“The Foolish Brahmin Who Became an Amildar: A Classic South Bharatiya Folktale of Literal Obedience”, TheDharmaDispatch, Aug 24, 2026.
“n the Karnāṭadeśa there reigned a famous king named Chamunda, who was served by a household purohita named Gundappa, well versed in all the rituals at which he officiated.
Chamunda, one day, while chewing betel-leaves, thus addressed Gundappa, who was sitting opposite him:
“My most holy purohita , I am greatly pleased at your faithfulness in the discharge of your sacred duties; and you may ask of me now what you wish and I shall grant your request.”
The purohita in his elation replied: “I had always a desire to become the ’amildār of a district and to exercise power over a number of people; and if Your Majesty should grant me this I have attained my ambition.”
“Agreed,” said the king, and as at that time the ’amildāri of Nanjangūd happened to be vacant, His Majesty at once appointed his purohita to the post, thinking that a purohita who was so intelligent in his duties would do well in the new post. Before he sent him off, however, he gave Gundappa three bits of advice:—
(1) Mukha kappāge irabēku
(2) Ellāra kiviyannu kachchi mātan āḍu
(3) Ellāra juttu kaiyalli irabēku
Meaning:—
(1) You should always keep a black (i.e., frowning) countenance.
(2) When you speak about State affairs you should do it by biting the ear (i.e., secretly—speaking close to the ear).
(3) The locks of all the people must be in your hand (i.e., you must use your influence and make every one subservient to you)………………………………..”
Read the full article at TheDharmaDispatch.
