated him and continues to do so.
Training his son, the very son who was meant to be Drona's killer?Yeah more like sabotaging his education. Otherwise why couldn't Dristydumna show the same sort of skills as Arjuna? Unfortunately he couldn't afford to offend him for now. Last time, he lost half of his kingdom. This time he might lose all of it.
He refocused both on the report and his Minister. Considering the wisdom of letting him keep the job.
'Tell me minister what I am looking at?'
Drupad was annoyed beyond beggars' belief.
The minister probably understood the gravity of the situation as well. He swallowed his saliva. He was now fearing for his life.
'A report on the prospective suitors for the princess, His Majesty.'
'Indeed, I asked for a report. The most accurate information you could find on the existing kings of the Aryan region. Then tell me why am I reading this fairy tale.'
'My King, I wouldn't dare. Not on such a serious issue. We contacted the most powerful neutral information broker in the region. A third party who sells information without biasness. They are professionals. They have no reason to falsify the report'
It is for the sake of his own career and life that he defends the information broker. Honestly if he knew they would write such hogshits then he would have chosen an alternative.
Drupad was annoyed once again. This minister was in charge of the secret intelligence department however he hasn't shown much use. Unlike his other ministers he couldn't even master the energy to remember this ingrate's name. He was of such little value.
'Are you telling me that this so called professionals who pretty much described how many wives and concubines other kings of aryavarta has, how many times they drink in the day, how many times they fornicate with the wives of other men or which country's princesses they abducted, went on a report about how an upstart king as good of a warrior he is, seemingly doesn't have any flaws and actually turns down offers of courtship and soliciting. I could understand him having no bad habits but a king with that much power in his hand actually doesn't have any flaws at all. Does this seem remotely believable to you?'
'Well, when you say it like that he does seem a bit too perfect….'
'Have you even read the report?'
'I have, Your Majesty….'
'And what conclusion have you reached?'
'Well, he seems a bit too perfect when compared to most kings in Aryavarta. Scratch that he seems like a god even when you compare him to kings with the most amount of accomplishments.'
Drupad sighed. This was this man's last chance to save his job. But unfortunately it seems even Mahadev wants him to be unemployed.
'It is completely fiction. And let me tell you why'
Drupad was annoyed, he usually wasn't this skittish. But after losing the possibility of having a valuable pawn he was entitled, to be. These days, nothing seems to go according to plan.
Let's give this man some wisdom before firing him. Who knows? This wisdom might come to his aid during his next career. If he could manage a job. Not possible in Southern Panchala though.
'Let's dissect the information. First of all it's impossible to be skilled in so many fields. Warfare, medicine, surgery, magic, science, architecture, engineering, craftsmanship, blacksmithing, diplomacy. A single field requires even sages who devote themselves to these fields, entire lifespan surpassing thousands of years and a man whose lineage and identity is unknown, who couldn't be more than twenty at best excels in all such fields. No, he is stealing someone else's credit and everyone is singing the same tune as him. After all it is in their best interest to keep such a powerful king who is giving them refuge, happy and content . Otherwise exile waits.
'Then the next fallacy in the report. A king that powerful doesn't bother declaring his lineage, if I were him I would be parading around my lineage. Not stopping a single moment to remind them whose son I am. Which mother gave birth to me? Instead he simply says he was raised by the Nagas and Serpent Goddess none the less. Do you know what this means?'
The minister whose name he couldn't bother to remember was sweating buckets.
'It means he was either an illegitimate child or an exiled child who worked his way up from the bottom of the society and simply chose Nagas as the excuse to give the impression of familial support.'
'But what if he truly…'
Yeah, this man is definitely getting fired.
'It was mentioned that Nagas are his subjects as well. It is in their best interest to support their king so he might have a foothold. It also favors them as they can always have extra privileges with this as an excuse. As for being the adopted son of the goddess, how do we know that he didn't make an under the table deal with her so that he may claim to be her child in return for giving her something of value. From what I can see he certainly is resourceful. I wouldn't even entertain the possibility that someone would actually be foolish enough to claim to be the son of a goddess, adopted he may be unless she actually has his back. Even if he was actually raised by her, what is preventing him from declaring his lineage? Certainly, someone who accomplished this much, his true parentage shouldn't matter?'
'Then being a god or possibly having a semi divine lineage. Or possibly being an avatar. If he truly was one wouldn't he declare so proudly. Every child of god regardless how weak or strong he may be left their mark in history. Including the illegitimate ones. They tend to have so much power that they simply couldn't remain silent. And all of them had one thing in common. They declared their lineage proudly despite being illegitimate ones in front of the very persons that reared them. Uncaring about their adopted parents' feelings and consequences.'
'So is he a Rakshasa perhaps?'
Drupad snorted. Why did he even bother giving this man the job? Wait, it was his father, the late king who gave him the job.
So soon to throw the king whose honor he was defending under the wheel.
'I don't think so. If he was a Rakshasa he would have declared sooner. Those evil creatures cannot contain their pride. They would have bragged sooner. He most likely is a human'
'As for adopting the daughter of the haihaya king. Either she is a relative who has the right to legitimize his claim to the throne of Mahishmati or simply he is grooming her'
'By grooming you don't mean….'
'I mean exactly as I said. Marrying her when she reaches a suitable age so that he may claim the throne without being called a usurper. Not exactly a bad plan. With the image and reputation he has created, if he wants to avoid being called a fellow usurper marrying the daughter of the late king seems to be the only legal way for him to claim the throne without compromising his reputation . Otherwise who on earth would go so far for the sake of an adopted daughter unless she will be laying golden eggs in future. Especially a man who himself is probably an illegitimate child or an exiled one. You don't know the horrors kings have committed for the sake of legitimacy. Compared to that, what he is doing is relatively light. Considering they started calling him 'Kartavirya' and Vindhyaraja actually accepted such a name, who despite being someone strong enough to defeat Ravana was a tyrannical despot no less than him.'
'So he is from the Haihaya dynasty?'
'That does seem to be the case. Considering the usurpers fought tooth and nail to recover the daughter of the late king, his only legitimate living kin who has any possible claim to the throne it is in the best interest of this new 'Kartavirya' to give her protection if he want to ascend to the throne legally and without any contest to the legitimacy of his ascension. It's worth battling the entire army of Haihaya. I too would have done the same if I were him'
'But why would the usurpers who despite being from the haihaya clan themselves, hate him to the bone start calling him 'Kartavirya' who was their strongest hero, the warrior king who defeated gods themselves. Isn't it natural to vilify their enemies? Calling him 'Kartavirya' seems like praise to me.'
Drupad sighed. He was surrounded by idiots. Is that why he lost to Drona? Once again reinforcing his decision to fire this idiot.
'Because, Haihayas are the worshipper of strength. They will even respect their enemies regardless of how deplorable they might be so long as they are strong. Strength means everything to them. It doesn't matter whether you are a rapist or a murderer so long as you have strength they will worship the ground you walk upon. Perhaps the only good trait those warmongers have. They realise that their enemy who too is a member of the Haihaya despite the circumstances of his birth actually has the strength to claim the throne as according to the doctrine of Haihayas it is not qualification but rather strength that gives one the right to ascend to throne. However this is as much of a praise as it is a derogatory term'
'I don't understand my king.'
Drupad scowled. If you understood you would be the king and I would be the minister.
'Everyone knows history. How Kartavirya's arrogance brought the anger of Parshurama, an avatar of Vishnu unto them. How the arrogance of a single tyrant nearly brought the end of the entire Kshatriya race. While he was their most glorious king, the most valorous hero he was also the cause of their ruin. As much proud as they feel to call themselves the legacy of Kartavirya, inside they cannot help but blame him for their destruction. By giving him the epithet Kartavirya they pretty much conveyed the message that while they have recognised his strength they don't have faith in his capacity to be a good ruler, they are essentially claiming that he will bring destruction to them just as Kartavirya did despite being a fellow family member. Do you understand'
'I understand. But Your Majesty, If he really has that much power why bother about legitimacy. After all, as you said, strength is the only thing that matters to Haihayas. Since he is such a good ruler, wouldn't matter even if he was an illegitimate child or an exiled one. When a strong ruler proves to be just, regardless of the circumstances of their birth, their rule wouldn't be questioned, no?'
For the first time since the conversation Drupad felt sympathy for the man both for his pure nature as well as his simple minded thought process. Seems like he wasn't lacking in brain but rather his personality and wisdom isn't suitable for the role given to him. Maybe he had misjudged this man. Alright, he wouldn't be firing him, simply transfer him to some other unimportant department of the state.
'Because why ascend with the stigma of a tyrant and usurper when you can ascend as a liberator. After all, if people genuinely loved a king they wouldn't be bothered if he were a usurper or an illegitimate heir. By keeping people on his side and genuinely gaining their love he would be terminating all possibility for rebellion even before such an idea can be conceived. People don't care about a strong ruler they only care about a king who can keep them fed and clothed'
'I see'
'All of this assuming that this report is indeed true and without embellishments.'
'Why would they…'
'Why wouldn't they? Have you read the report? The writer of the report pretty much claimed that the King of Vindhya was a God. Any criticism was done so lightly that rather than calling it criticism it's better to call it euphemism. Which may mean three things. One, Either Vindhyaraja bribed them in advance or they were already in his payroll to begin with. Two, The spy who wrote the report knowingly or unknowingly received some favour from him and has developed a hero worship. Three, both the previous conjectures are true and all the things written here are partially true and some embellishments were added'
The minister seemed amazed by the king's wisdom.
'And to support my claim why was his real name never mentioned in the report. Either the spy is totally incompetent or the spy was so engrossed in praising him, deifying him like a divine that he completely forgot to even mention his true name. Surely you aren't going to claim that, his true name is also kept hidden from everyone.'
'Actually his true name is well known. Although nobody bothers to call him that anymore. Preferring to call him by ' King Kartavirya' or simply 'King Sahasrabahu''
'And you know his true name?'
'Pretty much everyone knows his name. In fact some adore him so much they have already started naming their child after him'
How unprofessional. Drupad Sighed. Why is it so difficult to find competent people these days? Even so-called professional information brokers make mistakes out of Hero worship. Okay I understand you like the king or getting paid by him. At least do the job well even if you are just going to write praises.
'Do give me the honour of hearing the name of such a mighty, valorous and virtuous King.' Sarcasm dripped from his lips
The minister took a deep breath as if he was going to quote scriptures.Great this one developed hero worship as well.
'Karna'
'Also known as Kartavirya Karna'.
...…
Vindhya is still a modern-day mountainous region in modern day India with numerous flora and Fauna. It is essentially situated in the middle of India located in Madhya Pradesh. Trying my luck in a new story. With a Karna in DxD whose actions completely changed the course of history altogether. You should realize how different this, Karna is just from the first chapter. Any way keep giving me power stones and start recommending my story.