With Jarasandha's defeat, Bahubali and Karna entered the grand city of Magadha, its towering walls and bustling streets now under their command. The air was thick with anticipation and unease as the citizens and courtiers watched the two warriors—Bahubali and Karna stride toward the royal palace. The echoes of their victory over Jarasandha reverberated through the kingdom, but the task of governance now loomed as their greatest challenge yet.
Inside the opulent court, lined with marble pillars and adorned with tapestries depicting Magadha's storied past, Bahubali faced the assembled ministers, their faces a mix of fear, curiosity, and skepticism. He stood tall, his presence commanding yet grounded in the humility taught by Mahadev and Mata Parvati. "Ministers of Magadha," he began, his voice resonating with authority, "I, Bahubali, claim this kingdom not for glory but for dharma. Jarasandha's reign of tyranny is over, and a new era begins today. Prepare for my coronation at once, for I will take the throne this very day to set Magadha on a path of righteousness."
The ministers exchanged uneasy glances, some nodding in submission, others whispering among themselves. A senior minister, his robes adorned with gold, stepped forward, his tone cautious yet respectful. "Noble warrior, your victory over Jarasandha is undeniable, a feat that will be sung for generations. But to crown a new king so swiftly, and one whose lineage we know not—may we know your origins and your vision for Magadha? The people will want assurance that their new ruler is worthy of this ancient throne."
Bahubali's gaze was steady, his voice firm yet tinged with the wisdom of his divine teachers. "I am Bahubali, son of Abhiram, a charioteer of Hastinapur, and Sumitra, a woman of boundless heart. My lineage is that of a suta, but my teachers—whose names I am sworn to keep secret—have forged me into a warrior and scholar dedicated to dharma. My vision is simple: a Magadha where merit triumphs over birth, where every soul has the chance to learn, thrive, and live with dignity. I will not rule as Jarasandha did, with fear and cruelty, but with justice and compassion. Now, summon the priests and prepare the coronation, for I will not delay the work that lies ahead."
The ministers bowed, some reluctantly, and preparations began. Priests were summoned to perform the sacred rites, but a few, their faces contorted with indignation, protested loudly. One elder priest, his voice shrill, stepped forward. "A suta on the throne of Magadha? This is an affront to tradition, to the sacred laws of varna! The gods will not bless a kingdom ruled by one born of low caste!"
Bahubali's eyes narrowed, but his voice remained calm, carrying the weight of his resolve. "The gods I serve value dharma above all, not the chains of varna. Jarasandha's cruelty was no less an affront to the divine, yet you crowned him without protest. If you cannot accept a ruler who seeks justice for all, you have no place in this new Magadha. Guards, escort these priests beyond our borders. They are free to preach their prejudice elsewhere."
The dissenting priests were swiftly removed, their protests fading as other priests conducted the coronation with grandeur. Amid Vedic chants and the fragrance of sandalwood, Bahubali was crowned king, his forehead anointed with sacred tilak, Ajaydhansu resting beside the throne as a symbol of his divine mandate. The court erupted in cheers, though some faces remained wary, uncertain of the changes to come.
Turning to Karna, who stood steadfast by his side, Bahubali spoke with conviction. "Radheya Karna, my brother in arms and heart, I appoint you senapati of Magadha's army. Your valor and wisdom, forged under Lord Parashurama, make you the only one I trust to lead our forces. Root out any rebels within the ranks who cling to Jarasandha's ways. Ensure our army is loyal to dharma and to the vision we share for this kingdom."
Karna bowed, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Maharaj, I am honored beyond words to serve as your senapati. I swear to you, I will purge the army of any who oppose your rule or harbor Jarasandha's cruelty. Every soldier under my command will uphold the principles you've set forth—justice, merit, and protection for all. I'll begin at once, reviewing the ranks and ensuring loyalty to Magadha's new dawn."
Bahubali nodded, clasping Karna's shoulder. "I trust you completely, Karna. Let's build an army that fights not for conquest but for righteousness, one that protects the weak and upholds the truth."
Next, Bahubali ordered the seventy-six captive kings, imprisoned by Jarasandha for his demonic ritual, brought before him. The kings, haggard from their ordeal, stood in the court, their eyes reflecting a mix of hope and wariness. Bahubali addressed them, his voice clear and resolute. "Kings of Aryavrat, you were bound by Jarasandha's tyranny, destined for a cruel fate. I offer you freedom, not as a conqueror seeking your fealty, but as a ruler who believes in justice. Return to your kingdoms as independent sovereigns, free to rule as you see fit. In exchange, I ask only for one-fourth of your treasuries to rebuild Magadha into a land of prosperity and fairness. What say you to this proposal?"
A grizzled king from a southern realm stepped forward, his voice weary but grateful. "Maharaj Bahubali, your mercy is a gift we did not dare hope for. Jarasandha's chains stripped us of dignity, and yet you offer us not just freedom but sovereignty. One-fourth of our treasuries is a small price for such liberation. I accept your proposal, and I believe my fellow kings will agree. We thank you for your compassion and pledge our goodwill to Magadha's new ruler."
The other kings murmured their assent, bowing in gratitude. Bahubali smiled, his heart lightened. "Then go, noble kings, rebuild your realms with wisdom and justice. Let our alliance be one of mutual respect, not subjugation. Magadha will stand as your ally, not your overlord."
With the kings' release arranged, Bahubali turned to the state of the kingdom. Reviewing records with the ministers, he found that Jarasandha's rule, while cruel beyond measure, had left Magadha's coffers full but its people suffering. The poor languished, education was reserved for the elite, and homelessness plagued the cities. Determined to change this, Bahubali issued sweeping reforms. "Ministers," he declared, "I want hospitals built in every district to heal the sick, free of cost. Establish schools and gurukuls open to all castes, where knowledge is a right, not a privilege. Set aside funds for orphanages and homes for the elderly, ensuring no soul in Magadha goes uncared for. And let it be known: no one shall be homeless in my kingdom. If any need aid, they may come to me directly, and I will provide."
The ministers, initially stunned by the scale of his vision, scrambled to obey, noting the divine confidence in his voice. Bahubali's pouch, blessed by Devi Lakshmi with unlimited wealth, ensured funds were never a concern, allowing his reforms to take root swiftly.
Next, Bahubali summoned Prince Sahadeva, Jarasandha's heir, to a private meeting in the palace gardens. Sahadeva, a young man with sharp eyes and a cautious demeanor, bowed warily. "Maharaj, you've defeated my father and taken his throne. I expected exile or worse. Why summon me now?"
Bahubali's tone was warm yet firm. "Sahadeva, I bear no grudge against you for your father's sins. I see in you a mind capable of greatness, untainted by his cruelty. I propose you serve as my Prime Minister to help govern Magadha and build a kingdom where merit reigns over birth. I believe you can be a force for good. Will you join me in this vision?"
Sahadeva's skepticism was evident, his voice guarded. "You speak of merit, yet you've taken my father's throne by force. Why should I trust your intentions? Magadha has known only power and fear under my father. What makes your rule different, Maharaj? What is this vision you keep speaking of?"
Bahubali met his gaze, his voice earnest and unwavering. "My vision is a Magadha where every person, from suta to Brahmin, has the chance to rise through their talents. I want schools for all, hospitals for the sick, homes for the destitute. I want a kingdom where dharma, not caste, defines worth. I defeated your father because his adharma threatened Aryavrat's balance, but I seek to build, not destroy. As my minister, you can help shape this future, prove your worth beyond your father's shadow, and serve a cause greater than power. Join me, Sahadeva, and let us create a legacy of justice together."
Sahadeva paused, his skepticism giving way to intrigue as he weighed Bahubali's words. "Your words are bold, Maharaj, unlike any ruler I've known. My father ruled through fear, but you speak of compassion and equality. I confess, I doubted you, but your vision stirs something in me. I accept your offer, not out of fear but because I want to see this Magadha you describe. Let me serve as your minister, and I will prove my loyalty through my deeds."
Bahubali smiled, clasping Sahadeva's hand. "Welcome, Sahadeva. Together, we'll root out those who oppose this new Magadha—those loyal to your father's ways. It will be a tedious task, but with you and Karna by my side, we'll build a kingdom that honors dharma."
Over the next six months, Bahubali, Karna, and Sahadeva worked tirelessly. Karna reorganized the army, weeding out rebels with a blend of diplomacy and firmness, ensuring loyalty to Bahubali's rule. Sahadeva, with his knowledge of Magadha's inner workings, helped identify and exile courtiers still clinging to Jarasandha's ideals, replacing them with those who embraced the new vision. Construction began on hospitals, schools, orphanages, and old-age homes, the city's skyline slowly transforming with Bahubali's reforms. The pouch of Devi Lakshmi funded these projects, its endless wealth a divine gift that turned Bahubali's dreams into reality.
After six months, with Magadha's transformation underway, Bahubali and Karna decided to return to Hastinapur to visit their families. "Karna," Bahubali said as they prepared their chariot, "we've laid the foundation here. Magadha is in Sahadeva's capable hands for now. Let's go home, see our parents, and draw strength from those we love before we continue our mission."
Karna nodded, his smile warm. "You're right, Bahu. It's been too long since we saw our mothers' smiles or heard our fathers' laughter. Let's go back to Hastinapur, recharge our spirits, and plan the next steps for Aryavrat."
The journey back was filled with quiet reflection, the chariot carrying the two friends toward their childhood home. As Hastinapur's gates came into view, Bahubali felt a surge of nostalgia, ready to embrace his family before returning to the monumental task of reshaping Aryavrat with Karna by his side.