During Maharana Pratap Jayanti celebrations in Udaipur, Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde made a significant statement expressing his views on early Indian history.
Udaipur: Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde made a controversial statement regarding historical events during Maharana Pratap Jayanti celebrations. He questioned the widely accepted Jodha-Akbar marriage, claiming that Akbar did not marry Princess Jodha Bai but the daughter of a maidservant. The Governor also alleged that early Indian history has been written from a foreign perspective and contains numerous falsehoods.
Dismissal of the Jodha-Akbar Marriage
Addressing the Maharana Pratap Jayanti celebrations at Udaipur's Kumbha Sabhagar, Governor Bagde stated that the Jodha-Akbar marriage is a myth and needs to be removed from the pages of history. He cited the famous text "Akbarnama," a biography of Akbar, claiming that it makes no mention of this marriage, thus suggesting it did not occur.
He further stated that Raja Bharmal, the ruler of Amer, arranged Akbar's marriage to the daughter of a maidservant, not a princess. However, he clarified that this information was heard, not read, but presented for discussion. The Governor's claim has sparked a new debate among historians and social circles.
Concerns over Maharana Pratap's Underrepresentation
The Governor also commemorated Maharana Pratap's bravery and contributions. He noted that history books give Akbar more prominence than Maharana Pratap, which he deemed inaccurate. Maharana Pratap never compromised his self-respect and made invaluable contributions to the nation. He expressed hope that the new National Education Policy would teach history more accurately and balanced, allowing future generations to better understand their glorious past.
Governor Bagde stated that if Maharana Pratap and Chhatrapati Shivaji had lived in the same era, the picture of India would have been entirely different. Both warriors were great patriots of their times, sacrificing their lives against foreign invaders. Their patriotism and courage symbolize India's pride.
Example of Patriotism at the Border
Furthermore, the Governor lauded the patriotism of villagers residing near the India-Pakistan border. He described these villagers as true symbols of India, always ready to defend the nation's unity and integrity despite difficult circumstances. Their patriotism teaches us that respect and dedication to the country are paramount.
Governor Haribhau Bagde's statement has highlighted the need to delve deeper into historical accounts. The Jodha-Akbar marriage has been a part of Indian history and folklore for centuries. While fact and myth often intertwine in history, such controversial claims generate new debates among the public and historians. Some experts consider this claim disputable due to a lack of historical evidence, while others see it as a part of historical review.
