The Royal Coronation

Ever since Kunwar Pratap was young, the idea of his coronation day kept his mother's hopes alive. But never had she imagined his coronation to go the way it did. She had received news from trusted confidantes at Kumbhalgarh, where she was staying with Kunwar Pratap's family, that Udai Singh had passed. It was a shock as Mewar was still struggling to recover from the loss of Chittorgarh. While she fulfilled the rituals of a widow, her thoughts ran to the next course of action. To get her son coronated for Mewar's future. But the next news they received while planning to leave for Gogunda shocked them further. Rani Dheer Bai, who was with the Rana in his last days, did not wait for his other sons to arrive, as she let her son Jagmal do his last rites. Worse, they did not want to wait for the coronation. In a bizzard claim she made to the counsel, accompanied by her brother as witness, she claimed the Rana's last wish was to make her son the king. Her son, who had time and again wanted to surrender to the Timurids. Kunwar Jagmal was holding his own coronation on Holi. The Rawats of Salumber, Kelwara, Kelwa, Mandalgarh, everyone flocked to Kumbhalgarh.

"If it was his last wish..." Pratap looked perplexed.

"We don't know that." His mother interrupted firmly. He was yet to accept seeing her in the white attire, deprived of her jewellery. He looked away. "But if they claim..."

"Baojiraj Pratap." Krishnadas Chundawat spoke. His father Ramdas had sacrificed his life in Chittor for Mewar. "I have heard stories of how our family has time and again guarded the throne of Mewar." He nodded at his words. "Your loyalty lies with the throne and not the people. I understand." Kunwar Pratap nodded.

"No, you don't." The Rawat spoke. "Mewar gives its thirty-six chieftains the power to choose their king and leader. It has been done in the past when your father was coronated."

"It led to a war within the family," he reminded them coldly. "We can't afford that now."

"We are aware, Baojiraj," the man agreed. "That is why we will march to Gogunda, stop his coronation." The other chieftains agreed. "We choose you to be our leader. We don't want him."

"And he will leave the throne?" Pratap sounded sceptical.

"We promise you, you don't have to do a thing. Just come with us." They understood his reluctance to intervene in his brother's coronation and declare a rebellion within. He paced his room as Ajabde stopped at the threshold/ She let the maid set down the plate of fruits, bow and leave as she eyed him while cutting the fruit.

"You must do what they want." Her words stopped him from pacing.

"You do know that the title will not make any difference for me in serving Mewar." He reminded her. She nodded.

"You are here to serve Mewar. Do what the people want." She emphasised. "Go with them."

The sight at Gogunda was a first and last in history. As Jagmal clung to the cushions of his throne, he refused to move from the place. Dheer Bai looked embarrassed as he yelled in vain, and the chieftains picked him up by his hand, physically ousting him from the throne. He stood by her, helplessly watching their own army hold them hostage as Rana Pratap Singh was coronated king. His first order was the banishment of the Bhattiyani queen to Vrindavan. Jagmal was ordered to leave, and he decided to join the Timurids. Kumbhalgarh welcomed the news with conch shells and drumrolls. Holi was smeared in colours, despite the country mourning its king.

A week had passed since his ascendance when he decided to come back to Kumbhalgarh. He wanted to transfer his capital there, from Gogunda, under the advice of Rajmata Jaivanta Bai. But she had more concerns than one.

" What is it, Ranima?" He turned around, gesturing at the servants to leave them alone.

" I came to remind you of something important, now that you are Rana."

" What is it? Did I do something wrong?" He looked unsure at his mother's scrutinising glance.

" No, but you have to make a decision." She said. " I can no longer be in charge of the Rani Mahal. It is the task of the Maharani of Mewar." She smiled. " You have to officially choose and announce who will be Mewar's Maharani. She will only be entitled to help you in stately affairs and have the right to sit with you in Pujas and Festivals. She will run the inner palace and its affairs. Your decision makes sure that your household runs smoothly. It is very important for the state that the inner palace is under control." Surprised at her words, he smiled faintly, " You know my choice, Ranima, and I think she is your choice too."

" I must tell you something, Rana Pratap Singh. With the title comes a lot of things; jealousy may be an issue with the other queens, and they may hate Kunwar Amar. The others are Princesses, but Ajabde is not. That might be an issue for foreign rulers who wish to form alliances with us. It might not go well with them, especially the Rathores. We need to be practical and not emotional here."

" Ranima, she may not be of as much of a royal status, but she is as Mewari as we are. Her patriotism is what we need. Her calmness is what they need. Moreover, I don't want to share the rights of being my other half with anyone else. As far as the alliances are concerned, I assume they will not be affected." They heard the sound of the anklet coming towards them and stopped their discussion. Ajabdeh entered the room, puja thali in hand, waving the smoke from the Dhunri across Pratap's room, filling it with the heavenly smell and feel. Pratap's eyes followed her across the room, and Jaivantabai left quietly. She turned around, keeping her thali down and smiled at him.

"You and Kunwar Amar should be present in the court today." He told her blatantly.

" Why, Ranaji? What is wrong?" Concern filled her eyes. He was yet to sink into this new title by which his mother and wife called him. It sounded alien, like it was not him they talked to but a king.

"Nothing. I just want you there." He said.

"Should I call Solankini and..." She enquired.

" Did I tell you to Ajabdeh?" He sounded irked.

" No... I'm sorry, I..." She was her usual calm self.

" You can call them if you want." He turned away to leave, but she wanted to say something more.

" Can I send Solankini to do puja in your room tomorrow?" He suddenly lost his temper.

" Why? You can't do it yourself?" He asked.

" No, I mean... they should be ..." She fumbled. Pratap held her shoulder as she looked up from her stammering.

" They are not allowed to come to my room as I don't want them to. They are not you. End of discussion. See you in court." He turned to leave but smiled back at her, saying, " Ajabdeh, it will always be Pratap for you. Rana Pratap Singh is for the rest of the world."

Stunned, Ajabdeh saw him leave. She knew that sooner or later, he would have to officially declare a consort. She wanted the other queens to have a fair chance at it. She wanted him to observe and appreciate them. It would be wiser for Mewar if he chose a princess of a strong alliance for the role. She knew that. Yet, his resistance scared her. What if they held resentments and blamed her? She had seen enough of Udai Singh's queens to fear for it. At the court, Rana Pratap had something to announce. He called Kunwar Amar to his side as all the ladies witnessed the moment from behind the Jharokha. " Today, I have an important announcement to make. I want to declare Kunwar Amar Singh, my first child and son of Maharani Ajabdeh Punwar, as heir to the throne. With this, I want to announce separately that after Rani ma, Ajab De Kanwar will now be Maharani of Mewar and my chief consort."

The court cheered their Queen and Prince as Kunwar Amar received the royal turban and sword. Pratap saw himself in the thirteen-year-old Amar. Ajabdeh was called to court, and she appeared beside him, her face hidden by her dupatta, as she whispered, " Ranaji?"

" Pratap..." He reminded her.

" Are you sure that I...?" She sounded unsure. She looked at his beaming face from her dupatta.

" Yes, because you remind me of the beautiful journey we have had, and I always want to be that person for you, the one you stammered to see at the palace balcony of Bijolia fifteen years ago. With you by my side, I will be humble in my victories and strong in my defeats. Life is a battlefield, Ajabdeh, and we always choose the people we trust the most to be our allies. You are mine, for life." He could feel her blush behind the veil as they stood together, side by side, witnessing Amar's ceremony of being the crown prince and the future of Mewar.

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One Night

Happy Valentine's Day, readers! Hope you put your self-love and your love for reading right at the top when you celebrate today! The night was eerie; the veil of stars shone in the clear sky, occasional clouds travelling with the wind, playing hide-and-seek with the crescent moon. The leaves rustling in the gentle breeze, and somewhere in the forestland, the call of an animal broke the silence. Owls hooted somewhere, and in the darkness, one could see across the arid land, beyond the water of a lake, a fort wall was lit by the torches of the guards who were awake and alert. The sandstone castle in the middle of the small township was asleep. The corridors of the Mardana Mahal, where noblemen and princes were stationed, were heavily guarded tonight. The prince of Mewar was travelling through this small town, on one of his many campaigns. The square-shaped palace had an inner courtyard for the ladies. Opposite the Mardana Mahal was the Andar Mahal, where the women resided. They shar...

His Wife

" Where is the Kesar, Rama? And the Kalash?" Ajabdeh looked visibly displeased at the ladies who ran around. " They are at the fort gates, and nothing is ready yet!" She exclaimed. She was clad in a red lehenga and the jewellery she had inherited as the first Kunwarani of the crown prince. Little Amar ran down the hallway towards his mother. " Maasa Maasa... 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. " Ajabdeh." 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!" A...

The Legend of Maharana Pratap: An Introduction

Itihas ke Har Panne Ki Ek Bohot Bada Uddesh Hota Hai Jo Aap Aur Main Kabhi Samajh Nahi Paate. Shayad, Meera Bai Ki Bhakti Ki Panna Dhai Ke Sahas Ki Chittor ki Jauhar ke askon ki Ek Bohot Bada Uddesh Tha. Ek Pratap Ka Charo Or Phelne Ki Mewar Ke Suraj ki Roshni Ki. Mewar, a land in Rajputana, is nestled between the serene Aravallis. With its beautiful lakes and forestland, the yellow soil that witnessed warfare, and the mighty temples that stood as a testament to the Bhajans of Meera Bai, its history and folktales reflect stories of bravery, rebellion, and loyalty. Rana Sanga, the most famous of rulers who sat on the throne of Mewar, died unexpectedly, leaving Mewar in a state of uncertainty. Here is where this story begins. The year was 1535 CE, and Mewar's capital, Chittorgarh, stood invincible on the plateau surrounded by the Aravallis. The danger that loomed large after the king's demise was to the throne. Ratan Singh, the king's secondborn, was coronated rather quickly...

Queen of the Heart

Kunwar Pratap was in the Dangal Sthal practising his moves. Ajabdeh decided it was fair to know his strength before she summoned him. Sword in hand, in a white female warrior attire with only her face visible, she hid behind one of the large watchtowers of the Dangal, watching him move. She heard Rawatji say, "Your left hand is still weaker than the right one with the moves. Both should be perfect." A smile curved her lips. Knowing an opponent's weakness always helps, which is one rule of war she always remembered. Kunwar Pratap swung his sword with his left hand and turned around. He could sense someone watching; his sixth sense was never wrong. He looked around. Ajabdeh again peeped at the grounds to see that it was empty. He had left. She walked towards the empty ground, sword in hand. Suddenly, the cold blade of a sword was felt on her neck. She stopped still. " So someone was spying on me." His voice had a hint of taunt. " No, I was ... walking by......

Legend of Maharana Pratap: Kika

The Bullock cart stopped in the middle of the forest. The scorching heat of the summer sun over the head. It made the woman sweat. It had been a long time since she had been outdoors in the summer sun this way. Kunwar Pratap was holding the reins of the cart. He was in a simple white angrakha and a red pagri. Those that commoners often wear. He glanced over his shoulder at his mother. She looked tired in her simple green lehenga. Her face was covered in a semi-transparent dupatta. "Do you need to stop for water?" He enquired. Jaivanta shook her head at her concerned son. He was barely twelve, yet he spoke like a protective man. They had stopped twice on their way from Jallore to Bhilwara. Once, they had bought this commoner attire from a local market. They had paid a young woman handsomely for buying it for them. Then they stopped for the night at a traveller's den on the way. These traveller's dens were made by Sher Shah for traders who stopped on their way to Surat....

Begum Sahib: Forbidden Love

2nd June 1634, Burhanpur. " My heart is an endowment of my beloved, the devotee and lover of his sacred shrine, a soul that enchants mine." The Raja of Bundi had arrived at Burhanpur after a win in the war of Paranda. He had met the crown prince Dara and was honoured with a sword and elephant before he came to pay his respect to the Padishah Begum as per the norms of the court. Jahanara was writing in her room. Her maid came with the news, “Begum Sahib, the Raja of Bundi has arrived at court; he is at the Bagh to pay you his respect.” “Tell him to sit in the courtyard of my bagh, I will be there.” She had risen from her place, covered her face in the veil of her dupatta and walked to the place where he waited. “ Begum Sahib," he had acknowledged her presence with a salutation. She returned the bow with a nod. She was sitting inside the arch while he was on the other side of the Purdah, the sun shining over his head as he took his seat on the velvet carpet th...

My Everything

Kunwar Pratap stormed into the Mahal at Gogunda amidst uncertainty and chaos. Happy faces of the chieftains and soldiers welcomed him as Rawat Chundawat, and some other chieftains stopped the ongoing Raj Tilak. A visibly scared Kunwar Jagmal looked clueless at a visibly angry Kunwar Pratap. Rani Dheerbai Bhatiyani hadn't expected Kunwar Pratap to show up, that too, despite her conveying to him his father's last wish of crowning Kunwar Jagmal. Twenty-one days after Udai Singh's death, she was finally close to a dream she had dared to dream since Jagmal was born. He was not informed about the Raj Tilak as per Dheerbai's instructions. She eyed Rawat Ji. He must have assembled the chiefs to this revolt against her son, against the dead king. 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 was directed at her. She could stoop down so low? For the first time, an anger...

Rebel Love

“I can’t believe this.” Kunwar Shakti spoke aloud what was on everyone else’s mind. Kunwar Pratap held a scroll from his father as he read aloud the instructions. They were supposed to go on a battle with Dungarpur because the Rana liked a dancer girl he wanted to “possess” there, and he was refused by the king. “We can’t be making enemies because he liked a dancer, Dadabhai.” He waited for his brother’s reaction. “Please tell me I am right?” Kunwar Pratap’s glance made Kunwar Shakti stop. The Rawat of Salumber and the Rao of Bijoliya were present there, and the last thing Pratap wanted was a rumour that the prince did not agree with the king. He cleared his throat. They were sitting in the Haveli at Kelwara, where Pratap was posted. Ever since his return to Chittor and the not-so-successful war against Marwar, both princes were posted away from home. Receiving the instruction at Mandalgarh, where Shakti was posted, he wasted no time gathering the two chiefs and arriving at Kelwar...

Scheme of Things

The ousting of Shams Khan and his troops from Chittorgarh earned Kunwar Partap Singh overnight fame across the land as tales of his bravery made their way through the dunes and hills, across rivers and borders to lands far and beyond. At thirteen, he had commanded an army troop to take over the fort of Chittorgarh and restore Mewar’s borders to their former glory. People started comparing him to his forefathers, the great Rana Kumbha, who built forts across Mewar and his grandfather, Rana Sanga, who had united all Rajputs against external threats. As bards sang praises of the prince, gossip soon followed. Gossip was the most entertaining one could get in the mundane city lives and village gatherings, and it often travelled faster than the fastest Marwadi horse. So alongside the tales of his absolute bravery and how he hoisted the Mewari flag on the fort, were the stories of how his life was in danger, the king and queen did not quite get along and how he was made to live in poverty by ...

The Queen

“Some remain immortal in deeds, others, in the hearts of their loved ones.” Kunwar Partap had left Kumbhalmer a little reluctantly with his chieftains to claim the throne that was rightfully his, at his father’s funeral at Gogunda. It did not come as a surprise to either Maharani Jivanta Bai or Ajbante Baisa that Rani Dheer Bai had tried to put her son on the throne of Mewar and ally with the Timurids. As Amar Singh rode away, excited, beside his father, Ajbante stared at them go, with a heavy heart. Today was the start of a new journey, a new title and new responsibilities, but all she could gather was that her baby was not a baby anymore. She felt the way she felt when she had first come to the house, alone in a crowd. A sudden tap on her shoulder jolted her from her thoughts as she turned to see Rajmata Jivanta Bai standing before her with questioning eyes. “What is it that worries you today, Ajbante?” Jivanta Bai asked, reading her face, “Is it not some sunshine after ...

RAABTA

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