Kingdom Of Rewa 2

A kingdom is ruled by its king but created by its people. The subjects form the crux of a kingdom and they are often led down by irresponsible, self-pleasing kings. Kings before Mahendra II of Rewa can be excluded from this list. Rewa, a small state in the heart of what is now present-day Madhya Pradesh. Mahendra II too had followed suit and traveled a path laid out by his subject-loving ancestors. He too cared for his people like a patriarch of a family. Rewa to him was his own child. He was not just a king but a doting parent, a peacemaker rather than an enemy slayer. He looked after his administration with more diligence than after the army. Annexation like most kings was not his sole motto, for him, his people were the primary concern.   

Before we begin with his story let us explore the story of Rewa. Rewa was located in a strategic position. It had flourished near the banks of the Chandrabhaga River. The river was an inland river fed by rain. The dry and arid hills that surrounded Rewa from all sides protected its borders. The neighboring states found it tough to get past the hilly terrains. Due to the presence of hills, Rewa was a mineral-rich state. There were also lush green plains that contrasted the semi-arid land present in patches. Both agriculture and industries developed in the state. The rich platter of Rewa is comprised of both food grains and factories. Rewa had remained independent throughout its long-running history even after the British came in. It spoke of great legends and valor uncompromised.   

Mahendra II had inherited Rewa from his father Gajendra, who was a fearsome warrior, a lone wolf in battles and his only purpose in life was to extend the borders of his kingdom. Gajendra had left his son a vast expanse of land. He ruled his people with an iron hand but never with an iron heart. But he was a strict father who appeared to be cold and indifferent. Mahendra II though a talented artist was never a traditional ruler. He lacked those skills that his father possessed. He wanted to rule with affection and empathy. He grew up believing that his sons won’t be treated the way his father had brought him with.  

 His high moral ground and tender heart were also made him the ladies' favorite in the household. He was fond of his mother more than that of his father, obviously because they shared a close bond. He was a very respected painter and dreamed of picking it up full-time but then we all know how that will span out. His dream of curating the best pieces of art was also nurtured by his mother who had instilled in him a liking for the arts. He was passionate about it to the extent that he decided upon leaving the kingdom for the sake of it. But Gajendra came to know of it and intervened. He is deeply affected by his son’s rebellious nature. It left a deep dent in the minds of both father and son.  

After the incident Gajendra had become completely shattered, his health was also deteriorating. Gajendra had during this time befriended an old enemy ‘The Rathore Clan’, a powerful family of Mansabdars who held many jagirs under them. Satveer Rathore, the head of the family had become a close ally of Gajendra. Gajendra gave them high ranks in his office. Satveer had a very sharp and intelligent son, Vikram. Vikram was everything Mahendra II failed to be. Gajendra in his final days entrusted in him the responsibility of the kingdom since he had very little faith in his son. The father-son duo were now his close compatriots. He considered Vikram to be like his son, fulfilling the void Mahendra II had created.  

Gajendra died in pain both mentally and physically. It was hard to see such a strong ruler bowing to illness when he had never bowed to his enemy. He had led a splendid life filled with luxury barring the last few years. Mahendra II had to take charge of the kingdom immediately with Vikram Rathore as his Chief Minister. Mahendra II was deeply saddened by the demise of his father but then he had to assume the seat.   

Mahendra II proved to be an empathetic ruler. He cared for extending his hands to help others rather than extend his boundaries. He emphasized the needs of his people. He devoted a major chunk of his treasury to patronizing the artists. His name became synonymous with mercy and benevolence. He fitted the throne in every aspect. He continued the endeavors and policies left incomplete by his father. His aura never overpowered the throne like his father.   

Mahendra II was soon becoming a favorite among its people and attracted the attention of Vikram. Vikram started to feel jealous since he had always desired authority and power. Vikram wanted to gain more power and usurp the throne for himself. Vikram like his father was a far-sighted man, he wanted his successors to become kings of Rewa. He started planting the seeds keeping his vision in mind. He had kept the larger in mind while planning for a scheme. He wanted to find and garb any opportunity presented to him to belittle Mahendra II. He had kept a keen eye on Mahendra II to find any weakness that would become a tool for him.  

Vikram was as sharp as a knife and as cunning as a wolf. He could mechanize every situation and find loopholes in it and use it to his advantage. He was always aware that Mahendra II was not going to be a long runner. He has definitely proven to be a dark horse but Mahendra II was always looking for an escape. He was still an artist at heart and if given a condition would prefer using a brush over a sword any day. Vikram knew him too well by now, after all, he had to work with Mahendra II closely. Mahendra II never knew of Vikram’s true intentions. He had been an ardent Minister and there was no way he could suspect Vikram.

 Vikram was such a shrewd planner and meticulous worker that he had no trail marks of his deeds.   

Mahendra II often visited the villages in his kingdom in disguise. The visits made him more aware of his own people. He had become accustomed to the geography of the kingdom. The kingdom grew many folds and prospered due to his travels. During one such visit, Mahendra II meets a young teacher named Maitrika. Maitrika was a righteous young woman who had taken the job of a local teacher. She was an educated and erudite woman who believed in facts rather than scriptures. She often fought against the wrongdoers and superstitious locals.   

They soon started having brief conversations. Mahendra II became a frequent visitor to her village. Then love blossomed between the two. But then Maitrika was no royal and also belonged to the Vaishya caste. Even though they loved each other, they had kept their meetings a secret. The clandestine nature of Mahendra II’s outings attracted the attention of Vikram. Vikram started to see things with suspicion. He started following Mahendra II who had no idea that Vikram was keeping a close eye on him. One day his secret got revealed. Vikram slowly began maligning the minds of important members of the court. The court saw this as an opportunity to pull down Mahendra II from his throne.   

Vikram was also planning a military coup of sorts. Vikram left no stone unturned before the final showdown. Mahendra II deeply in love with Maitrika had no idea about these proceedings. He was completely unaware of what lay in his future. Maitrika in the meantime comes to know of the true nature of Vikram and his plan. Maitrika being a smart and intelligent woman decided to take things into her own hand. The fate of the kingdom now lay in her hands. She believes that the law of the land is above any individual. She decides upon bringing Vikram to court and unmask him.   

She appeals to the court as a commoner and presents her case. Her calm demeanor and knowledge help to get victory in the court. The court proceeds with the judgment of life imprisonment for Vikram. He will now rot in jail. Mahendra II now knows why Maitrika was speaking against Vikram. He was after all a venom-spewing snake who would keep hatching plans if not caught. Mahendra II sees this as an opportunity to consummate his love with Maitrika. He declares his true love for her. The members of the kingdom agree with his decision. Maitrika had long won their hearts with her trial and members were more than happy to accept her as a queen.  

King Mahendra II and Queen Maitrika began leading a happy life after the incident.