Latest news with #Kshatriya
NDTV
29-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Why A 16th-Century King's Statue Has Sparked A Row In Rajasthan
Jaipur: Mewar's Rajput ruler, Maharana Pratap, took on the Mughals in the Battle of Haldighati in 1576. Among the smaller rulers who fought by his side was Rana Poonja, the ruler of Bhomat, a hilly and forested area in modern-day Rajasthan. Nearly 450 years after that epic battle, two communities are fighting over the clothes -- and legacy -- of Rana Poonja. History, caste, politics and appropriation tactics criss-cross in this face-off, blurring the lines between the real and the myth. While Rajputs, including the erstwhile royal family of Panarwa, claim that Rana Poonja was a Kshatriya from the Solanki clan, local tribals say he was from the Bhil community. Both sides claim historical evidence is in their favour. What has brought this never-ending debate to the spotlight now is a statue unveiled by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma in Chittorgarh today. A Statue Flashpoint The Chief Minister today unveiled five statues -- Maharana Pratap riding into battle, Rana Poonja and Panna Dhai, the nursemaid to Mewar ruler Udai Singh II and a local icon. The spotlight is on Rana Poonja's statue. The statue shows the warrior king dressed in a dhoti and armed with a bow and arrow. Rajputs have objected to this sartorial choice. They claim Rana Poonja was a Kshatriya and is not "dressed appropriately" in the statue. The Bhils insist that Rana Poonja is a tribal leader and allege attempts to distort history. Claims and Counterclaims Bhil Sena, an outfit representing the tribal community, has submitted a memorandum to the local authorities and alleged that attempts are being made to distort their glorious history. "Some people are tinkering with history for their selfish interests. Rana Poonja is a Bhil warrior. In 1576, at the Battle of Haldighati, who was the warrior in dhoti and armed with bow and arrow? This is our question," said Gopal Lal Bhil, district president of Bhil Sena. Local Rajput leaders disagree. Tej Pal Singh, a functionary of Jauhar Smriti Sansthan, said, "The attire on the statue is wrong. It should be in Kshatriya attire, with 'Rana Poonja Solanki' written on it." Tribal Valour In Battle Of Haldighati The Battle of Haldighati was a valiant display of Maharana Pratap's guerrilla tactics and multiple tribes, including Bhils, are said to have fought alongside the Rajput ruler. While the Bhils use this fact to stress that Rana Poonja was one of them, the Rajputs disagree. A 'Coat Of Arms' Debate The 'Coat of Arms' of the erstwhile Mewar kingdom has also been dragged into this Rajput vs Bhil debate. The Coat of Arms shows two individuals -- one dressed as a tribal, the other as a Rajput. Tribals claim the two figures are Maharana Pratap and Rana Poonja. The Rajputs argue the Coat of Arms is just a symbol to show Rajput-tribal unity. "Maharana Pratap's army had people from 36 communities, many tribals fought alongside him. This image is a symbol of social harmony under Maharana Pratap and not an actual representation of Rana Poonja," said Tej Pal Singh, adding that the Rajput community will distance itself from the idol unveiled today. A Letter To PM Modi The erstwhile royal family of Panarwa, which claims to have descended from Rana Poonja, wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022, alleging a distortion of their family's history. "We are proud of our connection and respectful terms with the brave Bhils, Garasiyas, etc. who've been our companions and with whom we have shared our brotherhood for about seven centuries, however we are Solanki Rajputs from Bhojawat subclan, that reside in Panarwa. This is how we have known ourselves through authentic genealogy as well as through other ancestral procured records. This equally applies to my ancestor, 'Rana Punja of Panarwa' who bravely fought in the Battle of Haldighati protecting the freedom of Mewar along with his fellow Bhil tribesmen and Rajput army getting himself labelled as 'Bhiloo Rana'," the letter by Krishna Solanki, a member of the Panarwa family, states. Another member of the family Rana Manohar Singh Solanki, repeated the claim in a newspaper ad, and said any person who "defames the prestige and honour of his family and heirs in the society by distorting the caste of his ancestor Rana Punja ji" will face action. The Political Backdrop Rajputs claim the alleged historical distortion is driven by vote bank politics in a region where tribal voters play a key role. Interestingly, decades ago, an earlier statue unveiling programme by then President KR Narayanan was cancelled following Rajputs' protests because the statue had Rana Poonja in tribal attire. The Panarwa royals' letter mentions in. "...Mahendra Singhji Mewar (then MP from Chittaurgarh and descendant of Maharana Pratap) wrote an open Letter to President KR Narayan and Manohar Singhji Solanki (The 16th Direct descendant of Rana Punja Solanki) an open Letter to Rajasthan Chief Minister, Mr. Bhairon Singh Ji Shekhwat, recalling how it would create rifts between rajputs of Bhomat and Bhils in future, who cohabitated for centuries and fought together through generations shoulder to shoulder...," it states, adding that the event was eventually cancelled.
News18
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
'Kaun Rasha?': Sanjay Dutt Fails To Recognise Raveena Tandon's Daughter In Viral Video
Last Updated: Sanjay Dutt's no-nonsense personality has once again caught the attention of the internet. Sanjay Dutt's no-nonsense personality has once again caught the attention of the internet. A new paparazzi video going viral captures the Bollywood star staying true to his grounded nature—even as the rains pour down in Mumbai. In the clip, Sanjay Dutt is seen leaving an event and stepping into his car while it's raining heavily. Concerned for the paparazzi standing outside, he tells them, 'Jaa na re. Ghar jao. Baarish ho rahi hai (Go home, it's raining)." But the paps respond they have been waiting in the rains to click photos of him and his wife, Maanayata Dutt, who usually stay in Dubai. They also mention that they have to wait to click photos of another celebrity—referring to her as 'nayi ladki" (new girl). A visibly puzzled Dutt asks, 'Kaun?" That's when the photographers say, 'Rasha". Still confused, he asks, 'Kaun?" again. The paps then clarify, 'Raveena Tandon ki beti." Sanjay nods and replies, 'Achha, jaao (Okay, go click her pictures)," before driving off. But before he leaves, in true Sanju Baba style, he checks on the paps once more, asking warmly, 'Khaana peena khaaya kya? (Have you all eaten?)" The video has since gone viral on social media, with fans wondering how Sanjay Dutt is unaware about Rasha Thadani, the daughter of Raveena Tandon, who's steadily gaining attention in Bollywood circles. Sanjay Dutt and Raveena Tandon have shared screen space in several Bollywood films, particularly during the 1990s and early 2000s. One of their most notable collaborations was in Aatish: Feel the Fire (1994), an action-packed drama that became a commercial hit. They also starred together in Kshatriya (1993), a multi-starrer war drama, and Jung (2000), which featured them in key roles. In LOC Kargil (2003), both played emotionally driven characters in a film that paid tribute to Indian soldiers. They were also seen in the supernatural thriller Rakht (2004), although not opposite each other. First Published:
NDTV
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Watch: " Kaun Rasha?" Sanjay Dutt Fails To Recognise Raveena Tandon's Daughter
New Delhi: Sanjay Dutt, who was recently seen with Raveena Tandon in the film Ghudchadi, failed to recognise her daughter Rasha. The incident was captured by a paparazzo and the video went viral in no time. In the video, Sanjay Dutt is seen exiting a Mumbai eatery amid heavy rain. Addressing the paparazzi waiting for him, he's heard saying, "Jaa na re. Ghar jao. Baarish ho rahi hai (Go home, it's raining)." To this, a paparazzo informs him, saying they are waiting for a "nayi ladki" (newcomer). Inquisitive, Sanjay Dutt asks, "Kaun? (Who?)". A shutterbug informs, "Rasha." Failed to recognise her, a confused Sanjay Dutt asks again, "Kaun?" The paparazzi, then, clarify, "Raveena Tandon ki beti," (Raveena Tandon's daughter)." Finally, Sanjay Dutt responds, "Acha, jao (Ok, go click pictures of her). Then he's seen leaving the venue in a car. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bollywood Pap (@bollywoodpap) Sanjay Dutt and Raveena Tandon had collaborated in many films in the past. They have worked in films such as Aatish: Feel the Fire (1994), Kshatriya (1993), Jung (2000), and in LOC Kargil (2003). Rasha had made her debut with Azaad , earlier this year opposite Aaman Devgan. The film was a disaster at the box office, though, Rasha got noticed for her performance. Sanjay Dutt was last seen in the film the Bhootnii, which also featured Mouni Roy, Palak Tiwari and Sunny Singh in key roles. Directed by Sidhaant Sachdev, the horror-comedy released earlier this month.
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
‘Kaun Rasha': Confused Sanjay Dutt forgets Raveena Tandon's daughter's name; internet cannot stop laughing. Watch
Actor Sanjay Dutt had an awkward encounter when he seemingly failed to recognise Raveena Tandon's daughter, Rasha Thadani, during a recent outing in Mumbai. The moment was caught on camera and has emerged on social media. Also read: Sanjay Dutt admits film industry is not together anymore: 'Thoda bhatak gaye hai' A Mumbai-based photographer captured Sanjay exiting a restaurant in Mumbai in the midst of rain. The video was shared on Instagram. The video shows Sanjay leaving an event and getting into his car amidst heavy rain. Showing concern for the paparazzi waiting outside, he advised them to head home. 'Jaa na re. Ghar jao. Baarish ho rahi hai (Go home, it's raining)," Sanjay said. The photographers replied that they'd been waiting in the rain to capture photos of Sanjay and his wife, Maanayata Dutt, who are typically based in Dubai. They shared that they also needed to wait for another celebrity, so they couldn't leave just yet, saying they are waiting for 'nayi ladki" (newcomer). To this, Sanjay asked, 'Kaun? (Who?)" That's when the photographers say, 'Rasha". Sanjay is seen getting confused, and asking again, "Kaun?" again. The paparazzi then clarify, 'Raveena Tandon ki beti (Raveena Tandon's daughter)'. Sanjay nods and replies, 'Achha, jaao (Okay, go click her pictures)'. He is then seen sitting in his car. A post shared by Bollywood Pap (@bollywoodpap) Sanjay Dutt and Raveena Tandon have shared screen space in several Bollywood films. They have worked in films such as Aatish: Feel the Fire (1994), Kshatriya (1993), Jung (2000), and in LOC Kargil (2003). Most recently, they were seen in the film Ghudchadi, which was released in 2024. Meanwhile, Rasha entered Bollywood with the period film Azaad earlier this year. Sanjay was most recently seen in The Bhootnii, which also featured Mouni Roy, Palak Tiwari and Sunny Singh in key roles. Directed by Sidhaant Sachdev, the horror-comedy released earlier this month. It recived a dull response at the box office.
India.com
20-05-2025
- India.com
How Goa Got Its Name: Know the Fascinating History Behind It
Goa is known for its beaches, culture, and historical sites. Located on the western coast of India, Goa has stunning views accompanied by Portuguese inspired buildings which attracts tourists globally. However, the mystery surrounding how this city got its name is equally intriguing and greatly reflects the importance of the city. The ancient history and mythology surrounding Goa, and the cultures that co-existed over the years, have all contributed to Goa's rich history and culture. The Roots of Goa Goa's history is rich and complex. References of the region can be found in some of India's oldest writings. The word 'Goa' is noteworthy because it has its origins from the word 'Gomantak' in Sanskrit which translates to 'the place of cows'. In Hindu culture, cows hold a sacred place and horses are revered as well. The name Gomantak signifies its agricultural and its importance as a fertile region. Goa is thought to have been given by the Portuguese who occupied it. They modified it from the former languages for easier talking purposes and thus Goa was achieved. Some scholars speculate that Goa comes from 'Gowe' or 'Gova' which were port terms for the city Govapuri, now known as Goa Velha. This old port served as a crucial trade city and linked India to other regions of the world. The term 'Gowe' was thought to be given by Portuguese and Soa became a familiar term as the region was known for its hideous beaches. The Role of Mythology Aside from the historical roots, Goa is covered by a multitude of theories. One such captivating theory suggests that the region is the gift of Lord Vishnu's sixth avatar Lord Parshurama. The story goes that Parshurama creates Goa's west coast after exterminating the warriors and hunting Kshatriya kings to extinction. After this, he searched for an area which was zen like and pure to focus and carry out his rituals. As he took aim and let the arrow loose, it plopped into the ocean where he ordered waters to part and new land to rise. The land that emerged was called Goa, which he dubbed 'Gomantak' in honor of the sacred cows that roamed the newly formed region. Such a mythical connection brings added weight to the name Goa by elevating it beyond purely a geographical entity. It is also an indication of the region's strong link to Hinduism as well as its significance for worship and pilgrimage. Mixture of Colonization and the Term 'Goa' This period began with the Portuguese coming to Goa in the beginning of the 16th century. The Portuguese admiral Afonso de Albuquerque captured Goa in 1510 from the Bijapur Sultanate and integrated it as one of the most important colonies of the Portuguese Empire. The presence of the Portugues changed the region's culture, buildings, and even its name, leaving a permanent imprint on it. The term 'Goa' became a recognized name in European maps during the Portuguese rule of India. The Portuguese changed the local name to 'Goa' in order to fit it to their language. The capital of Portuguese India was Old Goa (Goa Velha) and it served as an important center for trade, religion, and political matters. The region during this period attained great importance in the global spice trade, which helped to popularize the name 'Goa' all around the world. Evolution of the Name The term 'Goa' is indeed popular but it is also true that the name has transformed over time. In the state Goa which has its local language as Konkani, the name is referred to as 'Goy' or 'Goyim.' The Marathi language also uses the term 'Gomantak' which traces back to its ancient Sanskrit roots. Although there are older terms used which depict the rich history of the region, 'Goa' continues to be the most popular and widely used name. Goa in Modern Times Goa, today, is a state in India famous for its exquisite fauna, gorgeous coastlines, amazing parties, and holidays, and which is home to a rich blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures. The term 'Goa' brings to mind unforgettable beaches, glamorous celebrations, and a relaxed way of life. It showcases the richness of the region's past while demonstrating its ability to grow and progress throughout time. Goa is not just a marker on a map as it represents the outstanding history of the region. Starting as Gomantak and transitioning through Portuguese rule, the name is indicative of the vastly different impacts that have come and blended together to create Goa's identity. It speaks of the region's folklore, its prominence as a trading center of the world during the ancient times, and its blend of cultures. Conclusion. The history behind Goa's name is a story that encompasses myths, historical events, and rich cultural changes. The area was known as the holy land of Gomantak and later became a Portuguese colony. Today, Goa is known for its tourism, but it has not forgotten its roots from the past. Next time you are in Goa, take a moment to explore the surrounding areas and they will help you better understand the heritage and culture of this amazing region.
