RSS meet on new Hindu icon, Hemu

New Delhi: After Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the RSS-led Sangh Parivar is planning to project 16th century’s north Indian ruler Hemchandra “Vikram-aditya” or “Hemu” as another Hindu icon.

The history wing of RSS, Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana, says it has been trying to “change the mindset” of historians to include “Indian heroes” and plans to hold a day-long discourse on the “last Hindu king” Samrat Hemchandra.

The RSS had held a big symposium on “Samrat” Hemu in 2014 as well.

Itihas Sankalan’s secretary Dr Balmukund Pandey said, “You cannot increase or decrease anybody’s significance in history but our history has been distorted, first by the British and then post-Independence by some historians (a reference to Left-leaning historians), who still look at the country’s glorious history through a colonial lens.”

According to historical accounts, Hemu, who hailed from Rewari in modern day-Haryana, rose to become the foremost general of the Afghan Army in the last years of the Sur dynasty and, initially, tasted military success against the Mughals.

However, a chance eye injury led to his defeat in the second battle of Panipat in 1556 at the hands of the Mughal Army of Akbar. He was beheaded after the defeat.

The RSS “pracharak” (volunteer) claimed that with history students getting access to new technology and online search engines for references, the “correct history” of the country should be written after proper research.

“Our history books need to give more space for Indian heroes. While we know almost everything about the Mughal rulers, not many are aware of Bharat’s true heroes like Veer Kunwar Singh of Bihar or the rulers of Bahruch. Why Prithiviraj Chauhan’s history starts from 1192 (when he died) and not how brilliantly he ruled or bravely he fought?” asked Dr Balmukund.