The Nose Jewel: A Tale of Greed
This is a story about a precious diamond nose jewel. It tells us what happens when people are tempted by something that isn't theirs. It is written by C. Rajagopalachari.
Meet the Author: C. Rajagopalachari
Chakravarti Rajagopalachari was a wise Indian writer and leader. People called him Rajaji. He helped India become free.
He was the last Governor-General of India. He wrote many stories to teach important lessons.
A Cozy Home and Busy Sparrows
Ramayya's Simple Home
Ramayya and his wife lived in a nice house. It had a tiled roof. They were happy.
A Sparrow's Nest
Two sparrows built a nest there. They made it in a cozy spot. Mother bird laid eggs.
Bird Talk
The male bird often talked. He wondered why the woman quarreled. His wife said to mind their own business.
A Disagreement Between Sparrows
Self-Centered?
The male sparrow called his wife "self-centered." He wanted to help Ramayya.
Mind Our Business
The female bird scoffed. She told him not to worry. She just wanted him to watch for the cat.
The Shining Stud
Then, the male bird found a shining diamond. He brought it to the nest. He asked his wife if she liked it.
The Diamond is Found!
Dropped Jewel
The female bird was not interested in the diamond. She wanted food for the babies. So the male bird dropped the jewel.
Sweeping Up
Ramayya's wife was sweeping the floor. She saw something shiny. It was the diamond stud!
Joyful Find
She picked it up with great joy. She put the beautiful jewel on her nose.
Ramayya's Worry
Ramayya's Question
Ramayya saw the jewel. He asked his wife, "Where did you get that?"
Wife's Reply
She said, "I found it here yesterday."
Give it Back
Ramayya was angry. He said they must give it to the magistrate. He worried about the police.
No Disgrace
He did not want shame. He feared being caught with something not theirs.
The Lost Jewel and Suspicions
Girl's Secret
Nearby, a girl lost her nose-jewel. She left it in the bathroom.
Mother's Comfort
Her mother, Meenakshi Ammal, comforted her. "Don't tell father yet," she said.
Village News
Soon, everyone in the village knew the jewel was missing.
Maid Suspected
The maid, Kuppayi, was thought to be the thief. The police searched her house.
Fear and Fever
Ramayya's Fear
Ramayya was very scared. His heart beat fast.
Wife's Box
His wife hid the diamond in her box. She kept it safe and secret.
Sudden Fever
Soon after, Ramayya's wife got a bad fever. She was stuck in bed.
Sparrows Discuss Greed
Cruel Words
The male sparrow was mean. He said the fever was good for her.
Blame Game
The female bird blamed him. "You brought the jewel," she chirped.
Greed's Lesson
The male sparrow said humans get greedy. This happens when they steal.
Lessons Learned and Remaining Fear
1
Never Be Greedy
We should never want what belongs to others.
2
Live in Fear
Ramayya and his wife lived with fear of being caught.
3
Consequences
Even with the jewel, the fear was much worse.
What is the most important lesson from this story? Why do you think the sparrows talked so much about the humans? What would you do if you found something valuable that wasn't yours?