Bheesa (emperor)
| Bheesa | |
|---|---|
 Depiction of an emperor assumed to be Bheesa | |
| Born | Ulhasa 463 Sricca, Cananganam |
| Died | July 12, 514 (aged 51) Daktuva, Cananganam |
| Other names | Bikarusa |
Bheesa (Cananganamese: Bhḗsā /bʱéːsa:/; 463 - July 12, 514) was the 30th consecutive emperor of Cananganam in the Lunukist tradition. Born and assumed the title the same year following an evaluation through the Imperial Dhassa, Bheesa was placed into regency under the guidance of the Rha Heccha until his assumption of sole authority in 479. His administration saw one of the most peaceful periods during the empire, encouraging study of the arts and a fondness for both architectural and engineering feats.
Leading a successful military campaign against a Sawyan uprising, much of his tenure as emperor was uneventful militarily. Many of the empire's neighbors were placated or defeated decisively by his Thacha, a selection of ten generals. The period was otherwise marked by no other significant uprisings or incursions by neighboring kingdoms.
Early regency
According to Lunukist traditions, Bheesa was proclaimed to be the embodiment of the emperor's rhasra following a report from the village priest in Sricca. Claimed to have the ability to recite sentences from the Lunukist Canons, it was believed he was the reincarnation of the previous emperor. The parents of Bheesa were thus inducted as nobles within the royal court, but without the privileges most peers would have. His early regency was dominated by his regent, Rha Kuktha. Kuktha made certain that Bheesa received an education in religious and legal matters, while guiding him on military matters. In 472, a Sawyan revolt took control of the Salagwea river basin, threatening to take over much of the agricultural heartland in modern-day Haboya. Rha took Bheesa to observe the campaign there, where Bheesa was almost captured by the Sawyans, though despite his age managed to kill his would-be captor without injury.
Believing it to be a great omen for the emperor's health, much of the court's instability settled and the Srambusa agreed to negotiate matters of power dynamics within the court as was tradition. With no other matters requiring direct imperial intervention, Bheesa received significant study as a master of Canamic law by the time he was age 15.
Reign
Finally receiving his coming-of-age ceremony at age 16, he was re-coronated as emperor of Cananganam. His regency was no longer official, but Rha remained a close advisor for the next eight years. The major focus Bheesa had decided upon was improving the educational structure of Cananganam. Promoting the construction of two new monasteries in Daktuva, he encouraged the learning of basic Cananganamese scripture among the middle chee caste, who before only had limited literacy. This increase in literacy, as well as access to new writing materials led to more records surviving in this period than previous eras. Owing to this, many records discuss how the period had fared. As historiography was not a popular topic at this time, few direct accounts of minor events exist within the court itself.
Most existing records mention Bheesa being a successful emperor, and more in touch with the populous of Daktuva than prior emperors. An increase in trade was also mentioned, with sources of goods as far away as Ekuosia (Through routes from Qonklaks) being found in tombs and graves buried around this period. New dyes and cloths were the most popular of these goods, as cotton fabric had been found despite the plant not being sown in Cananganam until the late 19th and early 20th century.
In addition, numerous works of architecture and engineering are dated to this period. Expanded silver, platinum, and gold mining has left a significant mark in the Calse region, where entire mountains are believed to have been dug through via hydraulic mining. Records indicate a total production of 1,000 tonnes of gold over the century following Bheesa's administration, which would later be used to fund Cananganamese expansion in Boroso and other ventures. The most notable architectural monument was the Daktuva aqueduct, a massive 120 km long aqueduct which supplied clean drinking water to most of the city during both the wet and dry seasons, a valuable commodity which helped supply many of the cisterns and baths of the capitol. In addition to providing water for drinking, it also was used in tandem with early piping and waterwheel technologies. Much of Daktuva prospered over the next centuries as a result of this project, turning it into a sizable metropolis for early medieval standards.
Death
Bheesa is recorded as having died of old age at 51 years old, which left some doubt as to what may have actually been responsible for his death. Some historians have suggested he was poisoned by one of his wives or close companions. Others have suggested that he may have died of the complications of lead poisoning due to his insistence on using silver utensils with his meals.
Issue
While the names of his six wives aren't recorded, Bheesa is recorded as having at least 8 sons and 17 daughters, though there may be more unrecorded children that may have simply not survived childhood.