Tenali Rama and the Mystery of the Three Identical Statues

The glory of the Vijayanagara Empire was known far and wide. King Krishnadevaraya's court was a hub for art, literature, and intellect. One day, a wealthy merchant from a distant land arrived at the court with three large wooden boxes. Bowing before the King, he said, 'Your Majesty, I have heard that your court is graced by the most intelligent minds in the world. I have brought a small test for them.' He opened the boxes to reveal three exquisite, gold-plated statues. To any observer, they appeared identical in weight, height, design, and color. The merchant challenged, 'Though they look the same, one is 'Superior', the second is 'Average', and the third is 'Inferior'. Whoever can identify which is which and explain why will receive these statues as a gift.' The court scholars examined the statues meticulously. Some used magnifying glasses, others weighed them, but none could find a single difference. Finally, the King turned to Tenali Rama. Tenali stood up and asked the merchant for a thin stalk of grass. He inserted the stalk into the ear of the first statue, and it came out through the other ear. Tenali declared, 'This is the inferior one.' He then inserted the stalk into the ear of the second statue, and it emerged from its mouth. 'This is the average one,' he said. Finally, he placed the stalk into the ear of the third statue. The stalk went inside and remained there. Tenali smiled and said, 'Your Majesty, this is the superior statue!' The merchant was astonished and asked for an explanation. Tenali explained, 'The first statue represents people who listen with one ear and let it out the other; they learn nothing. The second represents those who listen only to gossip and tell others immediately, failing to keep secrets. The third represents the wise, who listen, absorb information, and keep it within their hearts to reflect upon. These are the truly great people.' Impressed by Tenali's wisdom, the merchant gifted the statues to the King.