This
clip actually precedes the previous one. I have chosen to discuss
these two excerpts in reverse chronological in order to clarify the
“set-up” these artisans are faced with, first. It is now
appropriate to ask why do they agree to this contest? After all,
they walked out of the Chola palace in protest. Why don’t they
walk away from this ritual as well?
The
answer seems obvious from the artisan’s behaviour. They worship
Lord Vishnu and call out his name the moment that he (magically)
appears. These men then listen to the Chola’s question, put to the
great Lord, about to whom he should grant the power to rule over the
lands of Ponnivala? The biased “set up” becomes even clearer
now. The king has been clever in his decision to call on Vishnu. He
knows that no one will contest the power of this great god or
question his choice of a dispute resolution mechanism.
Once again,
in this clip, the artisans attempt to say “no” to the king, but
they speak in vain. Vishnu follows the king’s statement of the
problem by saying that he himself has chosen the ritual means to be
used to resolving the issue at hand. The great god even uses the
words “this is my covenant” to pronounce his firm decision to all
preseent. And he even goes so far as to explain the outcome to the
artisans. If these craftsmen fail, they will have to accept their
food from the hands of the farmers (which they will find demeaning).
Nonetheless, the artisans must show deference to Vishnu. They have
no choice. He is the great god. So they bow to Vishnu’s edict and
hope for the best. Everyone is now holding their breath.
Have you experienced The Legend of Ponnivala on TV or in print? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Signing off for now,
“Blogger” Brenda Beck
The Sophia Hilton Foundation of Canada
Have you experienced The Legend of Ponnivala on TV or in print? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
To find out more about The Legend of Ponnivala -- the legend, the series, the books, and the fascinating history behind the project, visit www.ponnivala.com.
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