A historical account of an ordinary boy Maharao Surtran adopted by the monarch of Sirohi and who grows up amidst scheming courtiers and the monarch’s relatives vying for the throne, is indeed a fascinating reading.
Put forth in a play format, the book recounts how the boy Surtran’sprowess in archery and his wisdom rebuffed Emperor Akbar’s attack on Sirohi.
It so happened that after being defeated by Akbar, Maharana Pratap had gone to Narayan Das, his father-in-law and the king of Idar, Gujarat . Akbar followed him and after defeating them, annexed Idar to his kingdom. While roaming the jungles the Maharana of Idar was joined by Surtran who gave him shelter, joined forces with him and defeated Akbar.
Surtran was also attacked by Maharana Maan’s clan members but was able to defeat them too. The defeated and ousted brother-in-law of Maharana Maan, Jagmaal, goes to Akbar and promises him half of Sirohi if the Moghul king helps him in his war against Sirohi. But yet again, the Moghuls are defeated by Surtran.
Interesting indeed, we wish more such valiant acts and unknown incidents in the history of India , would come to light.
(NAB Publications, NAB-PNM, Rehatrilitation Centre for the Blind, Delwara Road, Mount Abu-30750; www.nabasu.com)
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