Posted:
Hi Folks,
I read somwhere, where some are calling Pratap's escape from Akbar as an act of cowardice. I just boil when I read this. But I have only the below to share with those folks:
- now, what is wrong in running away from the battle field? Kshatriya dharma is all about protecting the motherland and not to prove one's own guts. The focus to protect the land should never be lost. So, this only shows how focussed and steadfast Pratap was, a great lion that he was he did not care about his name being tainted, but was only focussed on saving his mathrubhoomi. Look at his guts!
I am reminded of the Vidura Neeti verse (Vidura Neeti is the advise given by Vidura to Dhirudarashtira) - Forbearance should not be considered a fault, for it is the greatest strength; it is indeed a virtue of the weak and an ornament of the strong.
It needs more guts to patiently bear than react. Test of inner strength is much tougher than the test of the physical strength. Now, you know why I have great reagards for Yudishtira. It is easy to react, but extremely difficult to stand the ground of dharma even during trying times.
- if Pratap had not escaped then, most of Mewar would not have been recovered. People who talk about his running away, can they not think about his reclaiming Mewar (but for Chittor) alter? And this too, in what state? Not that he was king of a big empire, with millions of soldiers at his disposal then. He was still on hiding then. Is this not sheer might, intelligence, grit and what not? Hats off to you my all-time hero!
- Lord Krishna, ran away from Jarasand as we all know. He also ran away from Kalanemi. Now, will anyone sensible call him a coward? As we know Lord Krishna could have burnt Jarasand with his entire army by His mere sankalpa, not even lifting a finger. So, where is the room for cowardice. This is but sheer brilliance and more importatnly, knowing well what needs to be done then and doing just that in the interest of all, instead of being carried away by one's ego. He was just practical. So was our dear Pratap.
- Assuming, subjected to his ego and not allowing his name to be tainted, if Pratap had continued the war, knowing the result well that they are going to loose and they are all going to die, ans still he allows himself to be killed, what exactly has been achieved now? Maybe people will say he died on the battlefield for his country. But my question is, did the country benefit by his death? Of what use is such death, than to oneself whose name may be intact? One needs to be able assess what is the need of the hour - and Pratap was clear as ever. To save his mother land, he has to save himself first. That is the best thing to be done given the situation then. Fine, he may be called a coward, but he would still have met his objective and stood by his Kshatriya dharma. For that matter, if Pratap had died in the battlefield portraying himself as a warrior, am not sure he would be remembered today. It was his escape and a continued struggle to free his motherland despite all odds that won the hearts of many.
I had to let it go...am just furious when ppl call Pratap a coward.
To me, it is an absolutely senseless talk. I have the greatest regard for Pratap and it will ever remain so.
Kaana
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Dharma eva hato hanti dharmo rakshati rakshitah |
(One who acts contrary to dharma perishes and one who follows it is protected.)
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