Kapitel 11: Chapter 11
The journey then took them to the city's impressive architectural wonders, where tall stupas such as Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya stood as symbols of the city's strong Buddhist heritage. Decorated with detailed carvings and fancy designs, these amazing structures inspired feelings of respect and wonder, emphasizing the city's spiritual importance and artistic skill.
Within the city's vast area were large monastic complexes called viharas, where Buddhist monks sought peace and spiritual understanding. Karthikeya found the peaceful courtyards and meditation halls captivating, resonating with the teachings of the Buddha's deep wisdom and self-reflection. The beautifully painted murals on the viharas portrayed timeless Buddhist texts and historical stories, serving as clear evidence of the city's cultural and religious importance.
The tour reached its peak at the magnificent royal palace, showcasing the city's rich culture and majestic splendor. Karthikeya admired the large gardens, intricate audience halls, and beautifully designed living spaces that represented the harmonious blend of different architectural styles, reflecting the city's diverse cultural influences and artistic skill.
Karthikeya also observed the advanced water management system that once supported the region's thriving agricultural economy. The interconnected reservoirs, such as Tissa Wewa and Abhayavapi, facilitated efficient irrigation networks, ensuring a reliable water supply for growing rice and various other crops. This complex system highlighted the city's advanced engineering capabilities and its crucial role in promoting economic stability and growth during the previous Kingdom of Anuradhapuram.
In the end, Anuradhapura vividly displayed its innovation, cultural history, and impressive architecture, solidifying its lasting importance as a foundation of civilization and a testament to the achievements of that era. As the tour gradually moved away from the city center, Karthikeya's perception of Anuradhapura's rich cultural heritage started to change.
It was like observing the opposite side of a coin, where the surrounding streets, buildings, and pathways remained unchanged, but the people were different. He noticed the genuine consequences of the disaster upon witnessing these individuals.
After crossing a specific area, he noticed a stark contrast between the two sides of the city. On both sides of the road, he saw crowds of hungry, impoverished people.
Realizing that the food resources had depleted, he understood the critical nature of the situation, recognizing that these individuals were forced to come to the capital in search of survival.
As they moved forward, the desperation of the people became more and more tangible. He understood that he couldn't delay the reconstruction, not even for a week, fearing that many might not survive until then. Leaving the city, he surveyed the flooded fields and the destruction, realizing the importance of reclaiming them for the kingdom's stability.
However, what puzzled and angered Karthikeya was the inaction of certain families and influential figures. He realized that they might be waiting for the peak of desperation, intending to exploit the people's suffering to undermine his authority.
Even more troubling to him was the behavior of his own men, as the officials appointed by the empire appeared to have taken no action for these people. Although he had heard from the central region that some food relief had been provided by these officials, those in the outer areas were completely neglected.
The only reason these people survived was because of the compassion shown by certain Buddhist sects and small families who took pity on them.
Karthikeya even noticed many people with their bones clearly visible, including men, women and children indicating thier malnutrition and starvation.
Karthikeya's once warm expression turned cold, and he emanated an icy demeanor that even caused the guards to glance at him from time to time.
Karthikeya understood the shallowness of their intentions. Despite his initial inclination towards kindness and use these people while only slightly reducing their influence and authority , their heartless indifference to others left him with no choice but to abandon any mercy in his future endeavors. Committed to finishing his journey, he was eager to hasten the city's recovery and reconstruction upon his return.
"I've seen all I need to see. Let's head back," Karthikeya announced, his expression icy.
"As you command, your highness," the guards acknowledged, trailing behind Karthikeya as they made their way toward the city gate.
Meanwhile, in the city of Anuradhapuram, at the southern end.
At the House of Dakkhina Vigor, one of the only ancient houses that had not fled when the Chola took over, two guards escorted a poor man, dressed in tattered clothes, into one of the courtyards.
Within a chamber, a distinguished elderly man sat, projecting an aura of authority and dignity. His tall, imposing frame, marked by sharp features and piercing eyes, mirrored his sharp intellect and astute judgment.
The creases etched on his forehead hinted at wisdom and a lifetime of leadership, while his dignified manner inspired respect. Despite the silver streaks in his beard, he exuded vitality and strength, carrying himself with a grace that suited his noble status.
Dressed in traditional silk robes adorned with elaborate motifs signifying his esteemed position, he embodied the legacy of his people. His powerful voice amplified his charismatic presence. This was Agnathan, the revered head of the House of Dakkhina Vigor in Anuradhapura.
The family belonged to one of the ancient lineages of Anuradhapura, and the head of the household had unwaveringly upheld his loyalty to the former royal family, secretly providing assistance to the rebels as well.
The destitute man, frail and impoverished, caught a glimpse of Agnathan. Even from afar, he understood that this was a person he could never approach under ordinary circumstances. Despite his weakened state, as soon as he saw him, he promptly prostrated himself.
"My lord, I don't know what wrongdoing I have committed, but please forgive me, my lord. I have a daughter to feed," the man pleaded, his weary eyes already devoid of hope.
It's crucial to note that he was starving, and his daughter was even more famished. At times, he resorted to theft and even entered relatively affluent homes to steal leftover food to ensure his daughter's survival.
Unaware of the offense for which he was apprehended, the man was already repentant for his actions. He realized he shouldn't have resorted to theft but should have instead joined those young individuals in the forest.
However, overshadowing these reflections were images of his daughter, anxiously waiting for his return. The thought of leaving her all alone caused him immense anguish.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein