One day Rani Mangamma was in consultation with her ministers. She had a betel box but the servant who usually made her paan was not there as during important ministerial discussions servants were not allowed.

As she discussed state matters the rani rolled a betel nut down her left hand from the wrist to the tips of her fingers and then on to her right wrist and fingers.

She of course was listening intently to her ministers. The betel nut would rest for few seconds between her left hand and her right.

Suddenly, the rani had a flash and at once the betel nut that had just landed on her left hand popped into her mouth.

When she put it in her mouth with her left hand, the ministers looked at her astonished. In the first place it was a sin to have touched the sacred betel nut with the left hand. Worse still, to have popped it into the mouth with the left! What was to be done?

It is said that the Mangamma Road was laid as reparation.

Yet, when anyone narrated this tale to Mangaiathaar Ammal, she’d smile and wave her hand as if to dismiss it. Then, in her whispering voice, she’d say, ‘Not many know the truth. I knew the rani when I was a child. We even stayed in her palace for some time. Her right hand was paralysed, like mine. Of course I knew about this!’

Whatever it was, thought Govindappa Nayakkar, it resulted in something good for the people.

It was only because of these tales about Rani Mangamma that Queen Victoria also seemed great to the people.

40

FOR A LONG TIME THE people spoke about the ‘locust famine’ and the Kottaiyars’ kindness.

They were told by the state that such disasters would not be ignored in future and that relief would be expedited. The state also appealed that no one should indulge in anti-government activities but should instead cooperate.

‘After all, you are loyal by nature. Queen Victoria will pay heed to all your needs, and that’s why she has sent us here!’

The people believed every word and pledged to be subjects under Queen Victoria.

Of course as time went by the White government overlooked the fact that the people’s plight did not change and so the thirst for independence in the village strengthened.

No one knew that the present peace was only the calm before the storm!

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