SKing Shahaji Raje ruled over the state of Maharashtra, India in the 15th century. He had appointed Dadoji Kondadev to look after his estates in the city of Pune. Both Shahaji Raje and Dadoji are well known in Indian history for their valor and integrity.

    Once while Dadoji Kondev was touring the estates in Pune, he plucked a ripe mango off a tree and ate it. A few minutes later he felt that he had committed a mistake by eating the fruit. The fruit belonged to his master and he ate it without first seeking the permission of his master, Shahaji Raje. He immediately sent a note to Shahaji Raje confessing to his offense. Dadoji felt that his mistake was very grave. He wrote to Shahaji Raje, “Please send an order to chop off the very hand, which plucked and ate his masters fruit without permission. I will fulfill the order myself, as soon as I receive it.”

    When King Shahaji read the note he was stunned by the attitude of service, loyalty and degree of truthfulness present in Dadoji. He was overcome with emotion towards Dadoji. He thought, “How can I possibly punish such a loyal and intelligent man for eating a single mango without first asking for permission? On the other hand if I do not punish him, this man of principles, will not be satisfied. I should come up with a punishment which will not demean him but increase his glory.”

    He immediately sent a note to Dadoji, “Do not chop off the hand with which you ate the mango, but tear a part of the right sleeve of your jacket, for the rest of your life.”

    Till the day he died, Dadoji took this punishment that actually reminded other courtiers and his visitors the importance of truthfulness!