Bharat Ka Veer Putra Maharana Pratap

“Bharat Ka Veer Putra Maharana Pratap jald hi Sony Entertainment Television par”

“Maa see here, another Historical!” I smiled waving at the TV.

“Kiske up?” She frowned knowing it will mean one more 30 min slot I take over the TV. As if Mahabharat was not enough!

“Rana Pratap Singh!” I said gleefully. “They are not showing who will play it though.”

“Koi suite nahi karega.” She smiled. “ Pictures dekhi hai unki?”

“Haan,” I said thoughtfully. The last Historical I truly loved was Veer Shivaji which ended suddenly. “Bas I hope achanak se bandh na ho jaaye.”

Two days later….

“Bharat ka veer putra Maharana Pratap Sattais May se Sony Entertainment Television par”

27^th May 2013:

“Dhola maru Dharti ro… laal ayo re….”

His brown eyes, that red tika, that run through the sands of Jaisalmer … I was already in love with Kunwar Pratap. Having read the history I knew Dheerbai’s sweet talks were purposeful, but so what, one needs talent to make the enemy dance to your tunes. And Jaivanta Bai ji. Wow! That aura that grace, I was always a fan of Rajsree ji. And one episode gave me three favourites together, Faisal Khan, Aashka Goradia and Rajshree Vaidya Thakur. Okay, I admit it, since the first epi itself I was Okay Udai Singh I don’t like you! That innocent smile Kunwar Pratap wore was so so adorable.

Kunwar Pratap’s journey was slowly mesmerizing us as much as Faisal’s acting!

The Gurukul days, Raghavendra ji, the Shams Khan Kill, the Surtan days, Krishna, Panna Dhai. Every episode kept me hooked, crying smiling and laughing with Kunwar Pratap. Heard he was going to be there for two months only but the popularity apparently made them extend that part. Thank God for that. Those wars and dialogues were always wow “Jauhar phir na aega…” a promise he couldn’t keep later.

Entered Ajabde Punwar and she was just like I imagined her to be. No serial ever made me say “Aww” every time my eyes met and made my heart race when he held her hand and dragged her away from the Afghan attacks. I cried buckets when she was fighting for his life. Ahh, good old days!

27^th May 2014:

Udai Singh wanted an alliance with Marwar thanks to the sacrificing soul called Ajabdeh. I was really pissed off with how he was pushing her to confess and she was pushing him away and hurting him. Cometh the next episode and I was blown away with “Hum e mil chuki hai… humare samne khadi hai.” The lone tear that escaped his eyes every time made a million hearts ache. Then again, she…err… Kher chodo!

27^th May 2015:

Post leap is sure half of you left watching it. But truth be said I never had a problem with it, coz… BKVPMP was never about PrAja alone. It was mostly his ideals, his war techniques bravery and achievements. And post-leap they did total justice to that except for some Dheer drama.

It was that episode where he leads an army against Akbar in Chittorgarh somewhere near December 1567 and drove him away at least for a month. Ajabde’s prayers, Amar’s bravery and his confidence were shown beautifully. Yes, I missed the romance but that was their real life full of struggles with each other, life is not Romantic.

Here to mention, I had decided randomly to write their real history in a fiction form in my blog and I got overwhelming responses especially on “She Left”. I kind of dreaded the day when she will.

And I was not wrong.

I had made friends across the country and out of it for these few blogs and I was so grateful to have them. I am glad I can say I still have them there, just a message away. Incidentally, to mention, it was this very day, my dad and I decided on a Mewar trip post the episode, I just didn’t know he would make it so soon!

27^th May 2016:

It’s been months since the show is over. Yet every episode is in my blood and soul. Every time I am free I turn to these very episodes to make me laugh, cry and smile the same way it did two years back. Kunwar Pratap and Ajabde’s love still makes me wish, dream and imagine. Their bravery makes me wonder. I have spent nights (read till dawn) talking episodes and stories, plots and subplots with many fellow MRPians and I still do so, makes me smile every time. All the FCs, fandom and craziness have remained the same and it’s awesome to be a part of this crazy bunch.

Today, on the third anniversary, I am glad I was a viewer.

Maybe 20 years later people will still remember a certain Saas Bahu Drama or a Supernatural Show but for me, Bharat Ka Veer Putra Maharana Pratap is the one that touched my soul and gave me ideals. There have been crunch situations when I feel lost and yes I may sound crazy but his ideals and her beliefs make me believe.

Reading about him increased twice in the last two years and the more I read his folklore and history and listen to the local songs about him (do listen to those!) I bow down to the man whose statue stands overlooking Chavand, a lamp at his feet that cold air gave me goosebumps and I whispered “Kunwar Pratap” with tearful eyes.

Many didn’t know a certain Ajabdeh Baisa and her contribution to his life. But being a history lover and having a special interest in the not-so-famous women behind the successful men I had stumbled on her name before like I did on Jaivanta Bai’s and her character was more than justified in the show. Moreover, going to his land, and seeing his name with hers, I smiled to myself.

Faisal and Roshni, Ssharad and Rachna indeed made them alive onscreen and those lines “Hoke vivash phir aoge tum, chod ke phir na jaoge tum” still haunts me.

I should stop now as it will take me days months and years to describe my feeling towards the show, and them, and RoSal. It’s been three years, and I won’t forget in the next 30! Thank You BKVPMRP, Faisal, Ssharad, and the team for making people remember a soul who was the true first freedom fighter of India.

Lord Rama said “Our love makes us immortal, our deeds make us God”

I looked up at that board that said “Patni: Ranisa Ajabdeh Bai” and I smiled at his statue remembering those words.

Yes their love made them immortal 500 years hence and their deed made him Mewar’s “Ekling ka kahe jo Avatar, woh Pratap hai”

Jai Eklingji, Jai Mewar, Jai Maharana Pratap!

Jauhar: All You Need to Know

“We have no Knowledge of the beginning and end of the world, the first and last of this ancient book has fallen out” Abu Talib Karim Rightly said by the poet laureate of Emperor Shah Jahan above, we do not actually know the beginning and end of anything in the universe, be it the traditions, culture or human race, or the world. What we know are fragments of the past we extract out of evidence. It is in vain to try and determine the first and last of something. For the past few months owing to some media hype on Jauhar, many of you had asked me questions. I tried to answer most of them. However, a lot remained unsaid and unwritten. Mostly because some things are impossible to put into words. But here I try my best. Today is a very significant day in history. On the 23 rd of February 1568, the world saw the last “Jauhar” of Chittorgarh, recorded in the medieval history of India. Akbar had invaded Mewar and the siege of four months ended in the Saka. There was no better day for...

The Queen of Mewar

There have been many versions, folktales and local stories in Rajputana on their Kings and Queens. None of these versions is, however, historical as history only mentions her as wife to Maharana Pratap, his consort and Queen Mother to Amar Singh. She was busy making a garland when Ratnawati rushed inside, hardly able to breathe. Concerned, the elder sister stopped her work and looked at her panting young sibling. " What is it? What's wrong?" "Jija maa sa is not letting me go to the haat mela alone. Please come with me, I need to buy some bangles." The spoiled younger one pleaded. " Wait, let me do my aarti first, then we can go." The reluctant Ratnawati sat down impatiently. In another room, their mother was helping their father get ready for the day. He was the Samant of Bijolia, the representative of the Rana of Mewar. Throughout the day he had to deal with administrative problems in Bijolia and give people justice, but today he had something...

The Queen Mother of Mewar

Let me start by saying, this is a representation of history and folklore in my own words, trying to show how great a soul this lady was. And let me start with a line here. “Naari Ki Balidaano Ko Sadev Bhulta Aya hai Itihas.” Yes, most women lay forgotten in the pages of history, only alive through the folklore and local tales that fail to reach the pages of books due to a lack of historical evidence. Their names don’t remain, but their haunting hand prints on the fort walls before Jauhar, their names on inscriptions as daughter, wife and mother, often make us wonder, who were they, how were they and how were their lives! Historically, the only thing we know about Maharani Jaivanta Bai Songara, princess of Jallore and queen of Mewar is that she was the first queen of Rana Udai Singh II, the mother of most probably her only son Maharana Pratap and daughter of ally of Rana Sanga, Akshay Raj of Jallore. Apart from that her entire life has no historical existence and is spun on ...

The Princess of Marwar

Historically we know nothing about Phool Bai Rathore except that she was the daughter of Ram Singh Rathore, granddaughter of Raja Maldeo Rathore and fifth wife of Maharana Pratap. There is no historical evidence of Akbar's alliance with her in particular however Maldeo did give his granddaughters in a marriage alliance with Mughals and other major dynasties. Phool Kanwar's cousin Maanwati Bai (Better known as Jodha Bai or Jagat Gossain) married Salim, Akbar's son and later emperor Jahangir. The Princess was in her chambers. The Mehrgarh Fort was in a quiet dark state and everyone feared what lay ahead. The men of the Rathore clan had gone to ally with the Mughal emperor Akbar. Rao Maldeo had decided that it was the only way to save Marwar's future. His second son Udai and youngest one Chandrasen supported his decision to save the country. But his heir and firstborn Ram Singh Rathore was a rebel. He was not going to bow down before the Mughals and lose his dignity. A...

The Warrior Bride

Kelwa/Kailwa is a small village situated around two hours away from Chittorgarh and an hour from Lake Pichola. It was mainly inhabited by the Rathores and ruled by the Chundawat clan, who were once the rulers of Mewar. One chief of Kelwa, was Rawat Sihaji Singh Chundawat. He was a very close ally of Rana Sanga. His son Jaga Singhji too died fighting for Rana Udai Singhji in one war with the Afghans in 1555 AD. Kelwa’s heir was the minor child of Jaga Singhji and his widow Sajjan Bai Songara Chauhan. Being from the clan of the Chauhan Rajputs, she was a warrior at heart. From the early age of about four, her only son was brought up under his uncle Naga Singhji, to fight for his motherland and serve it like all other Mewaris. Fatta (Patta), as fondly called by everyone was a deft warrior even before he reached his teens. His name and bravery spread across the land, to Rana Udai Singh’s ears in Chittorgarh. He was also the nephew to Ranaji’s close aide Rawat Chundawatji. Upon the order of...

Teeja Saka Chittor Ra

23rd February 1568. The sun rose on the eastern horizon, not with the hope of a new day. But, with the horror of what was to follow. The first rays of the Sun God were met by the chants of “Jai Bhavani!” that echoed in the air of Chittorgarh. The Mewaris knew it was time. Four months back, when the Mughals camped at the base of the fort, a helpless Chittorgarh had watched. Rana Udai Singh had left with his closest aides to make the new city westwards, his capital. If rumours were to be believed, he had left behind a cavalry of 8000 soldiers, under Rao Jaimal of Merta and Rawat Patta of Kelwa to look over the fort. He had also left behind some of his lesser queens and infant princes, as an assurance to the people that Chittorgarh was invincible. Their safety and hope had lived in Kunwar Pratap. Truth be said, they had already taken the crown Prince as their King. Ever since Ranisa had left with him till he became the Senapati, he had time and again proved to be a better lead...

Maharana Pratap: The Sun of Mewar

Many of you have read my fan fiction as well as historical representations of the life and times of Maharana Pratap Singh of Mewar. I provided small details of his life in many articles. But never have I ever made a separate historical post on him. It is very difficult to put together his life without the help of folklore because historical evidence is scarce. This one was requested and hence here it goes. Needless to say, this one is very special. This is a blend of history and folklore. Leave your love. ❤️ Background and Birth: The year was 1540. Mewar was under a cloud of uncertainty. Banbir, their ruler for four years now, was a very incompetent ruler who always spent his time in luxury, drinking and dancing with girls. The crown prince Udai Singh was rumoured to be killed by him. Chittorgarh was in darkness. Around March 1540, Mewar once again saw hope as some trusted generals along Mewar with Kunwar Udai Singh attacked Chittorgarh taking Banbir by surprise. He was soon to re...

The Navroz Incident

This popular folklore has been recreated from Col, James Todd's Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan. Names I have added, from my own historical research. This one is especially for Garima to thank her for the books and love! Yet another Veer Gatha from the dessert! Ps. This is folklore with no evidence of history, please remember that Bikaner, lying in the western part of the Thar, was a small yet independent state ruled by a clan of Marwari Rathores until Raja Kalyanmal surrendered to Akbar's Rajput Policies in 1571. His fourth son Prithviraj Rathore, being a great warrior and poet was respected as one of the "Nine Gems" in Emperor Akbar's court. Prithviraj, was the son of Kalyanmal's first wife and queen Rani Songaribai Rainawati, a cousin of Maharani Jaiwanta Bai of Mewar. Hence he was cousin to the valiant Pratap Singh of Mewar. He was also married to one of Rana Udai Singh of Mewar's daughters from his other wives, sister to Kunwar Pratap, Baisa Ja...

Chittorgarh: The First Jauhar

Jauhar is the process a Rajutani welcomes, by jumping into the fire altar, invoking the Gods, and choosing death over dishonour when their men lose battles and the enemies come for a siege. It is the most honourable death a Rajputani can have and unlike Sati, it is not forced upon them or compulsory. Jauhar Gate The Chittorgarh Fort once had the palace of Rana Ratan Singh near the location of the Vijay Stambh and his Jal Mahal at the end of the fort near the main Pol. When Allauddin Khilji invaded Chittor everything was destroyed but later, kings who came, rebuild the Jal Mahal and reestablished the Jauhar Sthal in honour of Queen Padmavati, or Padmini. Rawal Ratan Singh ruled Mewar when Allauddin Khilji was the Sultan of Delhi. He was a peace-loving man who spend most of his time indulging in the music and poems of his courtiers. One such Courtier was Raghav Chetan who worked as a spy for Khilji. Jal Mahal Entrance Ratan Singh had 15 queens and 19 sons the chief one being his 15t...

Charumati's Love

T his is written based on folklore. This is a representative work of fiction and not claiming any historical happening in the conversations. This is to show the spirit of the women of Rajputana. The year 1657. Shah Jahan had taken ill and was rumoured to be dying in Agra Fort. He was about eighty and the pressure of having an empire had taken a toll on his body. The seat of power was slowly shifting from Agra to Delhi since the prominence of the Laal Quila had increased and if the news spread was to be believed his sons were in a battle for the throne already. It was time each king chose sides once again. Dara Sikhoh was the eldest and the righteous Heir to the throne. He was believed to be a man who held high morals and was hence respected by the enemies and alliances as well. Aurangzeb was his sibling and the youngest of the brothers. Short tempered and cunning he was always dreaded by the court. As Shah Jahan took ill, Aurangzeb took this as a golden opportunity to wage ...

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