Kingdom Of Music

Close to the city of Paithan, in a small village called Sauviragram, which lay along the banks of the great river Godavari, lived a woman named Ilaa. Being cotton farmers, her family was well to do, but not among the richest in their area. It was the harvest season, and cotton had to be picked from the plants. The wholesalers and traders from Paithan would be arriving in just a few weeks, carrying gold and goods for barter. They would exchange what they carried for the cotton that the farmers grew. The bales of cotton had to be ready in time! Work was at its peak!

But Ilaa was not to be found in the fields. She wasn't working. Instead, she was sitting by the banks of the great river Godavari. 'I am sick of this!' she grunted loudly.

The daily chores did not interest her. Instead, she would be found in the fields humming tunes and composing music. For a lady in seventeenth-century India, it was a very unusual preoccupation. Her mother would remind her that it was time she got married and had kids. But she devoted ample time playing with the ragas from the cauldron of music. Once when she was in the fields a gentleman from the north arrived and was impressed with her tunes and could foresee that she required a guru. Through conversation, contemplation, and immense knowledge of the guru from north Ilaa were becoming more and more proficient in this art. The guru noticed that she was a devoted learner and a quick adapter and always made time for her hobby. But her father was a strict authoritarian and never liked his daughter outdoors devoting time to something considered unwomanly. Though her mother was more supportive and encouraged her to fulfill her passion.

Her father was a soldier in the Paithan army and call of duty forced him to stay away from home most of the year. She not only loved music and the ragas but she deeply loved nature. The butterflies, the honey bee, the beautiful flowers, the flowing stream would enrich her vision. Once she shared her secret wish to the guru of building a music academy where with the guru’s blessing she would teach the little kids the essence of music.

The Guru opined: “But for that, you have to be proficient in the art yourself. Don’t let vanity creep in and filter your ego and let the music in you flow like a little stream and through a journey create channels and reach the ocean. Only then you will become a respected teacher.”

“What if I fail and never reach my goal?”

“Sometimes the journey is nobler than the destination. If you don’t undertake the journey you will never derive the pleasure to reach the destination.”

She had named her music book: THE MOSAIC OF MUSIC and her delight knew no bounds when she composed a new tune which she shared with the master for his feedback and advice.

When she would sing a song in her soft melodious voice even the deers of the jungle would be mesmerized.

She would carry an earthen lamp and go to the nearby temple and practice her trade when nature was severe and drench the mother earth with rain and storm.

But the days of trouble had just started. The neighboring kingdom of Indergarh was planning to attack Paithan and add Sauviragram to its territory. Their army was fully equipped, had valiant soldiers, and was led by a daring general by the name of Rahim Khan.

She could sense the fear and disappointment on her father’s face. How can a small army of thousand face a bigger and stronger army of Indergarh?

Dont worry father it is not always necessary to meet violence with violence. Let the time come and we will be victorious. We will win their hearts and soothe their souls.

Although her father did not understand the exact meaning of IIaa’s words but was all praise for her courage and resilience. After all, defeat is more in the mind than the body. And ignorance is not such a pity as vanity.

The army of Indergarh was coming closer and closer and they had reached the outskirts of Paithan. Her father along with the general was contemplating the strategy that needs to be taken in the imminent battle. And it was more than sure that it would be a very long battle with a lot of bloodshed on both sides and this would surely disturb the ecological balance. She pleaded with her father to take her to the army camp of Paithan so that she could address the soldiers.

She said: Battles are fought in mind but won in hearts....and as she played a beautiful tune which soothed the souls of soldiers she said the ultimate word.....Music is the only weapon that traverses boundaries....you play your part and I will play mine and she had divine plans.

Meanwhile, Rahim Khan had also heard about IIaa from his soldiers.

Tell them if they give IIaa to us we would go away without a battle. Subhan Allah! The madam who composed the mosaic of music is surely from Jannat.

She says she knows how to win hearts!

Hah! Battles are not fought with hearts and it is the woman inside her that makes her utter these words!

When the battle was about to start IIla reached the battlefield and sang 11 of her own composed songs and the equivocal music. Soon the whole area was surrounded by wild animals and with the rejuvenated army of Paithan ready to defend their territory. It started raining and a mist surrounded the battlefield.

On the other hand, Rahim Khan’s army was so mesmerized with IIla’s music that they did not want to be part of the war.

At last, the great general Rahim Khan was face to face with IIla.

I would never have understood the power of music if I was not a part of this battle.

But tell me can a war be won without bloodshed and humiliation.

Ilaa said “It only through music and devotion for the master that hearts can be won. In these circumstances battles become unnecessary. I love my people as you love yours.

So go back and never underestimate the power of women. Always encourage them to reach their potential.

Subhan Allah...I will tell my people that if Jannat can be reached it's only through music.

And as I go I take your words with me and would encourage our women to reach new heights!

For the first time in the history of mankind, the word RETREAT in battle seemed sweetest and two bitter enemies became deserving friends and allies.

The mosaic of music continues to thrill us and llaa remains a custodian of history and an insignia of strength and courage of women for all times!