JAIGARH FORT: CHAPTER 2

                          

Note: This story is a sequel to my previous story Jaigarh Fort: Chapter 1. It’s based on Author’s fiction and doesn’t apply to any historical references.

16 AUGUST 2022

SITRA, COIMBATORE

Shortly after narrating the events that happened in Jaigarh Fort, Ibrahim suffers from massive heart attack and is hospitalized. The doctors say: “His condition is very critical and worse.”

Raj Hegde loses hope. A very few minutes later, the doctors declared Ibrahim as dead, which leaves him devastated. Despite the death of Ibrahim, he doesn’t loose hope and searched the house of Ibrahim to find out the copy of Jaigarh Fort’s Chapter 2. While looking for that, he finds the name of Sampath, a 64-year old man living in Aavarampalayam of Coimbatore district.

He immediately rushes for the place with his media team to meet him. Being a rich man, the security forbids them to enter inside his big house. After they showed the ID to the security, he finally allows him. Going inside, Raj Hegde introduced himself and said: “Ibrahim Qadir, who was Sampath’s accomplish have explained and narrated the events that happened in Jaigarh Fort. He recommended your name and asked to meet you in future, if I wanted to know more about Jaigarh Fort.”

Sampath breathes for a while and asked him, “Why are you curious to know more about Jaigarh Fort? May I know the reasons?”

“Because, the book, written by Ibrahim directly pointed out bigwig leaders of then ruling party, sir. That’s why!” As Raj Singh said so, Sampath almost loses his cool. Yet, he calms himself. While, Raj asked him: “What happened in Jaigarh Fort after the death of Yash and Ramesh?”

FEW YEARS BACK

26 JUNE 1972- AUGUST 1974

After the death of Yash and Ramesh, Queen Mandakini Devi Rajput was crowned as the “Princess of Jaigarh Fort.” She and Shiva gradually fell in love and got married. Rather than letting society decide her partner for her, she shunned all norms and married Shiva, who was protective and fond of her. Being the wife of Shiva wasn’t an easy feat. She adjusted to the life of formality and restrictions. But rather undeterred, she brought her palace woman forward from their limited lives with authority. Unlike other women in the fort, she refused to be confined by pudah.

To this, she said to Shiva: “I see that those times were much more ahead than an ordinary approved courtship would have been. There was the challenge of outwitting our elders, of arranging secret meetings…And every now and then, there was a marvelous, unheard of liberty of going for a drive in the country with Jai, of a stolen dinner at Bray, or of an outing on the river in a boat. It was a lovely and intoxicating time.”

She opened a school for girls, which is today one of the finest in the country during the periods of 1972 to 1974. She rejected the ostracization of women in the country. She didn’t just confine herself to the life of opulence and comfort which she would have had as the Queen but chose to work for the causes that she cared about. During the war, she carried out different kinds of war-work. In 1973, she opened the Mandakini Devi School for girls with 40 students and an English teacher, which came to be known as one of the finest schools in India.

PRESENT

“Sir, sir. It seems like this book goes only around Mandakini Devi Rajput. What’s happening in this story?” asked Raj to which, Sampath takes him to his isolated library room, that contains a golden sword, which was offered to him by Shiva and Mandakini as a gift when he was 15 years old. Showing this to him, he said: “It was then, I came to know a lot about Queen Mandakini Devi Rajput. Still then, I never knew about her.”

26 JUNE 1975

Mandakini and Shiva actively involved in politics and joined Swaraj party which was formed as an opposition to Priya Darshini’s government when Rajasthan became a state. She won her first election in 1962 against Priya’s candidate by an avalanche by securing a majority of 1,75,000 votes that earned her a spot in “The Guinness Book of Records.” Hearing of her achievement from Shiva in USA(for a political meeting) President introduced her as “the woman with the most staggering majority that anyone has ever earned in an election.” She was the first ever lady to have won the Lok Sabha seat by 1,92,909 votes out of 2,46,516- a milestone in Indian History. She went on to win her seat again in 1967 in her home constituency.

But things started to go downhill when Priya introduced a bill to abolish the purses and privileges of her family. Hence, she and her elder brother Susanth Singh Rajput had to escape to West Bengal. Tragedy hit Mandakini when Man Singh, her father and her brother Susanth Singh died.

PRESENT

“Priya Darshini looted the Jaigarh Fort treasure. Why cant I find any info on Google or the RTI that was filed for it sir?” Pausing a while, he continued to ask: “Is it true that the royal treasure of Sawai Jai Singh was found during the emergency imposed in 1975 by Priya Darshini?”

SEPTEMBER 1975

The problems begins at late 1970’s when Priya Darshini got her eyes over there. She and Queen Mandakini Devi never had good relations. Mandakini had defeated the representative of her party for three times in the elections. The reason behind the jealousy was that she was voted many times for her beauty and considered as one of the most beautiful women in the world. There were orders given to the IT department for raiding the properties of Mandakini Devi after taking into account the assets of the Royal family.

But things started to go downhill when Mandakini and Shiva were arrested and imprisoned in Tihar Jail in 1972 during the emergency. Many government agencies including ED team were sent to Jaipur for investigation. Shiva exclaimed that: “He and Mandakini does not know about any kind of treasure in Jaipur palace.” Still grieving for the love of her life, she was persuaded to stand for her third term in Parliament in 1972, which was the year when the princely state was de-recognized. This change in the constitution brought a tough life for the princess and her husband when in July 1975, both were arrested and imprisoned in Tihar Jail, though there had never been any serious charges laid against them.

A few days later an army contingent was sent to Jaipur for excavation of Moti Dungri and Later Jaigarh Palace. The army contingent was headed by Colonel Ramachandran and bandit, Ibrahim Qadir. Ibrahim was involved in notorious killings, theft and murders of various bigwig personalities and politicians in North Indian States.

Excavations started in the palace of Jaipur, Amer, Jaigarh and Moti Dooangari. After 4-5 months of excavation, a secret Telegraph of message was sent to Government that, “The search has been completed and the treasure has been found.” Sanjay Raghavan, the minister of Jaipur himself flew his own plane and reached Sanganer Airport of Jaipur. Seeing the situation curfew was imposed for almost one week and army(Aircraft and Vehicles) were called. The government claimed to have found only a “few kilos of gold there.”

But the kind of situation created and the way Jaipur-Delhi highway was closed for 2 days and treasure was sent in 6 army troops to Delhi under Sanjay Raghavan, is what makes a doubt about the government’s claim that only a few kilos of gold has been found. The excavations further became famous when former Pakistan Prime Minister Sulfaikar had asked for Pakistan’s share in the procured wealth at that time.

PRESENT

At present, Raj Singh and Sampath looks at a few photos of Army vehicles, Colonel Ramachandran, Mandakini Devi and Priya Darshini alongside the news about Jaigarh Gold treasure raid. Then, Sampath continued to say about the aftermath by looking at the photo of Ibrahim with Shiva.

“The government had alleged that it was illegal property. Actually the question of illegal property does not even arise because when the first budget of Rajasthan government was presented, the bureau of all this treasury was given.”

“Finally, what happened? Was the gold treasury found?”

Sampath thinks for a while and continued.

1977

In later days Mandakini Devi herself denied that the government had gotten any treasure from Jaigarh Fort. When the Janata Dal government was formed in 1977, the Priya government had returned half of the treasury to the royal family again and claimed in future no government will dare to capture the treasure. Six months in jail, Shiva and Mandakini’s will held strong, but not their body.

Admitted to a hospital, Shiva and Mandakini was eventually released on parole but the trauma that Mandakini went through wasn’t big enough to meddle with her love of life. This enraged Shiva. Despite being incarcerated for almost half a year in jail, Shiva did not let her difficult situations affect her life after they were back into society.

Slowly, Mandakini came back to normal and she became pregnant with Shiva’s child at the age of 30 years. While living in prison, Shiva went on to fight for the rights of murderers, prostitutes, pickpockets and other inmates who were living in filthy conditions in the prison. While, Mandakini was successful in curbing the Purdah system practiced by women in Rajasthan.

1982

Slowly by 1982, Shiva bought weaponries and guns inside the fort of Jaigarh. He trained a group of army to become a notorious and respected gangster in the state of Rajasthan. This forces Sanjay Raghavan to join hands with Shiva once again. Since, he have killed influential gangsters like- Masthan in Mumbai and even went on to capture the city in his hands.

At the same time, Shiva realized that Mandakini loved sports events, being a fine horsewoman herself. Shiva knew well that she is an avid follower of Polo and enjoyed breeding racehorses. She was thoroughly involved in her school and everything that happened in Jaipur. And she loved to travel. Hence, he helped her to bring her happiness back.

PRESENT

Raj Singh looked at the photo of Ibrahim and asked Sampath: “Ok sir. How Ibrahim met Mandakini?”

SEPTEMBER 1982

During the period of emergency in 1975, Ibrahim was keen to rob some rich gold and diamonds of women in Jaipur. So, without the knowledge of anyone in the army, he secretly went to the fort, where Mandakini have been sleeping. There, he tried to rob her. But, she fought back with him and injured the latter.

After this, Shiva and she herself treated his injuries and forgives his mistakes. This really made Ibrahim guilt and remorseful. He repented for the sins, which he committed in his life and slowly, he became loyal to Shiva for his greatness. But, things weren’t good for Shiva and Mandakini. As Shiva went on to attain power all over Indian states with his weapons, gun and money, there were many rivalries growing up for him.

Among those was Hussain Zakir from Pakistan. He was the one, who informed about Jaigarh Gold treasure to the then Pakistan Prime Minister Sulfaikar. Being a notorious gangster and terrorist, he wanted to get rid of Shiva so that, he could easily conquer the Indian continent for his illegal business activities. During this period of time, there was a conflict between Shiva and Rajveer Singh in Jaigarh fort for some ruling issues. So, he formed his own army and came to Jaigarh fort. There, he fatally shot and assassinated a pregnant Mandakini Devi to death.

Guilt and remorseful that, he lost his lovable wife, Shiva angrily fought with Rajveer Singh and his men. In the process, he stabbed his henchman to a brutal death. Later, Rajveer was choked to a brutal death. Afterwards, he headed towards the Delhi Parliament, where Priya Darshini had been discussing about the budgetary plans for future India.

5:30 PM

Holding securities and police officers at gunpoint, he entered inside the parliament and points his gun towards Priya Darshini, who is ready to die. But, Shiva instead pointed the gun to Sanjay Raghavan. It was Sanjay Raghavan, who was mastermind behind all the issues, that are related to Jaigarh Fort. He was the one, who turned Priya Darshini to the fort for getting the gold treasure. He instigated Rajveer Singh, Ramesh and Yash to turn against the kings of Jaigarh Fort. Sanjay was the one who instigated the Air crash and killed Susanth Singh Rajput.

All this is for the bad insults that he faced from Mandakini during a political rally in Rajasthan. Now, Shiva is going to kill this venomous snake. In front of Priya Darshini’s eyes, Shiva brutally gunned down Sanjay Raghavan. He calmed down for a while after assassinating him inside the parliament. While, Priya Darshini, feeling threatened for her life and fear of being exposed issues death warrant against Shiva. The CBI department and Indian Army officers were really shocked to hear the assassination of Sanjay Raghavan. After cremating Mandakini in the fort, Shiva took the gold treasures along with him to the Arabian Sea. Before leaving, he requested Ibrahim to take the people of Jaigarh to a safe place, to which he agreed tearfully. From there, he went to Karachi Port around 2:45 AM.

There, the Indian Army officers under Captainship of Raghavendra(of INS Virat) were waiting in the ship to fight against the Pakistan Army for Kargil War. Sensing him, they informed the Indian Army, which were searching for Shiva all over Jaigarh Fort. Sensing the troops of Pakistan and their ships, the Captain warned Shiva to change the channel and surrender himself. But, he refuses to surrender.

The same time, Priya Darshini waits to give her instructions.

“Madam. MIG-23’s are closing in our target. ETA-two minutes.” Pausing a while, the Major said: “The bombers are over Jaigarh Fort. Waiting for your final orders madam.” Priya Darshini thinks for a while. But, the Major said: “I repeat. We are waiting for your final orders for the strike madam.”

“Shiva is not responding to the warnings, Major. The Pakistan Army is closing in. We are waiting for your orders.” Hearing these, Priya Darshini asked them to execute the mission.

JAIPUR

1951

Shiva recalled his friend Susanth Singh Rajput taking him to the local doctor in the Fort for viral fever when he was seven years old.

“Swami. Swami.”

“What happened Susanth?” asked the doctor. Checking him, he said: “Seems like Pneumonia. Why didn’t you come earlier sir?”

“Also you have come in pouring rain Prince.” The doctor’s assistant said to him.

“Such carelessness towards the kids. You think you are qualified doctors? It has widely spread. If you don’t take Shiva to the city, he won’t survive.” Upon hearing this, Susanth becomes extremely anger.

“Hey.” Pointing his hands towards the doctor, he said: “Am here for my beloved friend’s treatment…And you are commenting on his life? He is Shiva. Lord Shiva. Brahma and Vishnu are below his feet. Neither do you have right to talk about his life…Nor does Lord Mahadev of Mount Kailash!”

“Prince. That’s not what he meant. Don’t despair. Your friend will have a long life.” As Susanth took Shiva in his shoulders, the assistant consoled him. Looking at the assistant fiercely, he said: “Despite being slaves, some people don’t mind living long. But some others…however short their life is, they want to live like a commander! Even if he dies today, I’ll conclude that he didn’t have the ability to keep my words and forget him! Otherwise, as long as he lives, in this unjust world to fulfill my dreams, he should be an commander and loyal friend! Finally when the day of his death arrives no one will get a chance to lift his coffin! Because he will walk to the grave on his own!”

PRESENT

At present, in the amidst of severe rains in Karachi Port, Shiva recalled the memorable moments with Susanth and Mandakini. He looked at the Special Rakhi tied in his hands by Susanth when the Indian Navy ship fired at his ship. Two incidents happened that day. That Fort treasure was destroyed and Shiva too drowned in the Arabian Sea and met his death.

PRESENT

Everyone had tears in their eyes when Sampath finished narrating the incidents, that happened in Jaigarh Fort. While, Sampath looked at the special gift, offered by Mandakini Devi Rajput and recalled the reason for getting the gift from her. She actually gave him such a special and prestigious gift for scoring good marks at that point of time. As a henceforth, he secured admission in a well-reputed institution of India.

Now, Sampath looked at an emotional and tearful Raj Singh. He said: “Ibrahim returned to me and said, he is going to write the book on Shiva and Queen Mandakini Devi Rajput’s life to let the whole world know about them irrespective of the years, it is going to take for him. If he was there in this place today, he would have told the story of two beautiful human beings, who went on to become the most desirable people of India.”

Standing up, Sampath looked at the photo of Princess Mandakini Devi Rajput and Shiva all over the library. Wearing his reading glass, he continued: “Despite being born into a life of riches, Mandakini spoke up for the downtrodden and in her own little ways made a difference. A symbol of beauty, grace and defiance, the Queen has been inspirational for generations to come.”

NOVEMBER 1982

FEW MONTHS LATER

Few months after the death of Shiva, Prime Minister Priya Darshini went along with the Indian Army officers to look at the Karachi Port. For this, she seeks the permission of Pakistan Government also. There, they were unable to collect the Gold treasure of Jaipur however. Since, it’s deep inside the sea. After going inside the ship, Priya opened up the file to read the report, sent by the ISI agents of Pakistan about Mandakini Devi and Shiva’s secret activities, when they were in West Bengal’s Cooch Behar.

PRESENT

FEW HOURS LATER

At present, while arranging the drafts and copies of Jaivana in Sampath’s house, the cameraman finds out “Jaigarh Fort: Chapter 3- The Final Draft.” He looked at the draft.