Veer Bhamashah - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Veer Bhamashah" by Nagkumar Makati, based on the provided pages:

The book "Veer Bhamashah" is part of the "Jain Balgranthavali" series, published by Gurjar Granthratna Karyalay. It aims to highlight the life and contributions of Bhamashah, a prominent figure in Jain history and a devoted minister to Maharana Pratap of Mewar.

The narrative begins by emphasizing the rarity of truly exceptional individuals in the world, like Rana Pratap and Bhamashah, who dedicated their body, mind, and wealth to their homeland. Mewar is described as a beautiful land ruled by Rana Pratap, a man of great integrity and courage, likened to a lion in bravery and a sage in simplicity.

Bhamashah is introduced as Rana Pratap's minister. His lineage had a tradition of service, and Bhamashah himself had served for a long time, evident in his white mustache and beard, which commanded respect. Despite his age, he possessed youthful energy, sharp intellect, and immense strength.

Bhamashah's Background and Role:

Bhamashah belonged to the Oswal Jain community, specifically the Kavadiya gotra.
His family had served as ministers for four generations. His father, Bharamalji, was a minister to Rana Udaysingh, and Bhamashah himself served as a minister to Rana Pratap and Rana Amarsingh. His descendants, Jivashah and Aksharaj, also held ministerial positions.
Bhamashah was highly influential in state affairs. People sought his counsel for justice and advice.
Rana Pratap relied heavily on Bhamashah's wisdom and trusted his patriotism. Bhamashah was always ready to offer his life for his king and country. His advice was considered sound, and his words truthful.

The Conflict with Emperor Akbar:

Rana Pratap was engaged in a conflict with Emperor Akbar of Delhi, who was cunning and powerful. Akbar had conquered many kings but could not subjugate Rana Pratap, as it was his ambition to defeat Pratap.
Akbar had previously captured Chittorgarh Fort from Rana Pratap's father. Rana Pratap vowed to regain the fort, adopting a life of austerity, sleeping on a grass bed, not shaving, and eating from leaf plates until he succeeded.
Bhamashah and the royal family supported Rana Pratap's vow, stating they could not enjoy comfort while their king lived in hardship.

The Battle of Haldighati:

Akbar dispatched a large army led by his son Salim and General Man Singh to defeat Rana Pratap.
Bhamashah received intelligence of the approaching enemy and immediately informed Rana Pratap.
Rana Pratap ordered Bhamashah to gather forces and proclaim that all brave men dedicated to the country should assemble at the royal palace courtyard.
Bhamashah swiftly rallied the people, inspiring them with his presence. Twenty-two thousand men were ready to fight.
Rana Pratap, armed and ready, addressed his soldiers, emphasizing their fight for the country's freedom and not for conquest or subjugation.
The armies clashed at the battlefield of Haldighati. The battle was fierce, filled with the sounds of cries and weapons, and rivers of blood flowed, with mounds of bodies.
Bhamashah fought valiantly with his sword, striking down enemies. He urged his soldiers to fight bravely and protect their land.
Rana Pratap's horse, Chetak, was exceptionally brave. Rana Pratap mounted an attack on Shahzada Salim's elephant, but Salim remained hidden.
Despite the bravery of the Rajputs, they were eventually surrounded by the Mughal army. To save Rana Pratap's life, his loyal men helped him escape, with one taking his umbrella and another his flag, pushing him out of the battlefield. Rana Pratap escaped, but many loyal men were lost.

Rana Pratap's Exile and Bhamashah's Support:

Emperor Akbar ordered Rana Pratap to be captured alive, and his men scoured the forests and villages.
Rana Pratap and his family were forced to flee, enduring extreme hardship with no food or shelter. His children suffered from hunger.
The text vividly describes the harsh conditions in the dense forests and mountains, highlighting the desperation of Rana Pratap and his family, who were reduced to poverty.
The queen expressed her despair, contrasting their suffering with the comfort enjoyed by their own people who had submitted to Akbar.
A messenger from Akbar offered to return Rana Pratap's kingdom and a high position in Delhi if he submitted. Rana Pratap refused, unwilling to dishonor his ancestors or compromise his family honor.
Akbar's army intensified their pursuit, leaving Rana Pratap with no refuge.

Bhamashah's Generosity and Rebuilding Mewar:

Rana Pratap considered leaving Mewar and settling in foreign lands.
At this critical juncture, the elderly Bhamashah arrived, a formidable figure on horseback. He fell at Rana Pratap's feet.
Bhamashah expressed his dismay at Rana Pratap's decision to leave their homeland and his people.
Rana Pratap explained their dire financial situation, lacking funds for soldiers and ammunition.
Bhamashah declared that his wealth was Rana Pratap's wealth and that his body, mind, and wealth were dedicated to his king. He offered to make shoes from his own skin if needed, but implored Rana Pratap not to abandon Mewar.
Bhamashah revealed that his family had accumulated significant wealth, enough to support an army of twenty-two thousand men for twelve years. He urged Rana Pratap to gather the army and liberate the country.
Rana Pratap initially hesitated, believing a king should not take from his subjects.
Bhamashah countered that he was willing to die for his country and that wealth was useless if not used in such times of need. He was giving the wealth for the beloved homeland, not for Rana Pratap personally.
Rana Pratap was deeply moved by Bhamashah's generosity and patriotism, praising him and the Jain faith for his noble example. He declared Bhamashah the "Architect of Fortune" and "Rebuilder of Mewar," appointing him as commander-in-chief.

The Campaign and Victory:

Preparations for war began in earnest. Soldiers from far and wide joined, eager to fight.
Bhamashah worked tirelessly, his enthusiasm inspiring everyone.
They gradually recaptured forts, starting with Sherpur and then Delwara, where Bhamashah fought a hand-to-hand battle with the enemy commander Shahbaz Khan, severing his arm and forcing him to flee.
Bhamashah also conquered Komalmer and defeated other Mughal commanders.
Many districts and villages were reclaimed, with only Chittor, Ajmer, and Mandavgadh remaining under Akbar's control.

Recognition and Legacy:

Rana Pratap held a grand durbar to honor his warriors, granting jagirs, titles, clothes, and palanquins, praising their efforts.
In his speech, Rana Pratap lauded Bhamashah's sacrifice and devotion, stating that Mewar had been recovered due to him and that there was no one like him in the world. He conferred upon Bhamashah the titles of "Bhagyavidhayak" (Architect of Fortune) and "Mewad ke Punaruddharak" (Rebuilder of Mewar).
The assembly erupted in applause, chanting "Dhanya Bhamashah!" (Praise Bhamashah!) and celebrating his patriotism.
The book concludes by urging readers to emulate Bhamashah's generosity, patriotism, and sacrifice, and to become true patriots.
Bhamashah passed away on the eleventh day of the bright half of Magha, Vikram Samvat 1656 (January 16, 1600 CE).

The book "Veer Bhamashah" serves as an inspirational account of a devoted Jain minister whose unwavering patriotism, immense wealth, and selfless sacrifice were instrumental in the survival and eventual resurgence of Maharana Pratap and the kingdom of Mewar. It highlights the Jain values of dharma, sacrifice, and service to the country.