Latest news with #Akbar
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
‘People tell me I'm Hindu, he's Muslim… just want to be with him': Ghaziabad woman at centre of interfaith marriage speaks out
'Every day, someone new comes and tries to convince me that I have brought disrespect to my family because I married a Muslim man,' said Sonika Chauhan, 25, who is at the centre of a saga that includes an interfaith wedding, allegations of kidnapping, and vandalism. On May 25, Sonika's father, Laxman Singh Chauhan, filed a complaint with the Ghaziabad Police, alleging that his daughter had been kidnapped and wrongfully confined by a man named Akbar. The police registered an FIR, after which the couple surrendered at the Indirapuram police station. Hours earlier, they had shot a video in Akbar's car, stating they were married and requesting that their families not be harmed. Akbar's shop was also vandalised by a group of men belonging to the Bajrang Dal, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Indirapuram Yuva Morcha, and Uttarakhand Samaj Adhikarik, who raised allegations of 'love jihad'. Akbar was arrested on May 26, as were his relatives, including his sisters. He was finally released on bail on June 8. The police are yet to produce Sonika in court to record her statement. Speaking to The Indian Express, she said, 'People keep telling me that I am Hindu and he is Muslim, that I have brought disrespect to my family… I just want to be with him. When will all this end?' Akbar, meanwhile, who spent 14 days in jail before being granted bail by the Ghaziabad district court, said his private life had been turned into a political drama. Dressed in a white shirt and a pair of black jeans, he said, 'People are talking about love jihad, but do they know our story? Do they realise that she is my wife? We are married, I am not a criminal,' he said. Akbar recalled what had led to the FIR and vandalism of his two shops. 'On May 24, I was at my shop, and Sonika was at her salon, which is right next to my shop. Around 1 pm, Sonika's mother called her home,' said Akbar, showing CCTV footage from the cameras installed outside his shop. He said at 1.28 pm, Sonika returned with her mother to meet him, claiming that gold jewellery was missing from the house. 'I told them that I would figure it out. By 4 pm, Sonika returned to her salon, and my friend dropped her mother home. Later that evening, her mother returned to confront us about our marriage,' said Akbar, as he showed a copy of the marriage certificate, dated August 29, 2022, on his phone. Kalpana (25), Sonika's helper at the salon, said it was around 6-7 pm when Sonika's mother came to the salon and asked her to shut it down. 'There weren't many customers in the salon… When Sonika refused, her mother hit her. Soon, her father came as well,' said Kalpana. Akbar said that when Sonika's father confronted him about their marriage, he asked her to tell them the truth. 'She did, and we left for Allahabad, shot a video in the car to ensure that our family does not suffer. But everything was ruined… We were on our way to Kanpur when a police officer called and asked us to surrender. We came back, hoping to get police protection…' Akbar and Sonika, neighbours said, had known each other since they were children but fell in love nine years ago. 'I had known her since childhood, but it was all very formal. She studied at Kendriya Vidyalaya and went to school on the bus… some days, after school, I would stand at the bus stop and look for her. This is how we began talking,' Akbar said. 'Over the next five years, we completed school and college. Sonika wasn't interested in studying and planned to open her salon. So she opted for open school for graduation and joined a VLCC training programme that would last for 1.5 years,' Akbar said. 'In 2019, when her training institute denied her a learning certificate, she introduced me to her father. My brother is a lawyer. Several other girls did not get the certificate. I filed the complaint on behalf of 140 girls, and their certificates were issued — and I became a regular in her family,' said the 29-year-old. In 2022, Akbar said, Sonika opened her salon after many false starts and rejections. 'It was like a dream. We were financially capable of fending for ourselves and decided to get married. I was helping her all along. No friend does that, her parents knew that we were in love,' Akbar said. He reiterated that neither of them abandoned their religion, and they got married under the Special Marriage Act. 'I respected her religion and went to each temple that she wanted to go to. All I knew was that we wanted to be together, and I loved her. We thought that once we get married, our parents will not be able to pressure us,' Akbar said. 'Today, people are threatening those who were witnesses to our marriage. The problem is not the police or her parents, it is society,' he said. When The Indian Express contacted the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Trans-Hindon, Patil Nimish Dasharath over Sonika not being produced before the court for her statement, he said, 'We are trying. We will produce her when she is ready.' Akbar, however, is heartbroken. 'Bring her to court, let her say what she wants,' he said. 'I cannot take this separation. I am suffering, I cannot show the world, but I am breaking apart.' Neetika Jha is a Correspondent with The Indian Express. She covers crime, health, environment as well as stories of human interest, in Noida, Ghaziabad and western UP. When not on the field she is probably working on another story idea. On weekends, she loves to read fiction over a cup of coffee. The Thursday Murder club, Yellow Face and Before the Coffee Gets Cold were her recent favourites. She loves her garden as much as she loves her job. She is an alumnus of Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. ... Read More
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ajeemganj Mango Festival on, visitors get a peek into Murshidabad's cultural heritage
Kolkata: Murshidabad, home to Nawabs with its rich cultural history, is known for its mango varieties. Historically a seat of the Nawabs, entwined with a rich tradition of cultivating unique varieties of mangoes, many of which are named after historical characters and events from their history. Ajeemganj Mango Festival organized by Murshidabad Heritage Development Society (MHDS) and House of Sheherwali, has started from June 1 to 30. The month-long celebration, which is underway, coincides with the peak mango season, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the diverse varieties of mangoes. Known as the king of fruits, mangoes are a summer seasonal fruit in India. 'Murshidabad gears up for its biggest-ever Mango Festival starting from June, expanding for a month-long celebration, the 10th edition will showcase the city's famed nawabi mangoes offering a rich blend of taste and heritage' said Pradip Chopra, President of the Murshidabad Heritage Development Society. The festival will highlight the historical significance of mangoes in the region, particularly how Mughal Emperor Akbar encouraged the cultivation and cross-breeding of mangoes, development of numerous varieties. India is the largest producer of mangoes, boasts over 500 varieties, with Murshidabad alone being home to around 150 varieties. Some Mango Varieties of Murshidabad include Kohitoor which is a cross between the extinct Kalopahar and another unnamed variety, prized for its unique flavour, Nawab Pasand: a mango named after a nawab's favourite, Inayat Pasand which is named after a jagirdar (land owner) who patronized the mango, Ranipasand: Named after the nawab's favorite wife, Champa, a mango with a distinct aroma, reminiscent of the champa flower, Bimli which is named after a maid employed by Mir Jafar, Anaras with its pineapple-like flavour, Saranga which dedicated to the sarangi players in the nawab's haveli, Gulabkhas which possesses a subtle rose fragrance, Mohanbhog offering as a tribute to Lord Krishna, Peyarafuli features a guava-like flavour, among others. Live Events Guests staying at the House of Sherawali will get the opportunity of daily mango trail experience, much like the wine trails of Europe or tea trails of North Bengal. Each morning includes visits to local orchards to hand-pick and taste mangoes straight from the trees, people in the know said. Guests can savor the rich flavours of seasonal mangoes while enjoying serene views of the Ganga River. Beyond this, all visitors can explore mango orchards, learn about the history and cultivation of the fruit, and discover rare and local varieties that celebrate Murshidabad's vibrant mango heritage.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Haldighati plaques omit key historical facts, spark uproar
1 2 Jaipur: A controversy erupted in Rajasthan over newly installed commemorative plaques at the historic Haldighati battlefield, as the state marked the 450th Haldighati Shaurya Diwas Wednesday. The plaques, installed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at Rakt Talai and the Rajsamand local administration at Haldighati Pass, have come under fire for alleged historical distortions and omissions. Heritage activists and a history professor have alleged several critical inaccuracies in the plaques' content. Most notably, these fail to mention Mirza Raja Man Singh I of Amber, who commanded the Mughal forces during the historic battle fought on June 18, 1576. "It is a matter of shame that the name of Mirza Raja Man Singh I is missing from the plaque at Haldighati. Instead, only Akbar is mentioned, giving the false impression that the battle was fought directly between Pratap and Akbar," said Prof Chandra Shekhar Sharma, Head of the History Department at Meera Girls College, Udaipur. Sharma has authored the book, Rashtra Ratan Maharana Pratap. Local heritage groups, including Johar Smriti Sansthan and Chetak Smarak Samiti, have demanded a correct reference to Akbar's general as "Mirza Raja Man Singh I of Amber." The plaques have also been criticised for allegedly misrepresenting troop movements and battle statistics. According to Prof Sharma, the inscription incorrectly states that the forces under Man Singh I approached from Kumbhalgarh and Gogunda, which were actually Maharana Pratap's strongholds. "In truth, the Mughal forces marched from Ajmer, Mandalgarh and Mohi, and were stationed at Molela," said Sharma, citing Muntakhib al-Tawarikh by Abd al-Qadir Badayuni, Akbar's court historian. Furthermore, the claimed three-hour duration of the battle has been disputed. Contemporary chronicles, including Muntakhib al-Tawarikh by Abd al-Qadir Badayuni, suggest the battle lasted an entire day, said Prof Sharma. The plaques' figures regarding army sizes have also been challenged by historians citing multiple historical sources. The plaque claims the Mughal army had 5,000 soldiers while Maharana Pratap's side included 1,900 cavalry and 1,000 Bhil warriors. Sharma refuted these figures, quoting the writings of noted historian Gaurishankar Hirachand Ojha (Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap), who cited at least four varying estimates and emphasised that none matched the figures on the plaque. "It's an irresponsible oversimplification," said Sharma. Ojha was a 19th-century historian at the court of Udaipur royals. Local heritage groups, including Johar Smriti Sansthan (Chittorgarh), Navyuvak Mandal (Haldighati) and Chetak Smarak Samiti (Balecha, Udaipur), have demanded immediate corrections to ensure historical accuracy. "Any act seen against the integrity of Maharana Pratap's legacy or factual history will face strong opposition," said Kan Singh of the Sansthan. Ironically, these controversial plaques were installed to replace previous versions that had been criticised for suggesting a Mughal victory, only to create new historical disputes.
India Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Locating Haldighati - Between myth and reality
"And how can man die betterThan facing fearful odds,For the ashes of his fathers, And the temples of his Gods."--Thomas Babington MacaulayOn June 18, 1576, a narrow mountain pass in the Aravalli Range became the stage for one of medieval India's most storied battles. The Battle of Haldighati, fought between Maharana Pratap of Mewar and the Mughal forces led by Man Singh of Amber, has since passed into legend. The very soil of Haldighati – turmeric-yellow by nature – ran red by the battle's end, forming Rakt Talai, the "Lake of Blood." For centuries, tales of this clash have been told and retold, often blurring the lines between history and myth. Yet, beyond the glow of legend lies a reality just as backgroundBy the latter half of the 16th century, the Mughal Empire under Akbar had established its dominion over much of northern India. The successful siege of the fort of Chittorgarh (1568) followed by the Naguar Durbar in 1570 led to most of the Rajputana acceding to Mughal success of the swift Mughal campaign in Gujarat opened the great trade route from the north to the ports of Khambhat, Bharuch and Surat. The route, however, had parts of Mewar that necessitated either the full conquest of Mewar or the acceptance of Mughal suzerainty by Maharana Pratap Singh of Mewar.A large part of India underwent Mughal conquest in a short period, yet Mewar remained a blip on the map, independent and unrelenting. Akbar had seen the bravery of the Mewar forces during the long siege of Chittorgarh and was mindful of the cost that military conflict entailed. This made him prefer diplomacy. A series of missions followed, beginning with Jalal Khan Korchi to Prince Man Singh I of Amber, followed by his uncle Raja Bhagwant Das and Jagannath Kachhwaha. None of these could convince Pratap to accept Mughal suzerainty. Akbar, determined to secure the region (and with it, vital routes to Gujarat), eventually resolved to subdue Mewar by force. The stage was thus set for on both sidesadvertisementAfter seeking the blessings of the Khwaja at Ajmer, Akbar entrusted the task of subjugating Maharana Pratap to his ablest general, Man Singh of Amber, whom he fondly addressed as Farjand (son). The emperor presented Prince Man with a robe, a decked horse and gifts matching the Mughal army started from Ajmer with 3,000 strong cavalry, 2,000 infantry, elephants and some light artillery. The prolonged halt at Mandalgarh waiting for the Mewar forces to attack the plains led to the addition of another 2,000 men. The Bhils (the original inhabitants of the land) with their elaborate knowledge of forests and mountains, kept on giving regular updates on the movement of the imperial army to generals of repute and nobles assembled at Loseeng to decide on the future course of action. A 3,000-strong force was assembled comprising old nobles, young soldiers and Bhils. While the youth wanted to go on the offensive, the experienced generals suggested waiting in the mountains to attack from a position of strength. A consensus was reached with Maharana agreeing to go for the offensive but not too deep in the plains, which kept open the possibility of retreat in case of an adverse battle led to the Haldighati pass near Khamnor being an ideal choice to meet the invading army. The place Haldighati (Turmeric Valley) is called so due to the ocherous tint the soil has. It used to be a narrow defile with vertical rocks on both sides, making it difficult to cross by large contingents Battle of HaldighatiA night before the battle, the two armies were separated by about six miles and the river Banas. The Mughal contingent moved with Man Singh in the centre and left and right wings moving south of the main route and parallel to the river Banas respectively, with reserves under Mihtar Khan waiting at the river hours into the daybreak, waiting for the opportune moment, Maharana Pratap advanced from behind the pass and divided his men into two divisions. One attacked the vanguard under Asaf Khan and the other, commanded by Pratap, attacked the result of this was absolute mayhem described poetically by Mughal chronicler Badayuni. The intrepid charge by Pratap led to the vanguard and centre running for cover over miles. The chase of the running ranks brought the battle from the narrow pass to the plains at Rakt arrival of reserves under Mihtar Khan with the announcement that the emperor himself had joined the ranks helped reign in the running Mughal troops and bring order to the ranks. The counter-offensive with the strength of the Mughal contingent to fight in the plains led to a series of setbacks for the Mewar side with the gallant sacrifices of Raja Ramshah of Gwalior, his sons and several others. Amid the frenzy, Pratap sighted Man Singh atop his war a moment that would become legendary, Pratap and Chetak surged forward, plunging straight toward the howdah of the Mughal commander. Chetak reared and leapt, propelling Pratap within spear's reach of Man Singh. The thrust missed its mark – the Mughal general ducked, and Pratap's lance struck the mahout instead. In retaliation, Man Singh's elephant brought its tusk sword down, slashing into Chetak's flank. The legs of Chetak were injured and Pratap was encircled by enemy troops on all no victory in sight for both sides, a stalemate ensued. Pratap was goaded by old nobles to leave the battlefield for a protracted struggle, with Jhala Man taking away the crimson insignia to cover the retreat. The steed Chetak died a few miles away after bringing his master to safety. The battle sapped the Mughal contingent of any motivation to chase the retreating army. General Man Singh instead consolidated defences and in the days ahead, moved cautiously to Gogunda, waiting for and legacyHaldighati was a brief battle – a mere four hours of ferocious combat – but its impact resounded through the annals of Mewar. The battle did bring temporary territorial changes with the Mughal occupation of Gogunda and Udaipur, but it broke the myth of Mughal invincibility. Kesri Singh of Moondiyar writes that no doubt the field remains with Man, but for the emperor's army, no victory was ever more like defeat; for Mewar, no retreat was more glorious. The days ahead brought misery for Man Singh and the men. A harsh summer with no food to eat due to the scorched earth policy and looting of caravans by Bhils and Rajput soldiers led to a cautious retreat by Mughal writes that no one on the route believed the Mughal victory and all were convinced of the heroics of Pratap and his men. The emperor, unhappy with the outcome, ordered the dyodhi bandh of both Man Singh and Asaf Khan and himself marched to capture Maharana Pratap. Several missions followed but Pratap neither surrendered nor lost hope. The battle elevated the status of Pratap as the champion of freedom. A lot of like-minded rulers joined the coalition of Maharana Pratap and a long struggle followed. Beginning with the Battle of Dewair in one quick campaign, Pratap captured the entire lost territory except for two forts of Chittorgarh and the people of Rajasthan, Haldighati was not merely a battle of one afternoon, but a symbol: a testament to the idea that honour and homeland were worth the ultimate was the beginning of a long struggle and became a symbol of local resistance against imperial dominance, with Colonel Tod giving an apt epithet to Haldighati as the "Thermopylae of Mewar". And thus, the story of Haldighati lives on in both myth and myths – grand and poetic – speak to the emotional truth that Maharana Pratap's struggle has come to symbolise: courage against the odds, patriotism, and honour. The reality, meticulously pieced together by historians, reveals a nuanced and human tale of strategy, sacrifice, and resilience. Between the two, lies the true legacy of Haldighati, a legacy that continues to captivate the imagination while reminding us that history's real stories are every bit as profound as the legends they inspire. In remembering Haldighati, we locate not only a ravine in the Aravallis, but the very souls of people who choose freedom over surrender, time and time again.(Lalit Narayan Singh Sandu is an IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre and a PhD scholar in Gandhian economic thought)(Views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author)
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Who were the Navratnas of Akbar and what made them so memorable in history
The Mughal court during Emperor Akbar's reign was home to some of the greatest minds of the time. His court included all experts from poets, musicians, to military commanders and administrators. Akbar had handpicked nine unique individuals who played important and irreplaceable roles in giving a viable structure and shape to the empire's cultural, political, and intellectual identity. These nine special individuals were commonly called the Navratnas or 'Nine Gems'. Akbar's court was more than just a seat of power, as it was open to all talents from all walks of life beyond religion or origin. It was a vibrant hub of discussions and innovation. His belief in open-minded governance and religious tolerance allowed people from varied backgrounds to work together. Here are the nine revered gems of Akbar's court Abul Fazl Abul Fazl was the chief advisor and historian in Akbar's court. According to the historical records, he is best known for writing the Akbarnama and Ain-i-Akbari, which are detailed accounts of the emperor's reign. He also translated the Bible into Persian and supported Akbar's vision of Din-i Ilahi, or religion of God, that aimed to integrate principles from Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Walgreens Keeps Quiet About This '9 Pills for $7' Generic Cialis Deal Health Alliance by Friday Plans Undo His political theory of Padshahat claimed the emperor ruled by divine right. His intellect and diplomatic skills helped shape the empire's inclusive policies and got him a place as one of the most influential voices of the Mughal era. Raja Todar Mal Raja Todar Mal is famously known as Akbar's Finance Minister, who completely upgraded and changed the empire's taxation system. Known for Todarmal's Bandobast, his reforms were based on a ten-year crop yield survey that introduced standard measurements and fixed rates. He divided the empire into revenue districts and made Persian the official administrative language. His work brought consistency and fairness to land revenue collection, laying the foundation for a stable economy and influencing future Indian administrations for generations. Birbal Birbal was originally named Mahesh Das, and he has been particularly known for his sharp wit and close friendship with Akbar. beyond just history books, their tales have been a part of kids ' books and bedtime stories. A Hindu and the only known follower of Din-i Ilahi from his faith, Birbal served as a trusted advisor and foreign minister. He was also a poet and storyteller whose tales are still shared across India today. He was popular for solving complex problems with cleverness. Faizi Faizi, the elder brother of Abul Fazl, was a brilliant Persian poet and scholar. Appointed as tutor to Akbar's sons, Salim, Murad, and Daniyal. Faizi also translated Sanskrit texts like Bhaskaracharya's Lilavati into Persian. He was named poet laureate and served as the sadr or religious leader of several areas. His poetry and scholarship added a new dimension to the court's literary culture and were a representation of Akbar's passion for learning and cross-cultural exchange. Tansen Tansen, originally named Ramtanu, was a legendary musician who elevated Hindustani classical music in Akbar's court. Having first served in Rewa, he joined Akbar in 1562 and got the title 'Mian' for his genius skills. Tansen created new ragas, composed Dhrupad music, and founded the Gwalior Gharana. His music was said to have magical qualities. There are many legends that tell that he could light lamps with Raag Deepak. it is said that when it is sung, the air becomes so hot that it ends up lighting the lamps. His contributions remain foundational in Indian classical music even today. Raja Man Singh Raja Man Singh, the Maharaja of Amber, was one of Akbar's most trusted generals. He led key campaigns in Bihar, Kabul, and Orissa, and played a major role in the Battle of Haldighati against Maharana Pratap. As a Hindu commander in a largely Muslim empire. Beyond his standout military skills, Man Singh also contributed to architecture by building temples and palaces. Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana, the son of Bairam Khan, was a warrior and a poet. He is popular for his dohas in Braj and Awadhi languages. Rahim was admired for his command over language and his deep understanding of astrology. He served as Akbar's Defence Minister and translated Babur's Baburnama from Chagatai into Persian. Fakir Aziao-Din Akbar consulted Fakir Aziao-Din, a respected Sufi mystic, for spiritual guidance. His knowledge molded the emperor's opinions on religious harmony and tolerance. He was significant in improving Akbar's commitment to diversity and the establishment of Din-i Ilahi. Akbar's emphasis on spirituality and interfaith discussion was demonstrated by Aziao-Din's appearance in court. His impact went beyond religion; he provided advice on moral responsibility and moral leadership. Mulla Do Piyaza Often regarded as Birbal's comic rival, Mulla Do Piyaza was famous for his clever intelligence and witty humor. Despite having fewer historical records, folklore portrays him as a wise counselor whose humorous jokes about Birbal delighted the court and relaxed tense situations. Even though he was occasionally depicted as being outwitted, his role showed how much Akbar valued lively debate and a variety of views. He and Birbal worked together to establish a wit culture that put a balance between perspective and power. Photo Credits: Pratha- The cultural school
