From Hemu to Modi

Ali Anwar....

The writer has done M.Phil. in Government and Public Policy from National Defence University Islamabad.He has been providing Tax consultancy (e-filing of returns, compliance of notices and application for refund and reduction) since 2012.

 Hemu known as Hemu Vikramaditya or Hemchandra Vikramaditya was a Hindu chief of army and chief minister to Adil Shah Suri. He moved in Suri Dynasty by close interaction and inclusion in advisory matters. Whilst, Humayun was at multiple wars with Sher Shah Suri and his rebel brother Kamran Mirza. In brief, Sher Shah routed out Hamayum to Kabul and Hamayum routed out Kamran to Punjab. During those years, he was appointed for various important task. In 1550, Hemu was appointed along high official at Rohtas Fort near Jhelum city today. Afterwards, in 1552, Kamran went to the court of Islam Shah and he handed over him to Humayum. Hemu also accompanied Kamran. Afterwards, he mixed up and become the prime minister cum chief of army staff.Hemu took part in numerous battles and also won many wars under the Sur Dynasty during the reign of successors Islam Shah Suri and Adil Shah Suri. Akbar was just thirteen years old at the time of death of Humayun and Sur Dynasty was already divided into four parts due to revolt of Ibrahim Shah Suri in 1555. Hemu sought to take advantage of the situation and attacked both Sur and Mughal forces. He defeated armies and gained control of Etawah, Kalpi and Agra provinces (today’s Bihar and Uttar Pradesh). Hemu recruited more Hindus and defeated the Mughal army in the Battle of Delhi . His antagonism forced him to wage war. Finally, he met the Mughal Forces at historical Panipat. It was Second Battle of Panipat 1556. Shah Ali Quli Khan dug a trench to protect his army. Unfortunately, Hemu's War elephants crossed the trench. A Mughal archer shot the Hemu rendering him unconscious. He was captured by isolating his elephant.  Despite of larger numbers, Hemu defeated in the battle. Hemu was beheaded, and his skull and torso were hanged in Kabul and Delhi.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) praised him as Last Hindu Emperor of India at National Museum in October last years. RSS is projecting him as a great Hindu warrior who fought against the Muslims. He cannot be called as emperor because he never ruled and has no reign. Ridiculously, if he was emperor then all invaders should be emperor. Now a days Narendra Modi is trying to follow him. There were certain misconceptions along which Hemu died and Modi still has. India has larger army than Pakistan but larger means nothing. In all of the battles of Panipat, smaller armies won. Smaller and larger doesn’t decide the victory of war. Winning at one front doesn’t mean to win at all fronts. Nobody knows the results of war until it has not happened. Such kind of leaders not only invite bad fate them but their armies and masses also face dire consequences. Adolf Hitler is the most recent example of last century from which should not forgotten and lesson can be learned. RSS’s strategy to rejuvenate Hindu warriors to entice war on Pakistan can be observed by the most recent provocations. These provocations may result different consequences because both of the countries are nuclear powers.  Both, India and Pakistan can learn lessons from history and there are other ways. The Britain and French remained at Seven Years Wars from 1756-1763. However, they found a better way and working for the well-being of their citizens. All the nations have their great warriors. As a matter of fact, the Muslims have more numerous great warriors than many others over the time. Nonetheless, the epochs of warriors are over, in this modern era countries look forward for socio-economic development. Going back to 16^th century seems insane which is not feasible for any country of the whole world.