The marriage of Virendra Singh, son of Raja Surendra Singh of Naugarh, was solemnized with Chandrakanta, daughter of Maharaj Jai Singh of Vijaygarh. On the day of the wedding procession, due to Tej Singh's final jest (dillagi), Maharaj Shivdutt of Chunar was forced to become a torchbearer (mashaalchi).
Many suggested that Maharaj Shivdutt's intentions were not yet fully clear (or purified), and therefore, it would be appropriate to keep him imprisoned. However, Maharaj Surendra Singh rejected this idea and said, 'We have already released Maharaj Shivdutt. The fight that occurred between him and Tej Singh at this moment cannot be taken as proof of him holding animosity towards us. After all, Maharaj Shivdutt is a Kshatriya. When Tej Singh took his form and tried to insult him, how could he tolerate it? I also cannot say that Maharaj Shivdutt's heart is completely clear of ill-will towards us, because if his intentions were pure, there would have been no need for him to come and watch secretly. Still, understanding that this skirmish with Tej Singh cannot be considered an act of enmity towards us, we release him again. Even if he chooses to be hostile towards us now, what harm is there? He is a man, and we are men; we shall see.'
Maharaj Shivdutt was freed again and disappeared, no one knew where. After Virendra Singh's marriage, with the consent of Maharaj Surendra Singh and Jai Singh, Chapla's wedding was performed with Tej Singh, and Champa's wedding was performed with Devi Singh. Champa was Chapla's sister in a distant relationship.
The marriages of all the other aiyars (tricksters/cunning men) had already taken place. Their households were in Chunar itself, so there was no need for relocation. Soon after the weddings, Kunwar Virendra Singh was seated on the throne of Chunar with great ceremony, and was henceforth called Raja instead of Kunwar. Tej Singh was appointed his Raj Diwan(Chief Minister), and consequently, all the aiyars also had to reside in Chunar.
Surendra Singh did not wish to part from his son. Compelled, he entrusted the throne of Naugarh to Fateh Singh and also came to live in Chunar. However, the affairs of the state were entirely Virendra Singh's responsibility, though Surendra Singh would occasionally offer advice. Jeet Singh also began living in Chunar with great freedom alongside Tej Singh. There was deep affection between Maharaj Surendra Singh and Jeet Singh, and this affection grew day by day. In truth, Jeet Singh was worthy of all the respect he received.
Two years after the marriage, Chandrakanta gave birth to a son. In the same year, Chapla and Champa also each gave birth to a son. Three years after this, Chandrakanta had her second son. Chandrakanta's elder son was named Indrajeet Singh, the younger was named Anand Singh, Chapla's son was named Bhairo Singh, and Champa's son was named Tara Singh.
When these four boys grew older and capable of conversation, arrangements were made for their education and training. Raja Surendra Singh placed these four boys under the tutelage and protection of Jeet Singh.
Bhairo Singh and Tara Singh proved to be very sharp and clever in the art of aiyari (espionage/trickery). Their aiyariwas constantly tested. Jeet Singh's order was that Bhairo Singh and Tara Singh should try to deceive all the aiyars, even their own fathers, and similarly, aiyars like Pannalal should also try to trick the two boys. Gradually, these two boys became so sharp and clever that the aiyari of Pannalal and others faded in comparison to theirs.
There is no need to specify who was cleverer between Bhairo Singh and Tara Singh; it will become clear when the opportunity arises. However, it is necessary to mention that Bhairo Singh had a greater affection for Indrajeet Singh, and Tara Singh for Anand Singh.
The four boys grew up to be sensible. Indrajeet Singh, Bhairo Singh, and Tara Singh reached the age of eighteen, and Anand Singh reached the age of fifteen. During all this time, there was continuous peace in the kingdom of Chunar, and past troubles and Maharaj Shivdutt's villainy remained in everyone's hearts like a distant dream.
Indrajeet Singh was very fond of hunting, and he used to hunt almost daily whenever possible. One day, a banarkha(forest guard/scout) appeared and reported that the beauty of a certain forest was greatly enhanced these days, and there were so many game animals that even if they stayed and hunted for a month, the stock wouldn't diminish, and no day would go empty. Hearing this, the two brothers were very pleased. They sought permission from their father, Raja Virendra Singh, to go hunting and stated, 'We intend to stay in the forest for eight days to hunt.'
In response, Raja Virendra Singh said, 'I cannot give permission to hunt in the forest for that many days—ask your grandfather. If he gives the order, there's no harm.'
Hearing this, Indrajeet Singh and Anand Singh went to their grandfather, Maharaj Surendra Singh, and presented their request. He happily agreed and ordered that a tent be set up for the two of them at the hunting ground, and that five hundred soldiers should accompany them throughout their stay.
(Footnote 1: Banarkhas are the servants appointed for the protection of forests. Hunting is their job. They wander through the forest, track the footprints of predatory animals, and estimate whether a lion, etc., is in the forest, and if so, where. The work of banarkhas is to confirm with their own eyes before reporting that a lion, cheetah, or bear is in a certain place.)
Having received permission to hunt, Indrajeet Singh and Anand Singh were very happy and set out from Chunar with their two aiyars, Bhairo Singh and Tara Singh, and the five hundred soldiers.
They set up camp in a dense and terrifying jungle five kos (about 10 miles) south of Chunar. Since little daylight remained, they decided to rest that day and arrange for the hunt the following morning. However, the banarkhas were instructed that day to scout for the presence of a lion. It was decided not to tie a buffalo (bhainsa), as the lion hunt would be done on foot.
The next morning, the banarkhas appeared and informed them that there were lions in the jungle, but due to nightfall, they could not see them with their own eyes. They requested that if the hunt were suspended for that day, they could locate the lions and provide the exact spot.
Hunting was suspended for that day as well. With one pahar (about three hours) of daylight remaining, Indrajeet Singh and Anand Singh mounted their horses and rode out of the camp with their two aiyars to roam and pass the time, and they walked far.
(Footnote 2: A buffalo is tied specifically for a lion hunt. There are two reasons: firstly, to hold the game. That is, when a banarkha reports a lion in a certain forest, or if the hunters are unable to hunt for several days for some reason and want to detain the lion, a buffalo is ordered to be tied. The banarkhas take the buffalo, drive a strong peg near the spot where the lion is known to be—in a dark, shady forest or ravine—and tie the buffalo. When the lion smells the buffalo, it comes there, eats the buffalo, and stays there resting and fearless for several days. This method of sacrificing two or four buffaloes can detain a lion for months. The lion does not leave for another jungle as long as it has food. A lion will not easily kill a free-roaming buffalo. Secondly, buffaloes are tied to remove the lion when hunters want to hunt from a machaan (platform) or move the lion to a more convenient spot from one jungle to another. Hunters also call these 'mari'.)
They were walking slowly, conversing, when the roar of a lion came from the left. Hearing it, all four stopped and turned to look in the direction of the sound.
About two hundred gaj (yards) away, a sadhu (ascetic) was seen riding a lion. His long, thick matted hair (jata) hung down his back. He held a trishul (trident) in one hand and a shankh (conch shell) in the other. The lion he rode was very large, and the hair on its neck reached the ground.
Eight to ten paces behind him, another lion was following, but instead of a person, it appeared to be laden with baggage, perhaps the belongings of the lion-riding Mahatma.
As it was evening, the face of the sadhu could not be clearly seen, but the sight astonished all four of them, and they began to ponder various things.
Indra: It's difficult to roam riding a lion like that.
Anand: He seems like a good Mahatma.
Bhairo: Look at the lion behind, which is carrying the baggage, how it walks with its head bowed like a sheep.
Tara: He has tamed the lions.
Indra: I feel like walking up to him and seeking his blessings (darshan).
Anand: That's a good idea, let's go and see the lion up close.
Tara: Without going near, one cannot distinguish between a Mahatma and a charlatan.
Bhairo: It's evening, but let's go ahead and stop him.
Anand: What if he takes offense if we step ahead and stop him?
Bhairo: Our profession as aiyars is such that we don't believe him to be a sadhu in the first place!
Indra: What are you all talking about, you whose moustaches are always shaved! Anyway, let's just go.
Bhairo: Let's go.
The four men walked ahead and approached the babaji (ascetic) who was riding the lion. Seeing them approach, the babaji stopped. At first, the horses of Indrajeet Singh and Anand Singh shied away upon seeing the lions, but upon being urged, they moved forward. After a short distance, the two brothers dismounted their horses. Bhairo Singh and Tara Singh tied the two horses to a tree, and then the four of them approached the Mahatma on foot.
Babaji: (From a distance) Come, Rajkumar Indrajeet Singh and Anand Singh—is everything well?
Indra: (Bowing) By your grace, all is well.
Baba: (Looking towards Bhairo Singh and Tara Singh) Tell me, Bhairo and Tara, are you well?
Both: (With folded hands) By your kindness!
Baba: Rajkumars, I was actually going to see you myself, as you've set up camp in this jungle for a lion hunt. I'm going to Girnar, and while wandering, I happened to reach this jungle. This place seems pleasant, so I intend to stay here for two or three days and will set up my holy fire (dhuni) after finding a good spot. I have several lions for riding and carrying luggage, so I warn you not to accidentally kill any of my lions, or there will be trouble. Hundreds of lions will reach your camp and cause a ruckus, and many lives will be lost. You are the son of the valiant Raja Surendra Singh (The author notes that the Sadhu mistook Virendra Singh's name for Surendra Singh), so it is proper to inform you beforehand so that no harm is done.
Indra: Maharaj, how will I know that a particular lion is yours? If that's the case, I won't hunt.
Baba: No, you hunt, but do not kill my lions!
Indra: But how will I know which lion is yours?
Baba: Look, I'll call my lions; recognize them.
The babaji blew the conch shell. The loud sound of the conch echoed through the forest, and growling sounds began to come from all directions. In a short while, five more lions came running from here and there. The four men were brave and courageous; any other person would have died of fear. Indrajeet Singh's and Anand Singh's horses started leaping and kicking upon seeing the lions, but being tied with strong silk reins, they could not escape. These lions caused a great commotion—roaring, leaping, and jumping upon seeing Indrajeet Singh and the others. However, as soon as the babajiscolded them, they all calmed down, bowed their heads, and stood like sheep and goats.
Baba: Look, recognize these lions. There are a couple more, it seems they didn't hear the conch's sound. Anyway, I'm in this forest right now, and I'll show you the remaining lions too—suspend the hunt for tomorrow as well.
Bhairo: Where will we meet you again? Where will your dhuni be set up?
Baba: This place seems pleasant to me; come here tomorrow, and we shall meet.
The babaji dismounted his lion, and all the lions that had come gathered around him, affectionately licking and smelling his body. The four men paused there for a while longer, then bade farewell to the babaji and returned to their camp.
When the area quieted down, Bhairo Singh said to Indrajeet Singh, 'Many things are running through my mind right now. I want all four of us to sit together, have a meeting, and decide on a plan.'
Indrajeet Singh said, 'Good, call Anand and Tara here too.'
Bhairo Singh went and brought Anand Singh and Tara Singh to that place. At that time, no one else was in the tent besides these four. Bhairo Singh expressed what was on his mind, which everyone listened to carefully. After an hour-long discussion, they firmly decided on what needed to be done.
There is no need to detail what this meeting was about, what Bhairo Singh's intention was, what they decided, and what they did all night—it will all be revealed in due time.
As soon as morning broke, the four men came out of the tent, called their army commander, Kanchan Singh, explained some instructions, and set off toward the babaji. Once they were far from the camp, Anand Singh, Bhairo Singh, and Tara Singh quickly departed for Chunar, while Indrajeet Singh went alone to meet the babaji.
The babaji was sitting by his dhuni (holy fire) surrounded by lions. Two lions were patrolling, circling him. Indrajeet Singh arrived, bowed, and the babaji blessed him and asked him to sit.
Indrajeet Singh saw two more lions today compared to yesterday. After a brief silence, conversation began.
Baba: Tell me, Indrajeet Singh, where are your brother and aiyars? They haven't come.
Indra: My younger brother, Anand Singh, has developed a fever, so he couldn't come. I have come alone for your darshan, leaving both aiyars to look after him.
Baba: Alright, no matter. He will be well by this evening. Tell me, is everything peaceful in your kingdom these days?
Indra: By your grace, all is well.
Baba: Poor Virendra Singh also suffered greatly. Well, his name will remain in the world. No king has broken a tilism (magical labyrinth/fortress) in the last thousand years. There is one more tilism—that is the truly great and commendable one.
Indra: Father says that tilism will be broken by my hands.
Baba: Yes, that is so. It will definitely be conquered by your hands, there is no doubt about it.
Indra: Let's see when that happens. The key to it cannot be found.
Baba: God willing, you will lay hands on breaking that tilism in a day or two. I am the key to that tilism. Our family has been the keeper (daroga) of that tilism for generations. My great-grandfather, grandfather, and father were the keepers. When my father was passing away, he entrusted the key to me and appointed me its keeper. Now the time has come for me to hand over the key to you because that tilism was created in your name, and no one else but you can become its owner.
Indra: Then why the delay?
Baba: There is none. You can begin breaking it tomorrow, but there is one thing we want to tell you for your benefit.
Indra: What is that?
Baba: You should include your brother Anand in breaking it. By doing so, the wealth will also be doubled, and the names of both brothers will forever remain in the world.
Indra: But his health isn't well!
Baba: No matter! Go now and somehow bring him to me. I will cure him instantly. You both should leave with me today, so you can start breaking the tilism tomorrow, otherwise, you won't get another chance for a year.
Indra: Babaji, the truth is, I do not desire my brother's advancement. I do not want his name to be associated with mine.
Baba: No, no, you shouldn't think that way. There is no greater gem in the world than a brother.
Indra: Yes, there is no greater gem than a brother in the world, but there is also no greater enemy than a brother. This idea is so deeply ingrained in my heart that even if Brahma himself came to counsel me, nothing would change the outcome.
Baba: You cannot break the tilism without taking him along.
Indra: (With folded hands) Well, then let it be. Excuse me, I do not need to break the tilism.
Baba: Are you so stubborn?
Indra: I have already said that even Brahma cannot change my mind.
Baba: Well, then you come alone, but you must leave this very moment.
Indra: Yes, yes, I am ready. Let's go now.
The babaji stood up immediately. He tied up his bundles and loaded them onto one lion, and mounted another himself. He then looked at one lion and said, 'Child Ganga Ram, come here!' That lion immediately came to him. The babaji told Indrajeet Singh, 'You ride this one.' Indrajeet Singh leaped onto it and set off south with the babaji. The babaji's companion lions also followed him—some in front, some behind, some to the left, and some to the right.
All the lions were left behind, but the two lions on which the babaji and Indrajeet Singh were riding moved ahead. They continued until noon. When the day began to decline, the babaji told Indrajeet Singh, 'We should stop here and eat and drink a little.' In response, the Kunwar said, 'Babaji, there is no need to eat or drink. You are a Mahatma, and I am not hungry. What's the need to stop? It's not right to be lazy in the work we've started!'
The babaji said, 'Well done! You are very brave. If your heart hadn't been so strong, great men wouldn't have predicted that the tilism would be broken by your hands. Very well, let's go.'
With a little daylight remaining, the two reached the foot of a hill. The babaji blew the conch shell. In a short while, hundreds of mountain robbers appeared from all directions with spears in their hands, and Raja Shivdutt was seen approaching from the east with twenty or twenty-five similar men. Seeing him, Indrajeet Singh said in a loud voice, 'I recognize him! This is Maharaj Shivdutt. His picture hangs in my room. Grandfather showed me his picture and said that Maharaj Shivdutt is our greatest enemy. Oh, alas, the babaji really turned out to be an aiyar! What I suspected has come true! Well, what's the harm? Arresting Indrajeet Singh is a tough job!!'
Shivdutt: (Reaching them) Half my heart is at peace, but alas, both brothers didn't fall into my hands.
Indra: Sir, don't rely on having trapped Indrajeet Singh. Even a bad glance in his direction is a task in itself!
Author: Is there any doubt about that!!