Stories have always been the best way to teach children values, culture, and life lessons. Among the many legendary storytellers of India, Tenali Rama (also known as Tenali Raman) holds a special place. Famous for his sharp wit, humor, and wisdom, he was one of the eight jewels (Ashtadiggajas) in King Krishnadevaraya’s court in the Vijayanagara Empire.
Tenali Rama’s tales are not just funny but also deeply meaningful. They encourage kids to think critically, act wisely, and make the right choices. In this article, we’ll share 10 Tenali Rama stories in English for kids—each with an important moral lesson.
Top 10 Tenali Rama stories in English for kids
1. The Brinjal Curry
Story
One day, King Krishnadevaraya’s cook prepared a delicious brinjal curry. The King loved it and offered some to Tenali Rama. Tenali liked it so much that he took a few brinjals home to make the dish for his family.
His wife prepared the curry, and everyone enjoyed it. But Tenali’s son wanted more. So, secretly, his son plucked brinjals from the royal garden. When the King came to know, he grew furious.
Tenali, however, quickly said, “Your Majesty, please forgive my child. He only followed what he saw. If I could bring brinjals from the palace, why wouldn’t he?”
The King laughed at Tenali’s wit and forgave him.
Moral
Children learn by observing their parents. Always set a good example.
2. The Thieves and the Well
Story
Once, some thieves entered Tenali Rama’s house. Tenali, sensing them, whispered to his wife, “Let’s hide our jewelry in the well outside.”
The thieves overheard and spent the whole night pulling buckets of water from the well, hoping to find the jewelry. By morning, they were exhausted. Tenali then called the guards, who caught the thieves.
Moral
Wisdom and wit are more powerful than physical strength.
3. Tenali Rama and the Horse
Story
The King once gave Tenali Rama a weak horse and said, “Feed it well for a month, and then we’ll see how it runs.” Tenali tied the horse near the stable where food was kept but allowed it to eat only when other horses were fed.
At the end of the month, when the King ordered the horses to run, all the horses ran fast, but Tenali’s horse ran straight behind the others without stopping.
Tenali explained, “My horse has learned to follow others. It will never lose its way.”
The King laughed at his cleverness.
Moral
Sometimes, intelligence is more important than strength.
4. The Reward for Poetry
Story
The King once announced a reward for poets. Many presented their work, and Tenali also recited a humorous poem. Some jealous courtiers mocked him, saying, “This is not poetry!”
Tenali calmly replied, “If the King found joy, isn’t that poetry enough?” The King rewarded him generously.
Moral
Art is about expression and impact, not just rules.
5. The Cat That Ate Milk
Story
The King ordered everyone in the court to raise a cat so that the kingdom would be free of rats. Each man was given a kitten and a pot of milk daily.
Tenali, instead of feeding his cat milk, trained it to drink buttermilk. When the King inspected, everyone’s cats were fat except Tenali’s. When asked, he said, “I trained mine to live without milk so it won’t trouble poor families.”
The King admired his thoughtfulness.
Moral
Think beyond self-interest and consider the welfare of others.
6. Tenali Rama Outwits the Greedy Brahmins
Story
Once, some greedy Brahmins tricked the King, saying they could perform a ritual to bring rain—but only if they were given gold. The King agreed, but Tenali doubted them.
That night, Tenali disguised himself as a ghost and scared the Brahmins, demanding they return the gold. The next day, they confessed their lies.
Moral
Greed always leads to downfall. Honesty is the best policy.
7. The True Owner of the Mango Tree
Story
Two men fought over a mango tree. Each claimed it as his. The King asked Tenali to solve the matter.
Tenali suggested cutting the tree in half and dividing it. One man agreed, but the other cried and said, “No! Let him keep it, but don’t kill the tree.”
Tenali declared the second man the true owner, as only he cared for the tree’s life.
Moral
True love is selfless and protective.
8. Tenali Rama and the Learned Men
Story
Some scholars came to the King’s court and boasted of their knowledge. They challenged Tenali Rama, thinking he was only witty but not learned.
Tenali asked them simple, clever questions that they could not answer. The court laughed, and the King realized that wisdom is greater than memorized knowledge.
Moral
Wisdom is more valuable than mere learning.
9. The King’s Dream
Story
King Krishnadevaraya once dreamed of a beautiful paradise and wanted it to be recreated in real life. He ordered his courtiers to build it, or else face punishment.
Everyone panicked, but Tenali calmly said, “Your Majesty, I too had a dream. In it, you visited heaven, but the gatekeeper refused to let you in, saying you were asking for impossible things.”
The King understood and laughed at his mistake.
Moral
Desires should be realistic. Don’t chase the impossible.
10. The Broken Idol
Story
One day, the King’s men found a broken idol of a deity and brought it to him. They suggested repairing it with gold and jewels.
Tenali Rama laughed and said, “Why waste gold on something that is already broken? Instead, use the money to help the poor.”
The King was impressed and followed Tenali’s advice.
Moral
True devotion is helping people, not wasting wealth on lifeless idols.
FAQs on Tenali Rama Stories
Q1. Who was Tenali Rama?
Tenali Rama, also known as Tenali Raman, was a poet, scholar, and advisor in King Krishnadevaraya’s court, famous for his wit and wisdom.
Q2. Why are Tenali Rama stories important for kids?
They are simple, humorous, and carry strong moral lessons that help kids learn values like honesty, kindness, and intelligence.
Q3. Are Tenali Rama stories real or fictional?
They are folklore inspired by real-life Tenali Rama, but most stories are fictional anecdotes that highlight morals.
Q4. Which is the most famous Tenali Rama story?
Stories like The Thieves and the Well and Luv & Kush are among the most popular.
Q5. What values do Tenali Rama stories teach?
They teach honesty, kindness, cleverness, critical thinking, and humility.
Conclusion
Tenali Rama stories are timeless treasures of Indian folklore. With humor, intelligence, and morals, they entertain while educating. From The Brinjal Curry to The Broken Idol, each tale has something unique to offer.
By sharing these 10 Tenali Rama stories in English for kids with morals, parents and teachers can make learning fun while instilling important values. These stories remind us that wit, wisdom, and kindness always win over greed and arrogance.
