Asokan's Charade

The city of Travancore sprawled wide and beautiful, a witness to its rich heritage and meticulous governance.

Its stone-paved pathways glistened under the morning sun, winding through bustling marketplaces and serene residential quarters, ultimately leading to the grand, vibrant temples adorned with intricate carvings and vivid murals.

These temples, eternal symbols of the city's spiritual essence, hummed with the voices of priests and devotees, their devotional hymns weaving a serene melody other than the city's otherwise lively atmosphere.

The streets were alive with activity. Merchants filled every corner of the markets, loudly advertising their wares—fragrant spices, colorful silks, exotic jewelry, and handcrafted goods. Citizens haggled.

Despite the vibrant chaos, an air of security and order prevailed. Patrol soldiers, clad in traditional armor, stood at every corner, their mere presence a witness to the city's strict governance.