RASALU, THE FAKIR, AND THE GIANTS
There was once a fakir who had gained such a wide reputation for working wonders that Rájá Rasalu, King of Sialkot, determined to pay him a visit. So one day, accompanied by his retinue, he set out for the village of Tilláh, where the holy man dwelt.
The fakir's power was so great that he knew of the King's approach long before he reached the foot of the mountain on one side of which the village was situated, and he said to his disciples, "Rájá Rasalu is on his way here with the purpose of putting my knowledge to the test. He is the son of a Hindoo, and therefore should know better. I have heard that his own power is very great, so I will first put him to the test."
His pupils agreed with him, but said that he should first change himself into some great animal, so that the King might not know him. The fakir then turned himself into a powerful tiger, and when Rasalu and his followers reached the house they saw this wild beast prowling round.
The King's attendants were stricken with fear, and said, "How great must be the power of this fakir when even tigers are under his sway! Let us return while we may!"
But the Rájá answered sternly, "A wise man will finish the enterprise upon which he starts, and only a fool will confess to failure." So he challenged the tiger, and said, "You are indeed a mighty full-grown tiger, but I am a Rájput, therefore let us fight."
Then the tiger uttered a terrific growl which was like the roar of an earthquake, and prepared to spring. But Rasalu fitted a magic arrow to his bow, and the fakir, knowing its power, immediately vanished.
The King entered the house of the famous fakir, whom he found in the midst of his pupils, and who at once rose and made a respectful bow to one who was more powerful than himself.
Rasalu said, "You are a pretty fakir to try to outwit me or any one."
Then was the fakir irritated and ashamed, and he said, "O King, this is only the abode of poor holy men, and not Gangar, which is the home of the seven famous giants. If you would achieve renown, conquer these, for none will come to you for lording it over fakirs."
To this the Rájá replied, "O fakir, you taunt me. Now, as I am the descendant of the great King Bikrámájit, I make a vow never to return to my home until I have defeated the giants of whom you speak. Tell me how I may find them."
The fakir told him the way, and said, "I pray for your success, and this will come to you if you will observe the two following conditions: First, do not draw sword, and next, kill no woman."
So Rájá Rasalu set out for Gangar. Now Gangar was the name also of the most mighty giant of all the seven, and the mountain which was named after him was full of enormous caverns, which were the homes of himself and of his comrades.
In a few days the King arrived, and began to ascend the mountain, but for a long time he searched in vain for the giants. At last he saw one of them carrying water towards the base of a rock and he challenged him. The giant roared so that the stones rattled together and rushed upon Rasalu, who at once fitted an arrow to his bow, let fly, and slew him.
The noise made by the giant roused the others, who came rushing out from their dens. But when they saw that it was King Rasalu who had come against them they were afraid, for they had heard of his might. Then one of them said, "We have been told of your power, but to know whether or not you are worthy to fight with us, let us see you pierce seven plates of iron with your arrow."
Then they set up seven plates of iron, and the King sent his arrow through them all. This wonderful feat filled them with dismay, and they at once turned and fled. But the King pursued them, bow in hand, and with the exception of one only, he slew them all with his invincible arrows.
Rasalu then saw that the remaining giant was a woman, and remembering the second direction of the fakir he put back the arrow which he had already fitted to his bow. He called out, "Stand, woman, I am King Rasalu, and you cannot escape me."
But the giantess replied, "You may indeed capture me, O King, but take notice that in this very country which you have invaded your head shall be smitten from your body."
She then disappeared within a mighty cavern just as Rasalu, urging his horse, made a leap over a great chasm in order to reach her.
The Rájá dismounted, but by this time the giantess was a long way within the mountain. Then he engraved his likeness on the face of the rock inside the entrance of the cave, which he closed by rolling a great stone over its mouth. Escape for her was impossible, and there she remains to this day. At times she endeavors to get out, but as soon as she catches sight of King Rasalu's likeness on the rock she rushes back, filled with dismay, and her roaring fills the villages around with dread.