A Thousand Beggars (The Legend of Ponnivala [Series 1, Book 7])

"The Legend of Ponnivala" is a vast, ancient epic from the Kongu region of South India, where it is known as the "Annanmar Kathai" or "Elder Brothers' Story." It is the story of three generations of a farming family who through their exploits and the intercession of the Hindu gods rise to become kings of their region. Previously only told orally by bards in the local area, it is surprisingly accurate in its accounts of historical events, and has close ties to the Mahabharata.

In Episode 7: The roasted seeds grow, but there are more tricks. When jewels replace the maize grains, the Queen gives this new wealth to beggars. Lord Vishnu replenishes it.