The Warrior and Princess

Dasharatha was very protective of his sons. He had got them after almost a lifetime of waiting and yajnas, so they were his lifeline. Ram, the eldest, won hearts with his humble, generous ways. Bharata, the second, was his favourite queen's brave son, and Laxman and Shatrughan were the twins to the lesser queen, who followed their brothers like shadows. They were a peaceful, happy family. Sage Vasistha was their Kulaguru, teaching them the Vedic hymns and the righteous ways of life. The Princes grew up in the luxurious, protected premises of the palace.

The King of Mithila, too, was childless. Mother Earth granted him a daughter. Sita grew up learning and curious, followed by the king's second daughter, Urmila and their cousins Mandavi and Shrutakirti. They grew up knowing the natural ways of life, and their father took them to learn from men to know more about man and his natural instincts.

The princesses were curious and always questioning the traditions, and the Princes learned to uphold traditions without question. Sita was Mother Earth's blessing to Janaka, and Ram was Agni's blessing to Dasharatha.

Ram and Laxman were the chosen princes taken to be trained by the sage Vishwamitra. He wanted the princes to help him kill a dangerous Demon, Taraka Rakshasi, in the forests where he used to perform his annual Yajnas. A reluctant Dasharatha let his sons venture into the dangers. Ram and Laxman learned the arts of warfare. However, something told their guru they were no ordinary princes. At such a tender age, barely fourteen, the Princes learned quickly. Their tip was perfect. Soon, they were ready. Vishwamitra had invited many kings, princes, and other learned men to his Yajna. Upon reaching there, the brothers decided to explore the beautiful Ashrama of the learned Guru. They came to the garden and saw some princesses making garlands and picking flowers, their backs towards them. Laxman realised that all the life he had lived with brothers, his heart craved a sister he never knew he had.

The preparations were on for the Yajnas, and the eager Princess Sita was asking Vishwamitra the significance of the rituals. Standing a little distance away, the prince of Ayodhya was in awe of how this Princess was eager to know the reason behind everything he had never ever questioned. The demons were heard coming, and the learned men feared the worst. Every time, men were killed, and the Yajnas were destroyed by these demons. But this time was different. The young Princes stuck a bow on their arrows. Sita watched a brave prince chant some hymns and attack the mighty demon army. Two brothers bravely defeated the demon clans. A smile appeared on Sita's lips. He was brave but not vain.

As the Yajnas were completed successfully, Ram looked around to spot the Princesses ready to leave. He wanted to talk to her, but he had never talked to a lady before. He turned back towards his hut.

" Don't you think it's wrong?" Her voice startled him.

He turned back and saw her standing, her face demanded an answer. " You killed a woman, wasn't it Adharma?"

" What she was doing was Adharma. Punishing a wrongdoer is never Adharma. Dharma is not based on gender." She seemed satisfied with his answer and smiled. He smiled back at her, palms folded.

In the distance, Rishi Vishwamitra smiled. Destiny had spoken. He offered Janaka and the Princes of Ayodhya a trip to Rishi Gautama's ashrama. The eager parties agreed. During the journey, they crossed rivers, dangerous forests and clearings. Ram noticed how easy the princesses were in their surroundings. Urmila walked up behind her sister, " The younger one is quieter than the older one, even." She seemed displeased that, so many times their eyes met, Laxman always shied away. Never even smiled or greeted her.

Reaching Rishi Gautama's ashrama, they were greeted by a huge rock. Eager, Sita asked, " Rishi Var, what is this rock? Why is it standing here?" Ram had the same question in mind. Rishi Vishwamitra narrated the tale of how Indra tricked Ahalya, Gautama's wife, into believing he was her husband, and thus Gautama accused her of infidelity and turned her into a stone. Later, when he realised that his wife was not at fault, he repented and blessed her. That the touch of a righteous man's foot can bring her back to life. Hearing the story, the princes and princesses were stunned. Urmila had a question in mind, " Why is fidelity so important for humans? Demons and animals have more than one partner, so why not men?" Rishi Vishwamitra responded to the eager group of youngsters before him, " Because our behaviour distinguishes us from animals. We are the most advanced creatures of god, we should respect and love only one partner through life, that's humanity."

" I will always be faithful to one wife," vowed Ram.
" But what if your wife does not think the same?" Ram was about to answer it when Sita responded, " If she is righteous, humble, and a follower of Dharma, she will follow his path and be his faithful wife too." A smile appeared on Ram's face. They thought alike.

Upon Rishi Vishwamitra's request, he put his foot on the rock, and Ahalya came back to life. An embarrassed Rishi Gautama was summoned, and his forgiving wife held his hand as they started life afresh. Watching the happy couple reunite after this long separation filled Ram's heart with happiness. Sita looked back at him with a smile. This was love.

Sita's father noticed this. He invited the Prince back to Mithila to try his hand at a bow. Whoever strung it would marry Sita. However, Ram was unaware of the prize. The Princess looked on, her heart pounding in her throat, for she had already chosen him. What if he couldn't tie the bowstring? He looked into her concerned eyes and lost his concentration for a second as an excited crowd looked on. He strung it too tightly, and the bow broke in two. Till then, no great warrior could even lift the bow, let alone string it. Janaka was happy to hand him his daughter.

Sita garlanded Ram with the Jaimala. Petals were raining on them, conch shells blew, and the people cheered as he looked into her eyes; they spoke volumes. She was happy to be his. His family was called upon for the royal weddings as they stood side by side, greeting the subjects of Mithila, happy to have chosen each other, clueless about what the future held.

The separation that would be spoken of for so many years to come, Sadness, anger, agony, humiliation, war, separation, and death came between them ever since they got married, but till the last day of their lives, they were faithful to each other, respected and loved each other and were inseparable at heart.

Even today, Ram and Sita are worshipped as a couple all across India for the strength and faith they had in their relationship. For this is what people desire: his valour and her dignity. Yet, most lack respect for each other and the immense trust they had in their strained relationship.

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 have been killed by him. Chittorgarh was in darkness. Around March 1540, Mewar once again saw hope as some trusted generals, along with Kunwar Udai Singh, attacked Chittorgarh, taking Banbir by surprise. He was soon t...

Chittorgarh: The First Jauhar

The concept of Jauhar holds a profound place in Rajputana history. It is a ritual where Rajput women willingly choose death by jumping into a fire altar, invoking the gods, and embracing honour rather than living under the humiliation of enemy conquest. Unlike Sati, Jauhar was never forced or compulsory; it was considered the most honourable death a Rajputani could choose when their men lost battles and the enemy laid siege. The Historical Setting: Jauhar Gate and Chittorgarh Fort Chittorgarh Fort once housed the palace of Rana Ratan Singh near the famed Vijay Stambh and his Jal Mahal at the fort’s main gate. When Alauddin Khilji invaded Chittor, much of this was destroyed. However, later ruler Rana Kumbha rebuilt the Jal Mahal and re-established the Jauhar Sthal to honour Queen Padmavati (also known as Padmini). Ratan Singh, who ruled Mewar during Khilji’s reign as Sultan of Delhi, was known to be a peace-loving monarch who enjoyed music and poetry. One of his court poets, Ragha...

Sisodiya: Kings, Queens and Princes (1538 - 1597)

I am back with another History post, this time it is on the wives and sons of Rana Udai Singh II of Mewar, his son and heir Maharana Pratap and Rana Amar Singh. This is a continuation of the Sisodia Family History I posted some time back. The information has been taken from Annals of Mewar by James Todd, Maharana Pratap by B.N. Rana, and Maharana Pratap by Rima Hooja. Udai Singh II was the son of Ranisa Karnawati and Rana Sangram Singh. He was born on 4th August 1 522, at Chittorgarh and died on 28th February 1 572 at Gogunda . He was the Ruler of the Sisodia Dynasty. He is believed to have 56 sons and 2 5 wives, apart from the many insignificant queens in his Rani Mahal. Here is a list of his main queens and their sons. Maharani Jaivanta Bai Songara of Jalore was his chief queen and consort. Her son is Maharana Pratap. He was married to her before he went to war with Banbir, as her father, Akshayraj Rao, was a friend and ally of his father, Rana Sanga. Saj...

Battle of Haldighati

There have been a lot of talks going on regarding who won the Battle of Haldighati. While some want to change what we read and say that the Maharana won it, many oppose the point with a Mughal victory. Here, I compile every account I found of the Battle and its Aftermath and make my unbiased conclusion on the topic. PS. The dates vary from book to book; I gave the ones I found in most sources. The Background: Relation with Mughals Mewar was one of Rajputana's strongest individual kingdoms, along with the likes of Marwar and Kacchawar (Jaipur). Long before the Mughals under Akbar, Mewar under Rana Sangram Singh had successfully managed to keep the "Turk Invaders" under Babar at bay, fighting 17 wars, big and small. The relationship was further questioned when, during the invasion from Saurashtra, Sanga's widow, Rani Karnavati, had written to Mughal Emperor Humayun for help, sending him a rakhi. Contrary to popular belief, Humayun had rested on his way from Gaur (Beng...

Shikhandi: A Tale of Identity and Revenge

Hastinapur was the most powerful empire in the north of the Vindyas, in the subcontinent once ruled by King Bharata. When its long-reigning and prosperous king Shantanu passed away in old age, he left behind his ambitious wife Satyabati, her two sons, Chitrangad and Bichitravirjaya and his first surviving son from his first wife Ganga, Devabrata, who took the lifelong oath of not being king nor marrying or having any progeny and hence earned the name Bhishma. When Chitrangad was about to ascend the throne, he died in an unfortunate accident, leaving the minor Bichitravirjaya as the only contender on the throne. Bhishma almost outspokenly took over the role of guardian to the throne of Hastinapur upon this event. However, the rules suggested that the young prince must marry before he could be crowned. Upon hearing of this, Bhishma sent his spies around the subcontinent to find eligible princesses who would not only marry the heir apparent but also be the future queen and queen mother of...

The Cortege That Shook The Raj: Kanailal Dutta

10th November, 1908 Around late morning, a procession of lacs made their way through the streets of Calcutta (Kolkata), India. Some were chanting “Vande Mataram”, others blew conch shells, and Ululation filled the air. Flowers were being showered from all directions, and garlands made their way through the crowd, being thrown at the procession in the middle. Bhagwat Gita and Ananda Math (Novel by Bamkim Chandra) were offered. No, this was no “ Sobha Jatra ” or celebration. There were no religious festivities either. That dawn, the Alipore Jail, which opened only two years back, witnessed the hanging of Kanailal Dutta, a twenty-year-old member of the “Jugantar Dol”, an anarchist group that was set up primarily by Aurobindo Ghosh (Later Rishi Aurobindo), his brother Barindra and their associates. Kanailal hailed from Chandannagore, and although he was not present in most of their meetings in Kolkata, he was still one of their early members from Chandannagore, then a French province. ...

The Garuda Cannon of Krishna Chandra

Maharaja Krishna Chandra was an influential king in Nadia, Bengal, who formed his capital at Krishnanagar. During the preparation of the Battle of Plassey that sealed the deal for British Colonisation in Bengal in 1757, Krishna Chandra was under the Mughals of Delhi, who did not support Bengal Subah Nawab Siraj Ud Daulah in his attack against the British in Calcutta. As a result, he too was vocal against Siraj and supported the British. Siraj ordered for him to be imprisoned for not paying his due taxes to the Nawab, and he found freedom only after Robert Clive and Mir Jafar ousted Siraj by betraying him. Once Krishna Chandra was back in his state, the Mughal emperor, who was now reduced to a puppet of the British, by suggestion of Robert Clive, gifted the king a token of appreciation for his support, a cannon, which the Raja named the Garuda Cannon. What was so special about the cannon? This is the only cannon found in any museum with an inscription in Bengali scripture. Most cannons ...

Rani Padmini: The Valiant Queen

This story is a retelling of some parts of Malik Mohammad Jayasi's Padmavat, which was a historical fiction poem written in 1540, about 200 years after the siege of Chittorgarh by Allauddin Khilji. Historically, the Rajputs of Mewar didn't keep accounts of their queens, even by name, so the name Padmini or Padmavati was made up by Jayasi to represent the women of Chittor who chose the Jauhar. Historically speaking, Allauddin Khilji wanted the trade route to Surat for himself, which went through Mewar and Rana Ratan Singh, a patron of art, was not known for his military skills. So when Khilji surrounded the fort, the only way out was the Saka and Jauhar. Rani Padmini's Jauhar, as it is now popularly called, is also not the first Jauhar Khilji witnessed. The Jauhars of Ranthambore and Jaisalmer happened before he attacked Chittorgarh. Also, the act of Jauhar happened as early as the Greek invasions of Porus's state, when it is described as the "Mass immolation of Sat...

Maharana Pratap: The Evolution of an Icon

On the occasion of Maharana Pratap's 486th Birth Anniversary, here is an article I have been meaning to write for a long time. While some of it is personal, other parts are researched. Some parts of this article (art subsection) are reproduced from another article written by me for UPAJ India's magazine Manthan in 2022. Ideally, this was supposed to be two parts, but I did not wish to make it so. Cenotaph at Chawand Veer Shiromoni Hinduja Suraj Maharana Pratap Singh Sisodiya, as he is officially called, the thirteenth Custodian of the royal house of Mewar, a land that now lies in the south-western fringes of the Aravallis of Rajasthan, has been, for the longest time in Indian History, regarded as the first freedom fighter. Resisting invasion into his state, holding his post as king, his life and career had been scrutinised time and again, narratives changed according to popularity rather than evidence. His idea of independence inspired many; his strategy of guerrilla warfare wa...

A Chivalrous Emnity

“Ranisa. Hukum” There was a hint of urgency in the maid in waiting’s voice as she rushed to the clearing where the tents were set up. Rani Pur Bai Solanki, the second queen, frowned at her sudden, alarming voice. “Hush, Rama, the children are...” She checked the children’s tent, alarmed. They slept during the day and stayed awake at night, because the forestland was not safe, neither from animals nor enemies. “Ranisa, forgive me, it's Kunwarsa... He is back... but...” Pur Bai’s face lit up with a smile of hope that didn’t last long. “But?” “What is it? What’s wrong?” The Maharani of Mewar had walked out of her camp, with the other queens in tow. The maid bowed before her. “It’s Kunwarsa.” “He is back?” She frowned. He was not supposed to be back so early until his father reached Dholan. “So is Ranaji.” The maid looked scared. “There is a court called in an emergency. I came to inform you that Ranaji wanted everyone to be present.” “Jija...” Pur Bai could see the tension mounting on...

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