Bangles Of The Past (Part 2)

Indian Empire (Thanjavur/Tamil Nadu)

Ruhi

As the glow of the bangle fades, revealing our new clothing, I can’t help but run my fingers over the soft fabric of the saree. “Ruhi, look at this! Our clothes changed again!”

I am in a deep maroon saree, my favorite color with intricate gold embroidery that reflects the elegance of this ancient era, and Talia stands beside me in a yellow saree adorned with delicate silver details.

Talia inspects her outfit with wide eyes. “Wow, it’s like a fashion show with these bangles. Do you remember how we were dressed when we first arrived in the First Nation place? It’s the same magic!”

I nod, recalling the clothes we wore earlier. “You’re right, Talia. The bangles seem to know exactly what fits the scene.”

Suddenly a voice says, “Your sarees and bangles are beautiful!”

As we turn around, our attention is captured by a girl dressed in a stunning royal blue saree adorned with delicate silver details.

There’s a sense of familiarity, a hint of recognition, as I rack my brain to recall where I’ve seen that face before. It finally clicks— Arulmozhi Chandramalli, daughter of Raja Raja I, Eastern Chola empire, I had learnt about her when I was in India.

“Thanks!” Talia responds, glancing at me.

As the conversation continues, I can’t contain my curiosity. “Are you the princess?”

The girl tenses for a moment, then nods. “Yes, I am. Is it that obvious?”

I glance at Talia, and we both shake our heads. “Not at all. We just had a feeling.”

Arulmozhi says. “I just need a break from the royal life if you know what I mean.”

I nod in understanding “We get that. Sometimes you just need a break from everything.”

She smiles appreciatively. “Exactly! So, what brings you both to Thanjavur? It must be more than just sightseeing.”

“We have been travelling to places. It’s hard to hide from enemies… but we came this far. It’s been quite an adventure.” Talia lies.

Arulmozhi ‘s eyes light up with interest. “Really? I’d love to hear about your travels. Maybe you can share some stories during the Diwali celebration at the castle. We can exchange cultural tales.”

Talia and I nod in unison.

“Great! It starts in a few hours,” the princess says before gracefully leaving.

Once she’s gone, Talia blurts out, “We didn’t ask her anything!”

“We have plenty of time for that. But aren’t you excited that we got invited by a princess?”

“I am very excited, but I feel… kind of homesick.”

“We’ll be home soon” I say hoping that my words are true.

A Celebration

Ruhi

As we step into the palace for the Diwali celebration, our eyes widen with amazement. The grand hall is beautifully decorated with colorful lights, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of flowers. Festive music adds to the lively atmosphere.

Talia and I exchange excited glances, silently acknowledging the incredible journey that brought us here. The aroma of delicious food wafts through the air. There are platters of aromatic biryanis, succulent kebabs, and an array of vegetarian delicacies showcasing the diverse flavors of ancient India.

Princess Arulmozhi approaches us with a warm smile, her royal attire reflecting the grandeur of the occasion. “I’m delighted you could join us for the celebration,” she says warmly. “Please, enjoy the festivities and the flavors of our kingdom.”

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“Princess Arulmozhi, your kingdom is truly enchanting,” Talia remarks, savoring the flavors of the festive dishes.

“Thank you,” the princess responds graciously. “Now, let’s find a quieter place where we can share stories and learn more about each other.”

Curious and excited, we follow Princess Arulmozhi to a quieter area within the palace. Seated comfortably, she sighs in relief, “Now we can talk in peace.”

“What are some… other traditions that you celebrate?” I ask, curious to learn more about my people.

Princess Arulmozhi politely responds to my question, “Well there are many, one significant tradition is Holi, a festival of colors and unity. People playfully throw colored powders, marking the arrival of spring. We also celebrate Navaratri, a festival dedicated to the goddess Durga. It involves vibrant dances, and music. These traditions not only reflect our culture but also share joy among the people.”

As Princess Arulmozhi unfolds tales of ancient Indian traditions, I find myself totally captivated. Talia and I share smiles, genuinely engrossed in the fascinating cultural narratives she’s sharing.

Suddenly, the princess throws us a curveball, “So, where are you two from?”

I shoot a quick glance at Talia, and we exchange a silent agreement. Got to keep things low-key. I manage a hesitant smile, “Oh, we’re just wanderers, you know? Exploring different places, soaking in the vibes.”

The princess shakes her head “I apologize for being unclear I meant where were you born?”

Talia and I shoot each other a look, feeling the tension spike as the princess’s question digs deeper. I pause for a beat, then mumble, “Uh, Your Highness, where we were born is a bit tricky to put into words. It’s like, not a straightforward thing to explain, you know?”

Talia adds, “Totally. We’re from, like, all over the place. Our background is nomadic, so there’s no one spot we’d call home.”

“Ok…” the princess replies unconvinced.

“Our turn, What… about contact from other civilizations? What were the results?” I ask.

“We have noteworthy interactions with various regions. Ilam in Tamil literature witness Chola military campaigns. In Southeast Asia, we have engaged with the Champa Kingdom, Srivijaya, and the Khmer Empire. These interactions involve trade, negotiation, and military activities, contributing to cultural exchanges and influencing the geopolitical landscape of the Indian Ocean.”

“What about technological advancements?” Talia asks, throwing the question out before the princess could hit us with another tricky one.

The princess grins, “Oh, we have some cool things going on. The Brihadeeswarar Temple near here showcases impressive engineering, and advanced irrigation systems boosting agriculture. We excel in trade, forging maritime links with Southeast Asia, boosting economic growth. We also mastered bronze casting, creating intricate sculptures like the Nataraja. Culturally, we have made strides in literature.”

“Talking about trade, ships got way better. We are cruising on improved sea routes, doing some serious business. And check this out, we got all fancy with astrolabes that are used for navigation,” she says, adding a touch of casualty.

“In medicine, the study of herbal remedies like Ayurvedas. Surgical techniques advanced, contributing to our understanding of healthcare. Literature, arts, and sciences also improved.”

“Now my turn” the princess begins with a smile “where did you get those bangles?” she says pointing to the bangles we are wearing.

“Oh…umm…we” I stutter hiding the glowing amethysts.

“Oh, these?” I say, trying to sound casual. “We got them during our travels. Found them in a cool place and decided to wear them as a kind of souvenir.”

Talia jumps in, making it more intriguing. “Yeah, they seemed special, so we thought they’d be a cool way to remember that place we explore.”

I steal a quick glance at my bangle, only two more to go.

“Anyways… what are some of the great people?” Talia says.

“One notable figure is Karikala Chola. He made a significant impact in extensive irrigation projects, emphasizing the significance of water management in agricultural practices. Another one… is my father of course! Raja Raja I, he has improved the military, expanded territories and implemented decentralized governance.”

I nod, absorbing the historical names and accomplishments shared by Princess Arulmozhi.

“We just have one more question, may we ask?” I say as calmly as I can, but it comes out rushed.

The princess sighs, “Fine, but then it’s my turn to ask, alright?”

We nod in agreement, and I continue, “What are the roles of men and women?”

“Men and women have different but equally important roles. Men usually took care of hunting, fighting, and leading the community. They are protectors and make decisions for the group.

Women, on the other hand, focused on taking care of the home. They were responsible for the family’s well-being, looked after agriculture, and were skilled in various crafts. It might seem that the roles are unfair but both roles are essential and valued, creating a balanced and harmonious society.”

“Wait a second” I ask out of curiosity “Could women hunt or… divorce?”

“I thought that was your last question” the princess says crossing her arms.

“Please I swear this is the last one” I say.

“OK well, women don’t typically engage in hunting, as it is considered a responsibility of the men. As for divorce, it is not a widespread practice as it might be in other cultures. Marriage is considered a sacred bond. There are specific circumstances, such as cruelty or abandonment, where divorce might be permitted, but it is not a decision taken lightly.”

The moment the princess finishes speaking, we connect our bangles. Not to be impolite, but to avoid any suspicion on her part and to ensure we don’t meet any unexpected resets.