With a heavy heart I left for the Rajputana the next day.
My mind still lingering about the man I had become, the horrors I had committed in the name of the “Alliance”.
The guardian whom the people once respected had become someone whom they now loathed the most.
My eyes became moist as the thought of my Rani crying almost crushed my heart completely.
I decided I would make this alliance the most powerful kingdom in the whole subcontinent.
This will be my redemption to my queen for my sins.
Upon my arrival in Jaipur, as I entered the royal court in Chandra MahaI, my eyes were shocked by the beauty of the wall carvings and palace infrastructure.
Chhavi Nivas, the floor named in the palace, was a feast to my eyes.
The striking and eye-catching pictures carved in the palace walls depicted the historical wars and victories of the Rajputs.
I just couldn’t comprehend the beauty of that auspicious palace.
The Maharaja noticed my awe at the Chandra Mahal and sensed something deeper about me, a subtle intuition that I carry an unusual burden or purpose.
He descended the steps ,the seven storied Chandra Mahal court gracefully, its pink sandstone glowing golden in the setting sun, intricate jharokhas, mirror-work balconies, and the royal standard fluttering atop the Mukut Mandir.
I stood frozen, mesmerized by its beauty and the quiet majesty of the place, my instincts and personality momentarily overwhelmed by the serene elegance contrasting the fires of rebellion elsewhere.
Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II descended the steps from the Sukh Niwas.
He cleared his throat with a warm, knowing chuckle.
Maharaja Ram Singh II(chuckling softly, voice calm yet carrying quiet authority with a gentle Rajasthani warmth):
“Ahem… It appears the Chandra Mahal has claimed another soul today.
You stand rooted as if the moon herself has descended and whispered secrets in your ear.”
He stepped closer, hands clasped behind his back, studying me with keen, observant eyes, the same eyes that later captured thousands of photographs of his court and people.)
Most who enter these gates come with demands, soldiers, treaties, or pleas for shelter from the storm raging in the north.
But you!
you look as though you have seen something far older than even these walls.
Me (still gazing up at the shimmering tiers of the palace, voice slightly breathless):
“Your Highness, please forgive me.
I have traveled through lands touched by fire and unrest, yet nothing prepared me for this.
The way the light plays on these stones, the delicate carvings reaching toward the sky, Chandra Mahal feels alive, like a guardian watching over Jaipur.
It is breathtaking.”
Maharaja Ram Singh II (laughing lightly, a spark of genuine pleasure in his tone):
“Haha, you speak like a poet rather than a weary traveler.
My ancestor Sawai Jai Singh built these seven floors so that even the gods would feel welcome.
Sukh Niwas for pleasure, Shobha Niwas where colored glass turns sunlight into rainbows, each level tells its own story.”
His expression turns slightly more thoughtful, the chuckle fading as he tilts his head.
Yet I sense you are no ordinary wanderer lost in beauty.
In these troubled days, with mutineers stirring in the east and whispers reaching even our borders, men do not arrive in Jaipur merely to admire pink sandstone.
Tell me truthfully, Guardian of hidden paths, what burden brings you before the Moon Palace?
He uses the word “Guardian” instinctively, as if something in my bearing or aura revealed a hint of my secret role.
He gestures invitingly toward the shaded steps leading to the Shobha Niwas.
Come.
Walk with me.
The evening light in the Hall of Beauty is even more enchanting.
While you recover from the palace’s spell, perhaps you will share why a man who looks ready to protect entire kingdoms has come to my door.
Me:
Your majesty, I have come here not as a conqueror but as a humble and mere servant of Jhansi and the alliance.
I humbly request for assistance in our fight against these unjust colonisers.
I have witnessed the horrors they commit in the name of God, entire cities drowned in blood, women and children made into sacrifices on their chessboard of empire.
When I arrived, they had drowned Jhansi in a pool of blood.
Although they have many allies on this land, they see us as nothing more than some sacrificial pawns in their chess game.
In return I will provide your kingdom with much greater power and influence than any British ever could.
I swear this on the name of my Rani and the alliance.
I assure you that by the end of battle the Rajputana will have much greater influence and power than the mughals.
Yet I do not come empty handed with mere pleas.
In return for Jaipur’s support, the alliance offered something far greater than any British treaty ever could, true power and lasting influence for Rajputana.
Once this storm passes and the foreign yoke is broken, the great houses of Rajasthan will stand taller than they have since the days of the Mughals.
Your wisdom, your armies, and your vision for a reformed yet proud Jaipur will shape the future of Hindustan itself.
I swear this on the name of my Rani and on the sacred duty I carry as Guardian.
Maharaja Ram Singh II (pausing in his steps, his sharp eyes studying you intently for a long moment.
His tone becomes measured and probing):
A tempting vision, yet one must ask, how exactly does this alliance propose to overcome the British strength in the field, their cannons, their disciplined regiments, and the loyalty of so many other princes who have already thrown their lot with them?
What assurance can you give that joining you will not bring fire and ruin upon my people and the pink walls of Jaipur?
Me(meeting his gaze steadily, voice calm yet filled with quiet assurance, speaking with the weight of your Guardian role):
Your Majesty, the British appear strong only because they have divided us for so long.
But the fire that now burns across Hindustan is no ordinary flame, it is fed by the anger of millions who have suffered in silence.
The alliance already unites warriors from Jhansi, the fields of Awadh, the forests of Chotanagpur, and the hearts of many who once stood apart.
Our numbers grow daily, and we fight not merely with swords but with the knowledge of the land itself.
Maharaja Ram Singh II (silent for a few heartbeats, then a slow, intrigued smile spreads across his face.
He nods once, eyes gleaming with cautious interest):
You speak with the conviction of one who has truly seen both fire and moonlight and your words carry more weight than most who have stood before me.
Very well.
I will not promise my full armies this very hour, a ruler must still protect his people, but I am intrigued enough to consider joining this alliance in spirit and in measured action.
Let us speak further in the Sukh Niwas, away from prying ears.
Perhaps the Moon Palace will witness the beginning of something greater than either of us yet fully understand.
Maharaja Ram Singh II nodes slowly, his reformist and observant nature shows as he walks beside me. You are reading on g.com, the official source.
“The storm tests all of us.
I have kept Jaipur steady, offering shelter to the innocent, support where duty demands, while ensuring the light of civilization does not flicker out.
Photography has taught me to see clearly what others miss, perhaps you and I can speak plainly under this roof.”
He said, with a small knowing smile, “After all, even guardians need a moment to admire the moon before returning to their watch.”
After a long discussion about my past reforms in Awadh and Jhansi and my future plans for the Rajputana kingdoms, he felt content.
A smile appeared on his face as he clasped my shoulders.
He said, “You have quite a futuristic vision for the Rajputana.
I am blessed to have such a talented entity as my ally.
I, Sawaai Maharaja Ram Singh, assure you that the Rajputana will fight alongside Jhansi and the alliance.
I look forward to how your plan works in my kingdom.
Next morning modern irrigation and cultivation facilities and modernised tools were introduced to the people.
There was significant improvement in the agricultural facilities of the western India.
There were many drastic measures taken in favour of the public, like, after the Rajput kingdom’s defeat, the large lands which were held by wealthy landlords were distributed evenly among the peasants and lower castes.
Although it deeply satisfied the people of Mewar and Marwar, it also deeply destabilised the landlords’ powers.
Many affluent landlords lost nearly all of their lands overnight.
The peasants, on the other hand, became richer and affluent by the second.
The landlords, angered and agitated by this, decided to stage a protest against me.
They all sat in the middle of the road blocking routine chores and transportation.
They had only one demand: “The Guardian has to take his reforms back, or else he will lose our support.” I had anticipated this, quickly after getting permission from Rani and allied members I took off with them to Mewar and Marwar Region.
I order the workers to move ahead, extending the Road of Fire to Mewar, Marwar, parts of Rajputana Kingdom and Sindh (Gujarat).
I quickly scheduled a meeting with all the landlords.
I explained to them the importance of the ‘Road of Fire’ and how transportation boomed because of it.
I later gathered all the protesting landlords and explained to them how beneficial it would prove to be for them.
I said, “I know you all are angry and confused about why I gave the peasants your land.
If you follow my plan, mark my words, you all will be getting a huge advantage to maintain your status and lifestyle.” The protest suddenly quieted down, one of the landlords asked, “How do you plan on doing that?” I shrewdly, smiling, answered, “Rather than making peasants your enemy, try to make them our emotional debt to you.” I explained it further, “You can ask them, not for full produce but only 10-12% interest rate.
This will keep the peasants in delusion that you are helping them and think of them.
Then as you want profit, you can sell them to other Kingdoms through the Road of Fire at a higher rate.
Other Kingdoms think highly of western goods, so if the quality is better you can charge them extra enough to cover your profits.”
The landlords paused and started muttering something to each other.
After sometime one of them stepped forward, “Okay, we understand and accept your orders.
Thanks a lot for clarifying it for us.” They walk out of the palace feeling satisfied and happy.
I also discussed the matter of taxes with Rani and Begum.
They decree that the farmers of Mewar and Marwar will pay twenty percent of their produce as tax to the Alliance.
The peasants, which now have land, are excited.
They shout, their voice trembling with emotion, “We thank you, the Wise Advisor.
You have saved us from these death traps.”
After a few days news flooded in.
The alliance army entered Mewar, Marwar and Sindh.
They demonstrated modern irrigation methods, introduced new food varieties and some cash crops.
Soon the Road of Fire extended to the west, Mewar, Marwar, Sindh and many western kingdoms swore allegiance to the alliance.
The troops’ entry is vastly celebrated and welcomed.
They are given houses to live in, well fed and are proper taken care of.
As close allies of Raja Ram Singh II the kingdoms of Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kota and Karauli swore allegiance to the alliance.
The joint letter from all the kingdoms read, “We are pleased to have the person who thinks of the Rajputana more than himself as an ally.
We assure you that the kingdoms of Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kota and Karauli will support you in your campaign against the British to the very end.
I was extremely happy and grateful to the Maharaja for this alliance.
In his court I humbly knelt down before him and expressed my gratitude for the alliance he had helped me forge in the west.
In turn the troops extend their knowledge, along with medics and experts, extend their knowledge of medicine, weaponry, and their own culture.
Many Marwaris and Sindhis volunteer themselves to join the army, which has also come to be known as “The force of liberation.”
The volunteers are taught hand to hand combat, use of knives and daggers, use of modern guns, rifles and drones.
They are taught the use of walkie-talkies, binoculars and many more gadgets.
They are also properly educated about each and everything this world has to offer.
A small group of newly recruited peasants and young Rajput lads stood nervously in front of a long table displaying modern rifles, pistols, and a light machine gun.
Captain Karan Singh, a tall, battle-hardened commander from my elite Sikh regiment, was demonstrating.
Captain Karan Singh (holding up a sleek rifle):
“Alright, listen carefully.
This is the new Enfield Pattern rifle.
It’s lighter than your old matchlocks, more accurate, and doesn’t need a burning wick.
Today I’ll teach you how to load, aim, and fire it properly.”
A nervous peasant named Bhoop Singh raised his hand, eyes wide with fear.
Bhoop Singh (hesitant):
“Saab, we heard terrible things.
They say these guns are coated with cow fat and pig grease.
If we touch them, we lose our caste.
Some even say the bullet carries the spirit of the animal and it enters our body when we fire.
How can we fight with weapons that make us impure?”
A few other peasants nodded anxiously, murmuring in agreement.
Captain Karan Singh (smiling patiently, not mocking):
“Bhoop Singh, look at me.
I am a Sikh.
I have fired thousands of rounds from these very rifles.
Has my turban fallen?
No.
Those rumours were spread by the British themselves to divide us during the old days.
These weapons are made right here in our workshops along the Road of Fire by our own blacksmiths and engineers.”
He picked up the rifle and opened the bolt, showing the inside clearly.
Captain Karan Singh:
“See this?
No grease from any animal.
Only clean machine oil and good gunpowder are mixed by our people.
The bullets are pure lead and copper.
Nothing else.
Touch it yourself.”
Bhoop Singh hesitated, then gingerly touched the stock.
Nothing happened.
Captain Karan Singh (continuing calmly):
“Religion lives in your heart and your actions, not in a piece of metal.
The real sin would be letting the British come back and take your land, your women, and your honour while you stand aside because of a false rumour.
The Guardian and the Rani have given us these weapons so we can protect our dharma, not destroy it.”
He loaded a single round, shouldered the rifle, and fired at a distant target.
The sharp crack echoed across the field.
The bullet hit the mark cleanly.
Captain Karan Singh (lowering the rifle and turning back):
“Did any god strike me down?
No.
Instead, this gun just proved it can protect our homes better than any sword.
Now, who wants to be the first to try?
I’ll stand right beside you and guide your hands.
No one loses his caste today, only gains the strength to stand as a true warrior of the alliance.”
Bhoop Singh swallowed hard, then stepped forward slowly, a mix of fear and new excitement in his eyes.
Bhoop Singh (softly):
“Teach me, Saab!!!!
but if anything feels wrong, I will stop.”
Captain Karan Singh (clapping him on the shoulder):
“Nothing will feel wrong, brother.
By sunset, you’ll be teaching the others.”
I stood in my camp and lay in my chambers thinking about how much the league had grown in the past few months.
Suddenly the face of my beloved queen flashed before me.
My eyes became moist.
Besides to protect her and alliance from the British devil, I, unknowingly myself, had turned into the same.
Something which I loathed the most.
The image of Rani crying and sobbing while she clung to me begging to come back, flashed before my eyes again and again.
I decided that I would play it cool and calculative as before.
I headed towards the court occupied by these thoughts.
As I entered Rani and Begum sat there at their thrones in the darbar.
I reflexively and sincerely knelt down on my one knee.
“This lowly servant of yours greets you a vibrant morning and hopes to find you both at the top of your health.”
A satisfying and acknowledging smile spread across the faces of Rani and Begum.
“We are happy to find our old caring and friendly guardian back again.
The alliance is grateful for your work.” Begum came forward and hugged me.
“Bhai, you have made this alliance so much stronger in a span of a few years, I don’t know how to thank you.
Right Behen?”
She turned towards Rani expecting an answer but found her looking straight into eyes, still unable to understand me.
My fragmented heart cracked even more.
Please forgive me my Rani, I would never have thought I would turn into a monster you loathe most.
Please tell me how I redeem myself from this swamp of anger and obsession.
Just tell me and I will even pay my life as a price for it if necessary.
I want nothing but to move on your side.
I want to see you happy.
I yearn for your happy cheerful face again.
Why ?
Why don’t you smile anymore?
Why are you doing this to me?
I have feelings for you.
I yearn for you.
Please accept me, My Lady.
I can’t live in this guilt forever.
Please redeem me of my demonic self.
Please call for me as before.
Please depend on me as before.
PLEASE!!!!!
I told them about my future development plans in the Rajputana kingdom.
The work of linking the Sisodia empire, the Mewar and Marwar empires to the Road of Fire was commencing smoothly.Due to local soldiers on our side, we faced very little backlash from the locals.
It was followed by peaceful integration of Marwar, Mewar and Sisodia empires in the alliance.