The Legacy of Knowledge
In the heart of the palace workshop, the rhythmic creak of wooden gears echoed as Harsha adjusted the screw mechanism of the wooden printing press. The contraption, a marvel of innovation, stood sturdy and purposeful, its framework constructed of polished teak and reinforced with iron brackets. Harsha's hands moved deftly as he explained the principles of the machine to Ravikant, who listened with wide-eyed fascination.
"This press," Harsha began, his voice steady but tinged with excitement, "uses a wooden screw to apply even pressure, pressing paper against inked type. The result is a clear, consistent print. But my vision extends beyond this simple design."
Ravikant leaned closer, his fingers brushing the edge of the press. "What more do you envision, Your Highness?"
Harsha's eyes gleamed with determination. "Metal printing presses. Instead of wooden blocks, we will use movable metal letters. These letters can be rearranged to form any text, making the process more efficient and versatile. With this, we will revolutionize how knowledge is shared across Bharatvarsha."
Ravikant's brow furrowed in thought. "But such an undertaking would require extensive resources and skilled craftsmen. How do we begin?"
Harsha turned to the plans spread across the table, detailed sketches and measurements drawn with precision. "To achieve this, we must first unite the northern territories. Knowledge must be accessible to all, which means establishing schools in every town and removing Gurukuls elite education mind set. Then, children will learn to read and write in a simplified script derived from Sanskrit, a language that bridges regional dialects."
Ravikant nodded slowly, absorbing the grand scope of Harsha's vision. "Simplifying language for written text could unify communication across the empire. But what of the resources needed for this?"
"You don't have to be worried about this ," Harsha replied . In future "We will create a unified number system, standardize weights and measures, and simplify trade practices. With an educated populace and streamlined commerce, Bharatvarsha will thrive. The printing press will be the cornerstone of this transformation."
The sharp knock at the workshop door interrupted their discussion. A royal guard stepped inside, his armor gleaming in the midday sun. "Your Highness, Lord Sanjay [Butler, emperor's trusted man] requests your presence. He is overseeing the hillside project."
Harsha nodded, setting down the iron frame he had been inspecting. "Very well. Ravikant, accompany me. There is much to discuss, and you will benefit from observing the work in progress."
The two men followed the guard through the palace corridors, the cool stone walls lined with tapestries depicting tales of valor and wisdom. Emerging into the bright afternoon light, they descended toward the hillside, where hundreds of laborers toiled under the watchful eye of Sanjay.
The hillside buzzed with activity. Groups of workers, armed with shovels and picks, dug a massive circular pit while others hauled stone blocks and molded clay bricks. Sanjay, his figure commanding and authoritative, directed the workforce with precision.
"Your Highness," Sanjay greeted as Harsha approached. "We've gathered ten thousand workers from surrounding villages. They're digging the foundation as instructed, and we've begun collecting stones and shaping bricks ."
Harsha surveyed the scene, his keen eyes taking in every detail. "Good work, Sanjay. When the pit is deep enough, ensure the base is flattened using stone rollers and elephants. Surround the field with stone stairs in descending order, creating a space for spectators to stand in a circle."
Sanjay nodded, motioning for a scribe to take notes. "And the rainwater? How should we prevent the field from flooding?"
"Build a gallery between each stair set to channel water away," Harsha instructed. "Slope the pathways strategically to direct rainwater into nearby reservoirs. This hillside location is ideal; the natural incline will aid drainage. What we are building is not merely a pit but a stadium—a place for events that will unite our people."
Sanjay's face lit with understanding. "A stadium. Of course. And what of the surrounding area?"
"Construct booths for traders outside the stadium," Harsha said. "When nobles and merchants arrive for events, they will bring commerce and investment. Build a small stage for royal spectators and stone platforms for nobles. Include a booth for betting. In the coming days, I will provide details on the games and their rules."
Harsha turned to face the workforce, his voice ringing out across the hillside. "This project is not just a task but a testament to our vision. Double the workforce if needed; the royal treasury will cover the expenses. This stadium must be completed in two months, for it will host the nobles and traders who will gather to witness the unity and strength of our empire." In future we will make a new business and traders market and houses basically a town surrounding this .
The workers cheered, their morale buoyed by the prince's words. Harsha placed a hand on Sanjay's shoulder. "I must meet Arjuna next. I need a report on the four-field crop rotation system he's been implementing. We must ensure we have enough trained farmers to expand this method across Rajputana. Agriculture is the backbone of our prosperity, and its success is vital to all our endeavors."
Sanjay bowed. "I will ensure everything proceeds as planned, Your Highness."
Harsha smiled, the weight of his vision settling comfortably on his shoulders. "This is just the beginning, Sanjay. Together, we will build a Strong empire that thrives on knowledge, unity, and progress."
With Ravikant by his side, Harsha strode purposefully toward the palace, his thoughts already racing ahead to the next step in his grand plan. Behind him, the hillside rang with the sounds of labor—a symphony of progress and determination.
End of Chapter
To be continued …