Surajprakas Part 03

Summary of Surajprakas, Part 03 by Sitaram Lalas (Rajasthan Oriental Research Institute, Jodhpur)

Book Title: Surajprakas, Part 03 Author: Kaviya Karnidanji Charan Editor: Sitaram Lalas Publisher: Rajasthan Prachyavidya Pratishthan, Jodhpur Year of Publication: V.S. 2020 (1963 A.D.) Series: Rajasthan Puratana Granthamala, No. 67

Overview: "Surajprakas, Part 03" is the third and final volume of a monumental epic poem authored by Kaviya Karnidanji Charan, a court poet of the Rathore ruler of Jodhpur, Maharaja Abhay Singh. The first two parts were published in 1961 and 1962 respectively. This third part concludes the epic, focusing on the historical events and military prowess of Maharaja Abhay Singh.

Key Content:

• Battle of Ahmedabad: The primary focus of this volume is the detailed and poetically rendered account of the battle fought between Maharaja Abhay Singh of Jodhpur and Sarbuland Khan for control of Ahmedabad.
  • Sarbuland Khan's Initial Strategy: Sarbuland Khan initially remained within the city of Ahmedabad for three days, launching fierce artillery attacks on Maharaja Abhay Singh's army.
  • The Decisive Day: On the fourth day, Sarbuland Khan emerged from the city to engage in direct combat with the Maharaja's forces. Recognizing his impending defeat by the evening of that day, he retreated back towards the city.
  • Maharaja's Victory: Maharaja Abhay Singh swiftly suppressed Sarbuland Khan, proclaiming his victory.
• Heroic Depiction of Warriors: The poet skillfully names and vividly describes the bravery and valor of numerous key warriors who participated in the battle, significantly enhancing the historical importance of the poem.
• Historical Accuracy and Details: The poem states that Maharaja Abhay Singh's victory at Ahmedabad occurred on the Vijayadashami of Samvat 1787, a Saturday. The great poet completed this epic within a single year, based on his direct observations and experiences. The work comprises approximately seven and a half thousand verses in the Anushtup meter.
• Editorial Contribution: The editing of this significant work was undertaken with great dedication and effort by Shri Sitaram Lalas, the renowned author of the "Vrihat Rajasthani Shabdkosh" (Comprehensive Rajasthani Dictionary). His meticulous work included extensive introductions and appendices to facilitate reader understanding.
• Sponsorship: The publication of this epic, written in the Rajasthani language, was made possible with the financial support of the Ministry of Scientific and Cultural Affairs, Government of India, under the Modern Indian Languages Development Scheme.
• Illustrations: Portraits of Kaviya Karnidanji and Maharaja Abhay Singh were obtained from the private collection of the Maharaja of Jodhpur (Pustak Prakash) and the Rajasthan Research Institute, Jodhpur, respectively, through the courtesy of Thakur Shri Jaykṛta Singhji and Shri Narayan Singhji Bhatti.

Significance:

"Surajprakas" is significant for its historical narrative, poetic quality, and detailed portrayal of a crucial battle in Marwar's history. It provides valuable insights into the military strategies, weaponry, and the spirit of the warriors of the period. The inclusion of extensive genealogical details and character sketches of various historical figures further adds to its value as a historical and literary document. The detailed analysis of the text by Sitaram Lalas highlights the poet's mastery of the Rajasthani language and his ability to weave historical facts with poetic embellishments.

Overall Impression: This third part of "Surajprakas" is a fitting conclusion to an epic that chronicles the valor and achievements of Maharaja Abhay Singh, cementing its place as an important work in Rajasthani literature and history. The editorial efforts of Sitaram Lalas have made this valuable text accessible to a wider audience.