Chapter 14: Chapter 14: The Rajput Alliance – A King’s Gambit
1. The Road to Mewar – A Journey Through Fire
Hemu rode through the rugged terrain of Rajputana, the land of warriors. His horse galloped over dirt roads, kicking up clouds of dust. Behind him rode a contingent of 100 elite soldiers, their faces hardened by battle, their swords sharpened by vengeance.
The journey to Chittorgarh, the capital of Mewar, was treacherous. Mughal patrols lurked in the shadows, and spies followed their every move. But Hemu did not slow down.
Every passing mile brought him closer to Maharana Udai Singh, the ruler of Mewar. If he could convince the Rajput king to stand with him, Bharat's fate would change forever.
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2. Chittorgarh – The Fort of Unbreakable Pride
As they approached Chittorgarh, the sight was breathtaking. The mighty fortress stood atop a massive hill, its towering walls built to withstand the strongest of armies. It had survived Sultan Alauddin Khilji, the Delhi Sultans, and countless sieges.
Now, it would bear witness to a meeting that would decide the future of Bharat.
Hemu and his men were escorted into the fort's great hall, where Maharana Udai Singh sat on his throne, flanked by his trusted warriors.
To his right stood his young son, Maharana Pratap, only 14 years old, but his eyes were sharp, already carrying the fire of resistance.
Udai Singh gestured for Hemu to speak.
Udai Singh: "Hemu, you seek an alliance. But tell me—why should Mewar risk everything to follow you?"
The room fell silent. Hemu took a step forward, his voice steady.
Hemu: "Because the Mughals will never stop. You know this better than anyone. If we fight alone, they will crush us one by one. But if we stand together, we can drive them out forever."
Udai Singh stroked his beard, considering. The Rajputs had fought the Mughals for years, but they had never united under one banner.
Udai Singh: "Words are easy, Hemu. But unity is difficult. Rajputs do not follow just any king."
Hemu's next words silenced the hall.
Hemu: "I do not ask you to follow me. I ask you to fight for Bharat."
Maharana Pratap's eyes gleamed with admiration. He whispered to his father.
Maharana Pratap: "Father, he speaks the truth. The Mughals will never let us live in peace. We must act."
Udai Singh looked at his son and then at Hemu.
Udai Singh: "What is your plan?"
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3. The Grand Strategy – The Plan to Defeat the Mughals
Hemu unfurled a map of North India on the floor. He pointed at key locations: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and the Mughal strongholds.
Hemu: "We will not fight the Mughals as they expect. We will use strategy, not brute force. First, we will isolate Delhi by cutting off its supply routes."
Udai Singh nodded.
Hemu: "Next, we will strike from multiple fronts. While I retake Delhi, you will attack from Mewar, pushing the Mughals south."
A Rajput general spoke.
Rajput General: "And what of their gunpowder weapons? Our swords cannot match their muskets and cannons."
Hemu smiled.
Hemu: "That is why I have already begun developing superior cannons and firearms. This will not be a battle of swords alone."
Udai Singh leaned forward.
Udai Singh: "You have thought this through. And I see that you do not come asking for help—you come offering victory."
He rose from his throne.
Udai Singh: "Mewar stands with you, Hemu. Let us drive these invaders out of our land!"
The hall erupted in cheers. The first alliance had been forged.
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4. A New Threat – Mughal Spies Strike
But even as Hemu celebrated, danger lurked in the shadows.
In the dead of night, a lone assassin crept through the corridors of Chittorgarh Fort. His mission?
To kill Hemu before he could march on Delhi.
As Hemu sat in his chamber, studying war maps, he sensed something. A flicker of movement—a shadow that did not belong.
Hemu (whispering): "I was expecting you."
Before the assassin could strike, Hemu flipped the table, knocking the man off balance. The assassin lunged, his dagger aimed at Hemu's throat.
But Hemu was faster. He grabbed a dagger from his belt and plunged it into the assassin's chest.
The man gasped, his body slumping to the floor. Blood pooled beneath him.
Hemu called for the guards.
Hemu: "The Mughals know we are coming. We must move faster."
The time for secrecy was over.
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5. The March to War – An Army Awakens
By sunrise, the warriors of Mewar stood assembled.
10,000 Rajput cavalry.
5,000 elite infantry.
A thousand cannons, newly forged.
Hemu mounted his horse, his armor gleaming under the morning sun.
He looked to Udai Singh, then to Maharana Pratap.
Hemu: "Today, we march not as separate kingdoms, but as one Bharat."
With a thunderous cry, the army rode toward Delhi.
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6. The Mughals Respond – Bairam Khan's Countermove
Far away in Delhi, a Mughal messenger rushed into the court of Bairam Khan.
Mughal Messenger: "My Lord, Hemu rides with an army of Rajputs! They mean to take Delhi!"
Bairam Khan slammed his fist onto the table.
Bairam Khan: "So he still breathes? Good. I will crush him myself."
He turned to his generals.
Bairam Khan: "Gather the Mughal forces. I want Delhi fortified. If Hemu wants war, we will give him hell."
The battle for Bharat had begun.
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