Historicity
of Padmini (The Maharani of Chittor), Author: Dr. (Ms.) Chandramani Singh and
Mr. Surendra Bothara, Translator: Ashok Kumar Mohnot, Publisher: Prakrit
Bharati Academy, Jaipur and Rajasthani Granthagar, Jodhpur, Language: English,
Pp: 245, Price: Rs.400/=, Year of publication: 2022, ISBN: 978-93-91446-16-1
As human
beings we all are proud of, and love our motherland and our clan. In this
respect the name of Maharani Padmini (Padmavati), wife of Rawal Ratnasen of
Chittor is famous. Whenever we talk of patriotism and national devotion, name
of Padmini comes forward. Her supreme sacrifice, that of her family and many
others, is respectfully known, all over India and even outside. Instead of
surrendering, they all chose “Jauhar”. i.e. laying down their life by self-desire.
This is based on the historical research conducted by the historians. However,
there are some differences in the minds of some people or historians as to
whether such an event took place at all. Some say that there is no such
character like Padmini in History and that it is only an imagination of the writer.
Any
historical research needs hard work, unbiased, dispassionate analysis and
brainstorming to arrive at the reality. Also the historians themselves have different
approaches and views. The required and confirmed details are generally not
available easily and are not in a proper arranged manner. Muslim historians are
said to have been scared of Alauddin Khilji and it appears that they have not
written clearly. Col. Todd has contributed a lot through his book “Annals and
Antiquities of Rajasthan”. He has mentioned about Padmini. But he left India in
between and worked from England. But there are various ways to arrive at the
truth. We should allow some independent researchers to work and also give them
due importance. We should examine folk literature; folk arts, traditions etc.,
find out the links, join the links and arrive at the reality. It is understood that
established historians Shyamal das and Gauri shankar Hira chand Ojha have contributed
a lot in this case. Also the historians of Rajasthan have collected the information
about the parental family of Padmini.
“Padmini
Charitra Chaupai” by Bhanwar Lal Nahta, 
was written around
14th century, that is 50 to 70 years after the event or 157-187 years before Malik
Mohammed Jayasi. In the opinion of Shri
Lal chand Bhagwan das Gandhi, it is of 15 th century but in the opinion
of Shri Agarchand Nahata it is of 16th
century. Shri Narayan das wrote his composition viz. Chittai Charit in 1526 AD,
which gives some references of Chittor, Padmini, Ratansen and Alauddin. Malik
Mohammed Jayasi wrote in the form of poetry around the year 1540 AD, that is
237 years after the event. He had chosen this popular story, based on the
historical events and the main characters viz. Padmawati, Ratansen, Alauddin,
Raghav Chetan and Gora Badal. Since the characters in the story of Jayasi are
historical and beyond dispute, then to choose one character and call it
non-historical is beyond comprehension. Under some pressure, the historians
forgot that Padmawati is the heroine of the story. During that period, except
for the orders of the King, all other communications were said to be by oral means
only, whether personally or through a messenger. So there could be mistakes
and/or confusions in the details. However, any effort to disown such main
historical events and characters is not justified, just on the basis of
opinion, arguments and counter-arguments.
This event was also popular in South India and scripts were written in
south also. The writer of Padmavat was a Sufi, so this book generated a demand
in the Muslim families also. It is understood that they had kept Padmavat book
properly, with honour. In the beginning of twentieth century, many scripts were
written on Padmini and Maharana Pratap for their bravery. Also one drama was
written & staged also, and a film was made on the historical events of
Rajasthan.
The events of
Padmavati got into limelight recently, due to the difficulty in clearance of a
film on Padmavati, by the Film Censor Board.
The senior author was invited by this Board to see the film at Mumbai and
advice about its release. A few other authorities were also invited for this
purpose, who also gave their advice to the Film Censor Board. Ultimately the
film was cleared for release.
In the beginning of the book, Preface has been written by
Shri D R Mehta, Founder and Chief Patron, Prakrit Bharati Academy, Jaipur,
detailed Background by the authors and then Contents. There are seven Chapters
in the book. These are: History of Padmini, Attack by Allauddin and Jauhar by
Padmini, Chittor and sacrifice of Rawal Ratnsen (Ratnsingh) in literature, Persons of the two sides, Attack on Chittor
and Historians, The story of Padmawat, Padmawat in the world of the Art.
In Chapter 2, “Attack by Alauddin and Jauhar by Padmini” the
authors describe the family details of Alauddin, his qualities especially in
warfare and his ambitions etc. Initially, he chose to attack Chittor, for its
strategic importance. The war was fought during 28 th January 1303 to 26 th
August 1303. Having lost all hopes, the Rajput menfolk embraced SAKA and the women
committed Jauhar. When Alauddin entered the fort, there was nothing except the
deserted fort. The authors also give details of Padmini and Rawal Ratnasen. These
events appear to have been initiated by a tantric Raghav Chetan. Subsequent
events like capture of Ratnasen, obtaining his release, subsequent attacks etc.
are described by the authors. But the bravery of the persons at that time for
devotion and sacrifice for the nation is beyond comparison.
Towards the end of the book, the authors have provided 14
Appendices, list of 30 reference books and 11 essays and articles. The book has
a colourful cover design, which is considered appropriate for the subject of
the book. The back cover of the book provides “About the book”, though not
written so. The flaps of the cover of
the book, give the photos and brief details of the authors and the translator. The quality of paper used is good. The book
provides 25 photos of the relevant paintings. This book is basically useful for
the people of India in general and especially for the students of history, to
make them aware of the various aspects of the events connected with Padmini. At
the same time it is relevant for the students and other interested readers,
including those from the foreign countries who do not have much knowledge about
the events and would like to be enlightened about the same. Credit goes to the
two authors for devoting time for study, research and then coming out with this
book, along with the relevant references, evidences for the benefit of the
readers, to make the matters clear In my
opinion, considering in an overall way,
it is an excellent book for awareness, understanding, and usefulness for people
of various age levels.
------------------vijaiksharma
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