Uttara's Wedding

The Great Wedding Preparations were on their way. Guests were coming from every part of the world. Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses. The Palace was buzzing with activities. Gifts arrived from every King and relative, and the commoners were given new clothes and food outside the Palace. The Palace chefs make all kinds of delicacies for the guests. Sweets, Polao, Meat, Fish, Desserts. The Guest Chambers were all filled with Eminent personalities from all over the land.
Away from these in the Andarmahal of the Inner Palaces, the Princess sat in a tense mood. Her wedding was on its way in a few hours and all she could remember was that night a week ago when he said See you at the wedding. He has stayed in the Palace the whole of last week and yet she could just steal glances at him at Dinners. He smiled at her whenever their eyes met and she felt warm.
The wedding day arrived. After the grand party of music and dance, the drums rolled to announce "The son of Warrior Arjuna and the future son-in-law of King Virat is arriving at the wedding Hall"
Abhimanyu made his way to the hall wearing red wedding attire followed by his parents, his uncles, brothers and Queen Draupadi.
His wedding crown shone with gold and gems much like his pride. His eyes searched the room for that shy smile as he took the Throne. The Sakhis rushed into the Andarmahal where she sat dressed in a red sari and all the nine signs of a bride. ( Churamani, Kamar bandh, bangles in red and white, bindi, red sari, hair tied in a braid and cupped up, the long neck piece and Mehendi)
...Oh Princess, you should see the Wedding Hall. It is the best we have seen. The Prince is looking handsome in the wedding attire your father gifted...
She managed a half smile as her heart began to beat faster. She checked herself again in the mirror. She looked beautiful. But will he think the same? Lost in her trail of thoughts she smiled to herself. A guard came in to say its time. Queen Sudeshna and King Virat have come to take their daughter out of the Andarmahal one last time. the thought blurred her vision as she looked at her proud parents. The corridors suddenly seemed very short as they approached the Wedding Hall. Drums rolled to announce...
"Princess of Virat Nagar, Daughter of King Virat, Daughter-in-law of Pandavas, Princess Uttara is arriving at the marriage Hall."
She could feel a thousand eyes staring at her as the commoners cheered in joy. She could feel him watching her. She took the throne. The priest announced the time and occasion. The two families exchanged gifts. All she saw was her own Mehendi... Then they approached the dais and each step brought her closer to him. They looked into each other's eyes as they exchanged garlands. She was now his. Her happiness shone in her eyes. He smiled at her and she felt that they were the only people there.
The night ended with Dinner and drinks as everyone retired to their Chambers. Her room was decorated with flowers and scents for their first night. She sat in her chamber waiting for him. There were footsteps in the hallway...
"Sorry you had to wait so long, must have been tiring for you"
" no... I was .... it's okay...."
"your brother invited me for a duel in the garden... I couldn't refuse a sword duel " He smiled and sat beside her.
"yes, Uttar is always eager to show his skills..."
"that is good for a warrior..."
"yes..." An awkward silence followed.
Abhimanyu, the valiant warrior was ready to face death on the battlefield but this night seemed like a real test. His thoughts trailed What was she thinking? Am I being an idiot?
"Uttara"... " I am happy you are my family now" His voice was a bit sad and distant...
" Arya, are you thinking of the war now?"
Her calling him Arya filled his heart.
"It just that you deserve more than a husband who will leave for the battles any time soon, you deserve a family life, assured and secured"
She held his hand. He looked into her eyes. They shone. Was she crying?
" Arya, my parents chose you for me. They know the situation. I know it. You thinking of me so much fills my heart with...."
She bit her lips and paused. His sad look changed to an amused one.
"With...?? what Uttara??"
" With respect... for you" ... Her eyes moved away. Her skin felt a warm blush. He held her hands tighter.
" Respect and .... ???" His eyes were eager to hear what he wanted. Like an enemy, in a Chakrabhuj he has caught his new bride about to make a confession.
".... and what Arya?" Uttara couldn't help a smile.
Abhimanyu let go of her hand. He walked up to the balcony. She walked up behind him. "Arya..."
" You should get some sleep, Princess, we have a long journey to make tomorrow"
" Arya..."
" What is it Uttara?"
" I am in love with you, you are my protector, my life, my family..." She looked away and blushed... He held her close and whispered...
" I promise you the best life in the world princess. I will love and honour you like no other in the world."
The night gave way to sunlight as they stood on the Balcony.
Their eyes filled with hopes and dreams of a bright future. Only if the sixteen-year-old teenage boy and his fifteen-year-old Bride knew what lay ahead of them...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

Symphony of Love

A week was enough for the master to be pleased enough with the new student to tell the Sultan that she was ready for her first performance. The Sultan was extremely pleased and rewarded him with a gold chain. As the master bowed to leave, the guards announced the arrival of the chief queen. Sultan Baz Bahadur sat upright. She was his first bride, a childhood alliance his father had forced upon him when he did not even know what marriages implied. Now he only saw her face when she had complaints about the inner palace and its inhabitants. Honestly, he expected her there since Roopmati arrived. His queen did not like changes especially if those changes were threatening to her position. The Chief Queen arrived with her maids, dismissed them at the threshold and came up to her husband to bow and greet him. “What brings you here?” Baz Bahadur asked, with a lingering smile on his lips. The queen could hear the hint of taunt in his voice. She forced a smile. Her marriage to this reckles...

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...

Kalbhoj: The Legend of Bappa Rawal

The Historical fiction is woven mainly from folklore from James Todd's semi-historical book. However, a very vague historical presence is found in Bhojraj the first king of Mewar. The year was 713AD. The Maurya decedents, Moris ruled over the Chitrakut area of west Rajasthan. The areas around Chitrakoot were ruled by many small Chieftains. One of them was Rawal Mahendra II a Guhilot descendent. (The decendent of Guha and Nagaditya) As most power struggles suggest, one of his ministers betrayed and killed him and made himself Rawal. Once, Kalbhoj was in the forests near Nagda close to the borders of the Solanki ruler, looking after his herds. The youngest Solankhini princess was out in the forest playing with her Sakhis. They were making failed attempts to make a Jhula on a banyan tree. Kalbhoj was watching them try when one of the Sakhis spotted him. Witty and charming he always grabbed everyone's attention. Mahendra II had two wives, his first being a Paramara princess from Mt...

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...

A Journey To Discover Life

Search This Blog