Skip to main content

The Turmoils of War


“Uncertainties often bring out the true character, and ego often burns down the image of a man.”

Maharani Jivanta Bai frowned a little at the messenger who stood at her threshold. She was not an official letter bearer, but a maid. Her veiled face could easily pass her as one of the maids of the Chittorgarh Palace itself, but Maharani Jivanta Bai’s keen eyes knew she wasn’t one of them.
Kunwar Partap was seated on the couch in her room, savouring some freshly picked mangoes when the sound of the girl’s anklet alerted him.

“Ghani Khamma.” The girl seemed uncertain. Kunwar Partap’s hand stopped before he picked up the last mango.
“I… came with a message from…” Before the girl could complete her sentence Kunwar Partap had walked up to her and snatched the letter from her hand.
“You may go.” His voice was monotonous. The girl stared at him a little scared from behind the veil, bowed to the queen and left in a hurry. From the sound of her anklet, it was evident that she was running down the corridor towards the gates.

Kunwar Partap was standing at the threshold still inspecting the letter that had arrived. It did not take his mother a moment to realize that it did not contain an official seal.
“Who was that?” Her question was more of a firm doubt.
“A messenger.” Kunwar Partap frowned a little uneasy.
“I could see that. Who sends you a letter without a…”
“Ranima.” Kunwar Partap cut her short. “I am sorry. I will be back.”
Before Maharani Jivanta Bai could react he was gone.
“Hai Eklingji. I hope everything is fine.” She let out a prayer.

Her husband had brought home a new bride. Veer Bai Jhalla was going to cause a war between Rajputana’s biggest forces, everyone believed. The poor girl was being blamed for the lust of men; Jivanta Bai felt pity for her. At the same time, she was concerned for Mewar. Maharani Jivanta Bai knew that it was Kunwar Partap who wished it to be untrue, especially with the forces of Afghans and Turks posing as impending threats to the Rajputs. She had seen him worried about the security of the borders. A war with Marwar was simply not on his agenda. With Kunwar Shakta away, Kunwar Partap wanted someone to support him in his decision to peace talks. He was spending most of his time with his most trusted chieftains talking over the matter. She was sure from his face that most of them thought only war could be a fitting reply to Marwar.
She called her maid in waiting “Find out where that girl came from.”
“Ji Maharanisa.” She watched the maid leave with a sigh.

Closing the doors of his chamber carefully, Kunwar Partap smiled relieved. For the past year, he had received these letters. They were not addressed to him; neither did they mention the name of the sender. Yet, he replied back only once, urging the sender to keep him updated each week. Was it because he had nothing to say? Or because he knew somewhere in a corner of his heart, who send those? He was concerned about border safety and each week, these letters gave him insight into the movement of the Afghans and Bundi within the Bijoliya borders.

He opened the letter. Over the past year, the formality of long letters had shortened into just what needed to be told.
“Khamma Ghani. I am fine. The family is doing well too. Is there really a quarrel in the family there?” He couldn’t believe the letter had three sentences. He couldn’t help but smile. Over the year, the letters had a strange code to them, codes only he understood.” I” referred to Bijoliya and “Family” to the borders. He frowned at the last sentence. The letter was smaller than usual. Was it because he didn’t reply to them or she was doubtful that someone else could also read them? He sat down unmindfully. Did she fear spies? He stared at the last sentence. The talk of an impending battle with Marwar was doing the rounds. She had asked him a question. Maybe because she wanted to know about the securities. Kunwar Partap unknowingly praised her intelligence.

“Khamma Ghani.” Ajbante’s hand brushed the ink blotted on the paper. Ever since the maid arrived with the letter from Chittorgarh, Ajbante had excused herself on the pretext of a headache and locked herself in her room. He actually answered her. Or did he answer the informer? Did he even know it was her? Something in her believed he did.
“The quarrels are getting serious. The family is in trouble.” Her heart thumped in her chest. What she heard from behind the curtains of her father’s meeting was right then, he confirmed it. The war was going to happen. She had heard her father talk of how the war was going to decide Mewar’s future and that of Kunwar Partap. It was an important war for him. He had won three wars in the past two years, but this was a great battle. Somewhere Ajbante had her doubts. Did they actually need a war with Marwar exactly when the Turks were conquering the seats of Lahore and Dinpanah back? The fifteen-year-old Jalaluddin Mohammad had a great army they said.
Men, she gathered, had their adrenaline rushing at the scent of warfare. They were up in arms at every smallest issue that could even be resolved with a peace talk. Ajbante cursed her thoughts. Being a Rajputani she couldn’t possibly think of peace talks, could she? She had heard the men gathered in their courtyard talk of how this was going to be the war they waited for for a long time. A knock resounded, startling her from her thoughts. A maid had arrived with another letter from Mandalgarh. Ajbante opened the box, kept carefully hidden behind her clothes, and placed the letter under the pair of bangles, with the other two letters in it with a smile before opening the letter that had arrived with a royal seal.

“Khamma Ghani Rajkumarisa.” She smiled reading the letter. “Mandalgarh seems to keep me occupied more than I thought it will, and with the impending war, I have been busy. However, I must express my gratitude for the wonderful handmade rakhi you sent me for my success. And I hope you have liked the Kachli I gifted you last time. Although I must admit I know nothing about women’s choices and it was Maasa who chose that one for the Kunwarani of Mewar.” Ajbante’s smile faded a little as she let out a sigh “I am also writing to inform you that Dadabhai is not in favour of the war. He is currently at Salumber to talk to Rawat Chundawat about it and they will probably head to Bijoliya to do the same with Rao ji. Wait for your special guest Bhabisa. Thank me later. Kunwar Shakta Singh.”

Ajbante stared at the letter for a moment. Her throat was dry and her eyes suddenly wore a smile that refused to go. Was it because he also was not in favour of the war and their thoughts were alike? Or was it because Kunwar Shakta gave her news she couldn’t imagine!

At dinner, Ajbante Baisa decided to tell her father that Kunwar Partap could be arriving with Rawat Chundawat to talk to him about something important. Rao Ramrakh Punwar was however clueless about what the urgency was. The frown on his face refused to go and it troubled Hansa Bai as well. Knowing that Kunwar Shakta would never pass on information without surety, Hansa Bai ordered the palace to be cleaned and prepared for the arrival of the guests. If he was at Salumber, like Ajbante informed, it wouldn’t even take him a week to arrive at Bijoliya.

Deep into the night, Ajbante stopped in the dark empty corridor at the light coming from one of the map rooms. She tiptoed carefully to the threshold to watch her father sitting there, with a rather serious face and two maps spread before him.
“Not enough men…” She heard him murmur. Smiling faintly she walked back to the kitchen where two maids were cleaning up after a day’s work.
“You wanted something Baisa? You could call us.” They sounded alert. She shook her head with an “I want to do this myself.”
Rao Ramrakh smiled faintly watching his daughter knock at the door. Ajbante rarely disturbed him at work, unlike Ratan Baisa, and she always came with a sense of peace for him, just like her mother.
“Ajbante.” He managed to take the frown off his face reading her worried eyes “You haven’t slept yet?”
“So haven’t you Daata Hukum.” She smiled a calm smile handing him a glass of cold buttermilk. Then she sat across him on the floor, with the map in between. “Do you think this is right Daata Hukum?” She frowned at the map.
“What is?” The man stopped at his sip and stared at his daughter.
“The war.”
“If Ranaji decided…”
“But ...” Rao Ramrakh frowned at Ajbante cutting his words short. That was so unlike her.
“Pardon me.” She realized her urgency and rubbed her hands together. Rao Ramrakh smiled.
“What do you think Rajkumarisa?” His words made her smile, for they had a tone of respect in her insight that her father always trusted.

Kunwar Partap was happy that Rawatji agreed to his suggestion of urging the Rana for a peace talk. They had arrived at Mandalgarh at midday to be greeted by Kunwar Shakta. All they needed now was for Raoji to agree before the four of them headed to Chittorgarh with the proposal before it was too late. Kunwar Shakta was in a sudden rush to start for Bijoliya upon their arrival.

Kunwar Partap frowned at him making Rawat Chundawat ask “What is the hurry Kunwarsa? We can go there tomorrow. Rao ji is not leaving for Chittorgarh now.”
“Yes, Rawatji but Badi Ranima always say that why not do things today than leave them for tomorrow?” He hoped that he had managed to affect Kunwar Partap with his words but it was in vain.
“We will rest here tonight after an inspection of the camp. I want to check things myself. We will start for Bijoliya at dawn.” He couldn’t help but admire how stubborn his Dadabhai was.

They had assumed the Bijoliya palace would still be asleep in the wee hours of dawn but Kunwar Partap was a little surprised to find Hansa Bai waiting to welcome them to the palace.
“It looks like someone already informed them about our arrival.”
Rawatji’s words made Kunwar Partap shoot a suspicious glance at Kunwar Shakta who was quick enough to ignore his glances and walk up to greet Raoji.

Kunwar Partap got off his horse and walked up to greet Hansa Bai with folded hands and a faint smile. As Hansa Bai welcomed both the princes to her palace with a guest’s welcome of traditional aarti, Kunwar Partap’s eyes wandered over the threshold. He realized it the minute his eyes had travelled to one of the Jharokhas inside the hall, and Ratan Baisa smiled at him. Realising his mistake Kunwar Partap was quick to focus on the red and blue carpet that lay beneath his feet while Kunwar Shakta wore a victorious smile.

After the refreshments were served and the maids left them alone in the hall, Rao Ramrakh Punwar smiled at the guests.
“You should rest in your allotted chambers; we can talk before lunch Kunwarsa.” He addressed Kunwar Partap as Kunwar Shakta savoured the sweets.
“I think we should talk before we go to rest Raoji.” Rawat Chundawat spoke on behalf of the prince.
“Is it something serious Rawatji?” He asked.
“I think there should be no war.” Kunwar Partap’s words made Ramrakh Punwar stare right across him at the threshold surprised. Kunwar Shakta’s eyes travelled with his, to his right and he stole a glance at Kunwar Partap as Rawatji smiled with “Ghani Khamma Ajbante Baisa.”
“Khamma Ghani Mamasa.” She had smiled from behind the veiled face as she helped the maid put down the silver plates full of fresh summer fruits. “Please help yourself Kunwarsa.” Kunwar Partap looked up at her veiled face thinking the words were addressed to him while Ajbante placed a plate in front of a smiling Kunwar Shakta.

“Dhanyavaad Baisa.” His words made Kunwar Partap look away with Rao ji apologizing.
“I am sorry Kunwarsa, my daughter interrupted.”
“No Raoji, Baisa is a wonderful host.” Rawat Chundawat smiled in admiration “And a good warrior too, I have heard.” His words made Ajbante smile faintly as she stole a glance at Kunwar Partap’s unreadable face.
“She helps me a lot in administrative decisions and…” Raoji smiled.
“Daata Hukum...” Her soft words came almost like a protest against her father praising her.
Ajbante Baisa had turned to leave, behind the maid who had walked away a minute ago and stopped at Rawat Chundawat’s gesture at her father’s praises.
“We will like to know your views on this then, Baisa, isn’t it Kunwar Shakta?” Rawatji smiled.
“Yes I was very impressed at her observations at the Gurukul, what do you say Dadabhai?” Ajbante stared at him nodding slightly as she smiled at the approval and stood her ground, beside her father, facing him.

Kunwar Partap continued “I think this war should not happen.” His eyes were fixed on Raoji hopefully.
“Why do you feel so Kunwarsa?” Raoji frowned “We are well equipped. If you think we are going to lose this…”
“Yes we are well equipped but now that the Turks are imposing a threat over our head, the Afghans are breathing on our neck, a war between the biggest states of our land will perhaps help them.”
“Because like in the time of Rana Sanga, we can only fight invading Turks united in the cause under one banner?” Raoji asked a little surprised.
Kunwar Partap smiled in appreciation.
“Exactly what I believe Raoji. I am glad you feel the same.”
“It’s not me, actually…” Kunwar Partap frowned at his words and noticed someone else clear her throat making Raoji stop between his sentence as he asked  “...Anyway, how can I help to stop the war Kunwarsa?”


Around mid-1556, Mewar and Marwar got involved in a clash of egos in which Kunwar Partap was the Senapati of the Mewari Army. The war lasted 18 days and ended in a treaty, with no results. After this war, he fought two more wars, before his marriage as Senapati, one at Dungarpur being particularly famous.


READ CHAPTERS HERE
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Of Faith and Fate

Series Announcement! Historical Fictions are special, so here is one, short but special tale close to my heart after a really long time! This story is a special one because it is completely historical fiction with very little connection to the fan fiction I have written previously. However, I have maintained the sequence of events, reading history books on the context.  This is not a story of a man and a woman, their love and trust. This one is about the tests time often puts people through, forcing them to change. My protagonists in this one are hence, two princesses of the same age. Ajabdeh Punwar or Ajbante Kanwar Baisa, as she is locally called is the princess of a very significant district of Bijolia in Mewar. Bijolia lies in the seat of political events, at the border of Bundi and Mewar. Having her lineage from the mighty Chauhans, her forefathers once ruled Mewar. Her father is an officer in the army of Mewar under Rana Udai Singh and she is a lady of princip...
Post a Comment
Read More

Preparation

It has been a tradition since time immemorial in the face of the earth that the men marched to war, seeking glory for their states and kings, adorning their bodies with bruises no less gaudy than the most precious gems of the land, while the women waited and prayed for their safe return. No war was easy or certain. At least that is what they grew up learning. But does it stop the war? Or the need for power? Absolutely not. The royal blood demands shedding it. Kumar Viraj could have left Maanwari as a child but Maanwari had not left his veins. That was perhaps why he was braver and more skilful than men his age. When Adhiraja Ishaan Dev offered him Neelambargarh’s mighty troops to capture Maanwari, he knew they would surely outnumber his uncle’s one by hundreds. But he made sure he refused Adhiraja's personal help. Battles made Ishaan Dev’s adrenaline rush. He wanted to lead Kumar Viraj to victory. But when Kumar Viraj said that it would only demean his claim to be ready for the thr...
Post a Comment
Read More

Eternally Yours

Ajabde woke up to find neither the pillow nor the husband beside her. That was really unusual. Has she overslept? No, it was dark and the first birds were singing. She sat up to find that he had neatly arranged the pillows and made his side of the bed and put his blanket over her. She checked the changing room. No, he was not there, but unlike other days his clothes were not in a mess. She freshened up and reached the dressing table. His brooch was not there. Where is he? Has the war... Her heart skipped a beat. What if he had left and not even woken her up? " Daasi? Daasi?" She called as one of them walked in. " Ji Kuwaranisa?" " Where is Kunwarsa?" " He left early in the morning for Dangal and then a visit to the village. Do you need anything?" " No, You may go now." She put on the sindoor in a worry. Maybe something urgent has come up. She walked to the Puja room and was shocked. Her garlands were made, the Chandan was in place and ...
7 comments
Read More

Sadh Puron

  Rasmo ka mela yaha pe khel rahe hai saare Aaja shamil ho isme zara thoda muskura de Seven months into her pregnancy, Bondita realised, almost to her amusement, that there were certain prejudices that even Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury gave in to. Ever since Koeli arrived, to help her out, as instructed by Kakababu, to her utter surprise Aniruddha gave in to Koeli putting a kajal tika behind her ear every time she stepped out, to avoid bad omens. He even willingly gave up the bedroom at one phone call from Trilochan insisting that the woman needs her space during her pregnancy. He ended up having a makeshift mattress as a bed, in the middle of the living room in the apartment, and he was more than willing to sleep there while Koeli stayed with Bondita. Although she liked to have the entire bed to herself, she sometimes missed their pillow talks. Aniruddha also made sure the household never ran out of supplies of pickles and sweets. Koeli didn’t lose a turn to tease Bondita about how th...
Post a Comment
Read More

The New Capital

“Some dreams are once broken often come back as haunting nightmares.” The Padishah Begum received the news of the birth of a baby boy to Harka Bai at Sikri. She had arranged for a feast and celebration at Lahore and thanked the Almighty herself for this happiness. She prayed that the boy was safe. Hamida Banu had herself sent a messenger to the Padishah Begum at Lahore. The ladies celebrated for a week. The Padishah Begum had given away coins, and clothes to the needy and new clothes to the kin. The Emperor was on his way to Sikri as well. She had smiled at the happy faces savouring the wine and sweet dishes. She greeted and congratulated everyone around the Harem. The Timurid blood would be safe on the throne.   Jalal had visited once in the past few months, giving her the good news of Harka Bai conceiving again. He feared that people were conspiring at Agra. Hence, Harka Bai’s firstborns died, unnaturally. Ridiculous rumours were spread, about the Emperor killing his o...
Post a Comment
Read More

What If...

Ajabdeh, played all night with the newfound puppy who was already keeping her on her toes. First, he jumps into the trolley bags and inspected her clothes, alarming Heer and making her laugh. He had fallen in love with a pink lingerie Ajabdeh tied to his head like a bow, laughing harder as he tried to open it, going in rounds. Heer saw her carefree laughter with a smile. She may not like the guy, but he did make her sister laugh. Heer shook her head. Something in her felt really awkward as she cleared her throat to ask "Jija??" "Hmm?" "Do you... umm... like Kunwar Pratap?" Heer looked scared to ask. "What?" She frowned and then smiled as the puppy licked her face. "Of course I like him! He is a friend." "Jija I meant..." "Good night Heeriye." She hugged her sister then picked the pup up and snuggled in her blanket as Heer stood watching. "Let's name you baby?" She heard Ajabdeh talk. "Umm...
Post a Comment
Read More

Neelambargarh

  The fort of Neelambargarh was named so because it stood on a cliff above the low-lying plains surrounding it as if it was ready to touch the sky. The fort was surrounded by hilly forestland on three sides and extensive plain lands used for agriculture on another. The road winding up to Neelambargarh was guarded by three gateways and a secret tunnel, known only to the Neelambargarh royal family, led down from the five-storey palace to the river in the forestland. The kingdom of Neelambargarh was known across the land beyond the Heemdevi Mountains for its art and architecture. True indeed, like the myths it held, the stone walls of the fort and the castles shone in the sun like fire swayed by the wind. The gateways had extensive architecture and tales of Neelambargarh’s rich past and kings, engraved in stones, alongside nymphs and the several forms of their chief deity, The Wind, and his tales of miracles. Above the gate in local scriptures was poetry written in honour of the past ...
Post a Comment
Read More

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...
2 comments
Read More

Patralekha

Mujhse ye rishta jo, aa usse hai sawaare Chal sayane se thoda nadan bann ja tu Ashapurna walked out of the room with questioning eyes as Somnath shook his head. He had called Aniruddha as soon as Bondita complained of pain and uneasiness. He was already off to court and his house owner had reassured him that the news would reach him soon. He was supposed to come with the allopathic doctor. “I think it is time.” Ashapurna almost whispered to Somnath as Koeli rushed in with wet towels to comfort Bondita who appeared in a lot of pain. “Talk to Jetha Shoshur Moshai, please.” Somnath nodded and rushed downstairs where Batuk paced the room as Trilochan and Binoy sat on the couch. Ashapurna’s mother had taken Ashutosh with her for the day as soon as she heard.  “What do we do now?” Somnath broke the silence. “She was not due so soon.” Batuk frowned as his uncle gave him a disapproving stare making him stop. “Som, go and call Dai.” He insisted as Somnath remained frozen in his place. “We c...
Post a Comment
Read More

Trouble In Paradise

Kyun na jaane teri chinta ho rahi hai mujhe Har ghadi ab kyun hai dhyan tera. "Eyes on the road." Aniruddha scolded almost in a reflex, putting his right hand vigilantly over the steering wheel. Bondita's painted hands were on the wheel but her eyes kept wandering to the cattle on either side of the road. "You can't be distracted while driving. You will kill someone." He said in a rather monotonous voice. His hand didn't leave the steering wheel nor did his eyes leave the road. But he made sure instinctively that his hands stayed furthest away from her touch. Bondita breathed in as the morning breeze hit her face. She had removed the saree from over her head when they had stopped by the road to exchange places.  "If you push the car into a tree again, it's your last lesson." He had warned while she giggled.  Bondita couldn't tell Aniruddha why she was distracted the last time. It was almost dusk and while he instructed her on the wheel,...
Post a Comment
Read More