The Sun of Mewar

Prologue: The Mother

1539 C.E.

The Monsoon winds brought her to the threshold of the great Fort of Kumbhalmer. About fifteen, the young Princess of Jallore, was accompanying her father to meet the Prince of Mewar. At the mere age of seventeen, the only Sisodia blood alive, the heir to the throne of Mewar had been miraculously found at the fort under the care of Panna Dhai. He had been assumed dead for four years, thought to be killed by his Uncle, Banbir. But destiny had other plans for him.

"Daata had found him at the annual meet of the Royals at Kumbhalmer." Her younger brother seemed rather excited at the rumours. "He said, he had the look and characters of his forefathers. Daata after all was a great friend to Rana Sanga.""Maan. Why are we going there?" She seemed uneasy at the thought of leaving Jallore although Kumbhalmer gave its guests a warm welcome."The sixteen major Rawat's of Mewar will soon be revolting against Banbir's cruel ways Jija. They will soon coronate and declare Udai Singh as Rana" Maan Singh Songara eagerly looked at his shining sword. "Daata said a huge war will be happening soon. Jallore will support Rana Udai Singh's course. Maybe I can convince him to...""You are too young to fight Bhai." She smiled calmly. "But don't worry your time will also come.""Time history will remember my bravery Jija?""Yes, Maan." She smiled at the young prince.

The Kumbha Palace was lit up in all its glory as the secret meeting took place in one of the rooms there." We will all support Rana Udai Singh to end Banbir's cruelty.""We will march to Chittorgarh!""Get the troops ready.""But first" the young Chundawat chief who had also lost his father in war with Banbir, suggested "as a guardian to the throne, I must remind you all... The prince must marry before being coronated the king."The chieftains exchanged glances under pin-drop silence."Who will give a daughter to such an unsure future?" the young Rao of Bijolia spoke up worried. He had also just succeeded his father in the Samant's position."I am afraid a rule in Mewar cannot be changed, Raoji." The Chundawat chief shook his head.The young clueless prince frowned. "All I know is I need to avenge the deaths of my brother, the Saka of my people, the Jauhar of my mother and the many hurt by the cruel acts of Banbir!" He tightened his fist on his sword."Easy Kunwarsa." Panna Dhai spoke up amongst the men, from the jharokha where the ladies sat. " I told you, patience is the key.""Let's discuss the armies first. Who are supporting?" Rawat Chundawat spoke up."Gwalior. Bikaner. Jaisalmer. Jallore." The respective heads nodded their heads in agreement."The approximate army will be enough to...." Udai Singh asked his chieftain."Ji Kunwarsa. Most of Banbir's army is also with him reluctantly, seeing you alive and well they might change sides."The young prince flashed a smile. The throne of Chittorgarh was waiting for him.

"I have a proposal." Maan Singh Songara frowned at his father's words."Yes Rao Akhshayraj Songara Ji?" Rawat Ji seemed eager."I will like to propose Kunwarsa the hand in marriage with my eldest daughter Jaivanta." A gasp went through the halls. Udai Singh stared at his father's friend "Are you sure?" He asked with a frown."Yes Kunwarsa, but with her consent of course." He nodded in approval."If she agrees, the marriage will be held in two days, and the coronation in three. We don't have much time!" Rawat Chundawat's words were unanimously agreed upon."Jija! Jija!" Maan Singh entered the ladies' chambers where she sat silently in her evening prayers. "Did you hear...." He stopped at her Sakhi who nodded affirmatively."Don't do it Jija. Who knows what is in store? What if he is in life danger there? What if there is no future?" Maan seemed restless pacing behind her. "Jija?"She opened her eyes and ordered "Ekanth.""Jija." Maan seemed worried as she smiled to confuse him."Daata came to me, he wanted my consent." She said giving him the Prasad as he frowned."You said no, right?" He feared knowing how daredevil his Jija was. She smiled."He told me this is your time, to sacrifice for the motherland and her glory. How could I say no Bhai?"" But Jija!" Maan seemed shocked as she hugged him tightly."It is all going to be all right Maan, trust me! Every sacrifice has a greater result. Remember?""What great can come out of such a union Jija?" Maan seemed irked."I don't know." Her voice trailed off. "Ony Kanha Ji can answer that." She smiled."Rajkumarisa." A daasi interrupted. "Kunwarsa has asked for a meeting before the faldaan." She nodded in agreement as Maan walked away.