A Journey To Discover Life

Folklores have heroes and villains, gods and demons. Heroes are too perfect to be true, villains too cruel to be humans. In shades of white and black.  History adjusts the same people into humans in shades of grey, in a blend of right and wrong in them all, without taking sides. History has the word “Story” in it. While most believe History is proof of the past, another popular opinion is that it is often influenced by the glory of the powerful and manipulated into making them heroes. As time passes, events are taken over by human opinions and differences, social and political influence, and personal perspectives and are often evolved into moral stories called folklore. However, it doesn’t change the fact of “What was” once true.  Every person, character in history, legend or epic has their reasons for action. The cruel and vain Ashoka has his own justifications, as does his grandfather Chandragupta for his struggles, Akbar had his own reasons for his policies, and Maharana Pr...

“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...

To everyone who asked today, "Is India really free?" Yes, she is. Otherwise, you wouldn't have been here shouting out your opinions. Nobody would hear them. Yes, she is. Otherwise, you wouldn't have been fighting about the Constitution, rights, equality and feminism. You wouldn't have been receiving enough to expand your horizons and be opinionated. The answer is simple. The 15th of August marks the day India was free from its British invaders. We became an identity. To protect that identity and its freedom is a different battle. But that is not the point of this day. Neither the significance. We hoist the tricolour with pride because we are not controlled by the Britishers anymore. Our own people can be different, or opinions can vary; our entitlement to our own opinion, too, is a freedom to celebrate. We are not invaded. This day is for those thousands of named and unnamed martyrs who laid down their lives to see you free, individually opinionated and living wit...

  INTRODUCTION: “What Limits God? His name.” – Hazrat Inayat Khan Let me start by saying this is not a religious post. It is my understanding of a certain way of life. It is the perspective with which I see the world and what I feel about it. You can definitely see the world differently from me. I am not here to judge or challenge your faith or beliefs. They are perhaps stronger than mine. I was born a Hindu, I worship Shiva in my heart, people in history like Jahanara Begum and Maharana Pratap inspire me, I muse on Love, and I am still looking for my personal religion in between all of these, like a wanderer seeking Home. Religion, according to me, is personal for everyone, just like feelings. Apart from the worldly aspects of rituals and religions, which are very scientific and healthy for our troubled body, heart and mind, one must also seek deeper into their souls for spiritual growth. Spirituality helps us grow our souls into a more tolerant, liberal understanding of others as...

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...