Chapter 172: Future Directions
Rewari Kingdom, King’s court, morning of 26th march 1557.
Inside the hall, adorned with silk banners and garlands, the air was filled with the hymns of Sanskrit recitation by the head priest. The assembled officials and nobles stood in anticipation as Prince Randeep took his place before the dais.
King Todar Mal presented his sword to his son amidst the shower of petals and chants. It resembled the gesture of passing responsibility. Randeep accepted it with both hands, bowing deeply to his father.
The Samrat himself then moved forward, holding the crown, shaped like a grand turban, symbolizing Rewari’s leadership. Hemu placed it on Randeep’s head and blessed him with a firm voice, "Rule with justice, undeterred. Bring glory to our Rajya (member kingdom) and Samrajya alongside."
Randeep knelt, touching Samrat’s feet as he received the emperor’s blessing. As he rose, the youngest king in the empire was born that day, under the watchful eyes of history.
With the ceremonial crown and sword bestowed, Randeep stood before the court and addressed the assembly. "My first act as king will be to rebuild the city of Rewari, once glorious, but ravaged by the past Mughal regime. We will restore it to its former splendor and shift our capital there in days to come."
Gasps rippled through the room. Even Aditya, standing to the side, was struck by the revelation. He had long wondered why the kingdom’s capital was Bawal and not the ancient city of Rewari. He had been too occupied with other duties to explore the matter, but today, the mystery unraveled before him.
Randeep continued, "Rewari was once home to Samrat, where he was raised in childhood. His journey from a humble merchant to the emperor of northern India is itself a matter of pride to our kingdom. We still bore the pains of history when our capital was destroyed, and it is time for us to rise to its former glory. It is an inspiration for every child of Rewari to feel proud and determined, knowing that when times are perilous, their own efforts can make things right. Let our future generations know that a legend has grown from our soil, and we, as his loyal retinues, will ensure that his legacy continues. Rebuilding it is not only an act of gratitude to him, but a proof of our deep bond and trust that we share against the invaders for Swaraj (self-governance) and Samrajya."
Hemu’s face softened, nodding in approval as his once-hidden past was brought into the light. The emperor’s subtle smile spoke of pride for his new king’s decision. The crowd applauded in cheers at the prospect of rebuilding the lost city, which still lay in ruins, and now they were in a position to rebuild it. Many became emotional as they, too, shared same origin and welcomed it with vigor by chanting the name of the new king and glory to the Samrat.
As the rest of the coronation ceremony concluded, the nobles and officials turned to Aditya, who was tasked with delivering a speech. As the empire’s active foreign minister, his words carried weight, and everyone anticipated his thoughts on the imperial plans for the kingdom’s future.
Aditya stepped forward and addressed the crowd with charisma. "We stand at a turning point in our empire’s history. The rebuilding of Rewari marks not just the restoration of a city, but a renewal of our spirit. We will forge stronger alliances, ensure the prosperity of our people, and secure our place as a beacon of justice and strength. By our Samrat’s will, we will extend full support and expertise in rebuilding it, and taxes for its new residents will be waived for a whole year."
People cheered with the declaration as rebuilding a new city was always a hard chore and would deplete the kingdom’s treasury. In times when they faced total annihilation, this support was welcome and celebratory. Chants of glory to Samrajya and Samrat once again echoed through the hall.