Tuesday, July 24, 2012

             CASTE AND DIVION OF WORK.. A FALLACY TODAY

Some people are of opinion that caste ism in Hinduism is good for the stability of the community. The four varnas were no doubt were created by Lord Krishna as stated in Gita and also it is very clearly given in Purusha sooktham. Each varna was given certain type of work in the society. Over the years, this turned into hereditary practice and is attributed to birth. The real meaning of Brahman is something different from what we understand today. Now it is attributed to birth. He is now a Janmatah Brahaman.Other one is the brahamn by virtue of his deeds. In fact in present world, all most all are janmatah Brahamans and there is none by actions. secondly, people belonging to various cases are not pursuing their hereditary professions as per varna divisions. In temples, we do find Brahman pujaris and also from other castes if they study vedas.A veda school also exists for non Brahmins that was not sanctioned in scriptures. Shoodras were prohibited from doing tapasya during the period of Ramyana. Sri Ram to uphold the Dharma ( then) beheaded Shabooka who was doing tapasya that resulted in untimely death of a brahmin boy.The dead boy became alive once Shanbooka was beheaded. However these things happened long long ago as per mythology and we can not hide behind them in modern age. Vedas existed then too. Soldiers today are from all castes.Brahmins like Drona charya and Kripa charya and Ashwatthama fought in Mahabharatha war. Every one is engaged in trade apart from Vaishyas.Brahmins by virtue of reservations and many have been reduced to almost beggary and many are doing menial jobs too. Shoodras are no more doing services and menial jobs. Shoodras are in IAS, IPS, IFS, Army, teaching profession, ruling the nation and everywhere. Many Brahamns are engaged in various other trades. People are no more pursuing trades allotted as per varna dharma. Thus the argument of people who claim that caste system is really helping in division of work in Hinduism stands defeated. It is a fallacy indeed.Although men like Ambe kar hated caste system snd struggle against it, he however could not remove it. Today caste system is being staunchly maintained to gain reservations in various sectors. It is a vested interest.In AP very soon some medical colleges are going to be opened only for SC and ST categories where 65 % seats will be reserved for them.Then why Brahmin Medical colleges can not be opened. Similarly why Vaishya medical colleges can not be opened ? A day will come when India has to be divided based on castes such Brahmanasthan, Kshatriasthan, Vaishyanadu and then Shoodra nadu. Shoodras will again fight to get separated as Daitasthan and Shoodranadu. Where is the end to this chaos? If an Afghan wants to become an Hindu, let him become. Which Varna will accept him into their group? He can not be Jatyabrahmin. He has to be a Brahmin by virtue of his deeds.The person can not leave eating beef etc. Will Brahmins accept him and give their daughter to him if required. If a Muslim can be accepted intoa brahmin commuinity after conversion, why other Hindu varnas can not accepted into Higher Varnas? Is it acceptable. Such difficult situations have to be answered.

RECONVERSION AND CONVERSION TO HINDUISM

                        RECONVERSION AND CONVERSION TO HINDUISM
                                           Dr K Prabhakar Rao

Hinduism and its scriptures never recommended spreading of Hindu faith like other religions do. Islam and Christianity strongly recommend conversion of others.Jesus said to his disciples.. "Go and spread my message"Hinduism is a way of life as stated earlier. However Islam and Christianity propagated their religions and the actions were sanctioned.Spain destroyed churches after Moors were thrown out and built churches. Dutch destroyed many Hindu shrines in South India.There is nothing more that can be told about Islam about these activities. They immensely destroyed Hindu temples, sculptures, art, paintings throughout India as Islam was against idolatry practices and prohibits dance and music.In the latest act they disfigured Bamian buddhas in Afghanistan. Aurangzeb the Mughal ruler at Delhi threw out all artists from the court. He destroyed great paintings in Bijapur palaces after the city fell to him.Islam believes that the world has been created by Allah and entire world belongs to him and therefore every one has to be a Muslim. Others have to lives as second class citizens paying zizia tax which they claim that it is collected to protect them. Whenever Islam ruled, it persecuted Hindus very greatly They used all methods to propagate the religions that included force, intimidation, coercion,awarding benefits,offering jobs, threat to life and honor,rape, murder etc.Hinduism never acted that way. Hindus were thus converted since many centuries. Sadly after independence of India Hindus are struggling for their identity in a land of Hindus. To day India is a land of votes and govt is formed by counting heads. Muslims are trying to increase their strength by producing children without any check while Hindus are struggling to produce even one kid. The balance of populations will surely change after some time and islamization is lurking at corner. Therefore there is a necessity of introducing systems for reconversion into Hinduism. But Hindus suffer with caste phobia. To which caste a convert belongs. Which caste will accept him. Will he be Arya samaji? What will be his Gotra? Such convert again suffer from group behavior and struggle for identity.The caste system in India is very rigid and this has to be really discussed at very high level by religious Gurus and pundits. This has to be introduced although it is not easy.Unless Hinduism is freed from caste virus things will not be easy.We have four varnas, Brahman, Kshatriya Vysya and shoodra. Probably the reconverts will form the fifth category and would be discrminated.
In this context, a story may be recalled as it is highly relevant. Si Krishna Deva Raya was a very noble and illustrious ruler of Vijaynagar empire. He was a man of letters. He was a poet king of repute. Yet, he had his own strong and weak points. He had a royal barber who always attended on him . One day, he came to the palace and found king in deep sleep in a reclining couch and he without disturbing the king he did his job of conducting the shaving operation. After some time, the king woke up and saw the barber standing with folded hands near him. The king asked the barber to do his job as he woke up. Barber replied to him very politely that he had already completed his task.The king was greatly surprised and was highly impressed with the barber and asked him to request for anything that would be given to him. The barber requested the Emperor that he may please be converted in to a Brahmin and King agreed.
The next day he called his ministers , priests reputed Brahmins of court and directed that the barber be converted in to a Brahmin. They were shocked and remained tight lipped. They were highly scared to say any thing and they knew that the King would seriously punish them if they refused. They knew about the sudden rise of temper in the king. Therefore they nodded heads and went home and had no sleep. The priests were greatly agitated and were scared too. At last they decided to seek help of Tenali Ramakrishna ( Rama Linga)a talented court scholar and poet who was known for his skills, humor and versatility. They narrated the problem to Rama Krishna who immediately assured them that he would find a way out very soon and save them from the serious situation. He thought for a while and told the Brahmins his plan. The Brahmins went to king next day and said that they were ready to take up the job and requested the king that the barber besent with them. The king agreed and called the barber and handed him over to the Brahmin and they took him away. After few hours ,the king grew curious and wanted to see what the priests were doing with the barber. From the guards he found out that the priests were at the Tungabhadra river Ghat at city outskirts. He proceeded with his escort and reached the spot. There he found Rama krishna with a black dog along with an helper. The dog was being dipped in water after every two minutes and was taken out.The poor dog was shivering in cold and was also crying. He was reciting some verses. The king went close and asked Ramakrishna what he was doing and why he was cruel to the animal.Ramkarishna replied that he was converting the dog into a cow. The king laughed loudly and remarked , "How foolish you are Ramakrishna! Can a dog be converted into a cow? How it is possible? You appear to be a fool indeed.Please leave the poor dog or else it would die" Ramakrishna cleverly replied, " Your honor and majesty, When a barber can be converted into a Brahmin, I can also convert a dog into a cow? The words pierced kings heart and knew at once what the scholar really meant. He realized that Ramakrishna has taught him a lesson. The king went back to his palace and called for the barber and he arrived soon. The king told him that it was not possible to convert him into a Brahmin and therefore he could ask something different. The king gave him costly presents and sent him away. The scholars and priests were greatly relieved as they were saved by Ramakrishna from a tricky situation.
Thus it can be seen that in Hinduism as per scriptures there is no way out for conversion . This is a hard truth indeed. but due to the present situation in the country it may be necessary to introduce some methods for such job.
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Thursday, July 19, 2012

HOW AFZAL KHAN OF BIJAPUR KILLED SAMBHOOJI THE ELDEST SON OF SHAHJI RAJE AND BROTHER OF SHIVAJI MAHARAJ


     HOW AFZAL KHAN OF BIJAPUR  KILLED SAMBHOOJI THE ELDEST    
                SON  OF SHAHJI RAJE AND BROTHER OF SHIVAJI MAHARAJ

                                              Dr K Prabhakar Rao


          Maratha history usually revolves around Chatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj  who  carved out an independent Hindu Kingdom ( Swarajya) in 17 century against all odds at a time when  anti Hindu forces were at peak. These forces were let loose by the religious bigot Aurangzeb the Mughal emperor at Delhi duly abetted by the Bijapur kingdom of Adilshahis and Golconda Kutubshahi. There is no doubt that achievement of Chatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj  was immensely great and entire nation has to be indebted to him for inspiring the nation with his achievements. After the fall and disappearance of  Vijay nagar empire in 1646, rise of Shivaji Maharaj was the only hope for Hindus in this country. Shahaji Raje Bhonsle a descendent of Sisodia Rajputs was a very able General  and he originally served with Nizamshahi kingdom of Ahmed nagar and later shifted to Bijapur. It is believed that he never lost a battle. Although he made efforts to carve out an Hindu kingdom, circumstances were not favorable to him and he had to continue in the service of Ahmednagar initially and later at    Bijapur. The history books do not give detailed accounts of Shahji Raje and his life and due credit has not been given to this magnificent personality in the history of India. Similarly, brave Sambhooji ( Sambhaji) the eldest  son of Shahji Raje and brother of Shivaji Maharaj ( Later Chatrapathi) go unnoticed in the Indian  history. Sambhooji died fighting bravely in his youth in a battle due to treachery by Afzal Khan while he was in his teens. Very few know how he died at such an young age. The brave elder  brother   of Chatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj has vanished into history without a recognition. Had he  lived long life probably Maratha empire   would have flourished further and hands of Shivaji Maharaj would have become further stronger. But god willed otherwise. Shivaji Maharaj named his  eldest son as Shambhaji in memory of his  brother. It is a must to know the accomplishments of Shahji Raje to understand the life of Shambhooji Raje .

        The period saw the declining Vijaynagar empire in south India. The empire under Aliya ( Araveeti)Rama Raya suffered greatly after defeat of Hindu army at the hands of confederation army of Deccani sultans at Tallikota battle  on Jan  26,  1565 owing to the betrayl my the Mulsim generals of Vijay nagar army. Venkatapathi Rayalu II who ruled for 30 years at Chandragiri as  emperor of Vijaynagar redeemed the prestige of the empire to a very great extent. However after his death ,war of succession took place.  The Hindu empire was greatly wakened due to inner rivalries of Nayaka chieftains of Madurai, Jinjee, Tanjavoor  and Kalahasthi after Topur Battle on the banks of Kaveri river in 1616. The battle took place between  rival factions of Vijaynagar empire over the issue of succession to the throne of Vijay nagar. Ramadeva son of Sriranga II succeeded to the throne after the battle. The next ruler was  Sri ranga III  who succeeded Ramadeva to the throne of crumbling Vijayanagaar empire. Bijapur  and Golconda sultans were eagerly waiting to  ensure the demise of the Hindu empire that was struggling. These Deccani sultans were already vassals to the Mughal emperor and were constantly pressurized to  destroy the Hindu kingdoms in the south India as a policy of Islamization. Shahji Raje was serving Bijapur sultan under these prevailing  conditions. His inner spirit craved for establishing a Hindu kingdom  although he was loyally serving the Bijapur sultan.    Shahaji Raje was a very capable General  and  Mughals, Nizamshahi sultan of Ahmednagar  and Adilshahi sultan of Bijapur desired to have him  with them. . He was well known not only for his military and leadership skills but also as a Man who kept his word.   Shahji Raje served under all these important dynasties in his  eventful career.  Shahaji Raje  had a chequered career and he served Nizamshai kingdom in the initial career. He was very impressed by Malik Amber who steered the troubled Nizamshahi kingdom in the most crucial days. Shahaji observed him very closely and grasped the  intricate techniques of Guerilla warfare and  the methods to counter enemy’s large forces with small  number of troops. This helped him very greatly in his  later campaigns against Mughals and while in service of Adilshah  of Bijapur. These were the days when emperor Shahjehan was hell bent on destroying Nizamshahi kingdom based at Ahmednagar at any cost.

            Shahaji Raje had three surviving sons. He had six sons from his queen Jijabai daughter of Raja Lakhooji Jadhav who wasa senior noble in the service of Nizamshahi kingdom.   However four of them passed away in childhood .   The  third son    Shambhooji Raje (Shambhaji) and  fourth son    Shivaji Raje ( Chatrapathi) survived and grew up as brave and able warriors and administrators and men of  high  taste, virtues and culture.  Venkoji ( Enkoji I) Raje was the youngest son born to  Shahji’s  other wife who came from the family of Mohites. Venkoji I in later part of his life ruled at Tanjavur after the fall of  it’s Nayaka dynasty as independent king and the kingdom  lasted till it was annexed by the English  men in 19 century.
           The battle of Bhataudi wasa very crucial battle in the career of Shahji Raje that brought him great fame. It was fought in 1624 in Ahmednagar ( Maharashtra ) between forces of Maharaja Shahaji, Nizamshah led by Malik Amber and the combined forces of Mughals  and Adilshahi Sultan of Bijapur . Mughal forces of 1,20,000 strength were led by Lashkar Khan  , Mughal  commander-in-chief  . He was supported by 80,000 strong army of Bijapur .   Against this massive force of 2 lakhs army,   Maharaja Shahaji had an army of 20,000 at his disposal. Maharaja Shahaji   assigned 10,000 of these, the task of protecting and defending the Ahmednagar fort and town. The remaining 10,000 were with Maharaja Shahaji.
  Mughal and Adilshahi forces were encamped on the bank of the Mehkari River  that had a dam to conserve water, as Ahmednagar experienced water shortage.  The dam was full  as there had been good amount of rainfall.   Maharaja Shahaji came up with a brilliant idea. With utmost care, cracks were developed in the dam. It was the time of night; the whole Mughal and Adilshahi encampment was fast asleep and suddenly, water  gushed out of the cracks and flooded Mughal and Adilshahi camps .  There was chaos and confusion. Enemy’s equipment like clothes, rations, arms, ammunitions, cannons and cattle and horses everything were drowned. There was huge loss of life.  Many were taken as prisoners including 25 renowned, Mughal and Adilshahi chiefs.   It was a huge win for Maharaja Shahaji, after which Maharaja Shahaji became famous and  well known. But Shahji lost his brother in this battle. He later however left Ahmednagar  being unhappy with policies of Malik Amber.
               Nizamshi kingdom was passing through difficult phase.   Jahan Khan, the wazir of Nizam shah killed Nizamshah on the reasoning that  he  was an incapable and unwise ruler, who couldn’t take appropriate decisions and was easily deceived by some people. Jahan Khan greeted Maharaja Shahaji with open hands and asked Maharaja Shahaji to join him. Maharaja Shahaji started leading Nizam’s forces. However, at that time, the Mughal forces on the order of Shah Jahan had slain all the men in relation to Nizamshah and also killed two pregnant women. This was done to finish off the Nizamshahi, as there wouldn’t be any male heir to the throne of the Nizamshah. However, Maharaja Shahaji, in order to protect Nizamshahi  dynasty decided to crown a child named Murtuza, who was in relation with the late Nizamshah, as the next ruler. Maharaja Shahaji assured Murtuza’s mother that he would not be harmed and vouched for his safety.
            Shahajahan soon dispatched a force of 48,000  to  suppress Maharaja Shahaji, Nizamshah and his ally Adilshah. Under such mounting attack Adilshah sued for peace. With the withdrawal of Adilshah's support, Maharaja Shahaji could not hold much against the Mughals. His possessions were reduced quickly. In the fort of Mahuli he was besieged. Portuguese did not offer any help from naval side due to fear of the Mughals. In this war, Maharaja Shahaji fought till the last. But, unfortunately Nizamshah Murtaza, the little kid, was being kidnapped by Mughals and for the purpose of saving the life of Nizam, it became necessary for Maharaja Shahaji to make compromise. This compromise finished Nizamshahi kingdom. Maharaja Shahaji, on the condition of protecting the life of little Murtaza Nizam at any condition, handed him over to Shahajahan.  Murtuza was taken away by Shah Jahan to Delhi. Shahji Raje  was inducted into Adilshahi forces. As a precaution Shahajahan ensured that Shahaji Raje was posted in deep south so as not to pose any challenge to Mughals. He finally became one of the top generals in the Adilshah's army, accepting a Jagir in his court.   In 1638, a large Bijapur army led by Ranadulla Khan and accompanied by Shahaji defeated Kempe Gowda III and Bangalore was given to Shahaji as a jagir  Shahaji successfully led the Bijapur army to many victories against the Rajas ( Nayaks ) of southern India. Instead of punishing or executing them, Shahaji reprieved all the Rajas. The Rajas thus developed healthy relations with Shahaji and offered military support to Shahaji whenever required.
   The eldest son Sambhooji stayed with his father Shahaji Raje along with Venkoji at Bangalore which he was given , while young Shivaji was sent to live at Pune  the original  jagir of Shahji Raje. Mother Jijabai was the queen regent for Shivaji. He also sent many worthy people like Shyamraj Ranjhekar, Balkrushnapant Hanmante, Raghunath Ballal Atre, Kanhoji Jedhe Naik and Dadaji Kondadev to assist Shivaji Maharaj prepare thoroughly for establishing his governance. This was a very wise step by him as events proved later.  Adilshah suspected that Shahji was secretly assisting his sons Shambhooji and Shivaji in  their anti state activities and summoned him to  stay at Bijapur with his family.  Shahji Rajeof course smelt foul and avoided  the orders.  On 25 July, 1648, Adilshah’s Prime Minister  Nawab Mushtafa Khan, with the help of Baaji Ghorpade, Mambaji Bhosale, Mambaji Pawar, Balaji Haibatrao and Fatehkhan, betrayed and captured ShahajiRaje near Jinji in Karnataka. He was chained and dragged through Bijapur and brought to the court.    
               
          Following Shahji’s arrest, his sons Sambhooji in Banglore and Shivaji in Pune started asserting their independence against the Moslems. With the help of the Brahmin advisers they started acting as independent *Hindu* rulers and did not remit any tributes to the Adil Shah. The Sultan acted quickly and sent a force under Asad Khan from Jinji to take Bangalore from Sambhooji. Sambhooji gave a notable display of his valor by routing the Moslem force advancing towards Banglore by after intercepting it on the way to the city. Shivaji was in the mean time attacked in both Purandar and Kondana by two columns of the Sultan’s army, but he too gave an ample taste of his valor by defeating both the Moslem armies. The action by Shahji’s sons and their ability to punish the Moslem armies both in North and South made the Sultan wary of any action on Shahji. In the meantime, the brothers tried an unusual political move by contacting a representative of the Moghul emperor to negotiate with the Sultan for their father’s safety and possible release from captivity. Ahmad Khan the Moslem commandant agreed to negotiate his safe release provided his sons surrendered Kondana and Bangalore. Shahaji agreed to such a deal and was released. His sons on the surface agreed to do so but secretly harbored plans to seize back their territory from the Muslims.
                 Soon they had their chance when the two Moslem Sultans, the Sunni and Shia sultans of Bijapur and Golconda started fighting amongst themselves over their territorial possessions after the battle of Jinji. In course of this fight, Shahji Raje and Sambhooji secured Banglore and went on take Kanakagiri for themselves. When Mir Jumla of Golconda  started driving the Adil Shahi troops, Shahji Raje and Sambhooji intervened with their forces. To the Hindus, they were protectors from Moslem depredations and for Adil Shah they were the only hope to survive Mir Jumla. They caught Mir Jumla in an ambush between their columns near Bangalore and defeated him  . They held him ransom for 900,000 gold pieces and with this victory became the most powerful force in South India. In Kanakagiri, Sambhooji saw the remnants of the past Hindu glory and the idea of founding an independent Hindu kingdom with this fort as a base came to his mind. Sambhooji accordingly dispossessed local Moslem officials and appointed his Hindu ministers instead. Abba Khan the local Moslem Adil Shahi warlord was furious over these movements and raising a force of ghazis launched a fierce attack on Sambhooji. Shahji Raje tried a political move by representing to the Adil Shah that he was holding the territory for the Sultan while Abba Khan was revolting against him. Afzal Khan was sent to settle affairs, and he long wanted to punish the  Maratha  upstarts severely. He also had a grudge against Sambhooji due the defeat at his hands in the Bangalore encounter.
              Afzal Khan laid a cunning plan. He sent a message to Sambhooji that he would help him against Abba Khan and asked the former to storm the defenses of Abba Khan. Sambhooji vigorously attacked and was in the thick of battle when the detachment of Afzal Khan which had supposedly come to help turned against him and surrounded him. He bravely tried to cut his way out, but received several gun shots and was killed. Thus at the age of 25, Sambhooji, the poorly known brother of the future  Chatrapathi    laid down his life in front of Kanakagiri. His mother Jijabai bore a long-standing grudge against Afzal Khan after this event, and finally had her satisfaction, when Shivaji slew Afzal Khan at Pratapgarh   and restored the Hindu prestige. In fact Shivaji Maharaj tore open the  bowels of Afzal Khan apart from stabbing him and he enacted Lord Narasimha whotore open the belly of Hiranyakashipa the most cruel Rakshasa and Afzal Khan was no less.   Afzal khan’s severed head was presented to  queen mother Jijabai and she was satisfied. Soon Shivaji Maharaj became Chatrapathi and carved out a Hindu kingdom against all odds and Jajabai passed away soon after coronation of Shivaji Maharaj.  The dreams of his elder brother Sambhooji was thus realized at the hands of his younger brother.
                 LONG LIVE THE MEMORIES OF SAMBHOOJI RAJE 





























   

Thursday, July 5, 2012

WE NEED LEADERS WITH SELF PRIDE..NOT STOOGES


     WE NEED LEADERS WITH SELF PRIDE..NOT STOOGES
                                     Dr K Prabhakar Rao
                        Recently certain news were revealed in media about Late Arjun singhs writings that were published after his demise as per his wish.He expressed that PV Narsimha Rao former PM vehemently objected to making Sonia Gandhi as Congress chief after the sad killing of Rajiv Gandhi.When Sonia Gandhis name was mooted, Sri PV remained silent for while and then he blasted out. "Is it necessary to tag Nehru Gandhi family like a railway bogies to congress party? Are there no other guys around ?" Words to that effect were blasted out by him. Arjun singh and some others present were shocked and remained silent. However after some time,Sri PV cooled down and said whether Sonia would accept it. Poor PV is not being left in peace even in heavens by the clumsy leaders now staying in hell. He can not defend himself now. Arjun singh had no guts to publish his views when he was alive. He is akin to over glorified Abul Kalam azad the first education minister in India who also wished that his memoirs be published after his death. They had no guts infact and ran after offices and power. Are these leaders? These are opportunists and fit for spoon race.Another guy like Sitaram kesari was prostrating in front of Great Amma Indira Gandhi. He acted clownishly. There was no dearth for such stooges in congress party and things are no different even now. Only names have changed now. Characters remained same. However men like PV are missing in congress party.It is no surprise that PV was sidelined and shown disrespect by congress party. He was refused funeral at Delhi and his body remained half burnt on the pyre at Hussein sagar roadside at Hyderabad for many hours and the photograph was even printed in news papers.What a shame indeed and how bad are the selfish leaders. But sri PV did remain cool and calm and maintained his wit even on the death bed.Every one is a Nehru- Gandhi spoon ( Chamcha) in Congress party. Otherwise, he can not exist.Right from the top executive to the Darwan hequality has remained same and they lack self pride. Then what we can expect from them? We need leaders with character and pride and self honor. A person like Netaji Bose rattled entire nation and British Empire in his days and continues to inspire generation after generation. We need such men and not Bhajan masters and ritualistic Charkha spinners and back stabbers.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

AFZAL KHAN/S TOMB AT PRATAPGARH CAN NOT BE A DARGAH


                       AFZAL KHAN/S TOMB AT PRATAPGARH CAN NOT BE A DARGAH

                                            Dr K Prabhakar Rao

                     Afzal Khan the Bijapur General ( 17 century) was on a mission to capture or kill Shivaji Maharaj on the orders of Bijapur sultan Adilshah II. Afzal Khan failed to draw Shivaji Mahraj into an open battle  and both agreed to meet at a place near Pratapgarh un armed. No escorts were allowed at the meet. However Afzal Khan hid a dagger in his robe and embraced the Maratha leader iin  a friendly gesture. Shivaji had  made some preparations and wore inner armour  and   had a hidden Bagh Nakh ( Tigers claws) with a bichwa( Small knife). He wore a steel cap under his turban. Afzal Khan tried to stab Shivaji Maharaj and he was saved by his armour. Shivaji Maharaj wore bagh nakh and tore open bowels of Khan and stabbed him with the bichwa . Khan left Shivaji Maharaj and ran out in agony holding his entrails.  Shivaji Mahraj was attacked by body guards. But escorts of Shivaji Maharaj who rushed- in killed them. Shivaji Maharaj killed Kulkarni the secretary of Khan. Outside the tent, Afzal Khan was  being carried away in a palanquin  and one of the Maratha  soldier intercepted them and cut off the head of Afzal Khan. Bijapur army was butchered in the ensuing battle.

                  Afzal Khans  severed head was    presented to  Rajmata Jijabai  who wanted to take revenge for killing of her husband Shahji Raje and son Sambhooji earlier by the Cruel Khan. Afzal Khan's son survived the carnage at Pratapgarh and he requested Shivaji Maharaj that he be permitted to bury his dead father and  wisely Shivaji Maharaj permitted him to do so. Mortal remains of Afzal khan were buried at Pratap garh with all honors befitting a military commander. Subsequently , Survivors of Bijapur forces devoid of arms, weapons, horses etc with Afzal khan's son left Pratapgarh for Bijapur. The tomb of Afzal Kahn  exists even today and over the years, it was developed   and  a  Trust is formed to look after the Tomb and some new structures also  have come  up  around the tomb. Slowly the tomb was  being made into a Dargah of Hazrat Afzal Khan. This has been a sour point for admirers of Shivaji Maharaj and  an ultimatum was served on govt to get the tomb demolished as it belonged to that of the enemy of Shivaji Maharaj. Tensions built up  and govt made elaborate arrangements  around the localities like Mahabaleswar and other near by areas. Tourism  suffered greatly. However at present status quo is being maintained. There was also a proposal to convert the surrounding buildings at the tomb as Museums of Shivaji Maharaj.

              A similar situation also exists at Madhura ( Madurai) in Tamilnadu   where once a Muslim kingdom called Mabar existed. Mabar was established by a Muslim noble Jaluddin asan shah of Mohd BinTughlaq who was appointed as a governor of the province after it was won by  him in 1323. It declared independence in 1333   when  Tughlaq dynasty became weak at Delhi.   It existed for nearly 50 years till 1378. The kingdom was run over by Kumara Kampana  son of Bukka Raya ( Sangama dynasty) the Vijaynagar emperor. This victory has been described in a book titled Madhura Vijayam I (victory over Madhura) by his wife Ganga Devi. Once Mabar army was defeated in 1378,   Sikandar shah sultan of Mabar  challenged Kumara Kampna for a duel   and the prince obliged. In the ensuing duel , Kumara Kampana cut off the head of the sultan with a swish of his sword. Sikandar shah was buried in Madhura and his grave is turned into a Dargah by the Muslims who worship  him as A Wali who sacrificed his life for his religion. Probably Sikandar shah was not wicked as Afzal khan and died  in a chivalrous duel. Every year an Urs takes place at the grave.
                  Usually a Dargah is built for pious and holy Muslims free from all types of violence. Even Emperor Akbar who found Din Ilahi  has not been entitled for a Dargah.  Aurangzeb  who is called a  Zinda peer by his admirers is not considered as a saint. His tomb at Khuldabad is not a Dargah.
                 Afzal Khan was a treacherous and crooked villain, killer and a womanizer. He was wicked and killed his 63 innocent wives in cold blood. He destroyed many temples including of Tulza Bhvani in Maharashtra and  committed atrocities on Hindu population to draw Shivaji Maharaj into an open battle in retaliation.. How can such a person be called an holy man and called Hazrat Afzal Khan? A point to ponder over?  The grave of Afzal Khan has to be a mere grave devoid of any maintenance and not a Dargah of a Wali or a Fakir. It is not showing a disrespect to a dead man.  He does not deserve to be called with such a respected word Hazrat that is reserved for a noble and respected pious person in Muslim community.  In India we have famous Dargahs for  most renowned saints of Isalm  at Ajmir, Gulbaraga, Delhi, Hyderabad, Fatehpur sikri,  Nagpur and at many places. Killer Afzal Khan  can not be one among them.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

INTO THE PAST WITHPAIN...270


              INTO THE PAST WITH PAIN..270
                                                                                                              
                                       Dr K Prabhakar Rao


(Gandhi, patel and Nehru   are seen at a Delhi road near Parliament. They are ins the usual dress. Patel is having a news paper in his hand. They are near a tea stall at roadside)

Patel. Bapu, How about having a cup of tea?

Gandhi. Nice idea. It is slightly cold too. Better we get warmed up.

Patel. Jawaharlal, How about you. Hope you will have one.

Nehru. I don’t mind for a change. After all I have to be with you.

Gnadhi. Bhai. There is no compulsion. You may not accompany us if you do not like.

Nehru. I did not mean that way.

Gandhi. It is OK.

Patel (Looks at Tea man) Hello. Please give us three cups. Use plastic cups only.

Gandhi. Why only plastic cups Patel.

Patel. Bapu, He also has  small glasses too. But they are cleaned in same water again and again after people use them. He does not change water for cleaning.

Gandhi. Poor guy! What he can do. There is no running tap for him.

( In the  mean time  the tea  vendor hands over three empty plastic cups to them)

Patel. Bhai, These are empty cups. Where is tea?

Vendor. You wanted only cups.

Patel ( Angrily) Are you jocking with us.? What will we do here with empty cups?

Vendor. Sorry sir.

( He hands over tea filled cups)

Gandhi. Tea is hot. It is good. After all India is good in this aspect. We get plenty of tea on roadside.

Patel. With your permission I shall see the news paper.

Gandhi. Please  go ahead. After all news paper is meant to be read.

( Patel  read the news paper)

Patel. Bapu… Bapu..

Gandhi. Why are you excited?

Patel. Bapu. Pranab has filed nomination papers for the post of President.

Nehru. Good. I am sure he will win.

Gandhi. Who are the other guys  against him.

Patel. They have given some news. Hill tribe leader and past speaker Sangma is there. There is a lady auto rickshaw driver is contesting.There is one more guy. He is a vendor in tea ship from Gwalior.

Gandhi. That is good. How  nice is our democracy. Any one can contest.

Patel.  Some time ago a  surrendered dacoit also contested. He also got many votes.

Gandhi. Why a separate dacoit should contest now? Hazareji is clear on this aspect.  He  called politicians as criminals and dacoits.

Te vendor. Bhai sahib. You said one tea vendor is contesting.

Patel. Yes, but why

Vendor. It is me. I am from Gwalior city.

Gandhi. I see. Congratulations Bhai. May god bless you with victory. You will bea peoples president like Dr Kalam.

Vendor. Thank you sir.

Patel Bhai. What you will do as President?

Vendor. I shall do same thing as others did earlier. Once I become a President I shall get Jodhpuri suits stitched. Already I have one. I shall have new shoes too.

Patel. You are unable to stand properly. You have a lame leg

Vendor. Where is the necessity? Earlier Shakar Dayal Sharma could not   stand and walk. He was carried from place to place. I am better than him. I have forty years experience  in tea business. I am good at hospitality. I can take care of guests better.

Gandhi. That is good. But you do not know much of English. Can you write and read.

Vendor, Bhai Sahib. All these are not required. Where it is written that a President should know reading and writing? There are other helpers who can do this.

Patel. How  about signing?

Vendor ( shows his thumb) What for this is thee. God has given it for this only. It is accepted in court too. I shall put thumb seal. Look at this stamp pad. I am carrying this always in pocket( He shows the stamp pad)

Gandhi. You are very clever. You can make a good President.

Vendor. Once I become the President I can go to America and get my leg treated. I have some heart problem also. I can get it treated  free.

Patel. Why not?. Surely you must do.

Vendor. Thanks sir. Do you think I hall become the President?

Patel. You have good chances. I wish you become once. It will be a lesson for others. That day will come soon.

Gandhi. I wish it will come soon. My blessings  will be there with you always.

Vendor. Thank you sir. How about an extra cup of tea? You need not pay

Patel. Surely. Thanks for hospitality. You are acting as the President already.

Vendor. Hee..hee..hee

Patel. Ha..ha..aaaa..haa

                                ( All sip  tea   and then go away)

                                       CURTAIN FALLS

INTO THE PAST WITH PAIN...271


                               INTO THE PAST WITH PAIN…271
                                       Dr K Prabhakar Rao


( It is a rainy day and water is seen  gushing  on the streets of Delhi and  people are caught suddenly with the downpour. Gandhi, Patel and Nehru are also caught  in the rain and they are stranded at a bus shelter. Gandhi is without any shawl and is holding his long stick while Nehru and Patel are well clad.)

Gandhi. Patel. We are caught in this rain badly. It looks there is no way out for us. I am feeling cold too ( He shivers).

Patel. True Bapu, I am sure the rain will not stop soon. We are destined to suffer.

Gandhi. This is not new. We have been suffering since long. First we suffered under the Muslims for nearly 6 centuries.. Then we suffered under the Europeans for another two centuries. Now we are suffering in self rule in  the hands of our own people after electing them to various positions after getting independence. Suffering is our destiny ( sings)

Look at ourselves oh my dear
We have been suffering  all the time
This rain and sun have no meaning to us
And we must be happy singing a  rhyme.

On looker. I am  Vikram. Hello. Look old man. You sang  very well. Are you a poet?

Patel. He is many of  things. He is not only a poet but also a  freedom fighter, writer,  philosopher, biographist, Editor, Humanist, lawyer and  Scientist.

Vikram. I think I have seen him some where. (Scratches his head). Yeah. I remember it. I saw him on Indian paper currency note.

Patel. Very true. He is MK Gandhi. The nation calls him Mahatma Gandhi. Every day Indians watch  him on the  notes and curse their fate to suffer in this free India.

Gandhi. I do not call myself as Mahatma. I never wanted my photograph to be printed on the notes. Others call me  as Mahatma.

Vikram. You appear to be modest and also acting very well. But he died long ago before I was born. My dad also was not born. How can be you be he?

Patel. This man is he and he is this man. You must accept that he is  this man and this man is he. No other man can be this man and this man can not be  another one like this. So he is this   and this is he. No other man is like him and he is not like other man.

Vikram. Eee..eee…aa..aaa.. ( pulls  his  hair ) I am confused..aa..aaa…eee….eeee..save me   and my brains… Better I leave this place soon before I get crazy.

( Vikram runs away from the place in thick of rain while others laugh)

Gandhi. Patel. You confused him so much. Poor Guy. Look, he ran away in rain without looking back. He may catch cold and get fever.

Patel. Bapu, Some how  we must get away from this place. Let us  get into an auto.

( He goes near few autos standing at the shelter. He speaks to  a driver)

Pael. Look Brother. We have to go to  New Delhi railway station. Will you take us?

Driver. Sir . It is raining  . How can we drive in this rain?

Patel. We are asking you because it is raining. Auto is meant to drive in rain also.

Driver. True sir. But roads in Delhi are very bad. At some places, auto may be drowned.

Nehru. Is it so? Are the roads so bad?

Gandhi. Some roads in Delhi are the same ones which Emperor Shahjehan laid..

Patel. Hee..hee.. Bapu, Come on . Please do not joke. All these are Tar roads. Shahjehan did not have the technology of laying Tar roads.

Gandhi. Look Mr Driver, we are old guys. So kindly take us.

Driver. Sorry. I can not take you.


   ( All the auto drivers refuse to operate and relax in their vehicles while some smoke.)

Gandhi. What to do now? No one is  accepting our request.

Patel.This is India Bapu. Let us see. Oh ! Another vehicle is coming.( He shouts) Auto..auto..auto..eee….eee… Please stop
      
               ( The auto stops and the driver peeps out)

Driver. Sir where you want to go?

Patel. Please take us to New Delhi Railway station.

Driver. OK. Please sit.
( The trio gets in and they are seated)

Gandhi. You appear to be a good driver. You are considerate too. May god bless you.

Driver. One has to be. We are after all humans. We have to help each other. We are only guests in this world for few days. Then why fight and hate each other?

Gandhi. You are very nice man. That is why country is still surviving midst crooks, thugs, thieves, dacoits, criminals, rapists, smugglers, corrupt, bandits, shady men, goondas, cheats, rogues, rascals, rowdies, killers and  assassins,  Who says there are no good people in the world?

Patel.  I  did not say that. Even Jawaharal did not say that.

Nehru. Thanks Patel.

Gandhi. LookPatel. Our problems is solved. Tomorrow I think we can not move about. There will be lot of police on roads.

Patel. Why?

Gandhi. Tomorrow nominations for President post will continue.

Patel. True. These elections are strange. President election has become a joke in this nation. People are fighting like cats.

Driver. Sir, who are all the candidates for the post?

Patel. Pranabji, Sangmaji, a Tea vendorji  and an auto driverji  are the candidates. The auto driverji   is a woman.

Driver. Why?  Can’t a woman contest?

Patel. Why not? She can contest.

Driver. Sir. That woman is me. I have filed nomination.

Patel. Oh! I thought you are a male.

Driver. I am a woman. I am putting on a Turban.

Patel. It is good that you are contesting. The country needs a peoples President. Sangma and Pranab are politicians and played lot of politics in their careers. Their lives were full of politics. An auto driver can make a good President. At least he will identify himself with a common man and understands his problems.

Nehru. Driver sahib. Will you be able to manage the job.

Driver. Why not? When I can a drive an auto on Delhi’s streets, why I can not manage my job? Any  how,  it is a ceremonial post. Do you know That Lau Pradasd’s wife was a just house wife working in her kitchen. She was made the CM of Bihar state. She managed the job  and became successful in her own way. Who is running the country now? I do not want to say more. Every one knows it. There are many lady ministers in states who became MLA after husbands death. They are all running the show. One lady is also a home Minster in one of the states. Recently  late YSR Rajsekhar Reddy’s wife also became an MLA and ruling her party. I can also be successful. Nothing can prevent me.

Patel. You are very confident. In fact all ministers, MLAs should be banned to contest the Presidents post even if they resign. It must be given to a common man.

Nehru. Patel. Do you know that President is the supreme commander of Defense forces?

Patel. I know it very much. Even if you put a stone in Presidents chair,  Defense forces will salute it. It is their duty. In democracy   they are like toothless tigers.  The title is only ceremonial.

Driver. Hope I can win the contest.

Patel. We wish you a success.

Driver. Thank you sir. If I become the President , I shall give you a special pass so that you can see me whenever you wish.

Patel. So nice of you. Thanks. We will be obliged.

Driver. Sir, We arrived at New Delhi station.

Patel. Thanks. What is the fare?

Driver. Leave it sir. I shall not take anything from you.

Gandhi. May god bless you with all happiness and success. May god give you Presidents chair. You deserve it most than the crooked politicians.

Driver. Thanks sir.

( The trio waves to the driver while the auto is driven off.  The trio walks into the station.) 

                                      CURTAIN FALLS