The Mithyā Historical Truth: Rāni Padminī in History and Folklore

Historical truth is often a blend of facts and myths, and the tale of Rāni Padminī is a perfect example. Born in the hallowed grounds of the historical Rajput kingdom of Mewar, Rāni Padminī's legends and the movie 'Padmavati' have long been the subject of scholarly debate.

The Historical Context: Rawal Ratansimha and Rāni Padminī

Rawal Ratansimha, the ruler of the erstwhile Rajput kingdom of Mewar, was a monarch of significant historical importance. He was known for his 16 queens, with Rāni Padminī being his principal consort. Rāni Padminī was celebrated for her unmatched beauty and intelligence, attributes that her husband often consulted in governing his kingdom.

When Rawal Ratansimha's kingdom was besieged, a historical event such as the Jauhar took place. The term 'Jauhar' denotes the mass self-immolation of women in a Rajput kingdom to protect their honor, particularly in the face of enemies bent on kidnapping them. This event is not exclusive to Rāni Padminī's time but has been portrayed in the context of her story.

The Khilji Invasion and Its Misconceptions

The movie 'Padmavati' falsely portrayed the attack on Chittorgarh, the capital of Mewar, as a quest for Rāni Padminī. However, the real invasion was a military expedition to conquer India, undertaken by Allaudin Khilji. Rather than personally leading the expedition, he sent Malik Kafur, his slave general, to Chittorgarh.

Rawal Ratansimha's troops, including his sons, fought bravely and died on the battlefield. The 16 queens, including Rāni Padminī, committed Jauhar to preserve their honor. This event was more about a collective act of sacrifice than a quest for a single individual.

The Folklore: Padminī, the Exceptionally Beautiful Princess

Beyond the historical context, the legend of Rāni Padminī has grown in Indian folklore. Padminī is often described as an exceptionally beautiful princess from Sri Lanka. The ruler of Chittor, Rawal Ratan Sen, fell in love with her and tried to marry her. Tensions between Delhi and Chittor led to the Khilji invasion.

Although Alauddin Khilji was repulsed in his first attempt, he returned with a larger force after Chittor's internal conflicts weakened it. The legend continues to describe how Rāni Padminī, now believed to be the inspiration behind the historical figure, committed Jauhar to protect her honor, inspiring a valiant defense by her husband and family.

The Aftermath: Maharana Hammir Singh's Triumph

After the fall of Chittorgarh, the throne passed to the infant Hammir Singh, who was taken to a forest hideout. When he came of age, he reclaimed his throne and reunited the kingdom, marking the firm establishment of the Sisodia dynasty in Mewar. Through his courage and diplomacy, Maharana Hammir Singh successfully repelled subsequent invasions by the Khiljis, leading to a period of peace and prosperity.

The story of Rāni Padminī, true or myth, remains a part of the rich tapestry of Indian history, a testament to the resilience and valor of the Rajputs and their royal women.

Conclusion

While the legend of Rāni Padminī has become more myth than historical fact, her story resonates deeply with both scholars and the masses. The truth is often a blend of historical events and cultural narratives, and the tale of Rāni Padminī continues to inspire and captivate us, reminding us of the indomitable spirit of the Indian woman.

For those interested in furthering their understanding, exploring historical records, folktales, and literary works will provide a more complete picture. Whether she was a historical figure or a myth, Rāni Padminī's story continues to be a source of pride and inspiration.