NOVEL WEB Chapter 35: Drought
The Gathering at Mandore
The grand hall of Mandore was filled with the murmur of noblemen, the rustling of heavy silk garments, and the occasional clink of weapons. The air was thick with incense and the faint aroma of rosewater. Harsha, clad in an ornate yet practical royal attire, sat upon his father's throne, his sharp gaze sweeping over the gathered lords and chieftains of Rajputana.
Nobles from the Bhati Family (Mand), Jat Clans (Jungladesh), Chauhan Family (Yodhey Pradesh), Rao Family (Jainagara), Hada Family (Hadoti), Rana Family (Mewar), and Naruka Family (Matsya) had arrived, their expressions ranging from curiosity to concern. The weight of Rajputana's future rested upon this council. Harsha's voice rang out, clear and steady.
"I want to ask you all something." He let his gaze linger on each noble before continuing. "My father is away, waging war against the Rashtrakutas. In his absence, it is our duty to safeguard the empire and ensure the well-being of our people. The previous season was ruined due to the lack of rain, and there is a strong possibility that the second season's crops will fail, leading to a full drought. If we do not act swiftly, hunger and desperation will lead to chaos."
Chauhan, the elder of Yodhey Pradesh, stepped forward. "Yuvraj, our stores are nearly empty. In Mand, our lands are barren due to the desert, and we rely on trade. Without sufficient grain, our people will suffer."
A ripple of agreement passed through the nobles. Harsha remained composed. "If we do nothing, famine will spread. Trade must be strengthened. But more importantly, we must ensure that our people remain productive. If they have no work, despair will turn into banditry and chaos ."
A moment of silence followed before Harsha turned to Sanjay, his father's trusted advisor. "Summon Dhruv to the court."
In the marketplace of Mandore, Dhruv, who now became a seasoned merchant, was in deep negotiation with a trader from Mathura. They discussed the price of perfumes, paper, and soaps when a royal guard arrived. "Lord Dhruv, Yuvraj summons you to court immediately."
Dhruv nodded, turning to the merchant. "Hari ji, we will continue this later. Enjoy Mandore's hospitality in the meantime." With that, he followed the guard to the palace.
Upon entering, Dhruv bowed deeply. "Long live His Highness."
Harsha wasted no time. "Tell me, Dhruv, what minerals do we find in Rajputana ?"
Dhruv, ever precise, responded, "We find two silver mines, one copper mine, and an abundance of limestone, marble, gypsum, sandstone, zinc, and lead etc. Additionally, iron deposits have been found in scattered regions, though extraction is limited due to a lack of infrastructure. The metals and minerals are plentiful, Yuvraj, but our ability to refine and utilize them efficiently is still underdeveloped."
Harsha leaned forward, deep in thought. "Our economy still functions on barter. This is an opportunity to introduce a coin system. Currently we are using Gupta Empire coin system. The Gupta Empire's coins wear too quickly; we must mint new ones. If we expand copper mining and reopen silver mines, we can create a new standard for trade, hoarding gold while circulating more durable coins. Additionally, I can introduce brass for everyday transactions, as it is both cost-effective and resilient. Brass coins can be used for smaller exchanges, making trade more accessible to common people while preserving precious metals for larger transactions. Furthermore, with the looming drought and crop failures, a stable monetary system will enable better food distribution. Merchants will be able to trade efficiently, and laborers can be employed in large-scale infrastructure projects, ensuring both economic stability and survival for our people." But first I have to face this .
Sanjay stepped forward. "Yuvraj, what of the drought?"
Harsha's gaze sharpened. "We must act on multiple fronts.
Rudra, you will oversee the creation of new cities in each of Rajputana's eight regions. They must have baolis(also known as baoris) for water storage, wells, temples, and proper trade routes.
Outside Mandore Fort, half a day's travel north, I want a new city planned. We will recruit laborers in exchange for food.
Additionally, we will utilize our newly refined cement to construct stronger and faster-built structures, ensuring stability in harsh conditions. This innovation will not only quicken construction but also fortify our defenses and infrastructure for the future."
He turned to Dhruv. "Gather all merchants and initiate trade for food, cotton, and essential goods. Outside our direct control, prioritize food in exchange for our commodities."
" Sanjay," he continued, "increase mining operations and recruit workers in exchange for sustenance."
Harsha then addressed his military leaders. "Veerendra and Vijayguru, expand your recruitment for the army. We will need trained soldiers soon."
Finally, he faced the gathered nobles. "Encourage your people to support Rudra in city planning and find suitable locations near rivers."
The room was silent, the weight of responsibility settling upon the noblemen. Then, Bhati of Mand spoke, his voice resolute. "Yuvraj, Mand, Jungladesh, and Yodhey Pradesh face constant Arab raids. They raid and loot our villages, after the Emperor took the royal army from this area. Now we must strengthen our defenses."
Harsha nodded. "In these regions, we will construct forts on hills. They work like watchtowers, inside they have enough fields to grow crops and wells for water to repel army siege . And they house royal forces to repel raiders or possible army attack."
He looked around, ensuring his message was clear. "You have your orders. Begin planning at once."
As the nobles left, murmuring among themselves, Harsha remained seated, his mind already moving to the next challenge. The empire's future rested on his decisions, and failure was not an option.
End of Chapter
To be continued…