As expected my letter “Ingenious Empire” received interesting response, intellectual input. Well-researched eight part documentary “Great Moghuls” on our TV charted Mogul rule from Babur who came to India with 8000 soldiers but managed to establish Moghul dynasty that ruled India for 300 years.
Ancient India was cradle of civilization with bulging wealth that attracted foreign invaders who were only able to conquer India with inside help. Alexander the Great was opposed on the battlefield by King Porus, winning the battle with ease until his ally King Ambi of Taxila changed sides.
Watching the documentary, two names that drew my attention were warier Man Sinh whose sister Princess Jodhbai was married to Akbar, mother of Prince Salim. He led Akbar’s army and defeated patriotic king Maha Rana Pratap. Jai Chand led Aurangzeb’s army, defeated Chatrapati Shivaji and delivered him, with his son Shambuji to Aurangzeb. But they escaped from their fortress prison and managed to win back lost empire! Without these patriotic kings and above all Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism, India would have been lost for ever.
Documentary charted in detail major battles, giving dates, places and named commanders of opposing armies, as well as behind the scene cooperation that sustained Moghul rule. It is impossible to analysis history in a short letter.
I have written in-depth article published under my column “From Far and Near” and devoted a chapter in my popular novel Olive Grove.
Bhupendra Gandhi
By email
