Mr. Kishorsinh’s letter about Rajputs is very educative, irrefutable and praiseworthy. All Indians must be very proud about Rajputs’ proverbial bravery, wealth, sacrifices and cultural heritage. Rajputs are role models of loyalty, patriotism. It is a mighty miracle that Rajputs survived and handed Indian nation a handsome legacy in spite of being pillaged and looted by savage rulers.
But Mr. Gandhi is right to draw attention to drawbacks of Rajputs dismissed under the words “though a very small number sided with Moguls.” Consider the following: Humayun could never have never established an empire without collaboration of locals. Man Sinh, whose sister Jodhbhai was married to Emperor Akbar; fought against other Rajput kings, especially against Maha Rana Pratap. He defeated Shivaji and delivered him to Aurangzeb. These lapses may appear small and a historically unavoidable, they helped marauding hoards. This happened in order to preserve the very existence of Rajputs and sure sign of loyalty to ruthless tyrant.
But it is historical fact that Marathhas, Sikhs and Rajputs never united against encroaching English traders. We must be grateful to Sardar Vallbh bhai Patel for unifying 550 states to create a great nation that is India.
Ramesh Jhalla
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