Forgotten Chandel Heroine Durgawati Deserves A Worthy world class memorial At
Kalinjar her first Home-her motherland
The most historic ancient kalinjar fort
has been the capital of chandels of bundelkhand. Chandel dynasty produced a
series of illustrious warrior rulers, builders of magnificent khajuraho temples
and they alone faced courageously the mighty marauding force of Mahmud of Ghazni
Kirti singh was the last proud Chandel
king who faced the massive army of Shershah and fought for months causing his
death at the fort which changed the course of Indian history .
Durgawati was the very beloved only
daughter of Kirti Singh of Chandel dynasty who very carefully nursed and
nurtured her as great war heroine of future history. Tiger hunting was her
passionate hobby. Horse ,elephant riding and archery were her favorite sports
.Father had perfectly groomed her a warrior girl.
Married to Dalpati Shah of Gondwana, She
was very unfortunately widowed soon after giving birth to a son. Sensing
invasions from covetous neighbours, she raised a strong military force of sturdy
tribals of Gondwana .First of all neighbour King Baaz Bahadur of Malwa thought
her widowed single sad and frustrated. suddenly attacked her kingdom .The bold
lady bravely fought and repulsed the attack.He attacked again and was decisively
defeated never to dare again.Many other invaders attempted to subjugate her in
vain.Lastly Akbar,attracted by the wealth and extreme beauty of young widowed
Rani asked his notorious general Asaf Khan to attack her kingdom and arrest her
for his harem. The daring widow Rani determined to save her liberty and honour ,
displaying rare courage defeated the forces of Akbar twice.
The infuriated and frustrated emperor
providing massive force of 50,000 sternly ordered Aasaf Khan to teach a lesson
to the haughty lady and produce before him alive .With just 300 tribals
soldiers,unduaunted she fought the mighty army of Akbar.Seriously injured.Yet
quiet conscious of her honour arrest and forcible placement in the royal
harem,The desparate bold Durgawati stabbed herself to escape Akbar’s captivity
.Thus selfmartyred she immortalized herself.
Since widowhood The gallant Durgawati had
struggled and fought several wars for 15 years to save her kingdom and liberty.
As a most courageous warrior she is unique,The greatest in country’s and world
history. An inspiring model for the women of the world.
Durgawati was the last great lady of
glorious Chandel dynasty and brightest star of Bundelkhand(Banda). Sadly
Bundelkhand has forgotten her illustrious daughter.She has establish her high
place in world history with her valour and deserves a worthy world class
memorial at Kalinjar- ( Banda district).
The historic capital of Bundelkhand and
her first home.An urgent recognition of this paragon of womanhood is required by
the thinking womankind of the world.
B.D. Gupta
Veteran Journalist
