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News18
4 days ago
- News18
What We Can Learn From The Jambudweepa Proclamation
Last Updated: The key takeaway is the clarion call for unity among all Indians Mahakavi Bharatiyar has said, 'தண்ணீர் விட்டோ வளர்த்தோம் சர்வேசா. இப்பயிரை கண்ணீரால் காத்தோம்" Lord of the worlds, it wasn't tended by watering; Our tears nourished it (dream of Swarajya). As the Mahakavi said, 'Our blood, sweat, and tears reinstated Swarajya." In May 1801, the East India Company forces under Lt Col. Agnew captured Panchalankurichi after a prolonged siege. It was a costly campaign against Kattabomman that lasted more than a year. Kattabomman's capture and subsequent hanging in Kayathar, near Tirunelveli, is a matter of historical record. His brother, Oomathurai, escaped and was given refuge by the Maruthu brothers. How? 'The cavalry of the enemy in pursuit of the fleeing rebels engaged them in more battles. One of the insurgent parties took its stand near a village and fought a pitched battle but was routed. Most of this group fell wounded and dead… In the evening of the day of battle… the women of the village hurried to the blood-stained field… they made a close search for the persons in whom life might not have become extinct… Among the heaps of the slaughtered they discovered the son of one of them still breathing… To their dismay the afflicted young man rallied the energy that still remained at his command, and whispered into the ears of his mother: 'Oh mother let me die, but try to save the life of Swamy who lies near me' – 'Swamy' denoting Oomee." History records that the mother complied with her dying son's wishes, carried Oomathurai to her village, nursed him like her own son, dramatically saved him from the company army, and played a significant role in Oomathurai reaching Kamuthi on 28 May 1801. In October 1801, Kalayarkovil fell, and the Maruthu brothers were captured and hanged. While their entire family was exterminated, Chinna Maruthu's favourite son, Doraiswamy, was exiled to Prince of Wales Island, Penang, Malaysia. Doraiswamy was 15 when he boarded 'Admiral Nelson', the ship that transported the rebels. James Welsh, who had military custody of the seventy-three exiled rebels, said this about Doraiswamy, 'With a mild and dignified resignation, this amiable young man bore his cruel fate without a murmur; but such was the melancholy expression in his fine countenance that it was impossible to see and not commiserate him… I still seem to see the combination of affection and despair, which marked the fine countenance of my young friend, Doraiswamy, as I handed him into the boat, and the manly and silent misery, which his companions in affliction displayed, on quitting their dear native land forever." Source: South Indian Rebellion: The First War of Independence, 1800-1801, Prof. K. Rajayyan What compelled a mother to leave her dying son and save his commander? What made a 15-year-old Doraiswamy bear his cruel fate without a murmur? That feeling, the burning desire for Swarajya that everyone in Jambudveepa (India) held, is perfectly summarised in the famed 'Jambudveepa Proclamation" by the Maruthu Pandiyar brothers. This is one of the overlooked chapters in Indian history. It is one of the foremost strategic documents advocating for the liberation of Bharat from colonial rule. This proclamation, pasted on the walls of Rockfort in Tiruchi and the Srirangam temple on June 16, 1801, appeals to the entire country, to all sections of Indian society, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion, to unite and rise against the East India Company and colonial oppression. While it emphasises local unity and sustained resistance, making this a national struggle against foreign rule, it also serves as a warning to locals collaborating with the oppressors. This proclamation exemplifies how our forefathers viewed Bharat as one land and how unity is the only way to achieve the vision of a free and great nation. What can we learn from the Jambudweepa Proclamation? We understand how our forefathers saw Bharat as one land united by culture. More importantly, the key takeaway is the clarion call for unity among all Indians. Even today, we fail to treat certain people as equals, assuming some are high-born and others low-born. This regressive and divisive thinking, treating some of our brothers and sisters as inferior, is a grave transgression. On the anniversary of the Maruthu Pandiyars' Jambudweepa Proclamation, let us pledge to ensure access to water sources, temples, and cremation grounds for all our fellow citizens. As the proclamation states, 'It is certain that the man must die—although he may live a thousand years! And it is as certain that his fame will survive him as long as the Sun and Moon (shine)." What greater acclaim can we achieve than being celebrated for contributing to an egalitarian, harmonious society? Let us remember what Tiruvalluvar said, 'வசையிலா வண்பயன் குன்றும் இசையிலா யாக்கை பொறுத்த நிலம்." (239) Behold the land burdened by an inglorious people: its riches, even once renowned, will diminish – The Kural or The Maxims of Thiruvalluvar by VVS Aiyar. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 16, 2025, 12:01 IST News opinion Opinion | What We Can Learn From The Jambudweepa Proclamation Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Raj hails World Heritage status for Shivaji's forts, calls for removal of encroachments
Mumbai, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray on Saturday welcomed the inclusion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's 12 forts in the UNESCO World Heritage List and said all unauthorised constructions on these historic structures should be removed, irrespective of the communities these encroachers belong to. Raj hails World Heritage status for Shivaji's forts, calls for removal of encroachments Thackeray also pointed out that the government should not take the World Heritage status for granted, as it can be taken away if the criteria are not followed properly. The 'Maratha Military Landscapes' representing the fortification system of Maratha rulers have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The decision was taken during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris. 'Maratha Military Landscapes' include the forts of Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijay Durg and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. In a post on X, the MNS chief said, "The government should demolish all unauthorised constructions on these forts immediately! Regardless of the religion or caste of the encroachers." Those who speak about Maharashtra's achievements on this occasion will know how far the idea of Swarajya instilled by Shivaji Maharaj had reached and will also know how old and strong the bridge between two languages and cultures is, he wrote, apparently referring to the Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. "Now, one can hope that these 11 forts in Maharashtra get preserved properly. Once UNESCO gives the status of World Heritage site, there are strict criteria for conservation and renovation of those structures, which will have to be followed, and the forts of our Maharaj will get the attention they deserve," Thackeray said. He said now, the state government will receive funds for the conservation of these forts, and the state should also allocate more from its own pockets. Every government in the past had left these forts in a state of disrepair, making it impossible to invite the world to visit them and show them the glory of Shivaji Maharaj and Maharashtra, Thackeray said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Business Standard
07-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
R Jagannathan
R Jagannathan is a Journalist with over 47 years of experience in journalism. Currently he is a Editorial Director of Swarajya and Chairman of Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC). He has been a part of many launch teams, including Business Today, DNA and Firstpost. He has also helped revamp many business publications as Editor of Financial Express, Indian Management and Business World. He started his career with the Financial Express as a reporter/sub-editor in 1976 in Mumbai. His recent focus has been on digital commentary and journalism while being associated with and He was awarded the Shriram Sanlam Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Raj Memane's Maharajancha Raigad uncovers Raigad Fort's untold history
City-based historian, Raj Memane, has authored a new book titled Maharajancha Raigad based on in-depth research of as many as 92 Modi script documents/bundles from the Pune Archives. The book offers fresh insights into the 18th century administrative, military and cultural history of Raigad Fort, the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's 'Swarajya'. Praised for its scholarly rigour, the book is a significant contribution to Maratha historiography. This battle followed the death of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, and involved a prolonged power struggle between the Peshwas and the Potnis family or treasurers responsible for managing Raigad Fort on behalf of the Chhatrapati. (HT) Unlike the Raigad Fort-related literature published by several scholars before Memane – which by their own admission is based on a study of only some of the 92 Modi script bundles available – Memane has meticulously studied all 92 Modi script bundles and extracted thousands of notes, and it is this exhaustive research that has culminated in his new book. Recounting a particularly moving experience during his research when he discovered an unpublished Modi script letter written by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj himself, Memane said, 'Reading his words in the original hand was a deeply emotional and unforgettable moment for me…' Maharajancha Raigad is distinguished by its methodical, evidence-based presentation; and includes rare, unpublished historical letters reproduced in high-quality facsimile format. The book focuses on the military and administrative structure of Raigad during the 18th century, particularly the lesser known but significant battle of 1772–73. This battle followed the death of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, and involved a prolonged power struggle between the Peshwas and the Potnis family or treasurers responsible for managing Raigad Fort on behalf of the Chhatrapati. 'Through the Modi script documents, we get a clear view of how the six-month-long siege unfolded. From troop deployment, names of local commanders, weapons used, daily expenses, to the fort's strategic chokepoints, everything is documented in minute detail,' Memane said. Regarding the book's in-depth look at the royal throne (Sinhasan) of Shivaji Maharaj, Memane said, 'The throne was not merely a seat of power; it was the embodiment of sovereignty. The records mention luxurious fabrics used for its decoration, exact dimensions, and even the rituals performed daily in its honour. In 1797, Nana Fadnavis installed a new Nagarkhana (drum house) near the throne, marking Gudi Padwa; this detail too emerged from the Modi script texts.' The book contains architectural details about Raigad's palaces, courtyards (Sadar), granaries, sacred temples and buildings with a major highlight being the identification of the Vivek Sabha, a previously unlocated administrative building in the fort premises. 'One Modi script letter gave exact reference points, allowing us to pinpoint the building's probable location even today,' Memane noted. In line with Ramchandra Pant Amatya's famous edict, Sampurna Rajyache Saar te Durg (The essence of the entire state lies in its forts), Maharajancha Raigad also presents valuable records on Raigad's water infrastructure. 'Our ancestors understood that without sustainable water sources, no fort could survive. I found detailed repair orders for Kushavart lake and Gangasaar reservoir, dating back to the Peshwa era,' Memane said. Furthermore, Memane's book offers a detailed account of the fort's artillery setup. 'Readers will find comprehensive tables listing cannons, their placement, firepower and the ammunition stock maintained for them, offering rare insight into the fort's defence systems. The book also documents staff appointments, salaries, temple management, and other day-to-day administrative activities, presenting a complete socio-economic picture of Raigad during the 18th century,' Memane said. Explaining the inspiration behind this monumental work, Memane said, 'Raigad is not just a fort; it is the soul of Swarajya. While we have many stories about Raigad's glory under Shivaji Maharaj, the history of the fort in the post-Shivaji period, especially during the 18th century, remains largely unknown. I wanted to bring that missing chapter to light through original documents.' Summarising the significance of his work, Memane said, 'I believe history should be written not from hearsay but from authentic sources. My aim was to compile and interpret these Modi script documents in a way that is both scholarly and accessible to readers. This book is a tribute to the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a humble effort to preserve our archival heritage.'
India.com
05-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
China tightening grip on Chicken's Neck using Trishul Niti with Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh; North-East India will..., Beijing will...
New Delhi: By helping Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, China has made it clear how dangerous its intentions can be regarding India. China is continuously expanding its feet in the Indian subcontinent without any hindrance, due to which the pressure on India's Chicken's Neck, which is called Siliguri Corridor, is continuously increasing. What is the Chicken's Neck Corridor? The Chicken's Neck Corridor connects India to North-East India and this corridor is only 22 kilometers wide. China is continuously tightening its grip on it. New reports have claimed that China's activities from Eastern Nepal, Southern Bhutan and North-West Bangladesh are tightening its grip on the Chicken Neck Corridor from three sides. That is, an attempt is being made to endanger the integrity of India. What is China doing at Chicken's Neck Corridor? In a report by Swarajya, Major General (Retired) Avinash Prakash, an expert on defence and strategic affairs, said, 'When India put up strong resistance to the Chinese troops in the Doklam plateau and forced them to retreat, China started looking for other ways to establish its strong presence near the Chicken's Neck Corridor. Bangladesh and Nepal have now given China such opportunities and China is trying to make strategic investments in Bhutan and taking advantage of it, it is planning to establish its strong strategic presence on the Chicken's Neck Corridor.' What is China's deal with Nepal? China is planning to build a 'China-Nepal Friendship Industrial Park' at a cost of one million US dollars in Damak in Nepal's easternmost Jhapa district. Damak is less than 55 kilometers from the India-Nepal border, which forms the western alignment of the Chicken Neck Corridor. This park is the favourite project of Nepal's Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli i.e. KP Oli, who is considered to be the representative of China. Jhapa is Oli's home district and he has included this industrial park project in the list of BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) projects in Nepal. This park is spread over 1,422 hectares. Experts believe that this park can not only be used as a surveillance and logistics hub, but can also become a new safe route for Pakistan-backed terrorists. What is Bhutan's Gelephu Mindfulness City? Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) is a futuristic project, the brainchild of its current king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Spread over 1,000 square kilometres, the GMC is coming up right next to the India-Bhutan border with Assam. Though India is also a partner in Bhutan's project, China is also planning to invest in the GMC, which will be run as a Special Administrative Region (SAR). 'Bhutan is a very close friend of ours and we are partners in this project. But we have to keep a close watch on what China does in the GMC. The Chinese are planning huge investments, and like all Chinese projects, we suspect that the investment in the GMC will also be opaque. So we have to be constantly vigilant,' said a senior IB official. Why is Bangladesh's Lalmonirhat Air Base crucial? The interim government of Bangladesh is taking help from China to revive the Lalmonirhat airbase which has become a matter of serious strategic concern for India. This airbase is located just 20 kilometers from the India-Bangladesh border and is very close to the Chicken's Neck Corridor, which is considered a lifeline for India. India has strongly opposed the possible participation of China and Pakistan. It is reported that the Bangladesh Army has also objected to this decision of the government and said that no outside country will be included in this project. But the Chief Advisor of the Interim Government, Mohammad Yunus, wants to include China in this project at all costs. Experts say that if Lalmonirhat is activated and China has a role in it, then the way will be clear for China to monitor Indian military activities, due to which India's connectivity with the northeastern states may be in trouble. This has become a big challenge for India. What is India's position? Even though India has made Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh aware of its concerns about the Chinese project through its diplomatic channels, the changing political equations in these countries and China's economic penetration are not able to reduce India's concerns. China's clear objective is to put the North East in danger in any way and to make full preparations to surround India. Experts believe that India has counter strategies and resources, but the pressure from these three sides will mean that India will now have to increase its surveillance, military preparations and strategic investments by three times. This 'Trishul Niti' tightening the noose around the Chicken Neck may force India to rethink its geo-political priorities in the coming years.
