Book - Hindu Heroes Of Medieval Bhārat (8th - 16th Centuries) by Chandni Sengupta 
Genre - Historical Nonfiction

In a country with majority of Hindu population, for centuries, we have sung paeans of Mughal rulers. But lest we forget the valour of the Hindu kings who stood up against the oppression of these invaders. From descration of our temples to raping women, forcible conversions, imposing taxes, we have read it all but not comprehensively. And hence, history ought to be revisited. Hindu Heroes Of Medieval Bhārat by Chandni Sengupta brings together essays on notable Hindu warriors who valiantly fought the foreign invasion.

In this book the author presents stories of over 50 Hindu kings who did not kowtow in front of the brutal Islamic invaders. In addition, the book also puts forth the history of rise of Islam and Arab expansionism, the political milieu of Bhārat during the time, and the ulterior motives of Turks and Ghurids. For generations we have been taught about Islamic invasions and the atrocities. It has, infact, dominated our historical consciousness! As compared to that, the history of valorous warriors who upholded the cause of safeguarding the integrity of Bhārat, has been spoken of scarcely. And so it becomes essential to reclaim their stories, and celebrate their victories for their unparalleled contribution in shielding the sanctity and spirit of this nation.

Because, “From historical records, it is evident that the early Sultans of Delhi and their governors did not have a free run on the battlefield against the Hindu kings. The latter gave them a hard time every step of the way. The so-called “successful” Sultanate glorified by many agenda-driven historians was not so successful after all, particularly as far as their battles with the Hindu kings of Bhārat were concerned.” Have we been intentionally deprived of this knowledge?

Individuals are entitled to comprehensive information from all perspectives. And so intellectuals ought to abandon condescension and allow readers to form their own opinions instead of presenting biased narratives. This unique work offers a new perspective on the untold stories from our history that have been deliberately silenced by academicians with entrenched ideologies. Despite receiving praise for their economic prowess, the iconoclasts’ unending conquests have left a trail of destruction and bloodshed, and that has been conspicuously overlooked and ignored to give a sanitized narrative. In that sense, this book becomes important as it provides a window of opportunity to peruse the history less spoken of. It is a path-breaking work and a valuable contribution to the Indian history.

In this book, the author doesn’t portray a one-dimensional picture but gives us  multi-faceted narratives by carefully corroborating it with the accounts mentioned in various texts. This enriches the subject and provides a nuanced output. What’s particularly noteworthy is that these essays are based on rigorous research and include references to Arabic, Persian, Hindu and Jain documents alongwith epigraphical inscriptions! Additionally, the author’s usage of language is truly magnificent, striking like a force of thunder and sharp like the swish of the sword. She carries a historian’s vigour and precision and a storyteller’s flair and definition.

This book is not meant for leisure reading but makes for a scholarly study to be analysed and inculcated in our education. Mainstream literature has been bereft of these stories and it is therefore crucial to rectify this, in order to include these narratives with an aim to foster a strong cultural narrative. The content though of academic nature yet one should peruse this book for a comprehensive study of Indian history. Not only does the book document the unflinching resolve of the Hindu warriors but also provides an exhaustive list of resources for those seeking to delve deeper into the subject. 

This book is homage to the gallantry of the bravehearts who have been long forgotten. The resolutness and the valour of several kings of different Hindu dyanasties proved to be an invincible barrier for the Islamic invaders. Beginning from Raja Dahir who valiantly resisted the Arab conquest of Sind to the unwavering courage of Maitraka, Saindhava, Karkota, Gurjara-Pratihara, Katoch, Hoysala, Sisodia, Vijaynagara empires, Hindu kings consistently and heroically withstood the foreign invasion.

“Rani Bai, a historical figure often overlooked in history books, exemplifies the courage displayed by several Hindu queens, who, in similar situations, chose to perform Jauhar in order to safeguard their honour. Her actions also inspired other women to choose an honourable death over enslavement and humiliation at the hands of the Islamic Invaders. Jauhar, which has been severely misinterpreted by scholars, was indeed an act of defiance-a weapon of sorts for the women of the medieval period.”

And while the story of Rani Bai shows the might and determination of a Hindu queen, the pact between Siladitya IV and Jayabhatta IV or the alliance of Bappa Rawal of Mewar, Nagabhata I of Gurjara-Pratihara and Dhawal of Hadoti, serves as a shining example of how Hindu kings set aside their differences to repel the invaders.

To sum up, the book, Hindu Heroes Of Medieval Bhārat by Chandni Sengupta, spans over 200 pages only but provides valuable insights and rich analysis. This book gives you a mad headrush, it is inspiring and unsettling, simultaneously. It is a much needed perspective to understand the history and its complexities. And it is certainly a brave attempt at putting forth the narratives that were so far hidden away in the crevices of history. 

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