Reborn In 17th century India with Black Technology

219  Dakshin Bharatiya Empire Year End Report Part :1

Dakshin Bhartiya Empire, Vijayanagar State, capital city Hampi.

It is an important day in the history of the Empire because today marks the day of the first year-end report. This report, submitted to Emperor Vijay Devaraya by the government, serves to review all the progress made by the empire in the past year. It is akin to a report card for the ministers in power. The year-end report should have been held right after Ugadi, but the war with the Ahom kingdom made it impossible to do so. Additionally, Vijay had to explain what a year-end report was to the ministers, as they were unaware of its purpose and needed time to prepare.

He vividly recalled the dialogue he had with Vinod a few days ago.

"Your Majesty, forgive me for my lack of knowledge, but what is this year-end report?" Vinod inquired, puzzled by yet another new proposal from His Majesty.

"A year-end report is a summit held by the government to showcase their achievements to the public," Vijay explained.

"But Your Majesty, don't we already send the reports of our individual ministries to the imperial committee?" Vinod queried again, expressing confusion about the necessity of this year-end report.

"Yes, you do send the report to me regularly as it is your duty, but that does not mean you have fulfilled your duties to the citizens of the empire."

"The citizens?"

"Yes, the citizens. Your duty is not only to me but also to the citizens. Remember, now, you are not appointed by me as a traditional noble, but you are appointed by the people who voted you to power as their representative. They are your main support for you to stay in power. Since they have put their trust in you, they have the right to know what you have done throughout the year. If you misuse this trust, I would naturally not intervene if you end up being replaced by the people in the next election."

Upon hearing this, Vinod finally felt enlightened, as he was still in the mindset that he would only need to answer to His Majesty, the Emperor. He had been complacent because he retained the post of Prime Minister very easily with the help of His Majesty, and he felt like His Majesty's will was greater than that of the people. Now, listening to His Majesty's words, his mind became clear. He finally understood that His Majesty wanted him to work wholeheartedly for the citizens, and if he failed to do so and lost the election in the next term, His Majesty would not help him regain his power as the Prime Minister.

"I will do as you say, Your Majesty, and also the government," Vinod affirmed.

Present Day.

Vijay made his way to the Parliament building in the royal capital. It was a large hall, comparable to his royal palace. Originally, this hall was used as a theatre and was owned by the royal family. Unfortunately, Vijay had little interest in the theatre performances of the era. Moreover, since the theatre was one of the largest buildings in the capital, he arranged for the government to hold Parliament sessions here. It is to be noted that this arrangement was temporary, as the construction of a full-scale Parliament in the new capital was underway.

As Vijay entered the entrance of the parliament, drums were played with a majestic tune. *Badum Badum Badum*

A red carpet was draped at the entrance, and Vinod, along with the ministers, respectfully welcomed him inside. Upon entering the Parliament, rows of chairs and tables filled the Parliament room on opposite sides of the hall, where the ministers would sit. The Parliament hall was divided into two distinct houses: the Liberals and the Conservatives. The Radicals that Vijay had envisioned were not yet elected, as the education system in the empire was not integrated enough for school-based elections.

14:54

A red carpet was draped at the entrance, and Vinod, along with the ministers, respectfully welcomed him inside. Upon entering the Parliament, rows of chairs and tables filled the Parliament room on opposite sides of the hall, where the ministers would sit. The Parliament hall was divided into two distinct houses: the Liberals and the Conservatives. The Radicals that Vijay had envisioned were not yet elected, as the education system in the empire was not integrated enough for school-based elections.

As Vijay walked through the red carpet, more ministers stood up and bowed to him as he passed by. In the centre of the Parliament, a throne was arranged for him, with the speaker's seat below it. The Parliament was oval-shaped, with the centre-left as a stage for the presenter to speak.

As Vijay sat down, he took the Talvar from his waist and placed it in the Talvar holder on his right.

"Let the summit begin," Vijay said, as everything was prepared and awaiting his approval.

* Dong *

First, Vinod, the prime minister of the Empire, took the stage and started his speech.

"Your Majesty the Emperor, esteemed fellow ministers, and distinguished members of parliament, I warmly welcome you to this inaugural year-end summit. Today is a testament to the trust bestowed upon us by both the people and the emperor. I trust that our dedication and the results achieved throughout the year will not disappoint His Majesty or the citizens of the Dakshin Bhartiya Empire." Vinod scanned the crowd, seeking their reaction, and finally, his gaze settled on the emperor.

*Clap clap clap*

The audience in the parliament clapped their hands with smiles on their faces, happy to receive the recognition. Even Vijay nodded his head in approval as he gestured for Vinod to continue. Vinod took the documents he had with him, which contained the data of the empire he would like to report. Placing the documents on the dais, which was located at the centre of the parliament, he started to speak.

"First, the most important news I would like to convey is the reach of the government since the reform has taken place. During the time of the Vijayanagar Empire 50 years ago, the Empire had control over only around 10 cities, 600 to 700 towns, around 10,000 villages, and over 12 million people. Maybe our older generation might be familiar with this data as they personally experienced what that time was like when local nobles could have power equal to that of the emperor in their villages of influence," Vinod said as he looked at an old man in the guests. Logananda, who was also invited to this year-end meeting, nodded his head in agreement with this statement.

Seeing unanimous agreement, particularly from the older generation present as witnesses to his statements, Vinod continued.

"Thanks to the reforms spearheaded by His Majesty the Emperor and the continued centralization of power in the Empire, the government now holds exclusive authority over legislation and his majesty over execution. Our Empire now encompasses 50 cities, 2,500 towns, 50,000 villages, and a population exceeding 37 million and counting."

*Clap clap clap*

Loud applause reverberated throughout the parliament hall as Vinod presented the data, starkly different from what he initially contrasted in his speech. Observing Vinod closely, Vijay couldn't help but smile, recognizing the political manoeuvre at play. By using outdated data from 50 years ago for comparison, Vinod cleverly employed a political tactic to make his achievements look more dazzling. However, Vijay knew that comparing the two datasets was akin to comparing a bicycle to a motorcycle—they belonged to completely different eras, rendering any direct comparison unfair. But, seeing Vinod's happy face, which looked like he had won, Vijay decided not to spoil his fun. Honestly, he could not blame Vinod, as he had nothing to compare the data with, given that the reforms had only been completed recently, and there was not enough data to compare him with anyone else. He was confident that people would start to see through such tricks as they gained more experience, hence he did not oppose Vinod's speech.

After Vinod expressed what he wanted to say, he introduced Arjun and gave him the stage.

"Respected ministers and Your Majesty the Emperor, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has been working diligently to enhance the internal security of the Empire. Currently, we have managed to establish 5000 police stations across the Empire, with a police force of 90,000 active-duty police officers. On average, there are 18 officers per police station, though this number may vary depending on the population density of the area where the police station is located. For instance, in a city like Chennai, multiple police stations are built across the city, with an average of 50 police officers per station. Conversely, in a small village like Lingapura, the police station employs fewer police officers and multiple locally recruited constables. Overall, the crime rate in the Empire has significantly decreased. Additionally, thanks to the assistance provided by His Majesty and the military, the Ministry of Internal Affairs is now capable of exercising its law enforcement powers even in the inland rivers where pirates could gather. Currently, we have 25 Hampi-class sloops and 2 Vinayak-class frigates. With the establishment of special industrial zones near the banks of our rivers, the Navy force of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is also planned to increase."

*Clap clap clap*

Claps rang out again as Arjun performed very well throughout the years 1654 to 1655.

Next, it was the military's turn.

Kiran Pujari took the stage and he started to speak in a steady voice, "We had a hectic year from 1654 to 1655. We had to defend ourselves against the Mughals in the first half of the year and had to send reinforcements to the Ahom Kingdom just at the end of the year. I am very pleased to say that despite some setbacks, we have emerged victorious."

*Clap clap clap*

" Through all these battles, we have learned a lot, and discussing with His Majesty the Emperor, the military reform of the Empire is put forward."

"Kiran said as he distributed the documents among the ministers," Vijay observed the scene, unable to stifle a laugh. The year-end summit was not meant for discussing reforms, yet Kiran proceeded. Despite being well aware of the reform's content, and having provided significant input himself, Vijay didn't intervene. It was a valuable opportunity with all the ministers gathered in one place. Since it was the first year-end meeting and the Ottoman threat was right around the corner, deviating from the typical agenda was acceptable.

Having distributed the reform plan, Kiran continued, "The division among the army is no longer usable. Before, the military structure was designed by His Majesty to be optimal for wars at that time. But now, since we are looking forward to expanding the army, the older management system would no longer suffice."

Listening to this sentence, a wave of worry rose up in Jagannath Mohan's heart. He knew instinctively that the Empire would have to spend a lot of money on the military this year. Slumping into his chair, he came to this realization.

P.S. Not much today, just came to the farm. Oh, we have guava, by the way.

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