TENALI RAMA

The following folders are provided to the school:

1. Annual Day Script – Tenali Rama

2. Costume Ideas
3. Backdrops and Props
4. Music
5. Production Notes

For the show, there are certain points that we would like to bring your attention to:

1. We recommend that an auditorium/hall is booked for the show in order to ensure that
all technical requirements – lights, sound, microphones etc. are met. Technical
hazards often adversely affect the students‟ performances; auditoriums will be
equipped to provide the required technical setup and ensure a smooth performance.
Also, please ensure that there is enough green room space to accommodate students
back stage.
2. In case the school prefers to use their own school premises for the show, please
ensure that the stage setup and the technical requirements are impeccably
organized. Please refer to the folders, „Backdrop & Props‟ and „Music‟ for details.
Schools can choose to keep a 15 minute interval. Few of the scenes will require
spotlight and blackout, which has to be taken care of, incase if school has annual
function in school premises.
3. A technical rehearsal with sound, lights, backdrops and costumes must be conducted
prior to the show at the venue.
4. The backdrop designs are attached for each scene. Props for the stage backdrops
can be created by the Art & Craft teacher at the school. If the school‟s budget
permits, a projector/LED screen can be used to project backdrops on the screen at
the venue for each scene or the school can probably make a set on stage.
5. If the sound setup (microphones for students) seems unreliable, schools can choose
to record dialogues at a recording studio and have students lip-sync at the
performance. This may prove to be a suitable option to prevent mishaps related to
the clarity of sound on the day of the show.
6. If the school‟s budget permits, effects such as using a smoke machine and extra
lighting equipment can be added to performance.
7. The Script is in a Dance-Drama format with the story being interlinked by a variety of
dance performances.
8. The Script is predominantly in English with spots of Hindi in order to add a local
flavour to the show. Please feel free to add/subtract lines or replace lines with
dialogues in the local language, according to the expectations of the audience.
9. Dance performances can be choreographed by the appropriate teachers. Reference
videos for choreography for most of the dances have been provided.

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 10. Transition music and background music have been provided in the script wherever
required. Please feel free to shorten the length of the songs, if desired.
11. The Script gives several opportunities to accommodate a varying number of students
for schools with differing strengths of students. The dance pieces are a great
opportunity to include students with talents in dancing and rhythm.
12. Two Narrators and two comperes have been recommended for the show.
13. The script, costumes, music, backdrops are all provided for your reference. Please
feel free to improvise wherever necessary.
Wishing you a grand success!

ESCORTING CHIEF GUEST TO THE SEATING AREA

Compere 1: A very good afternoon/evening to all the parents and a warm welcome to
today‟s program. This is our ___ Annual Day and we share your enthusiasm and excitement
in watching the students perform. Students have worked devotedly and passionately these
last ___ weeks, practicing their roles and I am certain that you will be able to see their
incredible efforts at the performance this afternoon/evening.
It is heartening to inform you that ___ students are participating in the show this evening.
This calls for a round of applause.
[Applause]

Compere 2: I take great pleasure in welcoming Mr./Mrs.______, who has kindly consented
to be the Chief Guest for our Annual Day.
[Add 1 to 2 lines on Chief Guest]
Ladies and Gentleman, please give a huge round of applause to welcome our Chief Guest.
[Applause]

FLORAL WELCOME

Compere 1: I now request our school ______________to please present a small token of love
and appreciation to our chief guest.

Compere 2: Fresh thinking and new hope, new aspirations and new scope, we welcome
you at this hour with great enthusiasm.

LIGHTING OF THE LAMP

Compere 1: I would request Mr. /Mrs. ______ to light the lamp. I would also request our
Principal, Mr. /Mrs. _____ to kindly accompany our Chief Guest.
[Lighting of the lamp on the Stage]

Compere 2: Our young performers are waiting excitedly for the show to begin but before
we commence, we have a few requests. Everyone kindly be seated through the

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performance and please refrain from using your mobile phones. You can switch your
phones on the „Silent‟ mode, so that the children are not distracted during the performance.
The school has arranged for photographs to be taken, so please refrain from taking
photographs, as this would also distract students from their performance.

Compere 1: We have made arrangements for a smooth dispersal after the show, so dear
parents, please be seated when the show gets over. Please do not be in a hurry to pick your
child in the middle of the show. Announcements will be made for the order of dispersal once
the show gets over. I assure you that our teachers are taking good care of your children. So
sit back and enjoy the show.

Compere 2: So, let us begin the program with a grand welcome dance performance.

Dance: Shubh Din - Welcome Song (Rajasthani Dance)

Duration: 4.48 minutes

Minimum Participants: 30 to 40

Maximum Participants: Any number (as per the feasibility of the number of participants that
can be accommodated on the stage.)

It is recommended that only girls should perform on this song.

This dance is a performance given by the dancers for a grand welcome of the audience before
the program begins.

The backdrop for the song will be – In the Lawns of Vijayanagar Dynasty (attached).

(This dance can be choreographed with Rajasthani folk steps, two dance choreography
example videos are attached for reference.)

(Dancers exit.)

UNVEILING THE THEME FOR THE EVENING

Compere 1: Friends, as we all know, right from the time of the Puranas and the Vedas, there
had been several kings and kingdoms in India. The kings of ancient India and their wise
courtiers have created history since generations in ruling the kingdoms wisely and
efficiently.

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Compere 2: You are right _____________ (name of Compere 1), the king came across various
day to day problems in the kingdom. It was the king‟s duty to attain peace and prosperity in
the kingdom and at the same time keep the political, economic, social, and defense system
of the kingdom intact.

Compere 1: So, a king had a council of wise ministers who guided and helped him at every
point of time. You must have heard the famous stories of the great king – courtier duos like
King Akbar and Birbal and King Krishnadeva Raya and Tenali Rama.

Compere 2: Yes _____________ (name of Compere 1), I have a heard a lot of stories of King
Akbar and Birbal, his wisest courtier out of the nine courtiers called Navratnas and how
Birbal helped the king in solving the problems of the kingdom by his wit and intelligence.
But _____________ (name of Compere 1), I haven‟t heard much about King Krishnadeva Raya
and Tenali Rama.

Compere 1: _____________ (name of Compere 2), the stories of King Krishnadeva Raya and
Tenali Rama are equally famous. King Krishnadeva Raya ruled Vijayanagar Empire in South
India, Tenali Rama was the wisest court jewel and poet among his eight courtiers called
Ashtadiggajas.

Compere 2: Then I am really interested to hear the stories of King Krishnadeva Raya and
Tenali Rama _____________ (name of Compere 1).

Compere 1: Our audience is equally interested too, _____________ (name of Compere 2) in

knowing more about how wise Tenali Rama helped King Krishnadeva Raya. The stories
include complex problems solved by the clever brain of Tenali Rama and the tasks set by
the king to test the wit of Tenali, plots that are smashed by Tenali‟s quick wit, and a lot more.

Compere 2: I am sure _____________ (name of Compere 1), Tenali Rama's charm, wit and
humor with interesting characters will take you on a fascinating journey of adventure and
fun.

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 ANNUAL DAY SCRIPT

LIST OF THE SITUATIONS AND THE SCENES:

Situation 1: Tenali Rama’s entry in King Krishnadeva Raya’s court, Vijayanagar.
 Scene 1: In the Lawns of Vijayanagar dynasty
 Scene 2: In King Krishnadeva Raya‟s Palace
 Scene 3: In the Lawns of Vijayanagar dynasty
 Scene 4: In King Krishnadeva Raya‟s Palace
Situation 2: Tenali Rama outwits Vidhyuthalla, the most learned lady in the kingdom.
 Scene 5: In King Krishnadeva Raya‟s Palace
 Scene 6: Outside Vidyuthalla‟s house
 Scene 7: In the Court of Justice, Sinhapuri, Vijayanagar Empire
Situation 3: Tenali Rama in Mughal King Babar’s Delhi Durbar.
 Scene 8: In King Babar‟s Palace at Delhi
 Scene 9: In King Krishnadeva Raya‟s Palace
 Scene 10: In King Babar‟s Palace at Delhi
 Scene 11: In a garden in Mughal kingdom, Delhi
 Scene 12: In King Krishnadeva Raya‟s Palace
Situation 4: Tenali Rama finds answer to King Krishnadeva Raya’s question - Who is
more cunning when it comes to money, the priests or the businessmen?
 Scene 13: In the Lawns of Vijayanagar dynasty
 Scene 14: In King Krishnadeva Raya‟s Palace
Situation 5: The testing of Chatur Pandit’s art of disguise.
 Scene 15: In King Krishnadeva Raya‟s Palace
Situation 6: King Babar from Delhi sends a Weird Wells’ Wedding Invitation to King
Krishnadeva Raya
 Scene 16: In King Krishnadeva Raya‟s Palace
 Scene 17: A Grand Celebration in King Krishnadeva Raya‟s Palace

MAIN CHARACTERS OF THE PLAY:

 Krishnadeva Raya, king of Vijayanagar Empire, Andhra Pradesh.

 Tenali Rama, wisest man among the 8 jewels in the king’s court.
 Allasani Peddana (aka Peddana), a jewel in the king’s court.

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  Nandi Thimmana (aka Thimmana), a jewel in the king’s court.
 Rama Raja Bhushanudu (aka Bhushan), a jewel in the king’s court.
 Madaya Gari Mallana (aka Mallana), a jewel in the king’s court.
 Dhoorjati (aka Dhoor), a jewel in the king’s court.
 Ayyala Raju Rama Bhadrudu (aka Bhadru), a jewel in the king’s court.
 Bhattu Murthy (aka Murthy), a jewel in the king’s court.
 Raj Purohit, Rajya’s Priest/ Raj Guru of the Empire.
 Kottaiya, Raj Purohit’s assistant

Costume Ideas: Refer to the „Costume Ideas‟ folder, it consists of characterwise and
dancewise costume ideas.
Music: Refer to the attached „Music folder‟, it consists of songs for the dances, background
music, transition music and dance choreography example videos.
Backdrops and Props: Refer to the attached „Backdrops and Props‟ folder, it consists of the
backdrops and the stage props to be used for every scene and dance.
Production Notes: Refer to the attached „Production Notes‟ folder, it consists of Notes on
Staging and Timelines which gives the guidelines for prior planning of the show.
Light Cue: Lights can be used to show an entry scene, spot lights can be used to focus on a
particular character, colourful lights can be used according to the requirement of the scenes
and the dances.

SITUATION 1: Tenali Rama’s entry in King Krishnadeva Raya’s Court, Vijayanagar.

Narrator 1: Many years ago, there was a kingdom is South India called Vijayanagar.
Vijayanagar was ruled by a King Krishnadeva Raya. In Krishnadeva Raya‟s court there was a
jewel well known as Tenali Rama. As he hailed from a village Tenali and his name was
Raman, people of Vijayanagar called him Tenali Rama.
But how did he get into the court? When the king did not even know his name, have you ever
heard about it? We here present you the stories of Tenali Rama. So sit back and watch the
witty and exciting stories.
Narrator 2: Impressed by the stories related to King Krishnadeva Raya‟s kingdom, one day
Tenali Rama came to Vijayanagar from Tenali. Let‟s see what happens in the lawns of
Vijayanagar dynasty when Tenali comes in and he sees Raj Purohit and his assistant Kottaiya
approaching from the other side.

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Sound Cue: Track- Tenali Rama Title Song
Light Cue: A mix of lights like green, amber and red can be used to give an effect for the
dance choreography.
Backdrop: King Krishnadeva Raya‟s Palace Scene (attached)
Props: There will be no props arranged on the stage for this dance.

Dance: Tenali Rama Title Song

Duration: 3.33 minutes

Minimum Participants: 30 to 40

Maximum Participants: Any number (as per the feasibility of the number of participants that

can be accommodated on the stage.)

(Minimum 15 - 20 boys and 15 – 20 girls can dance on this song.)

This dance is based on Tenali Rama title song which gives an idea about the central character

of the play – Tenali Rama to the audience and the lyrics suggest the role that he would be

playing in the act.

The dance performance on the song will give a visual treat to the audience and would give a

good start to the play. The song would create interest and enthusiasm.

(This dance can be choreographed in such a way that the participants perform with classical

steps as well as mix of other folk steps.)

(Dancers exit)

SCENE 1: In the Lawns of Vijayanagar dynasty

Language of Performance: English/Hindi
Characters: Tenali Rama, Raj Purohit, Kottaiya and 5 – 6 villagers.

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Light Cue: Soothing bright lights which suits to show natural light of the day, all areas to be
lit.
Backdrop: In the Lawns of Vijayanagar Dynasty (attached)
Props: Green mat to be spread on the stage to make it appear like grass (Optional), trees,
bushes, fence at the back, huts, wells and lamp posts.
(Raj Purohit and Kottaiya enter from one side of the stage and Tenali Rama enters from other
side of the stage. When Tenali Rama is walking up to the middle of the stage, the transition
music – Tenali Rama’s Entry Sound should be played.)

Play the Transition Music „Tenali Rama‟s Entry Sound‟

Raj Purohit (holding a rudraksha mala in his hand, chanting and walking): Krishna Krishna,
Hareeee Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hareee Krishna.
Tenali Rama (joining his hands and bowing down): Namaskar Raj Purohitji !
Raj Purohit: Hello! Hello! Krishna Krishna, Hareeee Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hareee
Krishna.
Tenali Rama: I am Raman from Tenali.
Kottaiya (Looking at Tenali with disgust): Who Tenali? Humne toh kabhi tumhara naam bhi
nahi suna.
Tenali Rama (in a requesting tone, folding his hands): Aadarniya Raj Purohitji, main ek
maamuli aadmi hu parantu meri yah icchha hai ki mujhe Raja Krishnadeva Raya se milne ka
saubhagya praapt ho. I have a great desire to serve King Krishnadeva Raya. Please help me.
Kottaiya (looking at Raj Purohit, in a surprised tone): Why would Raj Purohitji help an
ordinary man like you? Are you somebody exceptional?
Raj Purohit (making a weird face and giving an attitude): Hmmmm….I don‟t have any time to
waste.
Kottaiya (giving an attitude): Hmmm…Bahot dekhe tumhare jaise.
Raj Purohit (in an arrogant tone and with hand gestures): I studied for 25 years of my life and
it was after great efforts that I got a chance to serve King Krishnadeva Raya. There are
hundreds of devoted people like me and they still haven‟t got an opportunity. So who are
you, tell me, to deserve such a chance? I have never even heard of your name.
Tenali Rama (in a gentle tone): I know sir, I am biting off more than I can chew but I thought
you are so learned and the king‟s favourite too.
Raj Purohit (making a weird face, giving an attitude and then laughs): Hmmmm… hahahaha
….Hum Maharaj Krishnadeva Raya ke rajy salahkaar hai !

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Tenali Rama (in a hesitating tone): Isiliye main aapke paas aaya hu Raj Purohit ji, after all
without your help there is no way for anybody to get entry into the king‟s court.
Raj Purohit (making a weird face, giving an attitude and looking at Kottaiya): Hmmmm…
badey hi dusht ho tum….
Kottaiya (Looking at Raj Purohit): Hmmmm… Is tuchh praani ki gustaakhi toh dekhiye
prabhu.
Tenali Rama (in a hesitating tone and folded hands): But if you decide then nothing is
impossible for you Raj Purohit ji
Kottaiya (looking at Raj Purohit, going close to him and whispering to him): Raj Purohit ji
aapko saalo lag gaye apni kirti staapith karne ke liye, hum kisi bhi anjaan aadmi ko Maharaj
ke paas nahi le jaa sakte, yadi yeh chatur nikla toh raj darbaar mein aapka sthaan aur maan
khatre mein pad sakta hai
Raj Purohit (looking at Kottaiya, going close to him and whispering to him): Tum theek keh
rahe ho Kottaiya.
Kottaiya: Let us go, Raj Purohit ji.
Raj Purohit: Ok ok. Let‟s go.
(Raj Purohit and Kottaiya walks away from the stage, Tenali Rama keeps standing there in a
confused state of mind.)
Tenali Rama (says to himself, in a confused tone): What shall I do now to get an entry into the
king‟s court?
Tenali Rama (walking up and down on the stage): So many days have passed, I have been
wandering here in Vijayanagar, but there is no way that I can find out to get into the king‟s
court.
(Raj Purohit and Kottaiya enters)
Tenali Rama (with a smiling face): Ahhh! Finally, after so many days, I am seeing Raj Purohit
and Kottaiya.
Raj Purohit: It will be fun to have a bath in the lake today Kottaiya.
Kottaiya: Yes Raj Purohit ji, the water seems to be cool. Aap toh nahaaney ke baad bahut hi
nikhar jaate ho prabhu! Chalo aaj main aapki achi maalish bhi kar deta hu.
(Raj Purohit and Kottaiya remove their shawl, dhoti, wooden bead necklace, armlets, royal
bangle or broad bracelets, earrings, and waistband and put at one place on the stage and go
back stage to have a bath in the lake in their shorts i.e half pants. When Raj Purohit and Kottaiya

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remove their clothes and go for a bath in the lake, the transition music – Birds’ Chirping Sound
should be played.)

Play the Transition Music „Birds‟ Chirping Sound‟

Tenali Rama (taking away Raj Purohit’s and Kottaiya’s clothes and ornaments, overjoyed):
This is a great opportunity for me, to make Raj Purohit take me to the king‟s court, I must
take away their clothes. Ab dekhiye mazaa Raj Purohitji, aise nahi toh waise aap humey raja
se milvaayenge zaroor.
(Tenali Rama walks away with the clothes and stands in the corner of the stage as if he is hiding
there. Raj Purohit and Kottaiya enter after having a bath in the lake. Tenali Rama watches them
from the corner.)
Kottaiya (with a smiling face): It was fun to have a bath today. Aapke saath snaan karke toh
mera din safal ho gaya prabhu.
Raj Purohit (with a smiling face): Yes, it was fun.
Kottaiya (with a smiling face): Aap talaab mein se naha ke nikle toh aisa lag raha tha ki suraj
nikal aaya ho.
Raj Purohit (with a smiling face): Dhanyawaad Kottaiya!
Kottaiya (shocked): But where are our clothes Raj Purohitji?
Raj Purohit (shocked): I had kept them here. Who took them?
(Tenali Rama walks up to Raj Purohit in the middle of the stage.)
Tenali Rama: I have taken them Raj Purohit ji
Raj Purohit (in an angry tone): How come you are here? You fool, why have you taken our
clothes? Give them back. Agar tumne hamare vastr nahi lautaye toh pehredaaro ko bulakar
tumhe karawas mein bhej dunga dusht.
Tenali Rama: I will return your clothes only on one condition that you take me to the king‟s
palace on your shoulders.
Raj Purohit and Kottaiya together (with a shocked look): Kya?
Tenali Rama: Isi shart par main aapke vastr lautauga, kya aapko manzoor hai Raj Purohit ji?
Raj Purohit (in a confused and frustrated state of mind): Yaad rakhna dusht, tumhe ek din iski
kimat chukaani hogi.
Kottaiya (in an upset tone): Sach kaha Raj Purohit ji. Is cheeti ke toh par nikal aaye hai, hume
bahot jald inhe kaatne honge.
Tenali Rama (laughing): Tab ki tab dekhenge.

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(Tenali clings on Raj Purohit’s back with arms around his neck and Raj Purohitji walks in a sad
mood towards the king’s court. Kottaiya walks behind Raj Purohit. While Raj Purohit starts
walking, 5 – 6 villagers enter the stage. The villagers see this, mock and laugh at Raj Purohit.
While all the villagers laugh and comment, the background music – Men Laughing Sound
should be played.)
Play the Background Music „Men Laughing Sound‟
Villager 1: Look at Raj Purohit.
Villager 2: This is such a funny sight. Maine Raj Purohit aur Kottaiya ki aisi durdasha pehle
kabhi nahi dekhi.
All the villagers say to each other (pointing towards Raj Purohit): We cannot stop
laughing…hahahaha
Villager 1: See the state of Raj Purohit and the funny Kottaiya.
Raj Purohit: Ohhh! I am tired.
Tenali Rama: Carefully Raj Purohit ji !
Raj Purohit (in a frustrated tone): Oh shut up!
(The villagers exit. Tenali Rama, Raj Purohit and Kottaiya remain present on the stage in the
same pose. The stage becomes dark)

(Please Note: Scene 2 and 3 will have shifting focus lights as there will two set ups on the
stage running together simultaneously i.e. the palace set up and the lawn set up.)

SCENE 2: In King Krishnadeva Raya’s Palace (Please use focus lights for this scene)
Language of Performance: English/Hindi
Characters: King Krishnadeva Raya and 2 guards.
Light Cue: Playful, colourful lighting, all areas to be lit.
Backdrop: King Krishnadeva Raya‟s Palace Scene (attached)
Props: King‟s throne, 10 royal chairs for 8 courtiers, Raj Purohit and Kottaiya (The chairs
should be simpler as compared to the king’s throne), some royal statues placed next to the
king‟s throne, other royal furniture like small tables, a table to be placed next to the king‟s
throne, having a golden tray with some gold coins put in it and a red carpet leading to king‟s
throne.
(The focus light is on the narrator, the rest of the stage is dark)

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Narrator 1: Raj Purohit had no choice but to agree to Tenali Rama‟s demand. The king
watches this scene from the balcony of his palace that a person is sitting on Raj Purohit‟s
back and troubling him.
(King Krishnadeva Raya enters while the narrator is narrating and sits in his palace in one part
of the stage and watches this scene from far away.)
(The focus light shifts to the king and his soldiers in the palace. Narrator exits)
King (in a pleasant mood): What a pleasant day it is!
King (looking towards the direction from which Tenali Rama was approaching, with a shocked
and angry expression): Yeh main kya dekh raha hu. What is this? That is our Raj Purohit. And
who is that man humiliating him? Pehredaaro ! Pehredaaro !
(2 guards enter)
Guard 1 and 2 together (bowing down): Hukum kijiye Maharaj!
King (to both the guards): See that man, coming towards my palace. He is sitting on Raj
Purohit‟s back. Us dusht aadmi ko niche utaaro, usey acha sabak sikhaao aur humare Raj
Purohitji ko samman ke saath raj darbar mein le aao.
Guard 1 and 2 together (bowing down): Jo hukum Maharaj!
(On seeing King Krishnadeva Raya gesturing angrily at his soldiers, Tenali Rama got off Raj
Purohit’s back. While Tenali Rama sees the king gesturing angrily a second focus light should
fall on Tenali Rama along with the characters in King Krishnadeva Raya’s palace. )

SCENE 3: In the Lawns of Vijayanagar dynasty. (Please use focus lights for the this
scene)
Language of Performance: English/Hindi
Characters: Tenali Rama, Raj Purohit, Kottaiya and 2 guards.
Light Cue: Soothing bright lights which suits to show natural light of the day, all areas to be
lit.
Backdrop: In the Lawns of Vijayanagar Dynasty (attached)
Props: Green mat to be spread on the stage to make it appear like grass (Optional), trees,
bushes, fence at the back, huts, wells and lamp posts.
(The focus light is on the characters in the lawns of Vijayanagar dynasty, the rest of the stage is
dark.)
Tenali Rama (joining his hands): Please forgive me Raj Purohitji, it was really wrong of me
to humiliate you this way to achieve my goal. It was my stupidity. I shall now carry you on my
back and take you around the whole city.

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Raj Purohit (shocked): What? Yeh sab tum kya kar rahe ho dusht.
Kottaiya (shocked and looks at Raj Purohit): We must get him arrested Raj Purohitji, he
deserves to be in the prison.
(Tenali Rama takes Raj Purohit on his back, i.e. Raj Purohit clings on Tenali Rama’s back with
arms around Tenali’s neck and starts walking towards the king’s palace. Guard 1 and 2 walks
towards Tenali Rama.)
Guard 1 (pointing at Raj Purohit angrily): Hey you!
Guard 2 (in an angry tone): Get down from our Raj Purohit‟s back at this moment.
Raj Purohit (in an angry tone): Who are both of you to ask me to come down?
Kottaiya: Raj Purohit ji, may be they want me to sit on Tenali‟s back.
Raj Purohit: Ohh just shut up Kottaiya. Kabhi toh chup raha karo.
Guard 1 and 2 (looking at each other): Now you will understand who we are?
(Both the soldiers start hitting Raj Purohit with their long pikes and Raj Purohit falls down from
Tenali’s back.)
Raj Purohit: Why are you both hitting me, I am the Raj Purohit. If at all you were to hit, hit
him (pointing at Tenali Rama).
Guard 1: Is it? I will teach you a nice lesson today.
Guard 2: Look at the confidence of this man.
Guard 1 and 2 (looking towards Tenali Rama): Look Raj Purohitji, this man is lying in front of
you.
(Guards hit Raj Purohit again)
Raj Purohit: Ahhh …no..don‟t hit me…Oh my God.
Kottaiya (upset): Ohh Raj Purohit ji……..Pehradaaro…mat maaro.. Raj Purohit ji ko…main
tum dono ki maharaj se shikayat kardunga.
Guard 1 and 2 together (tells Tenali Rama): Come Raj Purohit ji, we shall go to the court.
Tenali Rama (extremely pleased): Yes yes let‟s go.
Kottaiya (in a complaining tone): No, no, wait he is not our Raj Purohit. (pointing at Raj
Purohit) Raj Purohit ji is here.
(Guards do not believe Raj Purohit and Kottaiya and takes Tenali Rama respectfully to the
court.)
Tenali Rama (laughing and talking to himself): Hahaahaha…bechare Raj Purohitji ..aakhir
main apni manzil tak pauch hi jaauga. Hahaha !
(Raj Purohit, Kottaiya and the guards exit. The stage becomes dark for 5 seconds.)

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SCENE 4: In King Krishnadeva Raya’s Palace
Language of Performance: English/Hindi
Characters: King Krishnadeva Raya, Tenali Rama, Raj Purohit, Kottaiya, Peddana,
Thimmana, Bhushan, Mallana, Dhoor, Bhadru, Murty and 2 Ladies-in-waiting (daasis)
Sound Cue: Track – Semi Classical Song
Light Cue: A mix of lights like green, amber, and red can be used to give an effect for the
dance choreography.
Backdrop: King Krishnadeva Raya‟s Palace Scene (attached)
Props: King‟s throne, 10 royal chairs for 8 courtiers, Raj Purohit and Kottaiya (The chairs
should be simpler as compared to the king’s throne), some royal statues placed next to the
king‟s throne, other royal furniture like small tables, a table to be placed next to the king‟s
throne, having a golden tray with some gold coins put in it and A red carpet leading to
king‟s throne.
(King Krishnadeva Raya and seven courtiers - Peddana, Thimmana, Bhushan, Mallana, Dhoor,
Bhadru and Murty are seated in their places on the stage, when Tenali Rama enters. 2 Ladies-
in-waiting would be fanning the king throughout the scene.)
King (in an angry tone): Tum toh hamare Raj Purohit nahi ho. Kaun ho tum? Why have you
come in the place of our Raj Purohit? You seem to be over smart, you need to be taught a
lesson.
Tenali Rama (with folded hands and bowing down): Maharaj main Tenali Raman hu, I am
Raman from Tenali.
Tenali Rama (with head bowed down): Aadarniya Maharaj, you and your kingdom is well
known across India, when I learnt about it, I had a great desire to serve you, I came to
Vijayanagar and met Raj Purohitji. I requested him to take me to your palace, but he did not
pay heed to it, I kept wandering for days in Vijayanagar.
King (with a surprised look): Oh really?
Tenali Rama (continued in a polite tone): Yes Maharaj! So finally to reach you, I had to take
away his clothes while he was having a bath in the lake and had to play a prank with him by
sitting on his shoulders and then taking him on my shoulders seeing your guard
approaching. What I have just said is all true, now whatever punishment you shall give, I
shall accept it.
King (with a smiling face): I am impressed by your wit, modesty and fearlessness. You are
very smart Tenali Rama. Tumne Raj Purohit ko dand dekar acha kiya. Hamari raj sabha ko

Copyright@Holistique Learning. All Rights Reserved. 14

tumhare soojh boojh ki aavashakta hai. Hum tumhe hamare raj sabha ke raj vidushak niyukt
karte hai.
Tenali Rama (overjoyed): Dhanyawaad Maharaj! Bahot bahot dhanyawaad. I am truly
honoured. My dreams have come true.
(Raj Purohit and Kottaiya comes running to the king’s court.)
Raj Purohit (in an angry tone): Maharaj is apraadhi ko giraftaar kar lijiye.
King (with a mocking face): Apraadhi ?
Kottaiya (supporting Raj Purohit): Haan Maharaj, is dusht ne hamare priy Raj Purohitji ka
ghor apmaan kiya hai, unke saath dhoka kiya hai.
Raj Purohit (in an angry tone): Yeh ek khatarnaak behrupiya hai …behrupiya hai maharaj!
King (laughing): Hahaha..behrupiya nahi….vidushak….vidushak kaho Raj Purohit
ji….hahaha
Raj Purohit (in a shocked tone): Yeh aap kya keh rahe hai Maharaj ?
Kottaiya (in a shocked tone, looking at Raj Purohit): Yeh toh anarth ho gaya Prabhu.
(Raj Purohit and Kottaiya exit.)
King (announcing to the courtiers): I am glad to announce that we have a new courtier with
us today, we must rejoice the occasion of having the intelligent, Tenali Rama as the rajy
vidushak of our court.
Peddana, Thimmana, Bhushan, Mallana, Dhoor, Bhadru and Murty together (with a
smile): Congratulations Tenali!
King(looking at Tenali Rama): Welcome Tenali Rama, (making an announcement) this calls
for a celebration.
(Tenali Rama takes a seat next to the courtiers on the stage.)

Dance: Semi Classical Song

Duration: 4.09 minutes

Minimum Participants: 30 to 40

Maximum Participants: Any number (as per the feasibility of the number of participants that
can be accommodated on the stage.)

(This dance performance can be given only by girls.)

Copyright@Holistique Learning. All Rights Reserved. 15

 This dance is a performance given by the dancers to rejoice the occasion of welcoming
Tenali Rama as a courtier of the kingdom. The dancers will dance around the area where the
King, Tenali Rama and the seven courtiers - Peddana, Thimmana, Bhushan, Mallana, Dhoor,
Bhadru, Murty are seated. It will create an atmosphere of joy and entertainment for the
audience and depict the rich culture of South India.

(This dance can be choreographed with semi classical steps - steps of Kuchipudi dance, a
dance choreography example video is attached for reference.)

(Dancers exit)

SITUATION 2: Tenali Rama outwits Vidhyuthalla, the most learned lady in the
kingdom.

SCENE 5: In King Krishnadeva Raya’s Palace

Language of Performance: English/Hindi
Characters: King Krishnadeva Raya and Tenali Rama.
Light Cue: Playful, colourful lighting, all areas to be lit.
Backdrop: King Krishnadeva Raya‟s Palace Scene (attached)
Props: King‟s throne, 10 royal chairs for 8 courtiers, Raj Purohit and Kottaiya (The chairs
should be simpler as compared to the king’s throne), some royal statues placed next to the
king‟s throne, other royal furniture like small tables, a table to be placed next to the king‟s
throne, having a golden tray with some gold coins put in it and A red carpet leading to
king‟s throne.
(The King and Tenali Rama enter.)
King (in an authoritative tone): Oh Tenali ! You have helped me solve many problems arising
in my kingdom. Magar aaj tumhare liye ek aur chunauti hai. Kya tum meri chunauti svikaar
karoge?
Tenali Rama: Of course my Lord ! Are you testing my ability?
King: No, not at all Tenali. I am so sure you can solve this. (in a questioning tone) Will you
live up to my expectations?
Tenali Rama (in a gentle tone): Yes my lord! Apne maharaj aur rajy par aane waali har ek
musibat ko main apni vyaktigat musibat manta hu aur usey hal karna mera dharm hai aur
apne maharaj ki di gayi har ek chunauti svikaar karna mera karm.

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King (with a smiling face): Mujhe tumse yahi unmeed thi Tenali. Tum hamare raj sabha ki
shobha ho. Listen to me now, there is a learned but a very arrogant lady in the kingdom,
Vidyuthalla.
Tenali Rama (in an inquiring tone): Oh! I have never heard about her. Where does she live?
King: She lives in Sinhapuri, a town in Vijayanagar Empire.
Tenali Rama: Oh I see.
King: She is well versed with prose, poetry, composition, dance and music. She has a very
boastful attitude. She has put a hoarding outside her house that said “A reward for 1000 gold
coins will be presented to those who will be able to defeat her in humour, wit and
knowledge of texts”.
Tenali Rama: Has anyone been able to win that reward, my Lord?
King: No, Tenali! And that is your challenge. I want you to defeat her in the war of words and
teach her a lesson. This has become a prestigious issue, many learned men took up the
challenge but none succeeded.
Tenali Rama: I accept the challenge. Vidya insaan ko namr banaati hai, naaki ahankaari
Maharaj. Usey toh main zindagi ka yeh sabak bahot achi taraah sikhaa dunga maharaj.
King (nodding his head agreeing to him): Very well said Tenali! But everyone does not
understand this the way you do. Most of the people become over proud and arrogant when
they acquire knowledge.
Tenali Rama: Sahi kaha Maharaj!
(The king and Tenali Rama exit.)

SCENE 6: Outside Vidyuthalla’s House

Language of Performance: English/Hindi
Characters: Vendor (Tenali Rama in disguise), Vidyuthalla and 6 villagers.
Light Cue: Soothing bright lights which suits to show natural light of the day, all areas to be
lit.
Backdrop: Outside Vidyuthalla‟s House (attached)
Props: Green mat to be spread on the stage to make it appear like grass (Optional), trees,
bushes, fence at the back, huts, wells and lamp posts.
Narrator 2: The next day, a firewood vendor reached Vidhyuthalla‟s house in Sinhapuri and
called out for her.
Vendor (enters with a very loud voice): …Lakdi le lo…achiwali lakdi le lo…. Lakdi le
lo…achiwali lakdi le lo….

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Vidyuthalla (irritated with the loud noise comes outside the house, at the doorstep): How
much do you sell the load for?
Vendor: I will not sell this for money. If you can give me a handful grain I will give you the
entire load. Mujhe sirf ek muthi bhar daana chahiye.
Vidhyuthalla (in an arrogant tone): Itni chinta mat karo. Main tumhe bahot saare daane de
dungi. Dump the load in the backyard and come back to collect the grains.
Vendor (unloads the weight from his head and argues): There is no bargain in this deal
Madam! I will sell this to you only if you can give me a handful grain, did you get it? Hope
the deal is clear to you.
Vidhyuthalla (in a disgusted tone): What are you talking? Mujhe tum murkh lag rahe ho.
Vendor (stressing on the word): A handful grain.
Vidhyuthalla (in an angry and disgusted tone): Hey you vendor. Stop crying, I will give you
what you wanted. Put them in the backyard and come here.
Vendor (making the firewood price clear again): There is no change in the deal Madam. I
said a handful grain…that means nothing more or less…it should be a handful grain.
Vidhyuthalla (too disgusted now): I have not seen a more disgusting man than you before.
Vendor (in a bold tone): If you cannot pay the price, you should pay me one thousand gold
coins and wipe the hoarding on the compound wall of your house
Vidhyuthalla (yelling at the vendor): What nonsense are you trying to talk?
Vendor (yelling back at Vidhyuthalla): Its not nonsense. I told you the price, you agreed for it
and now if you cannot pay the price, you need to fulfill my wish as decided. You should give
the one thousand gold coins. That‟s it.
(A fire breaks out between Vidhyuthalla and the vendor, in a silent tone (without words i.e. a
mime act) they fight, argue and blame each other with all the required facial expressions and
gestures for 15 -20 seconds. The facial expressions and the gestures should be bold enough to
communicate the fight to the audience.)
(Local villagers start gathering to listen to the fight. 5 – 6 local villagers enter. Vidhyuthalla and
the vendor continues the fight with expressions and gestures)
Villager 1(in shock, looking at other villagers): What is happening? Kis baat pe ladaai ho rahi
hai?
Villager 2 (in shock, looking at other villagers): Why are they fighting?
Villager 3 (in shock, looking at other villagers): Why is such a respectable lady like
Vidhyuthalla fighting with an ordinary vendor?

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Villager 4 (in shock, looking at other villagers): Even I am surprised to see this.
Villager 5 (looking at other villagers): We must ask them, what is the matter?
Villager 6 (looking at Vidhyuthalla): What is the matter Madam? Is this vendor troubling you?
Vidhyuthalla (looking at Villager 6): Yes, he is troubling me since a very long time.
Vendor: I am not troubling you Madam. You are not ready to pay me, the price of my
firewood after agreeing to the price that we decided.
Vidhyuthalla (shouts in anger): I just don‟t understand how to explain you now, you foolish
vendor. Kis murkh aadmi se paala pada hai. Ise toh pehle hi yaha se bhaga dena chahiye tha
mujhe. Isse lakdi leke galati kardi maine.
Villager 1: Oh lady, I suggest you must go to the court of law for justice.
Vidhyuthalla: That‟s a good idea.
Vendor (in an arrogant tone): Well, I am the wisest in the kingdom. But I don‟t mind arguing
with a dumb and arrogant person like you. So I agree to meet you in the court. I shall get
justice now.
Vidhyuthalla (in an arrogant tone): We shall see. You will learn a lesson, foolish vendor.
(Vidhyuthalla, vendor and the villagers exit)

SCENE 7: In the Court of Justice, Sinhapuri, Vijayanagar Empire

Language of Performance: English/Hindi
Characters: Vendor (Tenali Rama in disguise), Vidhyuthalla and Judge.
Light Cue: Playful, colourful lighting, all areas to be lit.
Backdrop: In the Court of Justice, Sinhapuri, Vijayanagar (attached)
Props: 1 big chair, 2 smaller chairs and 1 bag/ pouch of gold coins.
(Vidhyuthalla and the vendor enter the court, where the judge is already seated. Vidhyuthalla
and the vendor get seated on the chairs placed on the stage.)
Vidhyuthalla (presenting her argument to the judge): My Lord! This firewood vendor has
gone crazy. He is not ready to accept my offer, though I wished to pay him more.
Judge: Pay for what?
Vidhyuthalla: For the firewood, my Lord! He is sticking to his senseless argument to have a
handful grain when I told him I will pay him a lot of grains. He demands later for payment of
a thousand gold coins and wiping away the hoarding. Ab aap hi nyaay kijiye judge saab!
Judge (looking at the vendor): What‟s the matter? Tum chahte kya ho?

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Vendor (with folded hands and bowing down): Yes Your Majesty! She is right to some
extent. However, I am not crazy. I informed her in advance that the load of firewood would
cost her a handful grain.
Judge (looking at the vendor, in a shocked tone): A handful grain?
Vendor: Yes my Lord! When I was clear about a handful grain, she must have understood
that I needed a handful of grain. That was her mistake to misunderstand my words for a
handful grain. It means one grain that fills the hand.
(Vidhyuthalla is outwitted as she realized that she didn’t hear the vendor’s statement correctly,
so she becomes speechless and bows her head down in shame.)
Judge (looking at Vidhyuthalla): Vidhyuthalla, you were unable to understand the meaning of
a handful grain. Saari galti tumhari hai. You must pay him one thousand gold coins and wipe
off the invitation from the compound wall.
Vidhyuthalla (in a heavy and depressed tone): Jo hokum judge sahab!
(Judge exits.)
Vidhyuthalla (handing over 1000 gold coins in a bag, in a low voice): Here are your 1000
gold coins.
Vendor (taking the gold coins and putting them in his bag): Thank You!
(The vendor removes his disguise i.e. beard and moustache and reveals his identity to
Vidhyuthalla)
Tenali Rama: Vidhyuthalla, I disguised myself as a firewood vendor. I am Tenali Rama, one
of the eight courtiers of King Krishnadeva Raya of Vijayanagar dynasty.
Vidhyuthalla (with a shocked expression): Why did you disguise yourself as a firewood
vendor Tenali Rama? For 1000 gold coins?
Tenali Rama: Not for 1000 gold coins. Take your gold coins. (Handing over the gold coins’
bag back to Vidyuthalla). Your knowledge and wisdom had made you too arrogant and
boastful. I did all of this to defeat you in the war of words and to teach you a lesson on my
king‟s instructions.

(Vidhyuthalla puts her head down in shame. Vidhyuthalla and Tenali Rama exit. The stage
becomes dark for 10 seconds.)

Copyright@Holistique Learning. All Rights Reserved. 20

SITUATION 3: Tenali Rama in Mughal King Babar’s Delhi Durbar.

SCENE 8: In King Babar’s Palace at Delhi

Language of Performance: English/Hindi
Characters: King Babar, 6 courtiers, 2 Ladies in waiting (daasis) and Messenger
Sound Cue: Track- Holi Song
Light Cue: A mix of lights like green, amber and red can be used to give an effect for the
dance choreography.
Backdrop (for the script of this scene): King Babar‟s Palace Scene (attached)
Props (in King Babar’s Palace): King‟s throne, 10 royal chairs for courtiers (The chairs should
be simpler as compared to the king’s throne), some royal statues placed next to the king‟s
throne, other royal furniture like small tables, a table to be placed next to the king‟s throne,
having a golden tray with some gold coins put in it, a red carpet leading to king‟s throne and
scroll (invitation letter)
Backdrop (for the Dance: Holi Song): In the Lawns of Vijayanagar dynasty (attached)
Props (Holi Dance in the Lawns of Vijayanagar dynasty): Green mat to be spread on the stage
to make it appear like grass (Optional), trees, bushes, fence at the back, huts, wells and
lamp posts.
Narrator 1: The fame of Tenali Rama spreads across the country. At the time of King
Krishnadeva Raya, the Mughal emperor Babar ruled the North India. Babar talks about
Tenali Rama to his courtiers in his palace at Delhi. Let‟s hear the conversation in the Delhi
Durbar.
(6 courtiers and 2 Ladies-in-waiting enter and stand at their place. The king enters and sits on
his throne. The courtiers bow to the king and get seated. 2 Ladies-in-waiting would be fanning
the king all the time. When the king walks up to the throne, the transition music – King Babar’s
Entry Sound should be played.)

Play the Transition Music „King Babar‟s Entry Sound‟

All the courtiers together: Salaam Jahapanah!

King Babar: My dear courtiers, everyone is talking about the wit and intelligence of the
Vikatakavi Raman of King Krishnadeva Raya‟s court in Vijayanagar. Kya aap logo ne Tenali
Rama ke baarein mein suna hai?
Courtier 1: Nahi huzoor!

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Courtier 2: Maine suna hai Jahapanah! The stories of his wit are often talked about in the
neighbouring kingdom. Uske kisse kaafi mashoor hote jaa rahe hai.
King Babar: Sahi kaha tumne. I would like to see him. Day by day my eagerness is growing.
I would like to invite Tenali Rama at the Delhi durbar.
King Babar (calling out for the messenger): Messenger! Messenger! Come here at once.
(Messenger enters.)
Messenger (bowing down): Hukum kijiye Jahapanah!
King Babar (handing over a scroll to the messenger): This is an invitation letter. Give it to
King Krishnadeva Raya. Tum aaj hi Vijayanagar jaao aur yeh sandesha Maharaj ko dekar
kaho ki Delhi Sultan Babar ne badey samman ke saath Tenali Raman to Delhi durbar aane ka
niyota diya hai.
Messenger: (bowing down): Jo hukum !
(Messenger exits.)
King Babar (looking at his courtiers): Aaj ki sabha yahi samaapt hoti hai.
(All the courtiers bow down. The king exits, the courtiers and the ladies-in-waiting exit after the
king. The narrator enters)
Narrator 2: King Babar sends a messenger to King Krishnadeva Raya‟s palace, but on the
other hand, the festival of colours, Holi is celebrated in the kingdom of Vijayanagar. King
Krishnadeva Raya, his courtiers and the villagers play Holi together with all the joy and
excitement. Let us see them play in the lawns of Vijayanagar dynasty.
Dance: Holi Song

Duration: 5.27 minutes

Minimum Participants: 30 to 40

Maximum Participants: Any number (as per the feasibility of the number of participants that
can be accommodated on the stage.)

(King Krishnadeva Raya, Tenali Rama, Raj Purohit, Kottaiya, Peddana, Thimmana, Bhushan,
Mallana, Dhoor, Bhadru, Murthy and 30 to 40 girls and boys dressed as villagers will perform
in the dance.)

A grand Holi festival celebration is shown through the performance. All the participants will
enjoy and throw dry holi colours on each other, apply dry colour on each other’s cheeks and

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 dance with joy. The use of colour mixed in water should be avoided. The dancers will get the
thalis full of different colours of Holi according to the choreography of the song. ‘In the Lawns
of Vijayanagar dynasty’ backdrop should be used.

(This dance can be choreographed in such a way that the participants dance with joy
according to the music and lyrics of the song. A dance choreography example video is
attached for reference.)

(Dancers exit and the stage becomes dark for 5 – 10 seconds.)

SCENE 9: In King Krishnadeva Raya’s Palace

Language of Performance: English/Hindi
Characters: King Krishnadeva Raya, Tenali Rama, Raj Purohit, Kottaiya, 2 Ladies-in-waiting,
Peddana, Thimmana, Bhushan, Mallana, Dhoor, Bhadru and Murthy
Light Cue: Playful, colourful lighting, all areas to be lit.
Backdrop: King Krishnadeva Raya‟s Palace Scene (attached)
Props (in King Krishnadeva Raya’s Palace): King‟s throne, 10 royal chairs for 8 courtiers, Raj
Purohit and Kottaiya (The chairs should be simpler as compared to the king’s throne), some
royal statues placed next to the king‟s throne, other royal furniture like small tables, a table
to be placed next to the king‟s throne, having a golden tray with some gold coins put in it, a
red carpet leading to king‟s throne and scroll (invitation letter).
(Tenali Rama, Raj Purohit, Kottaiya, 2 Ladies-in-waiting, Peddana, Thimmana, Bhushan,
Mallana, Dhoor, Bhadru and Murthy enter. They all get seated in their seats according to the
sitting arrangement in the king’s palace. After they are seated the king enters. When the king
enters, all the other people in the court stand up in their palace, bow down to the king and gets
seated after the king sits on his throne. 2 Ladies-in-waiting would be fanning the king all the
time. When the king walks up to the throne, the transition music – King Krishnadeva Raya’s
Entry Sound should be played.)

Play the Transition Music „King Krishnadeva Raya‟s Entry Sound‟

King (looking at everyone): Aaj ki sabha mein mukhya charcha ka vishay hai – Vidhyuthalla.
(looking at Tenali ) Vidhyuthalla ke baare mein kya khabar laaye ho Tenali?
Tenali Rama (looking at the king): Maharaj, I have outwitted Vidhyuthalla after taking the
matter to the court in Sinhapuri. She was ashamed for her arrogance.

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King (with a smiling face): I also heard she removed the hoarding too from her compound
wall.
Tenali Rama (looking at the king): Haan Maharaj and also I made her learn the important
lesson of life that a person should become more polite and wise after acquiring knowledge,
not boastful and arrogant.
King (with a smile and lot of pride): Very well said Tenali! I am proud you, mere rajy ke
sabse chatur vidushak !
Dhoor: King Babar‟s messenger has come from Delhi, my Lord!
Thimmana: After so many days a messenger has arrived from Delhi durbar, Maharaj.
Peddana: I am sure he must be having some important message to share.
(Messenger stands at the entrance of the palace hall.)
Bhadru: Come in, messenger. After many days, King Babar has sent a messenger.
Mallana: I am eager to know what the message is.
Bhushan (looking at the messenger): Give me the letter, messenger.
(Messenger walks up to the middle of the palace hall and hands over the scroll [invitation letter]
to Bhushan.)
Bhushan (opens the scroll and reads out the message to the king): Raja Krishnadeva Raya ko
Delhi Sultan Babar ka salaam. We have heard a lot of stories of intelligence of your witty
court jester Tenali Rama. We are very eager to see him at our Delhi durbar. So I heartily
invite him to Delhi.
(Tenali Rama and the king are extremely pleased, other courtiers smile, Raj Purohit and
Kottaiya look at each other with an upset and jealous face.)
Murthy (with a smiling face): Yeh toh badey garv ki baat hai Maharaj.
Pedanna (with a smiling face): Maharaj, Tenali Rama ne hamare rajy ka naam sirf
Vijayanagar mein hi nahi balki samast Bhaarat mein roshan kiya hai.
Kottaiya (whispering to Raj Purohit): Raj Purohit ji, aisa niyota, Delhi Sultan ne itne saalo
mein kabhi aapko nahi bheja.
Raj Purohit (whispering to Kottaiya, with a frowning face): Main yahi soch raha hu Kottaiya,
aakhir aisa niyota Delhi sultan ne Tenali Rama ko kyu bheja?
Kottaiya (whispering to Raj Purohit): Aisi kya khaas baat hai is Tenali Rama mein, Raj
Purohitji.
King (looking at Tenali Rama with a smiling face): Tenali, you have brought honour to
Vijayanagar. Emperor Babar has invited you to Delhi. Get ready to meet him.

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Raj Purohit (looking at the king, with disgust): But what will Tenali Rama go to Delhi durbar
and do, Maharaj?
King (looking at Raj Purohit and then looking at Tenali Rama): Raja Babar badey chatur raja
hai Tenali. He must have surely invited you with some intension in his mind. I am sure he will
test you wit and intelligence.
Tenali Rama (looking at the king): Main bhi yahi soch raha tha Maharaj.
King (looking at Tenali): He has heard the stories of your intelligence from various kingdoms
so he is eager to meet you. He will try to outwit you with his intelligence.
Tenali Rama (looking at the King): I whole heartedly accept the invitation and will surely go
to Delhi durbar Maharaj, after your permission.
King (looking at Tenali): But remember Tenali, you are my court jester. You must make me
and the whole of Vijayanagar proud. You must come back rewarded with a bag of gold coins
from King Babar.
Tenali Rama (looking at the king and bowing down): I won‟t let you down, Maharaj.
King (looking at everyone in the palace hall): Aaj ki sabha yahi samaapt hoti hai.
(All the courtiers stand up in the place, bow down to the king, the king exits and after him
Tenali Rama and the others present in the palace hall exit.)

SCENE 10: In King Babar’s Palace at Delhi

Language of Performance: English/Hindi
Characters: King Babar, 6 courtiers, 2 Ladies in waiting (daasis) and Tenali Rama
Sound Cue: Track- Arabic Song
Light Cue: A mix of lights like green, amber and red can be used to give an effect for the
dance choreography.
Backdrop: King Babar‟s Palace Scene (attached)

Props (in King Babar’s Palace): King‟s throne, 10 royal chairs for courtiers (The chairs should
be simpler as compared to the king’s throne), some royal statues placed next to the king‟s
throne, other royal furniture like small tables, a table to be placed next to the king‟s throne,
having a golden tray with some gold coins put in it and a red carpet leading to king‟s throne.
(6 courtiers and 2 Ladies-in-waiting enter and stand at their place. The king enters and sits on
his throne. The courtiers bow to the king and get seated. 2 Ladies-in-waiting would be fanning
the king all the time. When the king walks up to the throne, the transition music – King Babar’s
Entry Sound should be played.)

Copyright@Holistique Learning. All Rights Reserved. 25

Play the Transition Music „King Babar‟s Entry Sound‟
All the courtiers together: Salaam Jahapanah!
King Babar: My dear courtiers, Tenali Rama has arrived to Delhi.
Courtier 1: Oh! It will be great to see him, my Lord.
Courtier 2: We will also see how witty he is.
King Babar (looking at the courtiers): Tenali Rama will be here any moment. I have a strict
instruction for all of you.
Courtier 3: What is that my Lord?
Courtier 4: Tell us, my Lord. We shall follow your instructions.
King Babar: Nobody should laugh when Tenali is here. If anybody laughs the consequences
will be severe.
All the courtiers together: Jo hukum Jahapanah.
(Tenali enters Babar’s court. When Tenali Rama is walking up to the middle of the stage, the
transition music – Tenali Rama’s Entry Sound should be played.)
Play the Transition Music „Tenali Rama‟s Entry Sound‟
King Babar (looking at Tenali Rama): Welcome to our city, Tenali.
All the courtiers together (with a smiling face): Welcome to Delhi, Tenali Rama.
Tenali Rama (bowing down to the king): Thank You! Please accept my greetings, your
Majesty.
Tenali Rama (handing over a big pouch of gifts to one of the courtier): These are the gifts
sent by our king, your Majesty. Please accept them.
King Babar (looking at his courtiers and then at Tenali Rama): Tenali Rama is our special
guest today. Let us welcome him with a dance performance.
(Tenali Rama takes a seat next to the courtiers on the stage.)

Dance: Arabic Song

Duration: 4.02 minutes

Minimum Participants: 30 to 40

Maximum Participants: Any number (as per the feasibility of the number of participants that
can be accommodated on the stage.)

Copyright@Holistique Learning. All Rights Reserved. 26

 (This dance performance can be given only by girls.)

This dance is a performance given by the dancers to rejoice the occasion of welcoming
Tenali Rama as a guest in Sultan Babar’s court. The dancers will dance around the area
where the King Babar and his courtiers are seated. An Arabic dance performance is apt to
show the culture in a Mughal king’s court. The backdrop for the song remains the same –
King Babar’s Palace Scene. There will be no props arranged on the stage for this dance.

(This dance can be choreographed with Arabic steps i.e. steps in belly dancing, a dance
choreography example video is attached for reference.)

(Dancers exit.)

King Babar: We have heard a lot about your charismatic personality and wit. I thought let
me witness the same in my court.
Tenali Rama (with a smile): Ofcourse Your Majesty! I am glad that you gave me an
opportunity to portray my wit and abilities. I am sure I will please everyone in your court
through my intelligence.
(The narrator’s voice over should be used to play from the background and he should not be
portrayed on the stage.)
Narrator 1 (through voice over): Tenali Rama narrated his experience of travelling in a
comical way. No body laughed. He tried to make the king and the courtiers laugh in many
ways but all his efforts went in vain. He narrated some incidents of King Krishnadeva Raya
court in Vijayanagar in a very funny way but as the king had instructed the courtiers, nobody
laughed. Tenali Rama was now heart broken. He felt sad as he had to face King Krishnadeva
Raya without a bag of gold coins from King Babar.

(Tenali Rama, King and his courtiers act with gestures and facial expressions in a silent tone
(without words i.e. a mime act) while the narrator is speaking the above mentioned lines. The
facial expressions and the gestures should be bold enough to communicate the message to the
audience. Tenali Rama’s, the king’s and the courtier’s expressions will have variations to
coincide with the narrator’s voice over. For example – Tenali Rama laughs at the funny
incidents that he narrates the incidents but everyone else in the court is silent, has no
expressions on their face and do not laugh. Tenali Rama’s expressions will change when the

Copyright@Holistique Learning. All Rights Reserved. 27

narrator will say that Tenali Rama was now heart broken, at that time Tenali stops laughing and
suddenly shows sad expressions and the courtiers keep looking at each other but do not laugh.)

King Babar (with a disgust): Bas bahot ho gaya Tenali. Aaj ki sabha yahi samaapt hoti hai.
(The king stands up and all the other courtiers stand up after him. The king walks out, the
courtiers bow their heads and exit after the king. Tenali keeps standing in the palace hall with a
sad expression.)
Tenali Rama (while walking up and down on the stage, very sad and confused, with hand
gestures): How shall I win the heart of Babar? I just don‟t understand. Agar main Raja Babar
se inaam liye bagair waapis jaauga toh main apne Maharaj ko kya jawab dunga.
(Tenali Rama exits.)

SCENE 11: In a garden in Mughal Kingdom, Delhi

Language of Performance: English/Hindi
Characters: King Babar and Old Man (Tenali Rama in disguise)
Light Cue: Soothing bright lights which suits to show natural light of the day, all areas to be
lit.
Backdrop: Mughal Kingdom‟s Garden Scene (attached)

Props: Green mat to be spread on the stage to make it appear like grass (Optional), trees,
bushes, fence at the back, huts, wells and lamp posts.
(The narrator’s voice over should be used to play from the background and he should not be
portrayed on the stage.)
Narrator 2 (through voice over): Next day, King Babar went for a stroll in the kingdom. He
passes through a garden. On the way he saw a very old man digging the earth.

(While the narrator’s voice over is going on. King Babar enters from one side and walks in the
garden [stage]. An old man has a spade in his hand and pretends to dig the soil in the other half
of the stage, the king walks up to him to find out what the old man is doing.)

King Babar (with an inquiring tone): Oh old man! Aap kya kar rahe hai janaab? Why are you
toiling yourself at this old age.
Old Man (with folded hands): Your Majesty! I am going to plant the mango seed.

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King Babar (laughing): Hahaha …Why are you planting a mango seed? Are you mad? Do
you think you will be alive to enjoy the fruit of your labour?
Old Man: Jahapanah! What I am enjoying today is because of my ancestors. My next
generation will enjoy the fruits of the tree, which I am planting today.
King Babar (with a smile): Ah ! That‟s so true, I am impressed. (handing over a small bag of
gold coins to the old man) Take this bag of gold coins. This is for the truth hidden in your
words.
Old Man (with a smiling face, taking the bag of gold coins from the king): Thank you, your
Majesty! Everyone has to wait for some time, to reap the results for the effort they had put in.
But for me I have reaped on the same day of planting.
King Babar (extremely pleased, handing over a second bag of gold coins to the old man): I
am extremely pleased, take one more bag of gold coins.
Old Man (with a smiling face, taking the second bag of gold coins from the king):
Dhanyawaad Jahapanah! A person who plants a tree is benefitted only at the time of getting
fruits. But in my case, on the day of planting itself I have been benefitted twice.
King Babar (with a smiling face): You are very intelligent!
Old Man (with a smile and folded hands): I am honoured, your Majesty!
(King Babar, turns his back and starts walking away, Old man removes his disguise i.e. a
moustache and a beard and then the old man asks the king to stop, so the king stops and looks
back at the old man.)
Old Man: Rukiye Jahapanah, meri baat suniye.
King Babar (turns back, looks at the old man with a shocked expression): Tenali Rama! I
cannot believe, was it you who was speaking to me all this time?
Tenali Rama: Haan Jahapanah! Main hi aapse baat kar raha tha. It‟s me, Tenali Rama. My
king wished that I should bring a bag of gold coins from you as a reward. But I have won two
bags of gold coins from you, Jahapanah! Main bahot khush hu.
King Babar (with a smiling face): I really admire you Tenali Rama. Tum sach mein bahot
chatur ho. I shall leave now Tenali.
Tenali Rama: Thank you, your Majesty, I shall take your leave and return to Vijayanagar
today.
King Babar: Convey my greetings to your king.
(King Babar and Tenali Rama exit.)

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Narrator 1: After taking King Babar‟s permission, Tenali Rama left for Vijayanagar with two
bags of gold coins.

SCENE 12: In King Krishnadeva Raya’s Palace

Language of Performance: English/Hindi
Characters: Tenali Rama, Raj Purohit, Kottaiya, 2 Ladies-in-waiting, Peddana, Thimmana,
Bhushan, Mallana, Dhoor, Bhadru and Murthy
Light Cue: Playful, colourful lighting, all areas to be lit.
Backdrop: King Krishnadeva Raya‟s Palace Scene (attached)
Props: King‟s throne, 10 royal chairs for 8 courtiers, Raj Purohit and Kottaiya (The chairs
should be simpler as compared to the king’s throne), some royal statues placed next to the
king‟s throne, other royal furniture like small tables, a table to be placed next to the king‟s
throne, having a golden tray with some gold coins put in it, a red carpet leading to king‟s
throne and two bags of gold coins.

(Tenali Rama, Raj Purohit, Kottaiya, 2 Ladies-in-waiting, Peddana, Thimmana, Bhushan,

Mallana, Dhoor, Bhadru and Murthy enter. They all get seated in their seats according to the
sitting arrangement in the king’s palace. After they are seated the king enters. When the king
enters, all the other people in the court stand up in their palace, bow down to the king and gets
seated after the king sits on his throne. 2 Ladies-in-waiting would be fanning the king all the
time. When the king walks up to the throne, the transition music – King Krishnadeva Raya’s
Entry Sound should be played.)

Play the Transition Music „King Krishnadeva Raya‟s Entry Sound‟

King (looking at Tenali and smiles): Welcome Tenali Rama.
Kottaiya (whispering to Raj Purohit, in a sarcastic tone): Now we shall see Raj Purohit ji, I am
sure Tenali has come back without the bag of gold coins from Delhi.
Raj Purohit (whispering to Kottaiya): I feel the same Kottaiya. Ab ayega mazaa. Ab main
Maharaj ko batauga ki kitna chatur hai unka chahita Tenali Rama.
Tenali Rama (handing over the 2 bags of gold coins to the king): Ji haan Maharaj, ek nahi
balki do. Here are two bags of gold coins which the Delhi Sultan Babar rewarded me. Inhe
kabool kijiye Maharaj!

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King (extremely pleased and taking the bag of coins from Tenali Rama): Waah Waah… Tum
aur tumhari chaturaai sach mein taarifey kaabil hai Tenali. Once again you have proved
yourself and brought honour to Vijayanagar.
Pedanna (with a smile): Well Done Tenali!
Thimmana (with a smile): Badhaai ho Tenali Rama!
Bhushan (with a smile): Tum hamare rajy ki shaan ho Tenali!
Mallana (with a smile): Tum sach mein taarifey kaabil ho Tenali!
Dhoor (with a smile): Congratulations Tenali Rama! You brought pride and honour to our
kingdom.
Bhadru (with a smile): Today I have really understood why our great King, Krishnadeva
Raya is so proud of you.
Murthy (with a smile): We all are proud of you Tenali Rama! Congratulations. You have lived
up to our king‟s expectations.
Tenali Rama (overjoyed): I am extremely pleased. Thank you so much Maharaj (bowing to
the king) and my dear courtiers, you all have been extremely supportive.
King (smiling at everyone in the palace hall): Hum ati prasann hue. Aaj ki sabha yahi
samaapt hoti hai.
(All the courtiers stand up in the place, bow down to the king, the king exits and after him
Tenali Rama and the others present in the palace hall exit.)

Situation 4: Tenali Rama finds answer to King Krishnadeva Raya’s question - Who is
more cunning when it comes to money, the priests or the businessmen?

SCENE 13: In the Lawns of Vijayanagar dynasty

Language of Performance: English/Hindi
Characters: King Krishnadeva Raya and Tenali Rama
Light Cue: Playful, colourful lighting, all areas to be lit.
Backdrop: In the Lawns of Vijayanagar Dynasty (attached)

Props: Green mat to be spread on the stage to make it appear like grass (Optional), trees,
bushes, fence at the back, huts, wells and lamp posts.
Narrator 2: King Krishnadeva Raya had the habit of posing interesting questions to Tenali
Rama during the evening walks which they often took in the royal garden. Let‟s go to the

Copyright@Holistique Learning. All Rights Reserved. 31

royal garden and see which the question for Tenali Rama today is and how Tenali finds an
answer to it.
(Narrator exits. King and Tenali Rama enter and walk up and down the stage as if they are
taking a walk in the lawn while discussing.)
King (in a questioning tone): Who is more cunning when it comes to money, Tenali, the
priests or the businessmen?
Tenali Rama: What do you think, Maharaj?
King: I think it‟s the priests, Tenali. Badey badey yagna karaakar kaafi dhan daulat ikkatha
kar lete hai. It is also an easy life compared to all the hardships that businessmen have to
bear. So I think the priests are cleverer in their way of life.
Tenali Rama: Mujhe aisa nahi lagta Maharaj. I think the priests are simple people. They are
lost in their world of prayer and rituals and they are also not as cunning as the businessmen,
when it comes to money.
King: How can you say, businessmen are more cunning?
Tenali Rama: Dealing with a wide variety of problems in the world of commerce and trade
on a day to day basis, makes the businessmen cunning when it comes to money.
King: I am not satisfied with your answer, Tenali. Tumhe tumhari baat mujhe saabit karke
dikhaani hogi, tabhi main tumhari baat se sehmat hoga.
Tenali Rama (with folded hands and bowing down): Theek hai Maharaj, aap mujhe ek din ka
vakt dijiye. I will demonstrate the difference to you very easily tomorrow.
(The king and Tenali Rama exit.)

SCENE 14: In King Krishnadeva Raya’s Palace

Language of Performance: English/Hindi
Characters: King Krishnadeva Raya, Tenali Rama, Sharmaji, Dhandas and 2 Guards
Sound Cue: Track – Farmers‟ Song in Marathi
Light Cue: A mix of lights like green, amber, and red can be used to give an effect for the
dance choreography.
Backdrop (for the script of this scene): King Krishnadeva Raya‟s Palace Scene (attached)
Props (in Krishnadeva Raya’s Palace): King‟s throne, 10 royal chairs for 8 courtiers, Raj
Purohit and Kottaiya (The chairs should be simpler as compared to the king’s throne), some
royal statues placed next to the king‟s throne, other royal furniture like small tables, a table
to be placed next to the king‟s throne, having a golden tray with some gold coins put in it, a
red carpet leading to king‟s throne and a bag of gold coins.

Copyright@Holistique Learning. All Rights Reserved. 32

Backdrop (for the Dance: Farmers’ Song in Marathi): Vijayanagar‟s Farm Scene (attached)
Props (The Farmers’ dance in Vijayanagar’s farm): Trees, bushes, fence at the back, huts,
wells, 1 – 2 wooden carts and 1 – 2 heaps of grass.
Narrator 1: Next day, Tenali Rama asked the king to hide and listen to his conversation with
a priest of the temple, Sharmaji whom Tenali called at the palace. The king stood in a corner,
as if he was hiding there.
(Sharmaji enters in the palace hall where Tenali was already present.)
Tenali Rama: Aaiye Panditji, raj darbar mein aapka swagat hai.
Sharmaji (with folded hands and bowing down): Aapne muhje yaad kiya hukum. Main aapki
seva mein haazir hu.
Tenali Rama: I need to ask a very important favour from you. The king has ordered me to
bring for him the knot of hair from the best priest I know, which is you.
Sharmaji (with a surprised look): The king wants the knot of my hair?
Tenali Rama: Ji haan. I would very much like to have the knot of your hair. Iski keemat bhi
hum chukaane ke liye taiyaar hai. A barber is waiting in the next room, to come and cut the
knot of your hair, if you agree to give it.
Sharmaji (with a shocked and then worried expression): The knot of my hair is a symbol of
my priesthood. Without it, I will not be able to show my face to anyone in public. Magar
swayam Maharaj Krishnadeva Raya ko chahiye. Ab main kya karu?
Tenali Rama: Main aapki vyatha ka kaaran samajh sakta hu.
Sharmaji: How can I ever refuse you? But this knot of hair is very important for me. My
livelihood depends on it, if I lose it, I will have to stay away from the temple till it grows
back.
Tenali Rama (with a shocked expression): That‟s a problem, which I understand.
Sharmaji: I cannot possibly appear in public, till I grow the knot of my hair.
Tenali Rama: I understand your difficulty, please tell me the price for your knot of hair.
Sharmaji (with a confused look): I do not know how to price this knot of hair. But I think if you
give me enough money to make a trip to my native village far away from here. I can hide
there and come back once I grow the knot of my hair.
Tenali Rama: Toh iski hum aapko kya keemat de swamy?
Sharmaji: Please give me one gold coin for my journey.
Tenali Rama (with a shock): Just one gold coin? Will that be enough?
Sharmaji: Yes, that will be more than enough for me.

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Tenali Rama (giving one gold coin to the priest from the golden tray placed on the table):
Yeh lijiye swamy.
Sharmaji (taking one gold coin from Tenali Rama): Dhanyawaad Hukum !
(The priest, Sharmaji bows down to Tenali Rama and then exits. The king is still hiding and
watching everything. The king walks up to Tenali in the middle of the stage.)
Tenali Rama (looking at the king): Aapne suna Maharaj? The priest, Sharmaji was willing to
give up his livelihood as you wanted his knot of hair and he just took one gold coin for it.
King (nodding his head while agreeing to Tenali): Haan Tenali, humne saari baatein suni.
Tenali Rama: Did you see Maharaj, he was afraid even to ask for a higher price.
King: Haan Tenali, humne sab kuch dhyaan se dekha aur suna.
Tenali Rama: Now let us see how Dhandas, a big businessman of Vijayanagar reacts.
King: Yes of course Tenali
(The king again walks up at the same place in the corner of the stage where he was hiding
before.)
Tenali Rama (calls for Guard 1): Sipahi Sipahi!
(Guard 1 enters)
Guard 1: Hukum kijiye Huzoor!
Tenali Rama: Humne Dhandas ko raaj darbar mein bulaane ka hukum diya tha.
Guard 1: Haan huzoor, Dhandas aa gaye hai, bahar khadey hai.
Tenali Rama: Unhe darbar mein aane ke liye kahiye.
Guard 1 (bows down): Jo hukum.
(Guard 1 exit.)
Dhandas: Aapne humey yaad kiya huzoor.
Tenali Rama: Dhandas, I need an important favour from you. The king has ordered me to
bring the knot of hair from the best businessman of Vijayanagar, which is you.
Dhandas (with a shock): The king wants my knot of hair?
Tenali Rama: Yes, and you shall be paid a good price for it.
Dhandas: Yeh toh sochne jaisi baat hai.
Tenali Rama: Kya aapko manzoor hai? If you agree then I shall call the barber who is
waiting in the next room.
Dhandas (after thinking for a second): Dear Tenali Rama, let me inform you that I have spent
my whole life taking care of this knot, it is my proud possession.
Tenali Rama: I agree to you Dhandas.

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Dhandas (removing his cap, playing with his knot of hair and wearing the cap): Every day I
wash it and apply expensive oils on it. It will be heartbreaking for me to part with my shiny
knot of hair.
Tenali Rama: That‟s why you shall be paid a good price for it.
Dhandas: Also let me inform you that it is a symbol of my family‟s honour during rituals and
ceremonies.
Tenali Rama: I understand this is difficult for you.
Dhandas: Considering that I am fifty years old and I have this knot of hair since past 35
years. I think I approximately spent at least one hundred gold coins worth of oils on it.
Tenali Rama: I would pay your hundred gold coins, Dhandas.
Dhandas: Itna hi nahi huzoor, this knot of hair represents my family‟s honour. If I lose it, I
will have to conduct several ceremonies to regain the lost honour. So there is a price for that
too.
Tenali Rama: How much that would be?
Dhandas: At least one thousand gold coins.
Tenali Rama: So shall we fix the deal for one thousand one hundred gold coins?
Dhandas: Yes, that would be fine.
Tenali Rama: I have a barber waiting in the next room.
Dhandas: Fair enough, as soon as you make the payment, I will declare that this hair
belongs to King Krishnadeva Raya.
Tenali Rama (calls out for Guard 2): Sipahi! Sipahi!
(Guard 2 enters.)
Guard 2: Hukum kijiye huzoor.
Tenali Rama: Hand over one thousand one hundred gold coins to Dhandas.
(Guard 2 brings a bag of 1100 gold coins)
Guard 2 (handing over the bag of 1100 gold coins to Dhandas): Yeh lijiye janaab.
Dhandas (Taking the bag from the guard and with a wide smile): Dhanyawaad ! Dhanyawaad!
(Guard 2 exits.)
Tenali Rama (calls out for the barber): Barber! Barber!
(Barber enters.)
Barber (bows down to Tenali Rama): Haazir hu huzoor.
Dhandas (looking at the barber and then at Tenali Rama): I cannot allow you to cut the knot of
my hair.

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Tenali Rama (with a shock): But why Dhandas?
Dhandas: Now this knot of hair belongs to King Krishnadeva Raya and not me. You have
already paid me 1100 gold coins for it and I have accepted the price.
Tenali Rama: That‟s right, but what are you trying to say Dhandas?
Dhandas: So I will protect the knot of hair until the king himself comes to me and says that
he needs it.
(Tenali Rama looks at Dhandas in shock. Dhandas lifts the bag of 1100 gold coins and walks out
of the palace hall. The king walks up to Tenali Rama in the middle of the stage.)
Tenali Rama: Maharaj, aapne dekha?
King (nodding his head): Haan Tenali maine sab dekha aur sab suna.
Tenali Rama: Ab kya aap meri baat se sehmat hai Maharaj. Aapki aankho ke saamne sab
saabit ho gaya.
King (with a shocked look): Haan woh toh hai Tenali.
Tenali Rama: Maharaj, the businessman who managed to take 1100 gold coins and also
kept his knot of hair intact is cleverer than the priest when it comes to money.
King: Sahi kaha tumne Tenali. Also, the poor priest just took one gold coin for his journey to
his native village and also gave his knot of hair.
Tenali Rama: Haan Maharaj.
King: Oh Tenali! You are truly a genius and also your way of demonstrating this fact to me
was wonderful. Waah Tenali…Humey tum par garv hai.
Tenali Rama (with a wide smile): Dhanyawaad Maharaj.
King: You have also helped me a lot in solving so many of my kingdom‟s problems and
issues. I would like you to go and investigate the state of the farmers of Vijayanagar. You
have to bring me the news about their progress and also if they are facing any problems.
Tenali Rama (with a wide smile): Jo hukum Maharaj. I will immediately find out and report
to you.
(The king and Tenali Rama exit. The stage becomes dark for 5 – 10 seconds. Narrator enters.)
Narrator 2: Let‟s see Tenali Rama secretly watching the farmers and their wives working in
the farms of Vijayanagar.

Copyright@Holistique Learning. All Rights Reserved. 36

 Dance: Farmers’ Song in Marathi

Duration: 3.29 minutes

Minimum Participants: 30 to 40

Maximum Participants: Any number (as per the feasibility of the number of participants that
can be accommodated on the stage.)

(15 to 20 pairs of boys and girls can perform on this song. Tenali Rama will also enter after
the dance group enters. He will stand at the corner of the stage and watch them secretly.
Tenali Rama will smile and show joy on his face while watching them working happily. The
particpants will not look at Tenali Rama at all.

This dance is a performance given by the dancers to show the daily routine chores of the
farmers. It will also show that the farmers of Vijayanagar are very happy and they are not
facing any issues under King Krishnadeva Raya’s rule. The backdrop for the song will be –
Vijayanagar’s Farm Scene. 1 – 2 wooden carts and 1 – 2 heaps of dry grass should be placed
on the stage to make it look like a farm.

(This dance can be choreographed with folk steps of Maharashtra like Lavani, two dance
choreography example videos are attached for reference.)

(Dancers exit.)

SITUATION 5: The testing of Chatur Pandit’s art of disguise.

(Please Note: Three characters should be used for the role of Chatur Pandit, which is Chatur
Pandit [the man], Chatur Pandit [in lion‟s disguise] and Chatur Pandit [in bull‟s disguise])

SCENE 15: In King Krishnadeva Raya’s Palace

Language of Performance: English/Hindi
Characters: King Krishnadeva Raya, Tenali Rama, Raj Purohit, Kottaiya, 2 Ladies-in-waiting,
Peddana, Thimmana, Bhushan, Mallana, Dhoor, Bhadru, Murthy, Messenger, Yogi, Chatur
Pandit [the man], Chatur Pandit [in lion‟s disguise] and Chatur Pandit [in bull‟s disguise]
Light Cue: Playful, colourful lighting, all areas to be lit.

Copyright@Holistique Learning. All Rights Reserved. 37

Backdrop: King Krishnadeva Raya‟s Palace Scene (attached)

Props: King‟s throne, 10 royal chairs for 8 courtiers, Raj Purohit and Kottaiya (The chairs
should be simpler as compared to the king’s throne), some royal statues placed next to the
king‟s throne, other royal furniture like small tables, a table to be placed next to the king‟s
throne, having a golden tray with some gold coins put in it and a red carpet leading to king‟s
throne.

(Tenali Rama, Raj Purohit, Kottaiya, 2 Ladies-in-waiting, Peddana, Thimmana, Bhushan,

Mallana, Dhoor, Bhadru and Murthy enter. They all get seated in their seats according to the
sitting arrangement in the king’s palace. After they are seated the king enters. When the king
enters, all the other people in the court stand up in their palace, bow down to the king and gets
seated after the king sits on his throne. 2 Ladies-in-waiting would be fanning the king all the
time. When the king walks up to the throne, the transition music – King Krishnadeva Raya’s
Entry Sound should be played.)

Play the Transition Music „King Krishnadeva Raya‟s Entry Sound‟

King (looking at Tenali Rama): Did you inquire about the state of the farmers of Vijayanagar,
Tenali?
Tenali Rama (looking at the king): Yes my Lord! I went to the farms of Vijayanagar and saw
the farmers happily working in the farms with their wives. They were peacefully doing their
routine chores and are not facing any problems, Maharaj.
King (with a smile): Bahot achi khabar laaye ho Tenali, sunkar prasannta hui.
Tenali Rama (with a smile): Aap jaise ache raja ke hote hue, rajy ki praja ko kya takleef ho
sakti hai Maharaj? The people of Vijayanagar are blessed to have a king like you.
King (smiling at Tenali Rama): Aur tum jaise rajy vidushak ka hona bhi Vijayanagar ke liye
garv ki baat hai Tenali.
(A messenger enters.)
Messenger (bowing down to the king): Ek vishesh jaankari laya hu Maharaj!
King (looking at the messenger): Kya jaankari laaye ho? Bataao.
Messenger: Chatur Pandit has come back from the forest.
Peddana (with a surprised look): Chatur Pandit? But he was learning the art of disguise in the
forest.
Thimmana: Our great yogi was training him.

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Messenger: Chatur Pandit has been informing everyone in Vijayanagar that he has
mastered the art of disguise and he is going to come here soon to announce the same news
before you Maharaj.
(Messenger exits.)
Bhushan: It‟s been a year Chatur was learning the art of disguise in the forest, Maharaj.
Mallana: So it is possible that he must have learnt the art of disguise by now Maharaj.
Dhoor: But it is not necessary that in a year‟s time, he mastered the art of disguise
completely.
Bhadru: I agree with Dhoor, Maharaj.
Murthy: But we have not heard from our great Yogi about Chatur Pandit. I am sure if Chatur
would have mastered the art, our yogi would have surely informed you, Maharaj.
Raj Purohit: But I feel since Chatur is very intelligent, one year of training was enough for a
smart man like Chatur to learn the art, my Lord.
Tenali Rama: No, Raj Purohitji I don‟t agree with you. Murthy is right, our Yogi did not
inform us about it and I feel when Chatur comes to the royal palace to announce that he has
mastered the art, we must test his art.
King (looking at Tenali Rama): Yes I agree to you Tenali.
Tenali Rama (looking at the king): Maharaj, we must take his test and then decide whether
he has really mastered the art or he needs further training.
(The yogi enters.)
Yogi (looking at the king and bowing down): Maharaj, I have come to inform you about
Chatur Pandit who was learning the art of disguise.
King (looking at the yogi): Hum bhi Chatur Pandit ke baarein mein tumse jaanna chahte the.
He has been learning the art of disguise since a year, has he really mastered the art?
Yogi (looking at the king): Yahi toh main aapko bataana chahta hu Maharaj. Chatur Pandit
has learnt enough to be able to put up disguises that fit his physical stature.
Tenali Rama (looking at the yogi): But has he mastered the art?
Yogi (looking at Tenali Rama): No, he has not mastered the art. He still requires a lot of
training before he could become a master of disguise just like me. But Chatur Pandit is
impatient and so he declares himself as the master of disguise.
(Yogi exits.)
Tenali Rama (looking at the king): Aapne suna Maharaj. Ab toh hamey Chatur ki pariksha
leni hi hogi.

Copyright@Holistique Learning. All Rights Reserved. 39

King (looking at Tenali Rama): Theek kaha tumne Tenali.
(Chatur Pandit enters. Everyone looks at him with a shock.)
Chatur Pandit (looking at the king): Namaste Maharaj, aaj main bahot prasann hu. I am so
glad to announce before you that after one year of hard training I have mastered the art of
disguise. I can transform myself into almost anything I wish to.
King (looking at Chatur Pandit and with a smile): Oh I am happy to know that.
Chatur Pandit: Maine har maidan fateh kar li hai Maharaj, isiliye apke liye aik vishesh
peshkash hai. I want to perform something before you my Lord!
King: Pesh kiya jaay!

Dance: Kar Har Maidan Fateh Song (Pyramid Dance)

Duration: 5.30 minutes

Minimum Participants: 30 to 40

Maximum Participants: Any number (as per the feasibility of the number of participants that
can be accommodated on the stage.)

Group of girls and boys should perform on this song. It is recommended to select students of
Grade 9 and above as this is a pyramid dance.

Chatur should be the central character of the dance performance; hence he should dance in the
middle of other dancers. The dancers would enter in presence of the King and others who are
already present in the King’s palace. The dancers should exit after the dance is over and Chatur
would continue his conversation with the King and others.

The King and other people present in the King’s palace should sit at their respective places and
watch the dance performance.

The backdrop for the song will be – King Krishnadeva Raya’s Palace Scene (attached)

(One dance choreography example video is attached for reference.)

(Dancers exit.)

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King: That was a lovely performance.
Chatur Pandit: Dhanyawaad Maharaj!
King: I am really glad Chatur. Let us all now see a demonstration of your mastery in the art
of disguise.
Tenali Rama (showing an upset expression, says this wickedly to provoke Chatur, but does
not mean it): I don‟t think that is right, your Majesty. I think it is not fair to the art of disguise
to make a public demonstration out of it, after all the very purpose of the art of disguise is to
mislead the viewer.
Chatur Pandit (with disgust): You are jealous of my expertise, Tenali. I would very much
like to give a demonstration of my skills. In fact, I will display before the court one of the
toughest transformation. I shall become a lion in the court tomorrow.
King (in excitement): Wonderful Chatur!
Chatur Pandit (looking at the king, but eyeing Tenali Rama): But I have a request, Maharaj.
Main apne kirdaar mein aksar bahot kho jaata hu. So I should be excused for any ill
behaviour during the demonstration.
King (smiling at everyone in the palace hall): Let‟s see Chatur‟s demonstration tomorrow.
Aaj ki sabha yahi samaapt hoti hai.
(All the courtiers stand up in their place, bow down to the king, the king exits. The lights will be
turned off for 4 – 5 seconds. All the other characters on the stage will remain in their place. The
narrator’s voice over should be used to play from the background and he should not be
portrayed on the stage.)
Narrator 1 (through voice over): Let‟s see Chatur Pandit‟s demonstration as a lion in the
royal court of King Krishnadeva Raya, the next day.

(Lights turn on. Tenali Rama, Raj Purohit, Kottaiya, Peddana, Thimmana, Bhushan, Mallana,
Dhoor, Bhadru and Murthy are already in their place. The king enters. When the king enters,
all the other people in the court stand up in their place, bow down to the king and gets seated
after the king sits on his throne. When the king walks up to the throne, the transition music –
King Krishnadeva Raya’s Entry Sound should be played.)

Play the Transition Music „King Krishnadeva Raya‟s Entry Sound‟

(After the king is seated, the sound of a lion’s roar is heard in the background, after which
Chatur Pandit [in lion’s disguise] enters the court. Right from the entrance, up to the king’s
throne, Chatur Pandit walks to and fro on the stage with all the actions and gestures of a lion.

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When Chatur Pandit [in lion’s disguise] pretends to roar, the background music – ‘Lion Roaring
Sound’ should be played. When Chatur Pandit [in lion’s disguise] walks in the court, all the
people present in the court look at him as well as look at each other in amazement. At the end
of the performance, Chatur Pandit [in lion’s disguise] bows down to the king.)

Play the Background Music „Lion Roaring Sound‟

Tenali Rama (whispering to Murthy): Did you see Murthy, Chatur bowed down to the king?
A real wild lion will not offer respect to the King.
Murthy (whispering to Tenali Rama): That‟s correct, Tenali.
(Chatur Pandit [in lion’s disguise] hears Tenali’s comment in the lion’s suit and with all the
anger, sprinted towards Tenali Rama, pounced on him and hits Tenali Rama on his shoulder
with his sharp claws.)
Tenali Rama (presses his hand on his shoulder in pain): Ahhhhhh…..
King (calls out with a loud voice): Raj Vaidya ko bulaaya jaay.

(Chatur Pandit [in lion’s disguise] exits with all the actions and gestures of a lion. A court
physician, i.e. Raj Vaidya enters with a royal golden tray having 3 – 4 bowls of herbal
medicines like yellow cream, green cream, one empty bowl to mix the creams and some
cotton. He takes the empty bowl puts green and yellow cream in it, mixes it and applies on
Tenali’s wound. Vicco Turmeric cream can be taken to make yellow cream. Kottaiya and Raj
Purohit whisper to each other while the Raj Vaidya treats Tenali’s wound.)

Kottaiya (whispering to Raj Purohit with cheer): Hahaha….Bahot acha kiya Chatur ne, Tenali
ko acha sabak sikhaya, haina Raj Purohit ji?
Raj Purohit (whispering to Kottaiya with cheer): Haan Kottaiya, is Tenali ko zakhmi dekhkar
mere dil ko bada sukoon mila hai.
King (looking at Tenali Rama): Tum theek hona Tenali?
Tenali Rama (looking at the King and putting his hand on his wound in pain): Haan Maharaj,
main bilkul theek hu.
(Chatur Pandit [the man] enters. The king and all the others present in the court applaud for
Chatur’s performance.)
Chatur Pandit (bows down and smiles at everyone): Thank you everyone. (Looking at Tenali
Rama with a wicked smile) But I must apologize to my dear friend Tenali who was harmed in

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the act. Maine jaanbooj ke tumhe nahi maara Tenali, woh toh main apne kirdaar mein bahot
kho gaya tha.
Tenali Rama (knew Chatur’s intentions and smiles): I am glad that I could be a part of your
performance, Chatur.
King: Everyone in the court liked the way you performed as a lion. You transformed
yourself very well. Tomorrow we would like to see you transformed into a bull. Kya tum yeh
kar sakte ho Chatur?
Chatur Pandit (smiles in overconfidence): Oh yes Maharaj, in fact a bull‟s disguise is one of
the easiest. I shall demonstrate my bull‟s disguise tomorrow.
King (smiling at everyone in the palace hall): Let‟s see Chatur‟s demonstration of a bull
tomorrow. Aaj ki sabha yahi samaapt hoti hai.
(All the courtiers stand up in their place, bow down to the king, the king and Chatur Pandit
exits. The lights will be turned off for 4 – 5 seconds. All the characters on the stage will remain
in their place. The narrator’s voice over should be used to play from the background and he
should not be portrayed on the stage.)

Narrator 2 (through voice over): Let‟s see Chatur Pandit‟s demonstration as a bull in the
royal court of King Krishnadeva Raya, the next day.

(Lights turn on. Tenali Rama, Raj Purohit, Kottaiya, Peddana, Thimmana, Bhushan, Mallana,
Dhoor, Bhadru and Murthy are already in their place. The king enters. When the king enters,
all the other people in the court stand up in their place, bow down to the king and gets seated
after the king sits on his throne. When the king walks up to the throne, the transition music –
King Krishnadeva Raya’s Entry Sound should be played.)

Play the Transition Music „King Krishnadeva Raya‟s Entry Music‟

(After the king is seated, the sound of a bull’s bellow is heard in the background, and then
Chatur Pandit, in a bull’s disguise enters the court. Right from the entrance, up to the king’s
throne, Chatur Pandit walks to and fro on the stage with all the actions and gestures of that of a
bull. When Chatur Pandit [in bull’s disguise] pretends to bellow, the background music – ‘Bull
Bellowing Sound’ should be played. When Chatur Pandit [in bull’s disguise] walks in the court,
all the people present in the court look at him as well as look at each other in amazement. The

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King, Tenali Rama and other courtiers discuss about Chatur Pandit’s performance while he
shows his demonstration.)

Play the Background Music „Bull Bellowing Sound‟

King (greatly impressed, looking at Tenali): Chatur has disguised himself so well as a bull.
Ati sundar, adbhood nazaara hai yeh…waah waah.
Raj Purohit : What a beautiful disguise and a lovely demonstration!
Tenali Rama (looking at the king): Maharaj, since Chatur is not here today, we can only see
a magnificent bull present amongst us.
King (with a smile): Yes Tenali, he just looks like a real bull.
Tenali Rama: But we all are after all human beings, Maharaj. Sirf ek jaanwar hi jaanwar ko
achi tarah pehchaan sakta hai. We must bring a royal bull in the court, just as we see two
bulls against each other in a bull fight.
Dhoor (in an inquiring tone): Isse kya hoga Tenali?
Tenali Rama: Let‟s bring a real bull and let the animal investigate himself. If a bull believes
that Chatur is a real bull, then Chatur Pandit is indeed the master of disguise.
Peddana: Good idea! Let us see the reactions of a real bull against Chatur Pandit in bull
disguise.

(Chatur Pandit [in bull’s disguise] hears Tenali’s conversation while he is performing. He gets
very scared thinking that if a real bull comes in the court, it would injure him badly and he
would not be able to recover. Chatur Pandit [in bull’s disguise] runs away from the stage and
after 4 – 5 seconds, Chatur Pandit [the man] enters.)

Chatur Pandit (joins his hands and in a very scared tone, looking at Tenali): Nahi nahi..aisa
anarth mat karo, mujhe baksh do. Please don‟t release a bull on me, it will kill me.
Tenali Rama (with an overjoyed expression): Chinta mat karo Chatur. There is no bull here.
But I am surprised that you heard very clearly whatever I said though you were in a
disguise. Mujhe laga tum apne kirdaar mein itne kho gaye honge ki kuch nahi sun rahe
honge. How come you reacted while in disguise of a bull?
Chatur Pandit (with a sad face): Mujhe maaf kardo, mujhe maaf kardo!
King (looking at Chatur in anger, in a loud and fierce tone): You are not a master of disguise,
Chatur. And yesterday you hit Tenali in your jealousy, you are responsible for your actions.
Tum maafi ke nahi, saza ke paatr ho, Chatur.

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Chatur Pandit (folds his hands, kneels down and with a sad face): Mujhe shama kar dijiye
Maharaj…Mujhe shama kar dijiye. I will go back and complete my training in the art of
disguise.
King (very angrily): Nahi Chatur. You are banished from the court for two months and I don‟t
want you to practice the art of disguise ever again.
(Chatur Pandit puts his head down in shame and exits.)
King (looking at Tenali Rama): Aaj agar tum nahi hote toh kya hota, Tenali. We would have
included a wrong master of disguise in our court, which would have proved to be disastrous
in the future for Vijayanagar Empire.
Tenali Rama (bows down to the king and smiles): Dhanyawaad Maharaj! Dhanyawaad.
King (smiling at everyone in the palace hall): Aaj ki sabha yahi samaapt hoti hai.

(All the courtiers stand up in the place, bow down to the king, the king exits and after him
Tenali Rama and the others present the palace hall exit.)

SITUATION 6: King Babar from Delhi sends a Weird Wells’ Wedding Invitation to King
Krishnadeva Raya

Narrator 1: During the period when King Krishnadeva Raya ruled Vijayanagar with Hampi
as the capital, the Mughal Sultans were ruling Delhi. The Sultans were powerful and were
ruling many parts of Northern India. They always looked for an opportunity to attack a Hindu
kingdom and invade it. So, the Delhi Sultan, Babar once sent a wedding invitation to King
Krishnadeva Raya to offend him, it was a weird invitation.

Narrator 2: What was weird about it, we would know later, but I m excited about the
wedding celebration part. You know _____________ (Narrator 1’s name), I love attending
wedding celebrations. There is so much of music and we have so much fun dancing and
enjoying.

Narrator 1: I totally agree to you. And some of our students are also excited to dance on a
wedding song.

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Narrator 2: Oh, that‟s amazing. Before we know more about the wedding invitation sent by
the Delhi Sultan, Babar let us first invite a group of participants and watch their performance
on a wedding song.

Narrator 1: Come then, let‟s watch the performance in the lawns of Vijayanagar dynasty
after which we shall go to King Krishnadeva Raya‟s palace.

Dance: Nachde Ne Saare Song (Punjabi Dance)

Duration: 3.22 minutes

Minimum Participants: 30 to 40

Maximum Participants: Any number (as per the feasibility of the number of participants that
can be accommodated on the stage.)

15 to 20 pairs of boys and girls can perform on this song.

This dance is a performance given by the dancers to express the mood of a wedding
celebration as a wedding invitation has come from Delhi.

The backdrop for the song will be – In the Lawns of Vijayanagar Dynasty (attached).

(This dance can be choreographed with Punjabi folk steps, two dance choreography example
videos are attached for reference.)

(Dancers exit.)

SCENE 16: In King Krishnadeva Raya’s Palace

Language of Performance: English/Hindi
Characters: King Krishnadeva Raya, Tenali Rama, Raj Purohit, Kottaiya, Peddana,
Thimmana, Bhushan, Mallana, Dhoor, Bhadru, Murty, Messenger and 2 Ladies-in-waiting
(daasis)
Light Cue: Playful, colourful lighting, all areas to be lit.
Backdrop: King Krishnadeva Raya‟s Palace Scene (attached)
Props: King‟s throne, 10 royal chairs for 8 courtiers, Raj Purohit and Kottaiya (The chairs
should be simpler as compared to the king’s throne), some royal statues placed next to the
king‟s throne, other royal furniture like small tables, a table to be placed next to the king‟s

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throne, having a golden tray with some gold coins put in it, a red carpet leading to king‟s
throne, wedding invitation card (By Sultan Babar from Delhi), warning letter (By Sultan Babar
from Delhi) and scroll (Letter written by Tenali Rama for Sultan Babar)
(Tenali Rama, Raj Purohit, Kottaiya, 2 Ladies-in-waiting, Peddana, Thimmana, Bhushan,
Mallana, Dhoor, Bhadru and Murthy enter. They all get seated in their seats according to the
sitting arrangement in the king’s palace. After they are seated the king enters. When the king
enters, all the other people in the court stand up in their palace, bow down to the king and gets
seated after the king sits on his throne. 2 Ladies-in-waiting would be fanning the king all the
time. When the king walks up to the throne, the transition music – King Krishnadeva Raya’s
Entry Sound should be played.)

Play the Transition Music „King Krishnadeva Raya‟s Entry Sound‟

Tenali Rama (looking at the king): Kya hua Maharaj? Aap kuch chintit lag rahe ho.
King (looking at Tenali and then looking at the other people): Haan Tenali hum chintit hai aur
isiliye maine aaj yeh sabha bulaai hai . Aaj ki sabha mein mukhya charcha ka vishay hai –
Delhi Sultan ka niyota. Delhi Sultan Babar has sent a wedding invitation
Dhoor (looking at the king and in an inquiring tone): Maharaj, what kind of a wedding
invitation is it, which has made you so worried?
King (with a worried face): I am worried because the wedding invitation is very weird.
Thimmana (with a shock): What makes it weird, your Majesty?
Peddana: Can we read the invitation, Maharaj?
Bhadru (stands up and looks at the king): Let me read the invitation to the court, your
Majesty.
King (handing over a wedding card): Read it Bhadru.
Bhadru (Reading out the wedding card to the court): We have arranged for a wedding
ceremony of the newly dug well in our kingdom.
Mallana (with a shock): What? How can a well get married?
Bhushan (with a shock): That‟s not possible, Maharaj.
Bhadru (continues reading the wedding card): We take the pleasure of inviting all the wells
of your kingdom Vijayanagar to attend the wedding ceremony.
Murthy (with a shock): Yeh asambhav hai Maharaj. How can the wells of our kingdom go for
a well‟s wedding in Delhi, your Majesty?
King (with a worried face): Yahi toh chinta ka vishay hai.

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Bhadru (continues with reading the warning letter attached to the wedding card): There a
warning letter too which reads that if King Krishnadeva Raya fails to send all the wells of
Vijayanagar to Delhi then it would be treated as an insult and the king will have to face the
fury of the Delhi Sultan.
Raj Purohit (looking at the King): This is too strange and a complex problem, Maharaj.
Kottaiya (whispering to Raj Purohit): Raj Purohitji , aap hi iska hal nikaal dijiye, Maharaj aap
par khush ho jayenge.
Raj Purohit (whispering and frowning at Kottaiya): Chup raho, Kottaiya. Kabhi toh akal
lagaya karo.
Tenali Rama (looking at the King): King Babar has purposely done this Maharaj, all of us
know that it‟s practically impossible to send the wells from one place to another.
King (with a confused expression): That‟s the confusion Tenali, what shall we reply to Sultan
Babar?
Tenali Rama: Main bhi yahi soch raha hu Maharaj.
King (with a worried face): Yeh ek bahot badi musibat hai Tenali. Agar humne Sultan Babar
ke niyote ka jawaab nahi diya toh bahot bada yuddh ho sakta hai.
Dhoor: This is a grave situation Maharaj. This is surely going to create a big rift between the
two kingdoms.
Tenali Rama (looking at the king): Aap chintit mat ho Maharaj, aapki chinta, meri apni
chinta hai.
(Tenali Rama writes a letter on a scroll and while he is writing [pretends to write with hand
actions], the king and courtiers keep looking at Tenali Rama for 5 to 10 seconds.)
Tenali Rama (looking at the king): Maharaj, I have prepared a reply for Sultan Babar.
King (with a smile): Waah Tenali, padh ke sunaao tumne kya likha hai.
Tenali Rama (reading the scroll): To His Excellency, the Sultan of Delhi. We acknowledge
your invitation inviting our wells for the wedding of a well in your kingdom. Aapne is shubh
avsar par hume yaad kiya isse hume badi prasannta hui.
King (with a smile): Hmm..read further Tenali.
Tenali Rama (continues reading the scroll): We informed our wells to attend the wedding at
Delhi but since your wells did not attend the weddings of the wells of Vijayanagar before so
our wells have asked that if your well personally comes and invites our wells then they
would come for the wedding.
King (with a broad smile): Waah Tenali …waah…Read further.

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Tenali Rama (continues reading the scroll): Therefore, dear Sultan, you are requested to
send your well here to invite our wells personally. Once your well comes here, our wells will
together come to Delhi for the wedding. Hoping to welcome your well at the earliest!
Seven other courtiers together (Peddana, Thimmana, Bhushan, Mallana, Dhoor, Bhadru and
Murthy with a wide smile): Waah Waah …bahot ache Tenali.
Peddana (with a smile): Well written Tenali.
Thimmana (with a smile): What a reply you thought of Tenali. We really appreciate your
intelligence.
Bhushan (with a smile): Such a witty answer that is. I am sure Sultan Babar will not be able to
give a reply to our letter.
Mallana (with a smile): Now Sultan Babar will not have any reason to feel offensive.
Dhoor (with a smile): Absolutely Mallana, it was impractical of him to send such a weird
well‟s wedding invitation so it‟s not at all impractical and weird on our part to ask their well
to personally come to Vijayanagar to give the invitation.
Bhadru (with a smile): Waah waah Tenali …hahaha…Jaise ko taisa….Tum aur tumhari chatur
buddhi wakey hi kaabiley taarif hai.
Murthy (with a smile): Well done Tenali. I am sure Sultan Babar will be completely outwitted
on reading this letter. Hahaha…How can he send their well to Vijayanagar? Not possible…
hahahaa…..
Kottaiya (whispering to Raj Purohit): Raj Purohitji, I do not find Tenali‟s reply to be
intelligent. Such a foolish reply he has given. I am sure Sultan Babar will be offended and
will become very angry.
Raj Purohit (whispering and frowning at Kottaiya): Kitne murkh ho tum Kottaiya, if there
would have been any competition of fools then I am sure you would have definitely won it.
Murkh apna muh band rakho.
King (looking at Tenali Rama with an overjoyed expression): Hum bahot prasann hue Tenali.
Tumhari chaturaai wakey hi kaabile taarif hai. Let us see what reply do we get from Sultan
Babar after we send our letter to Delhi. (calling out for the messenger): Messenger !
Messenger! Come here at once.
(Messenger enters.)
Messenger (bowing down): Hukum kijiye Maharaj!
King (handing over a scroll to the messenger): This is a letter for King Babar. Go to Delhi and
hand it over to him. Aur agar Sultan Babar is patr ka uttar dete hai toh woh patr lekar aana.

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Messenger: (taking the scroll from the king and bowing down): Jo hukum Maharaj!
(Messenger exits.)
King (smiling at everyone in the palace hall): Let us see what reply we get from Sultan Babar.
Aaj ki sabha yahi samaapt hoti hai.
(All the courtiers stand up in their place, bow down to the king, the king exits. The lights will be
turned off for 4 – 5 seconds. All the characters on the stage will remain in their place. The
narrator’s voice over should be used to play from the background and he should not be
portrayed on the stage.)
Narrator 2 (through voice over): After few days, King Krishnadeva Raya‟s messenger comes
back from Delhi.
(Lights turn on. Tenali Rama, Raj Purohit, Kottaiya, 2 Ladies-in-waiting, Peddana, Thimmana,
Bhushan, Mallana, Dhoor, Bhadru and Murthy enter. They all get seated in their seats according
to the sitting arrangement in the king’s palace. After they are seated the king enters. When the
king enters, all the other people in the court stand up in their palace, bow down to the king and
gets seated after the king sits on his throne. 2 Ladies-in-waiting would be fanning the king all
the time. When the king walks up to the throne, the transition music – King Krishnadeva Raya’s
Entry Sound should be played.)

Play the Transition Music „King Krishnadeva Raya‟s Entry Sound‟

Dhoor (looking at the king): Our messenger has come back from Delhi, my Lord!
Thimmana (with a smile): Finally our messenger has arrived Maharaj.
Peddana: We are eager to know Sultan Babar‟s reaction as well as his reply.
(Messenger stands at the entrance of the palace hall.)
Bhadru: Come in, messenger.
(Messenger walks up to the middle of the palace hall.)
Mallana: What message have you brought from Delhi?
Bhushan (with an inquiring tone): Did you hand over our letter to Sultan Babar, messenger?
Messenger (looking at Bhushan) : Ji huzoor. I gave the letter to the Sultan.
Murthy (with a smiling face): Did he read the letter in front of you?
Messenger (looking at Murthy): Ji Huzoor ! He read the letter in front of me in his palace hall
in front of his courtiers.
Dhoor (with a smiling face): Did he give any letter in reply?
Messenger (looking at Pedanna): Nahi Huzoor, he did not give any letter, but his face fell
and became terribly upset after reading the letter.

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Kottaiya (whispering to Raj Purohit): Raj Purohit ji, dekha aapne, maine kaha tha na, Sultan
Babar will become upset and angry. I am sure he is offended. Now the results will not be
good for Vijayanagar.
Raj Purohit (whispering to Kottaiya, with a frowning face): Again you opened your mouth
Kottaiya, chup raho aur aage suno.
Thimmana (looking at the messenger): Did Sultan Babar tell you anything after reading the
letter?
Messenger (looking at Thimmana): Nahi Huzoor! After reading the letter, Sultan told his
courtiers that he is sure that it‟s Tenali Rama‟s brains behind this reply. The Sultan then
asked me to leave and said he does not have any letter in reply for King Krishnadeva Raya.
King (overjoyed): That‟s wonderful news messenger. Hum ati prasann hue. (giving two gold
coins to the messenger) This is a reward for the message you brought from Delhi.
(The king will lift two gold coins from the tray placed on the table next to his throne and gives it
to the messenger.)
Messenger (taking the gold coins from the king and bowing down): Dhanyawaad Maharaj !
Dhanyawaad !
(Messenger exits.)
King (looking at Tenali Rama and smiles): Tenali did you hear that? Sultan Babar samajh gaye
ki is jawaab ke piche Tenali Rama ki chatur buddhi hai…..hahaha…akhir woh tumhe mil
chuke hai aur tumhari chaturaai se parichit hai.
Tenali Rama (with a wide and humble smile): Ji Maharaj !
King (looking at Tenali Rama and with a smile): Tenali, you have saved Vijayanagar from a
war against Delhi. Bahot badi bala tal gayi and this was not possible without you. I am really
very impressed with your wit and intelligence.
Tenali Rama (bowing down to the King): Thank you, your Majesty!
(Tenali Rama and the king are extremely pleased, other courtiers smile, Raj Purohit and
Kottaiya look at each other with an upset and jealous face.)
Pedanna (with a wide smile): Maharaj, Sultan Babar will not be able to say anything in reply
now. He is completely outwitted.
Bhadru (with a wide smile): Tenali Rama has not only brought honour but helped to solve the
grave problems of our kingdom several times, Maharaj.
Mallana (with a wide smile): Sach kaha tumne Bhadru
Bhushan (looking at Tenali Rama with a wide smile): Well done Tenali !

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Tenali Rama (with a wide and humble smile): Thank you, my dear courtiers.
King (overjoyed): This calls for a grand celebration. Let‟s celebrate the wit and intelligence
of our wise Tenali Rama.
Murthy (looking at the king with a wide smile): Maharaj, also our kingdom is saved from a
war against Delhi, this calls for a celebration too.
King (overjoyed and calls out): Kal Vijayanagar ke raj darbar mein ek bahot bada jashn
hoga. Jashn ki taiyaariya ki jaay !
All the eight courtiers together (Tenali Rama, Pedanna, Thimmana, Bhushan, Malllana,
Dhoor, Bhadru and Murthy say in excitement): Jo hukum Maharaj. Hum jashn ki saari
taiyaaariya kar denge.
King (smiling at everyone in the palace hall): Hum kal jashn pe milenge. Aaj ki sabha yahi
samaapt hoti hai.
(All the courtiers stand up in their place, bow down to the king, the king exits and after him
Tenali Rama and the others present the palace hall exit. Lights turn off for about 5 – 10
seconds.)

SCENE 17: A Grand Celebration in King Krishnadeva Raya’s Palace

Sound Cue: Track – Nagada- Dhol Song
Light Cue: A mix of lights like green, amber, and red can be used to give an effect for the
dance choreography.
Backdrop: King Krishnadeva Raya‟s Palace Scene (attached)
Props: 3 – 4 big Nagada dhols (the number of nagada dhols to be placed on the stage can vary
according to the choreography of the dance)
(Lights turn on. Narrator enters.)
Narrator 2: Let us see a grand celebration and an atmosphere of rejoice in King
Krishnadeva Raya‟s palace. They celebrate the wit and intelligence of Tenali Rama due to
which Vijayanagar was saved from a war against Sultan Babar.

Dance: Nagada Dhol Song

Duration: 4.35 minutes

Minimum Participants: 30 to 40

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 Maximum Participants: Any number (as per the feasibility of the number of participants that
can be accommodated on the stage)

(15 - 20 pairs of boys and girls can dance on this song. 2 to 3 big nagadas should be played
by the boys in the middle of the stage and the rest of the dancers can dance around them.
Thalis with lighted electric diyas and small decorated earthen pots [matkis] can be used by
the girl dancers if required according to the choreography of the dance.)

This dance is based on a grand celebration in King Krishnadeva Raya’s palace. The song has
fast beats so it should be performed with lot of zeal and enthusiasm which would also give a
good closing to the play. The dance performance on the song will give a visual treat and
enjoyment to the audience.

(This dance can be choreographed in such a way that the participants are dancing in front of
the audience with garba and other suitable folk steps, a dance choreography example video
is attached for reference.)

(Dancers exit)

(Audience applauds and the curtains drop.)

CLOSING NARRATION, NATIONAL ANTHEM AND DISPERSAL

Compere 1: Well my dear parents, the play truly amazed all of us, isn‟t it? The wonderful
stories of Tenali Rama, the witty court jester not only brought laughter but also evoked
admiration for his intelligence.

Compere 2: Yes I agree _____________ (name of Compere 1), Tenali Rama‟s wit and
intelligence is highly commendable. I _____________ (name of Compere 2) and
_____________ (name of Compere 1), on behalf of the management, Principal, staff and
students whole heartedly thank you for making the event a grand success. We are highly
honoured to have all of you here today and appreciate your presence.

Compere 1: We also thank the management of this auditorium for providing us with the best
sound and venue. Thank you for your cooperation and help.

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(Please Note: If the annual day is conducted in the school premises then thank accordingly the
members who contributed to the event.)

Compere 2: Now, on a closing note of today‟s event, let‟s stand and pay respect to our
beloved country as we sing the National Anthem.

[National Anthem plays.]

[Student Dispersal conducted by a staff of Senior Teachers]

*****

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