HINDUS (Part 5)

 HINDUS

(Part 5)

The Legend of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
(Part 1)

In 1627, when Shah Jahan ascended the throne of Mughal Sultanate with his beloved wife Begum Arjumand Banu, in the southern west, near Aadilshahi Sultanate, a brave mother gave a birth to a brave son. Shahaji Bhonsle was a Maratha General of Deccan Sultanates. He changed his loyalty between Aadilshah and Mughals. However, he kept his jagir and small army at Pune, in case they would be betrayed. 

After worshipping for many years, Shahaji’s wife Jijabai gave birth to a son. She worshipped Goddess Bhavani (Shivai) for a brave son like Lord Shiva, and she was blessed with a son. Though she was sure that her son would be brave warrior, she didn’t know that he would become the reason of fall of the strongest rule of Hindustan. She didn’t know that her son, who she named as Shivaji, would unite the Hindu Marathas and make Mughals kneel at certain point. 

Shivneri Fort, birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj

Shivaji was born at Shivneri fort, while his father Shahaji was serving as a general to Adilshahi Sultanate of Bijapur. He was extremely devoted to his mother Jijabai, who every day told him the stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata. She also told him stories of great Hindu Kings like Ashoka The Great, Chandragupta Mourya, Chandragupta I, Prithviraj Chauhan and Maharana Pratap. As a child, Shivaji always wondered why these foreigners were ruling the land which actually belonged to Hindus. Why were they making Hindus suffer? Why do they want to destroy the Hindu religion? The answer was straight. Except, Akbar and Jahangir, every Muslim Emperor wanted to rob Hindustan’s wealth and glory. They want to hail their religion as the greatest and others were false. They always had arrogance of supreme. But Shivaji couldn’t let that happen. He knew that Hindu religion was not going to torture anyone even if Hindus become rulers. And he also believed that Hindus must rule their motherland, since this land belonged to them. If Islamic Lands were ruled by Muslims, why couldn’t Hindu Land be ruled by Hindus? 

Jijabai (Jijamata), Mother of Shivaji Maharaj

Shivaji wandered in forests and mastered in horse-riding, sword fighting and even in hand to hand combat. Even in his teenage, he could defeat more than two fully-grown warriors. Jijabai knew that her worships were true and this was the proof. In 1645, at the age of 17, he persuaded the Bijapuri Commander of Torna Fort to hand over possession of fort to him. Firangoji Narsala of Chakan Fort professed his loyalty to Shivaji. When Muhammad Adil Shah of Adilshahi Sultanate heard about these incidents, he immediately imprisoned Shahaji so that Shivaji and his brother Sambhaji would surrender before him. Here accounts vary. Some say that Shivaji and Sambhaji actually surrendered and Shahaji was freed. Other accounts say that Shahaji remained in prison until 1655 and then he retired from his public life. However Shivaji resumed his persuading more and more forts and making them his own jagir. 

Earlier, Sahaji had given the jagir of Pune to Shivaji, where Shivaji trained himself in Guerrilla Warfare. 

1659, Combat with Afzal Khan and fall of Adilshahi Sultanate

When Adilshah felt that Shivaji was making an army for regional revolt, he sent an experienced general of him to Shivaji. His name was Afzal Khan. The meeting was arranged at Pratapgadh Fort on 10th November 1659. Shivaji knew the mentality of these people very well. They could attack any time. Each one would come with one sword, the arrangements were predetermined. However, Shivaji wore a metal armour beneath his clothes, and kept a dagger in his right hand. He secretly wore tiger claws (bagh nakh) in his left hand. 

During the meeting, Afzal Khan attacked with his sword all of a sudden. However, the attack went unharmed due to the armour of Shivaji. And Shivaji immediately responded with carrying out his dagger and blocked another attack. In the meantime, Shivaji pulled out his left arm with tiger claws and attacked on Afzal Khan’s rib. Claws pierced his rib and Shivaji pierced his dagger into his abdomen, and ripped his rib apart. 

Assassinatin of Afzal Khan

Battle of Pratapgadh, 1659

When the military came to know that Shiaji had killed Afzal Khan, they attacked on Maratha Army. On one side, Bijapuri troops were more than 3000 in numbers and Shivaji had very less men. However, Shivaji and all Maratha Warriors fought bravely and killed 3000 Bijapuri Soldiers and captured two sons of Afzal Khan. This was an uncommon victory which made Shivaji a hero of Marathas. 

Pratapgadh fort

Meanwhile, Mughal Sultanate had seen vast bloodshed in their own fort. Aurangzeb had killed all of his brothers and imprisoned his own father to ascend the throne. As soon as he became the emperor of Mughal Sultanate in 1658, the biggest news he heard was about this victory of a Maratha Warrior, called Shivaji. Aurangzeb had identified Shivaji as the biggest threat to Mughal Sultanate, who could come to fight the Mughals any time. 

Battle of Kolhapur, 1659

In the very next month, Adilshah wanted revenge to the defeat of Pratapgadh and he sent an army of more than 10000 to attack Marathas. However, Shivaji and his men had their eye on Adilshahi activities. On everyone’s surprise, Shivaji attacked Bijapuri army with 5000 Maratha warriors and captured more than 2000 horses and weapons of Adilshahi Army. This was one of the biggest defeats Adilshahi Sultanate had ever seen. And soon they all disappeared in the mountains.

After this battle, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb was now fully identified Shivaji as the greatest threat. He also named Shivaji as “Mountain Rat”. However, Shivaji had helped Aurangzeb in two battles when Aurangzeb was still a prince and military commander until 1657. But when Shivaji raided one of his territory. Aurangzeb responded with more raids. And after that incident, Shivaji’s clash with Mughals had started. So, Aurangzeb was sure that Shivaji would come to fight Mughals for sure. But the only question was, when? 

Siege of Panhala and Battle of Pavan Khind and the clash with British

To avenge another defeat, Adilshah sent his general Siddi Jauhar to siege Shivaji’s jagir and kill him. Siddi Jauhar was a wise man, and he knew that they couldn’t defeat Marathas with manpower and traditional weapons. They needed more. So, Siddi Jauhar went to Britsh, and bought grenades, originally manufactured in Europe. Mughals also helped Adilshahi financially and with immense manpower. Shivaji had warriors, but they couldn’t protect their jagirs when Siddi Jauhar bombarded the jagirs using European Grenades. However, Adilshahi Soldiers didn’t know how to use grenades. So they hired English Military-men to bombard the forts. Shivaji had kept good relations with British, and had never interfered in their business. This betrayal made Shivaji angry. 

As a revenge, Shivaji attacked English Factory at Rajapur and imprisoned four of factors. There is some dispute over the circumstances of Shivaji's withdrawal (treaty or escape) and his destination (Ragna or Vishalgad), but the popular story details his night movement to Vishalgad and a sacrificial rear-guard action to allow him to escape. Per these accounts, Shivaji withdrew from Panhala by cover of night, and as he was pursued by the enemy cavalry, so his Maratha sardar Baji Prabhu Deshpande of Bandal Deshmukh, along with 300 soldiers, volunteered to fight to the death to hold back the enemy at Ghod Khind ("horse ravine") to give Shivaji and the rest of the army a chance to reach the safety of the Vishalgad fort. In the ensuing Battle of Pavan Khind, the smaller Maratha force held back the larger enemy to buy time for Shivaji to escape. Baji Prabhu Deshpande was wounded but continued to fight until he heard the sound of cannon fire from Vishalgad, signalling Shivaji had safely reached the fort, on the evening of 13 July 1660. Ghod Khind (khind meaning "a narrow mountain pass") was later renamed Paavan Khind ("sacred pass") in honour of Bajiprabhu Deshpande, Shibosingh Jadhav, Fuloji, and all other soldiers who fought in there.

Entrance of Pavan Khind

Shivaji vs Mughal Sultanate

On the request of Badi Begum, Aurangzeb sent his maternal uncle Sahista Khan to attack Shivaji with an army of 1,50,000 men. In January 1660, Sahista Khan met with Siddi Jauhar and they attacked together with an army of 300000 and sieged many of Maratha Territories, and established his residence in Pune at Shivaji’s palace, Lal Mahal.

As an answer, Shivaji launched a surprise attack in 1663 as some wedding attendees and breached the walls of Pune Palace. Shivaji had only 200 men, yet they killed everyone who came in their way. Sahista Khan was terrified and escaped somehow, but lost his thumb during his escape. Shivaji regained his possession of Pune and Lalmahal. Sahista Khan went to Aurangzeb, where Aurangzeb punished him for such embarrassment and transferred him to Bengal.

Sacking of Surat

Later, Sahista Khan sent an Uzbek General, Kartalab Khan to attack Shivaji. However, Shivaji’s army defeated them and eventually Shivaji sacked the entire city of Surat, which was the business capital of Mughals and British.

Now, Shivaji had his control over the business capital of Mughals and British. SURAT.

Treaty of Purandar

Sacking of Surat City terrified both Mughals and British. At last, Aurangzeb sent Raja Jaisingh I with an army of 150000 with a deal. Treaty of Purandar.

Aurangzeb had asked more than 22 forts from Shivaji along with 400000 rupees and loyalty of Shivaji, or they had to fight battle which would last in blood.

Shivaji had no other choice but to agree on the treaty of Purandar. He had less army this time and couldn’t fight with Mughals at particular moment. So he agreed on the treaty of Purandar and gave 22 forts and 400000 rupees to Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Shivaji also agreed to make his eldest son Sambhaji, a Maratha Sardar at Mughal Court. One of his loyal general, Netaji Palkar also joined Mughals and was rewarded for his bravery. However, he was converted to Islam by Aurangzeb, and changed his name to Muhammad Quli, and was sent to Afghan Border. Later in 1976, he returned to Shivaji’s service and Shivaji accepted him as Hindu again.

Until 1666, these Treaty of Purandar had bound Shivaji. However, Shivaji was not the man who could be bound of imprisoned. He would rise again, and this time he would rise with immense power and a great ambition to make this nation, A HINDU NATION.

To be continued...

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj The Great
We all bow to the legendary soul who inspired us that this land belongs to us and only us.

HINDUS (Part 4)

HINDUS

(Part 4)

Jahangir’s reign (cont.)

Jahangir had influence of his birth mother, Mariam-uz-zamani (Jodhabai) as well as Ruqquaiya Begum. However, after Akbar’s death, Jahangir stuck to the liberal policies towards Hindus. And his mother was also Hindu, so he also respected her religion too. Jahangir had also married Hindu Princess. So, he was very kind towards Hindus and his reign also had no genocide or demolition just like his father’s reign. 

In 1592, Jahangir’s wife Taj Bibi Bilqis Makani gave birth to a son, who was younger than Khushrau. They named him A'la Azad Abul Muzaffar Shahab ud-Din Mohammad Khurram, shortly Khurram. 

After Jahangir’s approval of making East India Company in Hindustan, British expanded their business in Kolkata, Surat and many other parts of Hindustan. Though Hindu States were not comfortable with British arrival, they had to endure them too. 

Jahangir’s successful reign lasted 22 years and after his death, his son Khurram succeeded him on the throne of Mughal Sultanate and became 5th Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan. 

1628, Shah Jahan ascends the throne

After ascending the throne, Shah Jahan immediately made liberal policies Hindus very strict. Khushrau wouldn’t do that, as he was also son of Hindu Princess just like his father, Salim. But this was Khurram, who also disliked Hindus. The rule of Babur was about to come. Shah Jahan expanded study of Quran just like Babur did. 

In 1607-08, Prince Khurram was introduced with a beautiful Princess of Persia, the step daughter and niece of Nur Jahan (Jahangir’s wife). Khurram was said that her name was Arjumand Banu. After a proposal of marriage, Khurram and Arjumand Banu married each other. By passing years, Khurram’s love became stronger and stronger for Arjumand Banu. He loved her even more than his own wife. Regardless of multiple marriages, Khurram only loved Arjumand Banu. Her name was even changed. She was called MUMTAZ now. 

Emperor Shah Jahan and Arjumand Banu Begum

Shah Jahan made his beloved wife Mumtaz his chief consort and Empress of Mughal Empire. But in just three years after Shah Jahan succession, she died of illness. Her death was a shock for the emperor. His focus had decreased towards reign. Although, he had 14 sons from Mumtaz who would watch over the empire. Prince Aurangzeb was seeing sorrow of his father, but he remained strong. 

Burial of Arjumand Banu Begum

Shah Jahan decided to make a burial for his beloved Mumtaz, which would make other monuments pale before this one. But there were many problems. He had to choose place, design, and workers too. After few researches, they decided to give it a shape of Babur’s tomb. But Shah Jahan wanted that to expand. 

When the plan was finally ready, they decided to build it on the bank of Yamuna at Agra. However, the area they chose wasn’t enough to build this tomb. Next to the chosen land, situated a huge temple-palace named “Tejo Mahalaya”. Tejo Mahalaya was a Shiva Temple, built by Raja Mansingh during Akbar’s reign and his descendants had custody of that temple. 

Prince Aurangzeb was infamous for his cruelty for Hindus from his youth. He didn’t only disliked Hindus, he hated Hindus. He neither cared about Hindu Religion nor their gods. If the emperor had directly ordered him to demolish the temple, he would have done that. But Raja Mansingh had been loyal to Mughal Sultanate and his descendants were too. Besides, he was nephew of Jodhabai. So, to disrespect Mansingh’s descendants would be disrespect his grandmother. 

Therefore, Emperor Shah Jahan summoned Raja Jaisingh, grandson of Raja Mansingh, in his court. Raja Jaisingh was also loyal to Mughals. Raja Jaisingh gave Tejo Mahalaya to Shah Jahan on the emperor’s order, since he couldn’t resist due to his grandfather’s loyalty. And he also knew that Tejo Mahalya wouldn’t have been built without Akbar’s contribution. But was this appropriate to demolish the temple of Hindus to make tomb of Empress? Was this appropriate to demolish the temple which was once built by his grandfather? Shah Jahan’s love towards Arjumand banu won. He destructed the Shiva Temple, Tejo Mahalya, and started construction of Taj Mahal in 1632. 

1634, Sikh Rebellions

Sikhs, the people lived around Punjab, started rebelling against Mughal Sultanate under the leader named Guru Hargovindsingh. Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb managed to control the rebellion, but that gave Mughal Sultanate another enemy. SIKHS. 

Sikhs weren’t Hindus, but they respected Hindustan equally. They still do. Sikh Rebellions gave Hindus another friends. And now Hindus could trust someone who would also oppose Mughals. 

1653 – 1658

Construction of the tomb was completed. It took 21 years to build a wonder. That monument was truly huge, fascinating and one of a kind. It was named as TAJ MAHAL. People say it was named as Taj Mahal because Mumtaz was buried beneath it. However, Badshahnama, the biography of Shah Jahan, never uses the name Mumtaz. She was always called Arjumand Banu Begum. Shah Jahan’s mother’s name was Taj. But this was burial of his wife, why would he put his mother’s name on his wife’s tomb? So, that leaves one option. TEJO MAHALAYA could become TAJ MAHAL. Where once stood a magnificent temple, was now a magnificent tomb. The symbol of faith has become the symbol of love. 

CGI of Taj of 1632 AD

Shah Jahan built Jama Masjid in Delhi and Agra Fort in Agra along with many architectures. However, Aurangzeb had always his eye over the treasury of Mughal Sultanate. During construction of Taj Mahal, Mughal Empire had almost become empty. Shah Jahan even took money from Hindu temple to complete the architecture of Taj Mahal. Hindus had to compromise with their faith to complete one man’s love. Aurangzeb knew if this continued, Mughal Empire would be doomed. In just five years, he made army on his side and assassinated all his brothers and imprisoned the emperor Shah Jahan, his own father.

He imprisoned weak Shah Jahan in front of the Taj Mahal, so that he could see his wife’s tomb day and night. It was just like that. The coin of Mughal Sultanate had been flipped, and family respect in Mughal Sultanate had vanished all at once. 

In 1658, Aurangzeb ascended the throne of Mughal Sultanate, and the bad fortune of Hindus started again. Cruelty of Aurangzeb crossed its limits. He started demolishing temples. He ordered to destroy the temple of Vrindavan, which was built by his great grandfather Akbar in that same century. His army entered in that seven-storied temple and started destroying it. But after destroying four storeys, it started shaking and few soldiers died due to slipping of huge stones. Government has made new temple near it. 

Temple of Vrindavan demolished by Aurangzeb (I) three storeys remained

Temple of Vrindavan demolished by Aurangzeb (II)

1658, Aurangzeb’s cruel reign continues

After demolishing Hindu Temples and killing innocent Hindu Brahmins as well as common Hindus, Aurangzeb heard few more rebellions from Punjab. Sikhs were again rebelling under the leadership of Guru Teg Bahadur. 

However, Aurangzeb was busy in destroying temples to regain wealth of Mughal Empire which was paid in construction of Taj Mahal. He regained many lands and wealth too. 

At the same time, he destroyed the half-destroyed Somnath temple for the sixth time. And once again, Somnath temple became target to destruction. And Hindus went in dark age again. All happiness they received during Akbar and Jahangir’s rule vanished at once. 

Somnath Temple demolished by Aurangzeb
After many years, it was rebuilt my Maratha Peshwas

But then something happened which gave a ray of hope to Hindus. That Maratha warrior who had helped Aurangzeb to conquer Bijapur, and in return he was assured of recognition. Yet, Aurangzeb didn’t keep his word. And that Maratha Warrior raided his territory. Aurangzeb raided back. And thus, the clash between those two started. Aurangzeb didn’t know that the man he was trying to beat was not a common man. He had the light of gods on his face and ambition in his eyes. In 1659, Aurangzeb heard that Maratha Warrior had killed Afzal Khan of Aadilshahi Sultanate and shook its base. And his few consequent attacks had raised fear in the hearts of Mughal Sultanate. Aurangzeb also knew that he would be the biggest threat to Mughal Sultanate, but didn’t want to admit it. But fact remains fact. Aurangzeb knew that he was on his way to shake pillars of Mughal Sultanate and his ambition to wave saffron flag on entire Hindustan was also approaching. The greatest Maratha Warrior SHIVAJI BHONSLE was making his own empire now. The fall of Mughal Sultanate was near. And SHIVAJI SAHAJI BHONSLE would become the biggest contributor to the dream of HINDU SWARAJ (HINDU NATION).

To be continued...

HINDUS (Part 3)

HINDUS(Part 3)

1562, Mughal and Rajputana, Relation of marriage

            

After Jalaluddin’s coronation on the Mughal Throne, he and his commander-in-chief Bairam Khan invaded North and Central India with full of strategies. Although, the kind Jalauddin opposed slaughter of Hindus and high taxes too. He relaxed pressure from Hindus. After 6 years, when Akbar became 20 years old, he wanted to conquer the entire Rajputana. But Rajput Kings were not ready to surrender to Mughal Empire.

            

Rajput King Bharmal suggested an idea to Rajput Kings to make relations with Mughal Empire, so that they couldn’t harm Rajputanas. At first, every Rajput King opposed him, but by time, except King Udaisingh II, rests were ready. Rana Udaisingh II, the king of Mewar, didn’t agree to any kind of relationship with Mughals.

            

King Bharmal proposed his daughter’s hand for the Emperor of Mughal Empire, who was also ready to marry. Akbar asked time to think, while everyone in Mughal Empire also opposed this proposal. A Muslim man cannot marry a Hindu woman. Despite of everyone’s hesitation, Akbar decided to accept the proposal and make relations with Rajputana. King Bharmal’s daughter, Princess Heer Kunwar Jodha bai, put few conditions before Emperor. She didn’t want to convert her religion after marriage, and she wanted a temple inside the Agra Palace. There was chaos because no other person had ever tried to speak before Emperor. But, Akbar agreed and approved her to stay Hindu forever, and also made a temple in his fort.

            

After marriage, since Jodha Bai didn’t convert in Islam, her name remained Jodha too. After marriage, Emperor Akbar ordered to build a prosperous giant city. And in few years, the city was ready. He named it Sikri, Fatehpur Sikri. The royal family moved from Agra to Sikri during 1567. Meanwhile, Jodha gave birth to two twins, who would’ve become heirs, but both, Hassan and Hussain died in a month. Emperor’s first Begum, Ruqquaiya, was also childless.

Mewar (Rajput Kingdom)  

Meanwhile, Akbar attacked Chittorgarh, the capital of Mewar with full of his army. However, Rana Udaisingh moved with his family towards Aravalli Hills where a city of Udaipur had been established by Udaisingh. Later, Udaisingh died of illness. He had made his son Jagmal his heir-apparent under the pressure of his dearest wife and Jagmal’s mother, Dheer Bai.

            

But Jagmal and his older brother Shakti Singh had already chose their way in Mughal Empire. They had become loyal to King Mansingh, Commander of Mughal Army. However, after Udaisingh’s death all ministers of Mewar opposed coronation of Jagmal, as he was weak to rule Mewar. Ministers crowned the eldest son of Rana Udaisingh, Pratap, as the king of Mewar. Pratap would never surrender before Mughals. He was like his father, he would fight till his last breath. He had vowed to reclaim Chittor and destroy Mughals. The first Hindu ruler who shook the roots of Mughal Empire.

Chittorgarh Fort

            

Empress Jodha bai gave birth to the heir of Mughal Empire in 1569. Emperor named him Salim, but his royal name was Jahangir. Meanwhile, Pratap prepared heavy army to challenge Mughals and to reclaim his land. Jagmal gave all the information to Akbar and Akbar was also ready to attack. In 1572, Jodha gave birth to another son, Daniyal. After four years, in 1576, Pratap declared battle at Haldighati.

1576, Battle of Haldighati

           

Maharana Pratap arranged his army of 20000 men in most strategic methods and secured the hilly areas of Haldighati. Akbar ordered Raja Mansingh to march at Haldighati with the army of 60000 men. It was almost thrice than Pratap brought.

            

But Pratap had vowed to destroy Mughal Army and so did Mewaris. After all, they all were Rajputs. Warm blood. When Raja Mansingh attacked with the army of 60000 and using elephant attack, Pratap’s army was uncomfortable at first, but then the rage of Mewaris rose and they started destroying army of 60000. Mansingh couldn’t believe on his own eyes that 20000 Mewari Soldiers were destroying army of 60000.

            

As soon as Maharana Pratap spotted Mansingh sitting on the war elephant, he hurried towards him riding on his horse Chetak. Chetak jumped high in the air, while Pratap shot a spear towards Mansingh. Unfortunately, the Mahaut got killed, but that elephant kicked Chetak on his leg. Chetak was wounded. But at the next attack, Mansingh fell on the ground.

Maharana Pratap attacking Mansingh

            

But then, Jagmal entered in the battlefield with the army of 10000 Mughal soldiers. Mansingh spread rumours that Jagmal actually came with 100000 soldiers, which were outnumbered. There was chaos in Mewar Army, but they started fighting. But Mughal Army was now more than 50000, so Rajputs retreated. Wounded Chetak managed to make his way out of Haldighati by jumping over a long stream, and saved Maharana Pratap. Unfortunately, Chetak died of wounds.

Chetak dies

After the battle of Haldighati

            

Meanwhile, Fatehpur Sikri suffered an accidental draught. All ponds and lakes dried at once. Akbar summoned few of architects to consult, and they said there was some problem in water drainage system. But they couldn’t fix it. Therefore, Akbar decided to evacuate Sikri and went to Lahore for next 12 years.

            

In the absence of Pratap at Udaipur, Jagmal took it in possession. Pratap made Kumbhalgadh his temporary capital and prepared an army to attack Mughals again. Bhamasha, treasurer of Mewar, helped him financially to build army. Pratap trained them in Gorilla War Strategy, which was secret and knew by only forest people. However, Pratap had learned that when he was prince. He trained all the soldiers and marched at Udaipur.

Bhamasha giving money to Maharana Pratap

Maharana Pratap slays a Mughal Soldier along with his horse

           

He reclaimed Udaipur, Chittor and the entire Mewar once again by defeating Mughal Army. Akbar himself wanted to lead the army, but couldn’t due to economical emergencies. Therefore, he sent his sons Salim and Daniyal to fight against Pratap. On the other hand, Pratap also sent his son Amarsingh (Son of Maharana Pratap and Maharani Ajabde). And once again, Mughal Army was unable to defeat Rajputs.

            

After few years, Pratap got wounded while hunting, and he made his son Amarsingh vow that he would never surrender before Mughals. Pratap always knew that Akbar was kind towards Hindus, and after his marriage with Jodha, he was even nicer. But he knew that it was temporary. Akbar’s successor might not be like him. Then what? Hindus will have to suffer again. That’s why wanted to beat Mughal Empire so that Hindu rule could be established once again. Because he knew that Hindus would never do what they have done to them.

            

After his death, Amarsingh ascended the throne of Mewar and became monarch of Mewar Army. He fought against Mughal for many years, and defeated Mughals for more than 25 times. Salim and Daniyal together invaded Mewar after few years, but as Amarsingh never surrendered himself as he vowed before his father in his deathbed.           

One lion among Hindus, Rana Pratap, dared to fight against the tremendous strength of Mughal Empire, and against the greatest ruler of Mughal Sultanate. He even defeated the tremendous army with lesser army. He became inspiration for Hindus to raise their voices against Mughal Empire. Few of regions in Mughal Empire started rebelling. But they weren’t strong enough to destroy this sultanate. Hindus weren’t that fortunate now. That’s why Pratap is not called Rana Pratap, but he is called Maharana Pratap.

            

However, when Mansingh proposed that Hindus desire a temple in Vrindavan, Akbar gave 20 Lakh rupees (then) in the construction of Krishna Temple at Vrindavan through Mansingh. When he was informed that Dwarkadheesh Temple of Dwarka was also old and needed to be rebuilt, he ordered to be rebuilt the temple. Major Vishnu temples and Krishna temples were rebuilt during the reign of Akbar. Salim had also inherited his father’s few qualities. He was also kind towards Hindus.

            

However, Akbar had head that few foreigners had come from west and started business in Deccan States. Those people called themselves Dutch. However, few other foreigners who called themselves British tried to convince Akbar to allow them to start business. However, Akbar refused. And British waited until some another person became Emperor.

Reign of Jahangir

            

Jahangir succeeded his father Akbar after his death in 1602. And in early years of his reign, British again tried to convince him. And Jahangir permitted them to spread business across the Hindustan. But only business. Under the name of East India Company, British started trading from major coasts of western Hindustan and used ships for importing and exporting stuff. And thus, Hindustan got another foreign people, with pleasant smile on their face and bad desires. They always had their eye on Hindustan, but didn’t dare to oppose Mughal Empire in their prime.

British arrives

            
And that’s how East India Company from London started business in Hindustan. Import – export. 

To be continued...

HINDUS (Part 2)

HINDUS

(Part 2)

1206 AD – 1290 AD

After the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan, Qutubbudin Aibak and Muhammad Ghori invaded Kannuaj, defeating King Jaichand (Prithviraj’s father-in-law). After the death of Ghori, when Qutubbudin ascended the throne as a slave of Ghora, he invaded the kingdoms of Samana, Kuhram, Kol and Banaras, and merged into Delhi Sultanate till 1210 AD. This era of Qutubuddin Aibak’s life was called Mamluk Era.

By Ghori’s order, main temples of Gujarat, Rajasthan (Ajmer), and Delhi were demolished to the ground by Muslims. And Hindus were burdened with high taxes everywhere. 

1290 - 1320 AD (Khilji Dynasty)

Jalaluddin Khilji killed Aibak's son and took the Delhi Sultanate under his rule. He was even worse towards Hindus. Khilji Dynasty destroyed as many temples as they could and invaded Nalanda, Odantapuri,Vikramashila, Bhilsa, Ujjain, Jhain, Vijapur, Devagiri, Somnath, Chidambaram, Madurai.

Alauddin Khilji, the well-known Sultan of Delhi Sultanate was famous for his cruelty against attacked empires. He destroyed the Somnath Temple for the fourth time, and looted treasure. This was the third time when a Muslim demolished Somnath temple, which was the symbol of Hinduism. He killed more than 20000 Hindus at once. 

Not only temples, but he also destroyed the well-known Hindu Universities of Nalanda and Taxila. He was against Hinduism and he didn’t want anyone to study about Hinduism. And that’s why he destroyed the libraries with old scriptures at Nalanda and Taxila Universities, which were well-known for their teachings. 

Among Alauddin Khilji’s loots, there was a loot which contained the precious diamond of “Koh-i-noor”. He stole that diamond too and brought it to Delhi. He was cruel on Hindus, and especially to religious Brahmins. He slayed as many Brahmins as he could. He was making Islam the religion of Blood. And Hindus couldn’t help but endure the pain that was given to them in the name of religion. Delhi Sultanate just wanted to make everyone Muslim. But Rajputs were still fighting against them bravely. Although, Khiljis expanded Delhi Sultanate in South India too. 

During Khilji Dynasty major temples in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh were demolished. 

1320 – 1395 AD (Tughluq Dynasty)

Giyasuddin Tughluq started ruling Delhi Sultanate from 1320 AD and was Turkish Ruler. He was a fond supporter of Islam and the entire Tughluq Dynasty considered Hindus as their enemies and they also continued to slay Hindus. 

Tughluq Dynasty launched new currency and raised taxes to 50%. They started study of Quran everywhere and destroyed the temples of Orissa and South India. They expanded Delhi Sultanate towards Warangal, Bodhan, Pillalamarri, Puri, Sainthali, Idar, Somnath.

Meanwhile, the Somnath Temple was rebuilt by Mahipala Deva, the Chudasma King after 1308 AD. It was the fifth time when this temple was rebuilt to restore faith. And then Shiva Lingam wasinstalled by son of Khengar after completion of construction.

Unfortunately, that temple was again destroyed by Muzaffar Shah of Gujarat Sultanate for sixth time in 1357. And then it was again destroyed by Mohammad Begda in 1450s.

Somnath temple in 1869 after 3 continuous demolition

1400 – 1518 AD (Saiyad and Lodi Dynasties)

Saiyad Dynasty ruled Delhi Sultanate from 1400 – 1442 AD and continued genocide of Hindus. Then, Lodi Dynasty came in power, and they ruled till 1518 AD.

Meanwhile, Lodi Dynasty managed relations with Persia and Afghan. But the last ruler of Delhi Sultanate, Ibrahim Lodi, wasn’t comfortable with them. 

21st April, 1518 (First battle of Panipat)

After losing the battle of Samarkand, Babur had his eye on the Hindustan which was being ruled by Ibrahim Lodi. Babur decided to fight a battle against Ibrahim Lodi. On the first battle of Panipat, regardless of Ibrahim’s large army, Babur’s skills destroyed the army and captured Ibrahim Lodi. 

Ibrahim was executed later and Babur ended the Delhi Sultanate forever. He then killed the King of Gwalior, Vikramjit, and ascended the throne of Delhi.

First battle of Panipat

Rise of Mughal Empire

With the assassination of Ibrahim Lodi, Babur got almost whole northern Hindustan in one plate. After ending Delhi Sultanate, he established the MUGHAL SULTANATE in place and Hindus were still slaves. 

Babur wasn’t even worse that one could expect. His hatred towards Hindus was even bigger and he was fond Muslim. He made destroyed temples with their roots. And he had established that sultanate which would rule Hindustan for next 150 years. 

Babur ruled for next 9 years and then died. After his death, his son Humayun ascended the throne of Mughal Empire. In those nine years, Babur destroyed hundreds of temples in northern and central Hindustan. But then his son Humayun was not like him.

In 1540, after 10 years of Humayun’s reign, Sher Shah Suri, interrupted Mughal Empire and for 14 years by Humayun’s defeat. And Sur Empire ruled for 14 years. During those 14 years, while Humayun making plans to reclaim the empire, his wife Hamida Banu gave birth to the heir of Mughals. Jalaluddin Muhammad, he was named. Even the cruelty of Humayu didn’t affect his child. Humayun and Hamida Banu were eager to reclaim the empire, but were anxious about Jalaluddin’s safety. So they sent new-born child at unknown safe place with a maid, named Mahamanga. 

After 14 years, Humayun again attacked over Delhi and ended Sur Empire. He finally reclaimed the throne in 1554 and secured the Mughal Empire once again. After his death in 1556, his 12 year old son Jalaluddin Muhammad ascended the throne. Unlike other Muslim rulers, he was different. He was completely different than all Muslims that Hindus had ever seen. When he became full of youth and was completely ready to rule the empire by himself, he became the most popular ruler among Hindus too.

Jalaluddin Muhammad expanded boundaries to the entire Hindustan, except Rajputana. But unlike his predecessors, he didn’t destroy any temples. He didn’t disrespect faiths of Hindus. In fact, he removed taxes and restored faith of Hindus. According to Hindus, he was the first Muslim who was aware of the Hindu Epics. He was the first Muslim Emperor who saw Hinduism with respect. There was a relief for few years at least. Genocide of Hindus in the name of religion was at halt. Forceful conversion was banned by this emperor. And he invaded the entire Hindustan (except Rajputana) into Mughal Empire. Jalaluddin Muhammad was given another name by the people of Hindustan. AKBAR. And due to his triumph over Hindustan, he was called AKBAR THE GREAT. 

To be continued...

HINDUS (Part 1)

HINDUS

(PART 1)

Indian Subcontinent 

           4^th century BCE was the era when half of Indian Subcontinent was conquered and merged into one empire by the first Maurya Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. However, the Greeks and Syrians had their eye on this empire, and they wanted to take over Indian Subcontinent. Greeks attacked in the last decade of 4^th Century BCE under the leadership of Seleucus Nicator, but defeated by Chandragupta Maurya. A negotiation was done between two armies, and Indian Subcontinent was saved from Greeks’ presumable slavery.

            However, Greeks hadn’t yet forgotten that defeat, they were making strategies to attack the empire again. But then, there came the great Maurya Emperor whose brutality covered their courage. He was said to be crueller than executioners. He had conquered almost entire Indian Subcontinent and built an invincible army which couldn’t be defeated by any one. His name was Ashoka. Ashoka’s fear didn’t let anyone to attack Mauryan Empire even after his transformation.

            Buddhism and Jainism had already chosen their ways out from Hinduism. But those were peaceful separation. In spite of having different religion, there was a mutual understanding and respect for each religion. Indian Subcontinent was famous for that peace of religions.

          For next 1200 years, Hindus ruled their own land happily. There were wars, but not on religions. But then the era came, where many Hindus lost their faith.

745 AD, Western Coast of Indian Subcontinent (Gujarat)

            A prosperous temple was rebuilt by Vallabhi kings over the last old temple. That temple was said to be rich and carved with precious stones. A century had been passed since this new temple was made on the shoreline of Western Coast. It was known as Somnath Temple. The details about first temple is unknown. But it was rebuilt very richly by Kings of Gujarat.

            A newly appointed Arab Governor of Sindh, Al-Junaid, heard about the richness of this Hindu Temple. And his greed and hatred towards Hindus led him to destroy the precious Hindu Temple in 745 AD. He almost robbed everything from the temple, except the Shiva Lingam. It was the first time when a foreigner had demolished one of the most sacred Hindu Temple.

            For more than 250 years, it remained in ruins due to lack of treasure. Then, Mulraj Solanki, rebuilt that temple in 995 AD. And it was also said to be rich as it was before. But greed always covers faith.

1024 AD

            A ruler from Ghazna, named Mahmud Ghazni, attacked the Somnath Temple 17 times, travelling through the Thar Desert, but was always stopped by Gujarat Rulers. Unfortunately, he succeeded in 1024 AD and destroyed the entire temple and robbed the wealth. He even ordered to destroy the sacred Shiva Lingam with mace and then he carved the stones into a mosque in Ghazna. People say when he died, the stones of Lingam were used to make the doors of his grave. But that was the ill-minded thing ever done by the ruler. Ghazni didn’t only break the holy Shiva Lingam, but he also insulted the faith of Hindus.

          After few years of destruction, Bhimdev of Ahilwad, rebuilt the temple with new Shiva Lingam and it was the fourth reconstruction of Somnath Temple.

Somnath Demolition

            But this wasn’t enough. They hadn’t yet ruled any part of Hindustan. They had only destroyed and robbed few temples like Somnath. Hindus started wondering why they were destroying Hindu Temples, while Hindus had nothing to do with those foreigners. Why were they destroying temples? But Hindus regained their faith from inspiring rulers like Bhimdev.

1191 AD, Kingdom of Ajmer

            The King of Ajmer was quite young to rule the entire kingdom, but he became King in his teenage. People used to say that he was one of the strongest ruler the Hindus had ever seen. His attacking strategies and his war styles were admired by the entire Hindustan. But his one quality was even more famous. He could shoot an arrow by only hearing a voice. He could shoot on sound. And his name was Prithviraj Chauhan. Though he was defeated by Bhimdev of Gujarat, he managed to invade the kingdom of Delhi. He became successor to King Anangdev and sat on the throne of Delhi. He conquered many parts of Hindustan and secured the boundaries too.

            Prithviraj had heard about few foreigners trying to enter in the boundaries of Hindustan. But in 1191 AD, he was informed that few Muslims Rulers had captured the fortress of Bhatinda. He was also informed the name, it was Muhammad Ghori. Prithviraj Chauhan immediately declared battle. Then the famous “First battle of Tarain (Thaneshwar)” began, and Prithviraj defeated the army of Ghori and reclaimed the fortress of Bhatinda. Although, he didn’t pursue the army of Ghori and they ran away. Prithiraj’s brother Govind Tai also wounded Mu’izz-Al Din badly, but he ran away too.

            Hindustan was secured, but Prithviraj didn’t know that his mercy would become darkness of Hindustan for next many centuries. He didn’t know that he had shown his goodness to the people who didn’t know what good was.

Prithviraj Chauhan, King of Delhi and Ajmer, till 1192 AD

1192 AD, when it all started.

            Ghori reassembled army and return to avenge his defeat. This time, Prithviraj Chauhan’s army was less, so he merged the Rajput Army and accepted the challenge. But Ghori was not a man of laws. He divided his army into five troops and sent four of them towards Rajputs, and attacked straight towards Prithviraj Chauhan in the early morning. Neither Rajput nor Chauhan army was aware of Ghori’s early attack. But Prithivraj Chauhan’s 3000 elephant attack slowed down Ghori’s speed. However, Rajput army were unable to fight four troops of Ghori. At the end, Prithviraj also was captured by Ghori’s army. Ghori cruelly ripped the eyes off of that man who had let him fled. He blinded Prithviraj and killed him in his own land.

Second battle of Tarain, 1192 AD

            That defeat of Prithviraj was the defeat of entire Hindustan. Ghori took over entire Delhi Kingdom and Dark Age of Hindus began with the death of Prithviraj Chauhan. Ghori made his servant Qutubbudin, administrator of Delhi. As soon as Qutubbidin ascended the throne of Prithviraj, he started construction of a tall monument, which was the symbol of their victory over Hindustan. That monument was the symbol of first Muslim rule in Hindustan and how it started. That monument was named as “Qutub Minar”, and we can see it still preserved. It is the symbol of our defeat.

Qutub Minar

            And then it started publically. Hindus were started slaughtering like animals, and temples were destroyed by every successor of Delhi. Hindus were forced to convert their faith and accept Islam. And thus started one of the biggest genocide (Human Slaughter) the world has ever seen. The genocide on the name of religion. It was just a beginning of that, it got even worse by each century.

NOTE: “Hindus” is a long blog post about how Hindus suffered in last 1000 years and which type of cruelty they endured. To disrespect any religion is not my intention. Religion is never wrong, but the acts of these rulers were. Conquering a kingdom doesn’t mean you can destroy the faith of people. 

The Legend of Kunala

The Great Emperor Ashoka

The Legend of Kunala

The Legend of Kunala is very less-known story of Indian Culture. In fact, very few people are aware of the person Kunala.

Birth and Childhood:

Well, let’s start our story. Kunala was son of Emperor Ashoka the Great. Ashoka’s dearest son, is believed to be born after Ashoka’s transformation. Queen Padmavati, third queen of Emperor Ashoka gave birth to a beautiful son with even beautiful eyes, but unfortunately she died of labour pain. After her death, Ashoka’s first wife, Empress Asadhimitra took responsibilities of Kunala and raised him like his own son. To Empress he was dearer than his own son. And for Kunala too, she was her mother. Asadhimitra’s teachings made him dutiful son, who obeyed his father’s every word.

Emperor Ashoka the great

When he was born, Emperor Ashoka was very happy. He was named Kunala, because of his eyes. Kunala means the one with beautiful eyes. That’s why Ashoka named him Kunala. Emperor Ashoka and his second queen Devi’s two children Mahendra, their son and Sanghamitra, their daughter were eldest in Maurya Dynasty. Prince Mahendra was made crown prince just after his father’s coronation. But after few years, at the time of Kunala’s birth, Mahedra and Sanghmitra asked to leave Magadh as they wanted to spread peace message across the world. They both left Magadh went to Sri Lanka and then in the East, spreading Buddhism. After Crown Prince Mahendra’s departure, Prince Kunala was declared Crown Prince. He would ascend the throne after his father Ashoka.

Maurya Empire of Ashoka

But, the youngest wife of Ashoka, Tishyaraksha envied him. She was insecure about her own son and she wanted her son to succeed Ashoka. Due to bond with Empress Asadhimitra and Emperor Ashoka, Kunala grew as a loyal and ideal son. He always respected and obeyed his own father, just like Lord Ram.

Issue with Kunala:

When Prince Kunala reached at certain age, Ashoka decided to send him Ujjain so that he could get proper education there. He wrote a letter to Head Master of Ujjain School to train Kunala appropriately as he would be the emperor of Mauryan Empire one day. The widely spread Mauryan Empire was too big for weak ruler to handle. It would take ruler like Ashoka to rule such a big empire. Ashoka expanded boundaries beyond Taxila in the North-west and till the Tamilnadu in Deccan. He ruled almost entire Indian Subcontinent. Greek and Syrian rulers who had lately maintained good economic relations with Ashoka, also gave up ideas of attacking Magadh, just because of fear of Ashoka. Though Ashoka had given up wars many years ago, no one could dare to even think of attacking the Maurya Empire. It was fear which covered their courage.

Before sending that letter to Ujjain, Trishyaraksha secretly replaced one word “Adheeyu” with “Andheeyu”. Ashoka, un-aware of this, sealed and sent the letter and Kunala to Ujjain. When Kunala reached Ujjain, the teachers were too afraid to read that letter out loud before him. They couldn’t believe that Emperor would write such cruel thing for his dearest son. Then Kunala himself read the letter. It said that he must be blinded and then trained. It was a shock for everyone why the emperor would blind his own son and crown prince. But Kunala was dutiful son like Lord Rama. He would never disobey his father’s desire. He took the iron rod and ripped out his eyes. The eyes which gave him his name Kunala, he ripped out those eyes. But he didn’t say anything to the emperor.

He completed his training in Ujjain and married Kanchanmala. Then she gave birth to a son. And Kunala knew this was the time to reclaim the throne which was officially his. He went to the Imperial Court dressed as a musician with his wife. He pleased the emperor with his music, and pleased emperor wanted him to reward. When Kunala revealed his identity before Ashoka, Ashoka cried in grief. He couldn’t see his beloved son was blind, and somewhere in his heart he believed that he was the culprit. Trishyaraksha was sentenced to death by Radhagupta (Prime Minister of Magadh and Chief Advisor to Ashoka). Ashoka had become weak physically and mentally.

Kunala asked him to give him his throne. Ashoka would have given the throne, because it was Kunala’s right. But Ministers opposed that a blind prince couldn’t become the emperor. They were right too. And Kunala also agreed. So, Kunala proposed to make his new-born son, crown prince. Ashoka agreed. Emperor Ashoka cried, “So be it. This descendant of Maurya Dynasty, son of my dear Kunala, would be my successor. Hereby, I name my grandson, Samprati.”

Ashoka named Kunala’s son as Samprati and made him crown prince of Maurya Empire. However, Emperor Ashoka the great had become weak. He couldn’t forgive himself for what happened with his beloved son. Kunala had to lose his birth rights, because Ashoka couldn’t save him. He grieved day and night.

Emperor Ashoka in his old life:

When old Ashoka fell ill, he used donate gold to saints. When Ministers realized that donating so much would be harmful for empire, they stopped Ashoka saying that it was not his own property. Then Ashoka started donating food which was given to him. He even donated the gold plates in which he used to eat. Then Minsiters even replaced plates with silver and Ashoka donated them too.

In the end, Ashoka was only given plates made of leaves, but he wouldn’t eat anything. He donated all food he received. Thus, the great emperor of all time, the greatest of Maurya, the prestigious emperor who used rule the entire Indian Subcontinent, the emperor whose name was fear to all, the emperor who spread peace across the world, the emperor who was glory and dignity of Indian Subcontinent, the emperor who secured this empire from foreigners; that man was left with plates of leaves. Chakravartin Samrat of Indian Subcontinent grieved like a poor. The man who gave his empire wealth and strength, was himself weak and poor (Only he personally. Magadh was still rich).

Death of the Emperor Ashoka The Great:

With this grief, Ashoka finally died. The greatest emperor of all time left this world. And the question arose. Crown Prince Samprati was just a little boy, he couldn’t ascend the throne at this age. Who should be crowned? Ministers decided to make Dashrath (Younger son of Ashoka) to make working emperor until Prince Samprati reaches at certain age. Prince Kunala established his own empire at Mithila (Nepal).

Final activities of Ashoka were completed at Varanasi. It is said that his pyre burnt for seven days and seven nights. In Hinduism, that’s a sign of pure soul leaving the earth. And with this, the universal emperor rested in peace.

People believe that he endured pain in his later life, as a result of his brutality. He had killed million people, and in spite of having pure transformation, he endured every pain in his old age. Ashoka’s death was quite similar to that of Dashrath from Ramayana, who also died in grief when his son Rama had to go into exile to obey his father’s words. And Dashrath couldn’t stop him. Ashoka also died in grief that he couldn’t give his beloved son his birth rights, while Kunala ripped his eyes off only to obey his father’s words.

Such a dutiful son of such great father!

Later when, Samparti was ready, he was crowned as the Emperor of Magadh Empire. 

In memories of the great emperor Ashoka

In memories of the Great Emperor Ashoka Maurya