RSS trying to change mindset of historians about Hemu

The Asian Age.  | Sunil Thapliyal

Metros, Delhi

Encourages younger generation to remember contribution of Delhi’s last Hindu king

Hemu, the last Hindu king of Delhi

New Delhi: The history wing of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana, said that they have been trying to “change the mindset” of historians to include “Indian heroes” and held a day-long discourse on Saturday about the “last Hindu” samrat Hemchandra. 

The objevctive was to bring the forgotten and diminished importance of the last Hindu king’s valour and make him as an Hindu icon by the right wing on October 7.  

That he was the brilliant commander of Suri dynasty and even giving the Mughals nightmares goes without saying, an RSS leader said. The Battle of Tughlaqabad (also known as the Battle of Delhi) was a decisive battle fought on October 7, 1556 between Hemu (Hem Chandra) and Mughal commanders. 

Hemu was given the title of “ Vikramaditya” when he defeated the Mughals. "This particular aspect of the country's history must be rubbed into the younger generation," he added. That after a lapse of 350 years a Hindu king had entered Delhi, the helm of power then, as a victor should be celebrated by us all, he added. It may be noted the RSS had held a big symposium on Hemu in 2014 as well.

Hemu had remained unconquered for 22 battles in a row. But his destiny dragged him into another war with Mughals at the second battle of Panipat on November 5, 1556 where he passed away. After the death of Mughal emperor Humayun, the RSS leader said the commander advanced towards Agra and the governor of Agra had literally fled to Delhi. 

The RSS leader also spoke about Sir Jadunath Sarkar, a historian who wrote in his book ‘Military History of India’, “Hemu didn’t disperse his troops, but stood in the field with his troops up like a solid wall. The Mughal vanguard and left wing saw that the day had been lost in their absence, and there was no general to rally and lead them; so they dispersed without renewing the fight. The victorious Hemu now took possession of Delhi city”.

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