History’s message against communalism

Posted September 2, 2000


Our History is being  projected and distorted in numerous ways by vested interests to create a communal divide between the majority and the minority communities.  Every Indian should be aware of  this and should acquire the ability to discern facts from fiction.  The following information is presented here with the intention of refuting the charges that our History is a saga of continual Hindu-Muslim strive.  For those who know the truth but disregard it in favour of their own agendas, this information will certainly not change their minds. Others, who hunger for the truth and who wish to guide their lives with an honest endeavor to make India a better place for all,  will find in these facts an affirmation of what we Indians have been so proud of!

 

Q.1.  When Rana Sanga clashed with Babar in the battle of Khanwa, which ally helped him the most?
Ans.  Hasan Khan Mewati was the ally who tried his best to help Rana in this crucial battle.

Q2.  What is the last message that Babar left for his son Humayun?
Ans. Babar told him to respect the religion of the country to which they have come (Hinduism) and respect their temples and cows.

Q.3.  Babar had a special word of praise for some monuments in his Memoirs, which ones?
Ans.  He expressed his admiration for the temples of Gwalior and nearby areas.

Q.4.  In view of the questions from 1 to 3, does it appear likely that Babar would have approved the demolition of a very important temple in Ayodhya?
Ans. This is most unlikely.

Q.5.  Is it true that a large number of qualified and eminent historians hold the firm view that there is no basis for rumours of Babar demolishing a temple in Ayodhya?
Ans. Yes, these historians have repeatedly expressed this view in writing and public speeches.

Q.6.  Then who brought this issue to the limelight first?
Ans.  Colonial historians brought it forward during the days of the British rule.

Q.7.  Is it true that the colonial historians were fond of raking up imaginary issues that would cause hostility between Hindus and Muslims?
Ans. Yes actually they had specific plans to do so. Secretary of state Wood wrote to Lord Elgin in 1857 that we’ve kept our power in India by making one force fight the other and we should continue to do so.

Q.8 . During the Moghal rule did Hindu forces generally fight Muslim forces, or were there mixed battles.
Ans. Moghul kings and other kings had  Hindu generals and soldiers and vice-versa. Aurangzeb is considered to be the most fanatic Muslim king but even many of his battles were fought by Hindu generals. Shivaji is regarded as a Hindu folk hero but his army had many Muslims in crucial posts.

Q.9.  When the (Hindu) king of  Bikaner was defeated by the king of Marwar, with whom did his family members find shelter?
Ans.  With Sher Shah Suri.

Q.10. When Humayun was defeated by Sher Shah Suri where did he find shelter?
Ans.   With the (Hindu) Raja of Amarkot. Akbar was born here.

Q.11. One general died fighting  very bravely on the side of Rana Pratap. The warior is still remembered very fondly in Rajasthan. Name him?
Ans.  The name of this general was Hakim Khan Sur. He fought bravely on the side of Rana Pratap with his Afghan soldiers against Akbar’s forces.

Q.12.  Name two kings who built special religious places of other communities just near their palaces.
Ans.    Shivaji built a Mosque near his palace while Tipu Sultan built a Temple near his palace.

Q.13. What was the attitude of the Nawabs of Oudh towards temples?
Ans.   They supported several temples and gave land grants. Names of Nawab Safdarjung and Dewan Asafuddaullah maybe mentioned in this context.

Q.14.  A senior confidante of Nawab Safdarjung died fighting for him. Who was he?
Ans.    A Hindu named Nawal Rai..

Q.15.  Nawab Sirajudaullah was betrayed by several people in the battle of Plassey. But one confidante fought most bravely for him. Name him.
Ans.    A Hindu named Mohan Lal

Q16.  When some Kasmiri Pandits fled in terror, did a (Muslim) Kashmiri ruler take the initiative to bring them back?
Ans.    Yes, Zian-Ul-Abedin made this noble effort.

Q.17.  Did Muslim freedom fighters of 1857 show a special gesture towards Hindus?
Ans.    Yes, they prohibited cow slaughter in some areas captured by them from the British.

Q.18.  Name the friends of Jhansi Ki Rani who fought with her till the end.
Ans.    Juhi and Moti Bai.

Q.19.  From whom did the Rani get maximum help from, in defending the fort at Jhansi?
Ans.    The courageous gunner Kunwar Ghulam Ghaus Khan who died fighting to defend Jhansi.


(This Table of Q&A from A poster on Communal harmony by Bharat Dogra, contributed by Ram R. Punyani)