At an opportune moment, Asan deftly snatched control of the conversation and hoisted his flag of authority. He spoke loudly of the kings of old. He expounded with great flourish on the heroic deeds of those kings. When his speech arrived at Maharaja Pooram Tirunal, the king of the princely state of Travancore, he spoke with the utmost adoration. He raved about the king’s mastery over the arts, his fearless heart, and how he protected his subjects like they were his own children. Joseph couldn’t stand it. He interrupted Asan and said, “Now you listen to me, Asan. You are talking about their royal lineage. It is not very long before they will have to learn shorthand and typewriting just to keep their bellies full! Just you wait and see.”

That was all it took. Asan was absolutely incensed.

“Dei, Joseph! What utter nonsense! What do you know about their family? You were born yesterday, but you run your mouth like you know everything,” he shouted. Joseph shouted right back at him, but Asan was not going to give in so easily. “Dei! Listen. This place used to be nothing but a feeding ground for vultures. Every day four people were put to the stake here. What was so great about this town? The tamarind pond stank so badly that no one could come anywhere nearby. Weeds had grown rampant everywhere. Jackals howled even during the day. If they attacked a lone passerby, there was no one around to help. Why, even this spot where you have your shop now? Do you think anyone coming here in those days could avoid getting bitten by a snake? One breath from that pure and righteous Maharaja Pooram Tirunal fell on this place, and lo!” Asan snapped his fingers dramatically. “This cremation ground of a town turned into heaven!”

I gestured discreetly to Joseph to shut up. A story about the tamarind pond was imminent, and I was anxious to hear it. But Asan had turned his face away in mock anger. We had to buy him a cup of tea and a packet of betel leaves, areca nuts, and tobacco before his temper cooled down a bit. Even then, only after both Joseph and I pleaded with him a few times did he relent. Grudgingly, he cleared his throat in preparation for the story.

Asan began his story by declaring that the reign of Maharaja Pooram Tirunal was the most illustrious period history had ever seen. There was no Sanskrit text that the king had not studied. He was an expert in philosophy, scripture, astrology, medicine, everything. He had abundant affection for his subjects, and he was a gentle soul.