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A page from history Hemu: The commoner Hindu emperor By Dr Ganeshilal Verma With the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan in 1192 AD the Muslim power got established in Delhi. During the early half of the 16th century Mughals and Pathans were contesting for the lordship over Delhi. Factionalism among Pathans especially during the reign of Adil Shah (1553-57) had given a chance to the Mughals to regain the lost empire of Hindusthan. Humayun invaded Punjab in February 1555. On June 22, 1555 Pathans were defeated at Sarhind and Mughals occupied Delhi thereafter. When these epoch-making events were happening, a commoner known as Hemachandra from Rewari (Haryana) was diligently serving Adil Shah. He was sent to crush Ibrahim (Adil Shah's brother-in-law), a rebel. This commoner from Rewari defeated Ibrahim twice at Kalpi and Khanna. Ibrahim fled to Bayana (Bulandshahar) where he was besieged by commoner. Adil Shah was attacked by Mohammed Shah of Bengal. The ruler of Bengal had conquered up to Jaunpur; intending to occupy Kalpi in order to proceed to Delhi, which was under the Mughals. Under such circumstances, Adil Shah recalled Hemachandra. With Hemachandra joining the battle, Mohammad Shah was soon defeated at Chhapparghatt, 20 miles from Kalpi. Adil Shah occupied Bengal; appointed Shahbag Khan as governor. Adil Shah made Chunar his capital and the responsibility of driving out the Mughals was left to Hemachandra. October 7, 1556 was a red letter day for Hindus; for the alien rule had ended and a powerful Hindu King, the winner of 21 crucial battles was on the throne of Indraprastha. The standing insult of three hundred fifty years, was avenged by a daring Hindu commoner. In January 1556, Humayun died in Delhi. Getting the news of Humayun's death Hemachandra decided to attack Agra. Hemachandra hastened from Gwalior to Agra without losing any time. Seeing the strength of Hemachandra?s army Iskandar Khan Uzlzg, the Mughal Governor got frightened and retreated to Delhi. Hemachandra occupied Agra; seizing the treasury and equipments. Hemachandra proceeded to Delhi and after defeating Mughal Governor Tardybeg Khan occupied the city on October 7,1556. The entire country from Gwalior upto Satluj river came under the control of Hemachandra. Wisely he proclaimed Hindu supremacy by crowning himself as Hindu Emperor-Maharaja Hemachandra Vikramaditya. October 7, 1556 was a red letter day for Hindus; for the alien rule had ended and a powerful Hindu King, the winner of 21 crucial battles was on the throne of Indraprastha. The standing insult of three hundred fifty years, was avenged by a daring Hindu commoner. His love for Hindu swaraj and marshal skills are comparable with the qualities of great heroes like Rana Pratap or Shivaji. After coronation Hemachandra Vikramaditya consolidated his position: raised an army of 30,000 Hindu soldiers. He also won the loyality of Pathans by liberal treatment and distribution of cash awards which he gave to them from time to time. Due to this a large part of their artillery and nearly 500 elephants became part of his formidable force. With this army he prepared himself to drive the Mughals out. There was no fault, no blunder in planning and strategy; nor was there any want of courage or bravery on the part of Hemachandra Vikramaditya or his generals, but yet the Mughals got a chance. In the battle of Panipat (November 5, 1556 AD) the Hindus were defeated by Mughals. Hindus could not produce another Hemachandra Vikramaditya for nearly two centuries. It was only in 1737 AD that Baji Rao Peshwa's forces reached Turkman Gate in Delhi and Mohammad Shah was forced to take shelter in Agra.

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