Very few people know the name of Hammir Deva Chauhan, the indomitable Rajput ruler of Ranthambhore and a direct descendant of legendary Prithvi Raj Chauhan (the ruler of Ajmer, Delhi and surrounding areas). He ruled for 19 years over Ranthambhore from 1282 to 1301 AD. Hammir gave refuge to two Neo-Muslim Mongols nobles who were chased by Alauddin Khalji (1296-1316) of Delhi sultanate. Alauddin asked Hammir to give him these two fugitives but Hammir refused because of the custom of Rajputs (Sharnagat ki Raksha). The initial attack was repusled by Hammir and a commander of Delhi sultanate Nusrat Khan was killed.
Alauddin then himself commanded the army and sieged Ranthabhore for many days. Finally Hammir Deva Chauhan came outside of the fort and fought chivarously. The rajput ladies inside the fort committed Jauhar. When the end was near Hammir Deva Chauhan beheaded himself and dedicated his head to the Shivlinga.
Ranthambhore was captured after a bloody massacre. The Muslims refugees were brought infront of Alauddin. Alauddin asked them what is their last wish, the fugitives replied that they want to kill him and make son of Hammir Deva, the king of Ranthambhore. After saying this they all committed harakiri.
Such was the chivaloury of the Rajputs these days. They never flinch from their duties irrespective of the price they have to pay. The list of these great leaders never ends and remember one thing these leaders belong to only one piece of land called Rajasthan. No other state of India has ever produced such a chain of great and chivalrous leaders:
Bappa Rawal
Nagabhatta
Prthviraj Chauhan
Hammir Deva Chauhan
Rana Kumbha
Rana Sangram Singh
Maharana Pratap
I am proud to be a Rajput of Chandravamshi lineage. This is a great honour as well as a great responsibility.
1 comment:
Read this story in my school. I can necer forget it.
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