Vinayak, an orphan and the adopted son of Bhaskar, had only one aspiration in life, to fulfil his adopted father's dream of establishing a renowned legacy in blacksmithing. With his parent's guidance, he mastered the craft, dedicating himself to their shared ambition.
When the opportunity arose for his father to lead the ironworks of prince's hindshakti company, Vinayak immersed himself in the complexities of their job, aiding his father in crafting new weapons according to the prince's specifications. Through his diligence and skill, he earned his father's trust and recognition, eventually becoming his trusted assistant.
The prince's eyes gleamed with excitement when he laid eyes on the Pinaka weapon, the Korean style Hwacha. Its innovative construction featured a limber facing backward, allowing it to be mounted more easily using horse reigns. This design, reminiscent of 19th-century artillery, was a significant improvement over previous cannons, which required more time and effort to deploy, as they were typically pulled by horses from the front.
Upon inquiry, he discovered that the mastermind behind this creation was none other than Vinayak, the skilled son and trusted assistant of the renowned blacksmith Bhaskar. Intrigued by Vinayak's brilliance, the prince decided to incorporate his expertise into his own secret invention.
As Prince Aditya stepped into the smithy at dusk, he found Bhaskar and Vinayak still working on his shield weapon, even though their shift has already ended. Curious, he approached them to inquire about their continued presence.
"Why are you two still here?" he asked, noting their dedication.
Bhaskar wiped his sweat from forehead and replied, "We were just wrapping up, Your Highness. Is there something we can help you with?"
Aditya nodded, his expression grave. "Yes, I need assistance in selecting someone to oversee road construction. It's a matter of great importance."
Bhaskar considered for a moment before suggesting, "Your highness, Diwakar would be an ideal choice. He's a respected local zamindar, a wealthy merchant who owns his own brick mansion, and also skilled in blacksmithing.
Last time we met, he regretted that he missed the chance by rejecting prince's offer to join his company.
He also has experience in minor road contracts, so it will be easy for him to get the labour and raw materials that can save time and money for prince. "
Aditya shook his head, his concern evident. "I appreciate your advice but this task requires absolute trust, Bhaskar. I need someone more reliable."
Vinayak, listening intently, spoke up. "I volunteer, Your Highness. While I may not have Diwakar's wealth or status, I am confident and capable."
Aditya regarded Vinayak with approval. "Very well, Vinayak. I am quite impressed by your previous works and will give you the chance then."
Vinayak's face lit up with gratitude as he eagerly accepted the task. "Thank you, Your Highness. I won't disappoint you."
Aditya then outlined his vision for the road, expressing his desire to connect all villages to the cities through a single throughfare road network. Vinayak nodded, already formulating plans in his mind
"We could utilize the Grand Trunk Road," Vinayak suggested. "It was originally built by previous Emperor Sher Shah Suri, connecting Bengal to Pakistan's borders via Delhi during his short tenure. It's a well-established route and could serve our purpose perfectly."
Aditya responded with enthusiasm, "Excellent."
Vinayak followed up with a little caution, "But, your highness, could you please enlighten us about the type of road we are considering to implement? As we have options for mud road, limestone mortar road, brick road etc.
Additionally, specifying the route from where to where would be helpful to estimate the manpower, raw materials, and work days required for completion "
Aditya's got intrigued as he asked," What is limestone mortar road?"
Vinayak responded," It's a paste used to harden structures. the grand truck road is made from that. but it takes a lot of time to harden. For say, if I am to build a house of limestone mortar then that would take a week to harden and maintenance is also a issue."
Aditya nodded as he noted that its the perhaps the traditional cement since it includes the same ingredient of limestone. but the effect is obvious that its not so handy and too much time taking.
Aditya began with his serious tone. "we will simply start with the 'mud roads' as that's the contract we have got and it shall include villages connecting to one another or to the cities, and even those leading to the Grand Trunk Road, I believe a wide mud road would suffice. However, for routes connecting directly to capital city to the imperial palace, I envision a more durable solution of a concrete road."
Hearing the word concrete for first time, Vinayak couldn't help but get curios," What is concrete road? "He further inquired his concern," Forgive me your highness but why are we making this road special, when every other road is going to be plain mud road ."
Aditya chuckled as he replied," To show off obviously. You will know it's majesty when you will see for yourself. It's made with a material cement that doesn't take so long to harden and wont need that much maintenance either."
A spark of excitement lit up Vinayak's eyes. "Such a substance would revolutionize road construction! Then your highness why not make all other roads with this concrete as well because the mud roads wont stand the rainy seasons. Even though, they can create space for travel but are actually less reliable."
Aditya smiled," You don't need to worry about that. I have my own plans."
As Aditya outlined his plan to manufacture equipments, needed to prepare cement and establish a separate facility for that, Vinayak suggested that they will require more manpower. Aditya nodded that he will take care of the facility setup but added the condition that the equipment has to be made by only two of them in secrecy
Bhaskar's expression alarmed at the prospect of increased workload. "Forgive me your highness, This seems like a lot to handle. Are you sure we can handle this?
We already have to work on the sample weapons , then this road construction and hearing about the required equipment it seems to take a lot of time," he voiced his concern.
Aditya thought for a while then reassured with a wide smile, "I am sure you can manage it Bhaskar, don't worry. We can work on it till mid night, but it must remain a secret. For now, the road construction is delayed until the sample weapons are ready.
I can allow to involve more manpower to manufacture the parts. But the equipment must be assembled under my sight. Let's set the deadline for week and if we happen to fail, it can be extended."
Seeing the duo still unconvinced, Aditya shied, "You must be wondering why I'm in such a hurry, right?" he continued, "There is pending work to construct barracks and residential quarters. I can't involve others to this matter because this is no less than a miraculous weapon that can erect structures in just two nights. I am helpless and I want this done started at least before I leave the city."
Impressed by Aditya's foresight and the importance he attached to this matter, Bhaskar and Vinayak exchanged glances, nodding in agreement. Aditya assured them of their increased pay and additional reward and expressed his desire to learn and assist them.
Vinayak hesitated, "But, Your Highness, it wouldn't be fitting for a noble like you to involve yourself in such tasks."
Aditya smiled warmly, "I have a passion for crafting and I think it's as an opportunity to learn from esteemed blacksmiths like yourselves. Don't worry I will be just a helping hand"
Both father and son were humbled by the prince's gesture and felt gratitude towards him for holding them in such high regard. They internally pledged to give their all, even if it meant staying up all night.
Aditya continued, "Let's discuss the cement preparation plan then," he suggested, eager to get started.
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Author's Notes:
Hello everyone. I am thrilled to announce that this book has finally been contracted. This achievement has been made possible only because of all your kind support. I am aware of my shortcomings, and I believe there's much more to add before I switch to premium, but for such, I would need your continuous support as well. If you think I am going astray then, please feel free to suggest.
Also, apologies for the delay as I am experiencing some medical urgency and am still recovering.
There might be delay on next release as well and I request for your understanding. Thanks and may the lord be with you as always. :)