The Difficult Times

Background:

Rana Pratap rose to prominence as the new hope for Mewar in February 1572. His subjects and chiefs had a lot of faith in his ability to remove the Mughal influence from Rajputana. In the year 1573, in the months of February, June and November, Raja Man Singh, his father Bhagwan Das and Todal Mal came to persuade the Rana on alliances respectively. Although he received the fellow Rajputs cordially, their purpose remained unsolved. These frequent visits to his court from alliances of Akbar made Gogunda vulnerable as a capital. He decided to move himself to a small village at Girwa, about 8 miles from Haldighati. Not being able to reach him anymore, Akbar's chieftains were forced to prepare for war against the Rana. Under the leadership of Man Singh, Akbar's army reached Haldighati, the chosen battlefield on the banks of the Banas River. The brave Rajputs having only half the army's strength fought bravely and an injured Rana was taken to safety by his favourite horse Chetak before the horse died of the injury. After the battle, Pratap was devastated, at the loss of Chetak, and many of his loyal chieftains and decided to concentrate on regaining several parts of his empire from the smaller outposts of the Afghans and Mughals. He moved to Kumbhalgarh Fort, his birthplace with his five queens and children. In the years 1577 and 1588, he managed to take back four major Mughal outposts near Kumbhalgarh forcing the Mughals to retreat. However, Akbar decided to send his expert chief to kill Pratap in a sudden attack. Knowing these intentions from his spies, on midnight of 3rd April 1578, Pratap and his family abandoned the Kumbhalgarh fort for a life of exile, away from Mughal eyes. The Mughal army managed to seize Kumbhalgarh but found it empty much to their dismay.

The story:

The royal family dressed as commoners to avoid being identified. Danger lurked in every corner of the mountains and forests and they had to be alert. They were now at Dholan. Amar, who was a nineteen-year-old youth now, kept a strict eye on his younger brothers Chand Singh, Bhagwan Das and his three sisters. He was responsible for their safety. Ajabde, Solankhini Bai, Champa Bai, Jasobai and Phool Kanwar Bai cooked and looked after the family and a few soldiers who accompanied them, like any other normal housewives. It was extremely difficult for the princesses who had lived lives of luxury in palaces to cope with this. Ajabde was the protective elder sister to all of them, making sure they were comfortable and their difficulties did not disappoint the Rana.

She cooked and cleaned and taught the children the VeerGatha of their forefathers. Rana Pratap was busy meeting his chieftains in disguise. They brought them a supply of Bajra and vegetables. Sometimes the supply would run low, and Ajabde starved silently, not letting the Rana know, fearing he would change his mind and surrender. One day, the family gathered to eat the day's meal. Rana Pratap sat with his favourite son by his side, his children surrounding them. He could not help but notice how Ajab De's health was deteriorating over the months. He was indeed worried, Suddenly something struck his mind.

" You people have your meal, I am not hungry today, I will go see how the army is getting along with the day's exercises." He ordered his wives and stepped out. Two rotis each and a plate of vegetables are not what any princess desires. He knew some of them secretly resented marrying him. Ajab de happily spread the food for her sisters.

" You won't eat with us Jija?" Phool asked her, holding the empty leaf plate meant for Ajabde.

" I will eat later, Behena, after I do the puja. " She stepped out of the tent. Away from their sight, she went into the bushes looking for wild fruits. They did not have enough Bajra, her thoughts trailed.

" What are you doing here?" She got shocked as she put a berry in her mouth. It was him.

" Kunwar Pratap, I..." She stammered. " What are you doing here?"

" I knew you were hiding something, I just knew it." He sounded disappointed. She could not look him in the eyes.

" You remember Ajabde..." He continued looking at her. " You and I had a deal, whatever happens, we will be in it together, no matter how tough."

" Kunwar..."

" No, you are going to listen to me, I know you won't eat without giving enough to your children and sisters."

" We don't have enough resources Kunwar Pratap."

" Now we are talking. You should not starve. Ajabde, what if you fall ill?" His voice filled with concern as she looked at him, his eyes moist." I can't lose you."

" Kunwar Pratap I can..."

" Here..." He took out a roti from his hand, " from today, we will have one each."

" When did you...?"

" I saved mine, I am Rana Pratap, I can do this." He smiled at her.

That day, in the clearing, Rana Pratap and Ajabde shared the heartiest meal they ever had together.

Days passed by, and the supplies were reduced, they had to look for alternatives in the wild, leaves and fruits that were edible were cooked and served. One day as Ajabde was making Roti, she gave two to the youngest princess. The princess, happy to get two rotis after so long, ate one and kept the other for later. However, as she left it unattended, a wild animal came and stole it. The princess cried for her roti as her mothers consoled her

The sight filled Pratap with regret. He remembered how luxurious his life was at her age and how he could not provide even two rotis for his daughter. He walked away from the scene. Ajab De followed him into his tent. He knew she would come.

" I am thinking of surrendering."

" No, Kunwar Pratap, why ..."

" You saw what happened. She is a princess, she should have the life she deserves. You know how luxurious my days in Chittor were, I could not give her anything."

" Rana Pratap Singh, she is a princess, and a royal family should always be ready to sacrifice everything for their motherland. Our Veer Gathas teach us that. She is a child Kunwar sa, she does not understand the cause. You are not only her father. There is a country full of people who believe you will free them of Mughal dominance. You need to think of them too."

" Ajab De whenever you talk like this it makes me admire you even more. " She looked into his eyes and blushed.

There were noises in the clearing and Amar came out. " Daajiraj, I feel the same way Rani Ma does, we can not surrender to the Mughals no matter what." His proud parents looked at him with pride. He had the nature of his mother and the bravery of his father. They could not be prouder.

Akbar's spy had seen what had happened, he immediately left for Agra with the news that Pratap was thinking of surrendering. Akbar waited for this news for so long, that he rewarded the spy and let him go. One such alliance of Akbar, present in court that day was Prithviraj Rathore, a poet and royal Rajput, first cousin to Pratap. (His mother's sister was Prithviraj's mother.) He was shocked to hear this. Away from the hawk eyes of the Mughals he wrote to his cousin:

"Patal Sun Badshah, Bole Mukh Hunta Bayan,

Mihir Picham Dis Mann, Ughe Kasabh Rao Uth,

Patakun Munchiyan Paan, Ke Patakun Nijh Taan Karad,

Dije Likh Deewan, In Do Mahali Baak Ikh."

It means,

" The mouth of Pratap has begun to say Badshah,

Oh Rao, has the sun started rising in the West as well?

Should I Keep my hands over my Mustache or Should my body fall with my own hands?

O Deewan, write an answer and choose between the two."

Pratap promptly replied to his cousin with a poem in return:

"Turak Kahasi Turakado, Inn Mukh Sunn Ikling

Uga Jiya Hi Ugasi, Prachi Bichh Patang,

Khushi Hunn Pithal Kamadh, Patako Muchiyan Paan,

Jeete Hain Pachatan Patto, Kilama Siir Kewaan"

It means,

"Lord Eklingji will always make my mouth call him a Turk,

The sun will rise in the East always.

Be happy and put your hand on your moustache,

Till Pratap stands on his feet,

His sword will keep hovering over the Invaders."

Prithviraj was very happy to get this response from his cousin, knowing he was the last hope of Rajputana and later letters between the two further indicated how even some of Akbar's Rajput allies and Hindu kings had their hope rested on Pratap's hands to liberate the Rajputs of Mughal influence.

Life in exile was one of the most important parts of his life with Ajab De and his life as a king. Although historical records have no proof of this letter, most of Rajputana's folktales are found as Veer Gathas of Kings and queens and this letter is very popular among them. The next few years showed great success for Pratap as he regained Kumbhalgarh and a few other prominent places with the help of Amar Singh and also finally in 1585 AD the Mughals decided to leave Mewar, keeping an outpost at Chittorgarh, and peace was restored in Mewar once again. However, Pratap's life remained difficult with the untimely demise of Ajabde some five-six years later.

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His Wife

" Where is the Kesar, Rama? And the Kalash?" Ajabde looked visibly displeased at the daasi who ran. " They are at the fort gates and nothing is ready yet!" She exclaimed. She was clad in a red Jora and the jewellery she had inherited as the first Kunwarani of the crown prince. Little Amar ran down the hallway towards his mother. " Maa sa Maa sa... who is coming with Daajiraj?" His innocent question made her heart sink. " Bhanwar Ji." Sajja Bai called out to him. " Come here I will tell you." Amar rushed to his Majhli Dadisa. " Ajabde." She turned at Jaivanta Bai's call. "They are here." " M... My Aarti thali..." Ajabde looked lost like never before. Jaivanta Bai held her stone-cold hands, making her stop. She patted her head and gave her a hug. The hug gave her the comfort she was looking for as her racing heart calmed down. Jaivanta Bai left her alone with her thaal. " Maa sa!" Amar exclaimed

Towards You

Kunwar Pratap and Ajabde were friends. He didn't feel awkward sharing his plans and thoughts with her anymore. She was more than happy to advise him on everything. She was happy he listened to her advice before taking or discarding them, be it on what to wear to Padmavati's Sagai or how to befriend the revolting Bhils. He loved the way Ajabde always used metaphors from Puranas and Ramayanas to explain the toughest things so easily. She expressed herself so well, so easily that it amazed him. The Afghans were now led by Mehmood Shah. They have made secret territories in the forests and waited to attack. Rawatji and his spies had confirmed the news and Udai Singh had warned Mehmood Shah to withdraw his troops from Mewar in vain. Now, it was time they declared war. Mehmood Shah had limited resources in Mewar. And his spies clearly suggested that in no way could he win, especially with Kunwar Pratap leading his troops. He was having second thoughts about the war. One of his aides

Destiny

The war was almost won. A few of Marwar’s soldiers were left on the field along with Rao Maldeo Singh Rathore, their king and leader. He was thinking of retreating at the end of this day. As his sword clashed with one of the opponent generals as he eyed the opponent King now open and prone to attack. A little hope flickered in his mind as his eyes instructed his closest aide. The opponent was quite in a winning situation thanks to their new Senapati. He was just 16 yet his bravery and valour reflected his blood and upbringing. He mesmerised the opponents and even Rao Maldeo with his clever war strategies and sword skills. As Maldeo’s aide swung his sword at a taken aback Udai Singh, someone’s sword defended it as his body acted like a shield for the king. He killed the man in one go. “ Ranaji are you okay?” “ Haan Raoji.” He nodded gratefully. By half the day, the Marwar army had retreated as the air filled with “ Jai Mewar! Jai Eklingji!” From the triumphant soldiers. Rana Udai Si

She Left...

The war was over and so were the hopes of regaining Chittor. The Battle at Haldighati had robbed the Rana of all his wealth, and brave men, and bruised him for life. Trying to match up to Akbar or rather Raja Man Singh's army with one-third its strength had cost his bravery dearly. He had lost his friend and companion. He had brushed past death. The only good thing that this war ensured was that Akbar accepted that he cannot have Mewar. His army retreated and left the country in peace after almost two decades and seventeen wars. This war gave something else too. Kunwar Shakti came to help his brother in his time of need. He lived up to his brother's expectations of being loyal to his family. A heavy-hearted Rana Pratap Singh was overseeing the construction work on his lost friend's memorial right where he died, trying to save his master. The Bronze statue of the life-like Chetak stood tall but was no match for the void Chetak has left behind. He was lost in his thoughts as

Unpredictable

" Ohho Dadabhai! I can not walk anymore!" Shakti was panting. Clad in a commoner's attire they had hired a cart for some distance and were now walking to Bijolia. " You have to! We have to go back tomorrow morning otherwise they will be sure we were not at the Kelwara region but elsewhere." He said in an indifferent tone. The stone on the path indicated they had reached Bijolia. " There! Look Dadabhai a mandir!" He smiled. " Thik hai ." Kunwar Pratap shook his head a little displeased. " You can rest a little before going into the main township." " Paani!" Shakti was panting as he sat on a solitary part of the Radha Krishna temple as Kunwar Pratap walked in to seek blessings. At Shakti's cry for water, he started looking around and found a pond visible in the distance. " Stay here!" He ordered his brother even though he knew very well Shakti won't move from his place. He was at the bank looking at the c

My Everything

Kunwar Pratap stormed into the Mahal at Gogunda. Happy faces of the chieftains and soldiers welcomed him as Rao Ramrakh and Rawatji stopped the ongoing Raj tilak. A visibly scared Kunwar Jagmal looked clueless at a visibly angry Kunwar Pratap. Rani Dheerbai Bhattiyani hadn't expected this son of Mewar to show up that too twenty-one days after his father's death. He was not informed as per Dheerbai's instructions. She looked at Rawat Ji. He must have gone to Raoji at Bijolia. No one except them knew where Kunwar Pratap was staying. It was for the safety of his family. " What are you doing Chotima?" A disappointed voice came. She could stoop down so low? " We were about to inform you..." She spoke up in her defence. " When Dheerbai ji?" Maharani Jaivanta Bai, clad in white entered the hall as people bowed before her. " After your son's coronation?" " I did nothing Badima I swear!" A low voice came from Jagmal. " Maha

To Protect You

Kunwar Pratap was in court with Rana Udai Singh. The Mughals were conquering a huge part of the north courtesy of Bairam Khan and Mewar on their routes to the ports of Gujarat. " Dajiraj we need to secure the roads leading to Agra and also towards the west. The attack-prone areas should always be under surveillance." " Yes Ranaji. Baojiraj is right." Rawatji agreed. In the Rani Mahal, everyone was preparing for a grand lunch. Ajabde was making a sweet dish for the princes and princesses and in a hurry, she forgot to add the Kesar and Badam on top. As she served the smaller princes including Kunwar Jagmal, Dheerbai came to inspect her eldest son's food. " What is this? Who made this? Kokoiaji?" She stormed to the kitchen with a bowl of sweet dishes. " Kunwaranisa did." Came a scary answer, from Veer Bai. " Ajabde Baisa." Her words let out a silent gasp from the lesser queens who stood witness. Calm and composed, Ajabde walked up

Struggle of Thoughts

Kunwar Pratap and Ajabde had both by the first week known each other's schedules well and they made sure that their timings didn't clash, be it in the puja Ghar, dressing room or elsewhere. They tried to stay out of each other's way as much as possible, giving each other the space they needed. Ajabde had learned that Kunwar Pratap preferred cold sharbat and desserts over steaming hot food, he liked to wake up with the first bird's call at dawn, he didn't like any disturbances at work or at the Dangal Sthal, and he loved his mother the most. Kunwar Pratap had learned that she was intelligent enough to decipher unsaid words between the lines of any novel, epic or book she read. She was very much into spending most of her time reading or sewing and when outside he always spotted her in the garden tending to flowers with his sisters. What he saw was how similar her lifestyle was to his mother's in a very weird way. She liked things simple, preferred to make her own

The Difficulties

“The best of our characters are often reflected in our children.” Kunwar Shakta had visited the court at Udaipur after a Turk marriage offer was turned down by Rana Udai Singh for the third time for one of his Princesses. The Ranimahal at Chittorgarh buzzed with rumours of him warning his father about the consequences of enemity with the Turks and also about the impending doom of Mewar. He had apparently irked Kunwar Partap by suggesting a peace alliance with the Timurids was beneficial to Mewar. Rana Udai Singh in his anger had banished him from his court. Kunwar Shakta had sworn not to be associated with the royal family any further and to join allies with the Turks. Rawat Chundawat was calm enough to pacify the angry prince and offer him to shift to Bassi and give his decision a second thought. However, Kunwar Partap had refused to abandon Chittor defying his father’s orders for a shift to the newly founded capital with his Ranimahal. He wanted to stay at Chittorgarh which was

Understandings

After counting days, Ajabde was happy that she was going to Bijolia. She knew how eager her mother and Ratan would be to know about her new life. She couldn't wait to hug her mother and feel like... Home. She was selecting gifts for her parents and her siblings as per Ranima's instructions. Then suddenly an idea struck her mind. Her new family welcomed her with so much love and support. Especially Ranima and Majhli Maa Sa. She wanted to give them something. Suddenly she remembered that Ranima had loved her embroidery work on dupattas back in Bijolia so she called a Dasi and ordered some plain Chunris and embroidery threads. She had a lot of work to finish in a day before leaving. Kunwar Pratap came back into the room to see her on the floor, right in the middle of the room with red, green, yellow, and pink all sorts of dupattas scattered. " What's all this?" He asked not sure if he should be asking. " I am making gifts. For Ranima, Majhli ma, Rani Dheer Bai

RAABTA

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