Raja Medini Prakash: Difference between revisions

Raja Medini Prakash, ruler from 1684 to 1704 of Sirmur, a state situated along the river Yamuna in the Kayarda Dun valley of the Sivalik hills, was one among the hill chiefs who did not support Raja Bhim Chand of Kahlur in his designs against Guru Gobind Singh.

Troubles at Anandpur

Raja Ratna Rai of Assam a disciple of the Guru Gobind Singh had Given an Elephant and many valuable gifts to the Sikh Guru at Anandpur. A neighbouring hill-chief Raja Bhim Chand had grown envious of the Elephant and rich gifts and after several attempts to get them he finally resorted to suggesting the Guru send them as gifts for his son's coming wedding. As the Assamese ruler had requested that the gifts only be used by the Guru, Guru Gobind Singh refused to turn over the gifts and Bhim Chan soon resolved to take revenge on the Sikhs. All of this intrigue was interfering with the Guru's attemps at writing.

Raja Medini Prakash's Invitation and a Chance to Write

At about this time Raja Medini Prakash the Raja of Nahan seeking to end troubles with the Raja of Srinagar, Garhwal Phatshah who had taken over some villages belonging to him was advised that inviting such an illustrious guest as the Powerful Sikh Guru and gaining his blessings might peacefully induce Raja Garhwal Phatshah to return the land.

So in April 1685, he invited the Guru to spend some time with him at Nahan which had a cool climate, a beautiful river and abundant game should the Guru wish to hunt. Feeling the peaceful surrondings would be more condusive to his writing the Guru readily accepted the invitation and travelled to Nahan. As he reached the vicinity of the town (14 April 1685), Raja Medini Prakash, his court and citizens came out to receive him and took him to his palace looking after him and his Sikhs in a most hospitable manner.

Guru Gobind Singh remainded in the Nahan territory for about three years and had a fort built at Paonta. Paon means foot in Punjabi and the town which grew up around the fort is named Paonta the place where The 10th Guru once sat 'foot'. Another version of the naming of the city and fort has the Guru loosing an ornament worn around his ankle called a 'poanta' while bathing in the River Yamuna. Paonta is about about 50kms from Dehradun.

The Dasam Granth

The years spent at Paonta were the most creative and significant in the Guru's career. Here he composed his Dasam Granth along the banks of the river. It is related that the roar of the mighty Yamuna was dissturbing the Guru's writing so he requested the River to mellow its noise. The quietness of the river near Paonta Sahib is noticeable.

While in the Sirmur territory, Guru Gobind Singh had also to fight a battle at Bharigani on 8 September 1688 (15 April 1688 according to some sources) against Raja Bhim Chand and his allies. Though victorious in the battle, Guru Gobind Singh left Paonta for Anandpur soon afterwards.

For his courtesy to Guru Gobind Singh and his refusal to participate in his fellow hill chiefs attacks on The Sikh Guru Raja Medini Prakash incurred the displeasure of both his fellow Hindu princes and the Mughal government.

The Gracious Raja's Death

After 20 years of rule Raja Medini Prakash died issueless in 1704.

References

1. Bachitra Natak 2. Sukha Singh, Gurbilas Dasvin Patshahi. Lahore, 1912 3. Kuir Singh, Gurbilas Patshahi 10. Patiala, 1968 4. Harbans Singh, Guru Gobind Singh. Chandigarh, 1967 5. Dhillon, D.S. and S. S. Bhullar, Battles of Guru Gobind Singh. Delhi, 1990