New Delhi: Exploring the lives, times and works of fifteen unsung heroes, half of them women, a new book challenges the Delhi-centric focus on history and brings to light the contribution of the warriors who burst into the battlefield, fighting for a greater cause.
‘Bravehearts of Bharat: Vignettes from Indian History’ by Vikram Sampath opens a window to the stories of select men and women who valiantly fought against invaders for their rights, faith and freedom. Published by Penguin India,the book will be released on 31 October on Softcover, ThePrint’s online venue to launch non-fiction books.
The book chronicles the stories of courage and determination of few individuals, whose stories largely remained untold and therefore unknown for a long time. These bravehearts include Rajarshi Bhagyachandra Jai Singh of Manipur, Lalitaditya Muktapida of Kashmir, Chand Bibi of Ahmednagar and Lachit Barphukan of Assam.
The list also has names like Begum Hazrat Mahal of Awadh, Rani Abbakka Chowta of Ullal and Martanda Varma of Travancore and Banda Singh Bahadur. Members of royal families like Rani Rudrama Devi of Warangal and Rani Naiki Devi of Gujarat are also among the people who fought to uphold the tradition and culture of their land.
Sampath’s latest book is an attempt at reshaping Indian historiography and visualising a more holistic and inclusive method of writing about the country’s history. “The very foundation on which historical writing has been based is a legacy that promoted European and western ethnocentrism, in which the tales of the subjugated, be it in India, Asia, Africa or Latin America would hardly find a voice of their own.” he writes.
Sampath challenges the ways in which Indian historiography is written and taught and argues for a more inclusive account. “The popular historical narratives about ‘regional history’ terming the stories coming from different parts of India as being ‘regional’ alludes to there being a mainstream, central theme and everything that does not fall within that rubric is merely ‘regional’. It is not my argument to excise anyone from the historical narrative of the country as we cannot wish away our past; the coverage needs to be inclusive of all regions and commensurate with the importance and contribution of individual dynasties and rulers to the story of Bharat,” the author said.
Sampath’s historical project aims to shed more light on the histories of Indian women- stories of valor and sacrifice that are otherwise subsumed by their male counterparts. He states, “Hence, we know precious little about the Mahadevis of Odisha of the Bhaumakara dynasty, Rani Didda of Kashmir, Rani Durgavati, the Abbakka Ranis of Ullal, Rani Karnavati of Garhwal, Rani Mangammal of Madurai, Kittur Rani Chennamma, Chennamma of Keladi, Maratha queen Tarabai, Devi Ahilyabai Holkar or the Begums of Bhopal, among numerous others.”
“I chose the former. Fifteen different lives, from various parts of India and varied time spans, but united in the theme of courage, resistance and bravery against all odds that stood them apart. Notably, half the number selected is that of women. Briefly, accounts of the several dynasties that are seldom referred to in ‘mainstream’ history have also been weaved into the narrative,” he said.
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