Indian Folktale with Moral Lesson | Satyavati & The Potter

Once upon a time, there was a potter’s son named Saatvik. Potter worked hard day and night but could earn just enough money to live on. Potter’s family consisted of his wife, daughter Satyavati, and son Saatvik. Saatvik desired to help his father.  His father wanted him to assist him in pottery. But Saatvik lacked the skills of a good potter, nor he had the inclination to be one. He enjoyed music and wanted to learn to play the flute.

One day Potter decided to teach him to make a small bowl. Saatvik listened and saw him attentively. Satyavati, too, observed him. She wished her father taught her also. Just then, her mother ordered, ‘Satyavati, go make some sweets for your brother; he is working so hard today.’

This disrupted her, complaining she got up and resumed her work in the kitchen.

Saatvik started practicing it, but he struggled to make a small bowl. Satyavati served him sweets. He refused to eat. Satyavati offered Saatvik help and started making a bowl. Once potter got home, he was delighted to see the small colorful bowl.

‘Good job, my son. I am proud of you,’ said the potter.

Saatvik revealed that he was not the one who made it; instead, it was his sister’s hard work.

This made potter very angry, and he threw Saatvik out of the house. Saatvik started crying and reached his uncle’s village. He stayed there for a week and then returned home. When he got home, his father was not there. His mother and sister were overjoyed to see him.

Just then, his father arrived, he looked pleased. He took his son in his arms. Elated potter then shared the reason for his happiness with his family.

He said, ‘King Yayati liked the flower vase I made for Minister Dhanush, and he wants me to make hundred flower vases for each room in his castle.’ As soon as he finished the sentence, he started dancing. The entire family rejoiced, the potter’s wife declared a small feast for dinner. Potter’s daughter, Satyavati, illuminated the lamp in a temple built inside the house. She thanked God and for the life-changing opportunity. The potter looked at Saatvik with a lot of expectations.

‘I have to present a hundred flower vases in seven days,’ said the potter.

‘I will help you,’ said Satyavati. The potter ignored Satyavati’s words; instead, he turned to his Saatvik.

‘You and I will do it together,’ said the potter to his son.

‘I think you should take Satyavati’s help, and besides, she is so good at it,’ said Saatvik.

This made the potter fume, and he took the plunge to make a hundred flower vases without any help.

‘Satyavati will marry and go to her home, then who will take my business ahead,’ fumed the potter.

He worked round the clock. This had an effect on his health, and he fell ill on the second day.

Saatvik felt terrible for his father, but he simply was not cut out for pottery.

Seeing her father depressed and not able to recover because of anxiety, Satyavati took the onus. She started creating flower vases. Saatvik, too helped her by sourcing mud and colors. Mother took potter’s care. 

On the seventh day, Minister Dhanush arrived to collect the flower vases. Satyavati and Saatvik helped royal servant load flower vases on the horse cart. Minister Dhanush thanked Saatvik and appreciated him. Saatvik accepted the appreciation and said his sister Satyavati deserved it as she made them; he only helped her. Minister Dhanush congratulated potter for having children like Satyavati and Saatvik. Potter realized his mistake and trained Satyavati without any inhibitions.

Moral of the short story: Inhibitions always create limitations.

Happy Reading!

About the writer: Nisha is the author of a highly appreciated novel, The Blue Jinx.