Book Title: Jain Journal 1985 04
Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

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Page 7
________________ 108 These words from Mrgavati allay much of the anxiety of Satanika's mind. JAIN JOURNAL A few days later, king Satanika dies, and immediately Pradyota's hordes come to the vicinity of Kausambi and pitch their tents there. To their great surprise, the people of the city see that moats are being dug and ramparts built all around Kausambi. Thousands of labourers have been engaged for this work. New, able-bodied soldiers are being recruited, trained in the use of weapons and fully equipped; and all this work is being carried on under Pradyota's direct supervision. Day after day all this work continues unrelaxed. Pradyota, who came to attack, is making no attempt to attack; rather it is by his efforts that the city is being fortified and protected in all ways. From the prime minister to the common townsman, none knows the reason of it-all look on with astonishment. In course of time the moat and ramparts are ready, and considerable war-materials are collected in the fort of the city. Posted in every watch-cabin in the ramparts, well-trained and well-equipped soldiers guard the city day and night. The treasury is filled with abundant wealth and provisions are stored in piles. The queen, Mrgavati, summons the prime minister, the commander of the army, and other high officials and distinguished townsmen to a meeting. When all are assembled, she herself begins to speak about the object of the meeting, "You must be aware that all necessary arrangements have been made for the protection of our city from foreign invasion by digging moats, constructing ramparts, increasing the army, collecting warmaterials etc. Even if the town is beseiged, we shall not run short of war-materials and provisions. That all this work has been done with the co-operation of the Black-hearted Pradyota, is not unknown to any of you. It is, no doubt, mysterious that Pradyota, who came to attack the city, has, instead of attacking it, rendered it impregnable to the enemy. It was to tell you about it that I called you together today. When the king died, I found myself helpless. There was then no means at our disposal to withstand any attack by Pradyota. Prince Udayana was a minor. In such a condition I took recourse to diplomacy in order to save the prince and the kingdom. In great secrecy I sent word to Pradyota that I was willing to go with him to his kingdom, but the city of Kausambi was lying defenceless and the prince was a minor; and that if he helped to provide for the defence of the city, I should instal the prince on the Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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