THE HALF SMILE 133come to her and tells him how to become the king of Aror: "My intel-
lect argues that if you act with courage at this point, this kingdom, by
God's grace, will be yours."^8 Chach quickly agrees to her plan, adding
only that he should also consult "devoted servants" about it. The
queen's scheme is to keep the news of the king's death secret for six
months, during which time they incite other claimants to the throne
to eliminate each other. Finally, with enough of their own supporters
in the court, the queen declares Chach as the caretaker prime minister
for a seriously ill king. In detailing this coup, Chachama emphasizes
that the wit and wisdom of Sohnan Devi are the catalyst for action,
with Chach as the willing'apprentice.
After six months, they announce Sahasi's deatg. When Sahasi's
brother learns of his death, he assembles an army and descends on Aror
to challenge Chach for the throne. Chach is frightened and goes to
Sohnan Devi for advice: ''Thi~ claimant to the throne is now here.
What do you advise?" Sohnan Devi smiles and responds, "I am a veiled
woman. If you need me to fight for you, then give me your clothes so I
can go out and fight while you sit inside.here, wearing my clothes. Have
you not heard the wise men say that when one decides on a task, after
due consultations, he must fulfil it with determination? This is your
kingdom now, and it is in your name. What advice is left? .Go out like
a lion and defend your claim, for it is better to die with honor, and re-
nown than to be perceived as weak by your peers."^9
The queen declares that they have already made a plan and have
been acting on it. Note that the queen understands that political
strategy requires consultation and that political action requires bravery
and steadfastness. Her challenge to' Chach's masculinity and honor
propel him to face Rai Mahrit, whom he kills in battle. After this vic-
tory, the queen assembles the dignitaries of the court, and in public
she announces that there is no biological heir to the throne. She de-
clares that Chach has proven himself as someone of high intellect and
valor that therefore he is the rightful custodian of the polity. She con-
cludes tha~ her h,and should be given in marriage to Chach so that he
will become the new king. The court approves, and she is married to
Chach and has two sons.
The ascension of Chach, then, is only through the political acumen
of Sohnan Devi, who while declaring her desire for him respects the