The Farmer and the Moneylender – Once upon a time, in a small village, there lived a hardworking farmer named Ram. Ram owned a small plot of land that he cultivated diligently to provide for his family. However, due to a severe drought, Ram faced financial difficulties and was unable to repay his debt to a cunning moneylender named Hari.
The Farmer and the Moneylender
Hari, known for his greed and dishonesty, saw an opportunity to exploit Ram’s vulnerability. He approached Ram and demanded immediate repayment of the loan. Knowing that Ram was unable to fulfill his obligation, Hari proposed a devious deal.
“I will forgive your debt if you give me half of your land,” Hari cunningly suggested.
Ram, desperate to free himself from the clutches of the moneylender, reluctantly agreed. He felt the weight of the world on his shoulders as he saw half of his hard-earned land slip away.
Days turned into months, and Ram continued to toil on the reduced plot of land. Despite his diminished resources, he worked tirelessly to make the best of the situation. Ram’s determination caught the attention of a wise sage named Rishi, who happened to pass through the village.
Curious about Ram’s predicament, Rishi approached him and inquired about the land division. As Ram shared his story, the sage listened intently, recognizing the injustice of the situation. He decided to help Ram regain his lost land and teach Hari a lesson.
Rishi summoned both Ram and Hari for a meeting. Sensing the sage’s wisdom and authority, they eagerly attended. Rishi proposed a challenge to settle their dispute.
“I will grant you a chance to regain your lost land, Ram,” Rishi proclaimed. “You must sow a handful of mustard seeds in the soil, and if they grow into a plant taller than me within a week, the land will be returned to you.”
Ram, with renewed hope, accepted the challenge. He prepared the soil diligently, ensuring it was fertile and well-nourished. He planted the mustard seeds with utmost care and tended to them every day, watering and nurturing them with love.
As the days passed, the mustard seeds began to sprout, and tiny green shoots emerged from the soil. Ram remained dedicated, providing the plants with constant attention and care.
On the seventh day, when Rishi returned to assess the growth of the mustard plants, he was astonished. The plants had grown into lush, towering structures, reaching well above his height. The once-doubting villagers marveled at the sight, amazed by Ram’s determination and the miraculous growth of the plants.
Impressed by Ram’s commitment and the evident injustice of the land division, Rishi turned to Hari. “It is clear that Ram has fulfilled his part of the challenge,” Rishi stated firmly. “As a man of your word, you must return the land to him immediately.”
Hari, realizing that he had been outwitted, begrudgingly accepted his defeat. He returned the land to Ram, who was overjoyed to reclaim what was rightfully his.
From that day forward, Ram’s farm prospered. With the support of the community and his own hard work, he overcame the hardships he had faced. Ram became an inspiration to others, showcasing the power of perseverance, honesty, and the importance of standing up against injustice.
The moral of this Panchatantra story is that honesty and perseverance can overcome even the most challenging circumstances. Ram’s determination, combined with the sage’s wisdom, led to justice prevailing. The tale teaches children the values of hard work, integrity, and the importance of seeking help from wise individuals when faced with adversity.
- Buy Amazon – Paper Pack : 365 Panchatantra Stories
- Buy Amazon – Paper Pack : The Best Of Panchatantra