{~ *The Valiant Son Of India - MAHARANA PRATAP* ~}

"Kya soch rahe hain?"

A voice brought Pratap back from his lost world. It was Ajabdeh, who had just returned after taking off her heavy Maharani jewelry. It was night and it was time to sleep. But Pratap was so deep in thought regarding the morning's crowning ceremony, not even a wisp of sleep was bothering him. He was wide awake.

"Kuch nahi Ajabdeh, bas, ham to rajyabhishekh ke bare me hi soch rahe the. Praja kitni prasann thi hamare abhishekh ko lekar! Kitnu, apni praja ke liye, hame apne daajiraj ki antim ichcha ke viruddh jaana pada. Aap hi bataiye Ajabdeh, ham dajiraaj ke jyeshth putr hain. Unki aagya ka paalan karna, unki ichcha poori karna, hamara dharm nahi hai?" Pratap asked as he doubted his deeds.

"Aavashya hai. Kintu apni matrbhoomi ki raksha aapka param-dharm hai. Sabhi vachan, sabhi kartavy, sabhi ichchaen, aapki matrbhooomi ki maang ke aage gaun ho jati hai. Aap hi yogy hai singhaasan par baithne ke liye, vishesh roop se jab Akbar apni sampurn shakti Rajputane ho hathiyane me laga raha hai. Aapko apni matrbhoomi ke liye, Mewar ka raja banna hi hoga Pratap" Ajabdeh assured Pratap. Pratap had no words to answer. But before he could think about it, a loud chorus in a childish voice filled the room.

"Daajiraj hain Maharana! Daajiraj hain Maharana! Daajiraj hain Maharana!..." Kunwar Amar Singh entered the room, celebrating the crowning of his father, seemingly happier than anyone else.
"Kunwar Amar..." Ajabdeh called out, "Aap abhi tak soye nahi? Dekhiye kitni raat ho chuki hai" she asked him in her motherly tone.
"Vo Ranimaa," Kunwar Amar said innocently, "vo ham so to gaye the, kintu daajiraj ke rajyabhishekh ki smritiyon ne hame phirse jaga diya" he confessed.

"Kintu ye konsa tarika hai, poore mahal me itna shor machake apni prasannta vyakt karne ka? Aap nahi, kintu baki sab to so rahe honge na Kunwar Amar? Agar aapke swar se kisi ki neend toot gayi, to? asked Ajabdeh.

"Vo...kshama kijiyega Rani maa...kintu...hamne jab daajiraj ke rajyabhishekh par gaur kiya, to hame ek baat pata chali, jis se hamare dhairy ke baandh toot gaye aur prasannta jhalakne lagi" Kunwar Amar told his mother in his sweet voice.
"Achcha, aise konsi baat pata chali aapko? Bataiye hame..." Ajabdeh asked him.

"Vo...bade dada ko sab log Rana Udai Singh bulate the, hamare poorvajon ko bhi sab Rana' kehkar sambodhit karte hain. Rana Kumbha, Rana Hameer. Kintu daajiraj ko sab log Rana' nahi, Maharana' kehkar sambodhit kar rahe the. Maharana' arthat Daajiraaj ne sabse adhik mahan kary kiye honge na. Tabhi to sab unhe Maharana' bulate hain. Haina Rani maa?"Amar said.

"Ji haan Kunwar Amar. Aapke Daajiraj ne baal aayu se hi aise veerta ke karname kiye hain, apni matrbhoomi ke liye itna kuch kiya hai, poori sena se swayam yudh kiya hai, hame aur hamari matrbhoomi ko sadev bachcakar rakha hai. Inhe karyon ki vajah se aapke Daajiraj, Maharana bane hain" Ajabdeh explained.

"Rani maa, jam ham bade ho jaayenge na, tab ham bhi Daajiraj jaise shurveer Maharana banenege!"Amar said excitedly with a deep note in his voice to demonstrate his seriousness.

"Kunwar Amar, aise hi koi nahi ban jaata Maharana'. Maharana' banne ke liye bahut abhyaas karna padta hai, bahut mushkilon se joonjhna padta hai, bahut saara shram karna padta hai, praja ko khush rakhna padta hai. Aap swayam dekhiye, aapke daajiraj ne kitne varshon ke abhyaas, prashikshan, anubhav aur karyon ke baad Maharana' ka padh prapt kiya hai. Bina kathinaiyon ke anubhav nahi milta, aur bina anubhav ke ham kuch prapt nahi kar sakte. Samjhe?"

"Bhala aisi konsi kathinaiyan aur anubhav hai jinhone daajiraj ko Maharana bana diya?" asked a curious Amar.

"Kunwar Amar, aap kitne sawal karte hain?" said Pratap in surprise, interrupting the mother-son conversation. "Bhala aap hamare jeevan ki kathinaiyon ke bare me jaankar kya karenge?" Pratap asked casually. But the answer he got was swift and serious, "Kyu ham bhi aapki tarah Maharana' banna chahte hain."

"Kunwar Amar, sadev yaad rakhiyega, karman eva adhikaraste, maa faleshu kadachana. Maa karmfalhetur bhurma, te sangostvkarmani' Aap jo bhi kary karen, use karne ki ichcha se kijiye, us kary se koi phal prapt karne ke liye nahi. Hamare adhikar keval kaam karna hai, uska phal to uparwala nishchit karega. Aapke daajiraj ne kabhi apne kary singhaasan prapt karne ke liye nahi kiye. Unhone jo kiya, vo apni praja, apne parivaar, apni matrbhoomi ke hit me kiya. Aur dekhiye, unke isi samarpan ke swabhav ne unhe, Maharana' bana diya" Ajabdeh shared the knowledge with her son.

"Kintu Rani maa, hame ye to bataiye ki daajiraaj ne konse kary kiye?" Amar asked indignantly.
"Achcha. To aap sach me apne daajiraj ke jeevan ke vishay me jaanne chahte hain?
"Ji haan Rani maa. Bataiye naa!!"
"Theek hai. Aiye baithiye, ham aapko sunate hain...gatha dharti ke veer putr-Maharana Pratap ki...

"He Dhaara vali dharati ka...
He laal aayo re..."

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Kunwar Pratap Singh, the eldest prince of Mewar, the jewel of the family, the darling of masses, the epitome of the bravery and chivalry, the model of kindness and honesty, the savior of his motherland, dharm-parayan, maryada-purushottam, agyakari, siddhanton aur kartavyon pe chalne vale, descendants of Lord Rama, in all terms, a true Rajput.

A born son of his motherland, who could go to any extent to protect it. His respect for his rules and limits was unbelievable, so was his determination to fight till the very end. Even in the most pressing situations, he did not lose his head. Soft, easygoing and adorable as a child, with a smile that could win all hearts, and hidden courage and bravery in the face of all odds, his heartfelt respect for his people along with the thirst to do something for his people and his motherland, he was the apple of everyone's eyes.

Not only that, his selfless love for his family and his constant efforts to ensure a smile on their faces and a life without tensions, he even became a favorite among the members of the royal family too and the citizens as well. His love for his motherland and for his family was deep engraved in his personality, so was his habit of adhering to the truth.

That's why, it wasn't a surprise that Pratap's birth brought with it a wave of happiness, in both the praja and the parivaar, because he was the first son of Rana Udai Singh and Maharani Jaivantha bai, and first time since Rana Sanga, a valiant warrior and protector of his matrbhoomi. He was the prince that the crowd had been waiting for, he was the first son to a father full of hopes and the first child a loving and true mother had been waiting for.

The amiable qualities of the ideal son, friend, brother, prince he had since birth and those of an ideal husband, father and ruler he had after growing up, he was no doubt the prince that the citizens pronounced as their crown prince, their future king, the ruler who would sit on the throne of Mewar. Same expectations his father, Rana Udai Singh had for him, for he was the eldest prince, and he was the one who had the right to sit on the throne, so he must possess the qualities and character to make him deserving for that position.

Same was with his mother, Maharani Jaivantha bai, who herself taught him so much about life, about dharm, about his duties and responsibilities, about his mistakes. Infact, when Pratap thought of giving up his right to the throne to fulfill his brother's wishes, she was the one who made him realize that he must sit of the throne of Mewar because he is the kind of ruler that the praja wants, that the praja needs. He had strong instincts, which never proved to be wrong.

Rana Udai Singh Sisodia: Rana Udai Singh, Pratap's father, was sixth in the row of Mewar rulers. Son of the valiant and chivalrous Rana Sangram Sanga' Singh, who lost one of his eyes and arms in a battle, got eighty wounds on his body, but still challenged and fought the opponents bravely, Udai Singh possessed a fine quality of planning war strategies and implementing them. He was an excellent king who saw the benefit of his people and always rewarded them with justice, but his qualities were pressed down by one of his four queens, who kept him under her spell of evil beauty to become the Maharani' of Mewar. He passed on the Rajput traditions and he was the last remaining of his four brothers, all of whom were lost during bad times in the Chittor palace and the Rajputana. He sometimes indulges in little games too to spend some time with his family, and he is really good at such small fun activities. He loves his family a lot, but sometimes blind in the face of emotions when political matters arise.

Maharani Jaivantha bai Songara: Maharani Jaivantha bai was the first queen of Rana Udai Singh, and the patvi rani of Chittor palace. An elegant lady with dusky colour and tall poisture, she has deep dark eyes with an unmatched elegance and command. Very knowledgeable and intelligent, she treats everyone equally. A true kshatrani, she displays courage and intellect in the face of fright. She gave birth to Pratap, and consequently showered him with all her love but at the same time taught him lessons of life which made him an amazing prince and human being. She loved her son Pratap more than anything in her life. She was very protective and concerned and attached to him and forgot everything when it came to his safety. Pratap respected her and loved her a lot, and she was only second to his praja. He always followed her sermons and she was always proud of him.

Pratap had deep respect for his father. He never questioned his decisions unless he knew that they weren't right. His father's words were his dharm, and he would never go against them. Many times, he was the one to show his father the right way and take his entire burden upon his own shoulders. As for his mother, there was such a strong bond between Jaivantha bai and Pratap that she could read his heart in his eyes and he could detect her insecurities in her expression. Pratap would run several miles away in burning heat to the Vishnu lake to bring her the best lotus flowers for her special poojas and she could always feel his footsteps, his arrival, even when others could hear and see nothing. Although Pratap had two more step mothers who were Rana Udai Singh's wives, Jaivantha bai was his true mother, someone who selflessly loved him, taught him, and guided him on every step.

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The news that Pratap was the one who hoisted the flag of Mewar travelled like fire throughout the nation. Everyone, from the king to the praja, everyone was so exhilarated at knowing about this, they celebrated from early morning till late night. Functions were held, feasts were organized, people danced with drums and colours all the while. But apparently, all of this didn't go too well with Rani Dheer bai Bhatyani, who had been spared from the flames of Jauhar due to her unborn child. When she saw the whole atmosphere of celebration which was filled with Pratap's praise, she burst out in anger to stop everything. Under the shadow of her love, she portrayed her anger as worry and asked Pratap to promise not to go in the battlefield ever again, so that such praises would never generate in the future. But Pratap had enough brains and tackled it, cause he was his motherland's son, he could never stop fighting for it.

Rani Dheer bai Bhatyani: A viscious woman, Dheer bai can go to any extent to fulfill her ambitions. Blaming her unhappiness and lack of love and opportunities in her niyati to her maternal home, she does everything possible to keep Pratap away from the throne. A very beautiful woman, but only from her face, Dheer bai Bhatyani has a personality full of poison. She does everything to defame Pratap and keep him from his happiness, she even puts herself and her newborn son on stake for it. Jealous of Jaivantha bai, and anyone else who gets too close to Udai Singh, she keeps Udai Singh under her influence of beauty and makes him do whatever she wants. She is a big hypocrite, she can even give her family away when it comes to hiding her own reality.

While Pratap always respected her and loved her a lot, even prayed to Eklingji for her good health, but she was nowhere near to love him. She tells her dasi, Kokoyaji, that she had been hungry for Pratap's life since the very beginning; when she had let him go behind Savak Devidas, the traitor, when she had asked for kairi, she thought he would Pratap would succumb to death in the fight with the Afghan soldiers. But she was quite wrong. So instead of indirect attacks, she decided to kill him by mixing poison in his thandai, which was to be given to the princes when they returned from the lohars. But Kokoyaji came in at the very end and saved the day, taking all the blame on herself. But all of this strongly aroused Jaivantha bai's suspictions. When she went to confront Dheer bai, she only found that she had already prepared false evidence in her defense with fake tears of hurt. In all this, Dheer bai suffered no harm but Jaivantha bai had to stay away from Udai Singh for punishment of accusing Dheer bai.

While Pratap always respected her and loved her a lot, even prayed to Eklingji for her good health, but she was nowhere near to love him. She tells her dasi, Kokoyaji, that she had been hungry for Pratap's life since the very beginning; when she had let him go behind Savak Devidas, the traitor, when she had asked for kairi, she thought he would Pratap would succumb to death in the fight with the Afghan soldiers. But she was quite wrong. So instead of indirect attacks, she decided to kill him by mixing poison in his thandai, which was to be given to the princes when they returned from the lohars. But Kokoyaji came in at the very end and saved the day, taking all the blame on herself. But all of this strongly aroused Jaivantha bai's suspictions. When she went to confront Dheer bai, she only found that she had already prepared false evidence in her defense with fake tears of hurt. In all this, Dheer bai suffered no harm but Jaivantha bai had to stay away from Udai Singh for punishment of accusing Dheer bai.

But soon, Udai Singh wanted to do the rajyabhishekh of Pratap to the position of yuvraj, the next king. When he asked the queens' suggestion, Dheer bai refused straightaway but Jaivantha bai said that he needs to be taught some basics. He needs to be sent to a gurukul. After completing his education can he take the throne.

Boondi, a place where justice and truthfulness had no place. Kunwar Pratap was asked to leave the palace and his mother, Jaiwanta Bai followed. They reached Boondi because there was Durga Pooja being held. When Pratap reached there, he sensed trouble. He met Panna Dhai, the one who had saved his father's life by sacrificing her own son.
He met Krishna, a true companion, a girl with a zest for life. The one who could go to any extent for the truth. He helped the people of Boondi and was given the title of Sakhaveer, a friend in disguise.
Rao Surtan was the ruler of Boondi. His injust ways of treating his people were coming to an end due to Sakhaveer. He with the help of Bairam Khan had figured out that it was Pratap who was the main cause of problem in his kingdom. He asked Udai SIngh to help him. Udai SIngh, who needed Boondi's support readily gave help. he promised that he will find and kill Sakhaveer.
When he found out that it indeed was his own blood, Kunwar Pratap disguised as Sakhaveer, he had no other option but to go by his words. He had to fulfill his promise. But Pratap was safe because of RawatJi and his guru, Raghvendra. Both these people played an important role in his life.
With this, the yuddh of Boondi started with Surtan Singh and Bairam Khan on one side and Udai Singh on the other. It was now when Rani Dheer Bai Bhatiyani adamantly sent a letter to Udai SIngh telling about the treasures. Udai Singh had sent all his wives to Bijolia, a place where they all could be safe.
The outcome of this war was that Pratap had defeated both Surtan SIngh and Bairam Khan. But he did not kill Bairam Khan because he wanted him to live as a person who returned from the battle field after loosing. This gave an end to the Surtan Singh - Bairam Khan alliance.

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On his way back to Chittor, Pratap and Jalal encountered two princesses, Ajabdeh and Phoolkanwar. Though the friends didn't meet these princesses face to face, but yes, while Jalal fell head over heals for Phool and her beauty, destiny had some other plans for Pratap and Ajabdeh.

Rajkumari Ajabdeh Panwar: Daughter of Rani Hansa bai and Rao Mamrakh Singh Panwar, the samanths of Bijolia, Ajabdeh was a very silent and simple girl. She didn't like anything glittery or showy and remained contended with whatever she got. She was well versed in scriptures and poojas, and had a dear cow, Laxmi, with whom she shared all her feelings. Having suffered the harshness of her father and lack of love from her mother, Ajabdeh matured at a very young age. Being all alone in her house, God sent Phool as her friend. It was her simplicity and her elegance, taking blames and solving problems, that Pratap fell for her and she proceeded to become the Maharani of Mewar, the wife of Maharana Pratap.

While all the teachers left their retirement to train Pratap or travelled a long way for the honour, there was one person who showed Pratap the mirror of harsh reality. This man was Acharya Guru Raghvendra. He refused to teach Pratap in the castle and despite of Dheerbai's constant efforts to defame Pratap in his eyes, Jaivantha bai kept check and it was the Guru's words and Pratap's will power, his strong awareness of his surroundings, that he was able to dodge all the obstacles in the way, including the assassin Bassar Khan who had been hired by Shams Khan to kill Pratap.