Krishna Dharajiya At the turn of 19th century, land of Saurashtra in Gujarat witnessed a Chivalrous Lionheart named Jogidas Khuman, who turned into an outlaw to fight the injustice. This “Unsung Great Man” is a part of history that many in India may not be familiar with today. Following is the story of integrity, fortitude and gallant that shines a light on lesser-known hero of real life.
Introduction of Jogidas Khuman
An upright man, Jogidas Khuman belonged to Gohilwad region (Bhavnagar) of Saurashtra in Gujarat. Hada Khuman, the ruler of territory of 84 villages of Kundla (known as Savarkundla today) had 3 sons – Gela, Bhaan and Jogidas, who were the heirs of Hada Khuman.
Jogidas Khuman was also popular as “Aapa” among his younger brothers and mates. His wife, Kathiyani was a decent woman, as noble as Jogidas Khuman..! She always stood by Jogidas at every step, on every occasion, in his every obstacle! They were the true sacred couple..!
Stalwart Jogidas..!
Jogidas withheld glorious and determined physical structure. His face was lustrous – like a shining holy ascetic, who just ascended from Himalaya after thousand years of penance..!
Jogidas was a personality who was tranquil from inside and vigilant from outside..! His eyes overflowed with ceaseless fire of righteous enmity tinted with noble shades. The brows were always stretched with firmness of ideal valiance..! A Sun like radiant face which he always held high with power and humility..!
It is said that even the greatest of sages were driven by lust at-least once in their life – But Jogidas was more than a Yogi..! He never raised his eyes to see a woman. Even when in gatherings or market places, Jogidas used to sit/stand with his back towards the crowd so that accidental stares toward any woman can be avoided firmly. Though being infamous as an outlaw, Jogidas Khuman always hold on to his dignity and virtue without exception…!
The Chronicles of Jogidas Khuman
There are many incidents portraying tales of courage, esteem and righteousness of Jogidas Khuman. Below are the significant ones:
1 – Son of Lord Sun
Being a revered devotee of Lord Surya Narayan – The God of his Clan, Jogidas Khuman personified every characteristics of an ethical ruler. He was a ‘Suryavanshi’. He chanted Lord Sun’s name under his every breath. Conscientious Jogidas was an icon of probity and empathy.
Tolerating/executing injustice was ‘Adharma’ to him. Devotion for duties and righteousness in actions were in his blood. For Jogidas Khuman – obligations were precious, even more than his own life…! Like Lord Sun, he was the follower of ‘Self-Dharma’ from deepest of his core and always fulfilled them with convictions.
2 – Family Feud of Jogidas Khuman and Wajesinh Gohil
Wajesinh Gohil was ruler of the kingdom in Gohilwad that consisted of 1800 villages and Hada Khuman was ruling 84 territories of Kundla. When Hada Khuman turned out old, Wajesinh intended to expand his kingdom. He seized the ancestral land Kundla. So Hada Khuman had to quit the village with his three sons and other mates.
Now that was an odd situation…! Hada Khuman has had credited Wajesinh Gohil as his elder son since his young age, and Jogidas Khuman was like brother to Wajesinh. But Jogidas strongly believed that tolerating injustice is a sin and an act of demerit for his clan – No matter even in case done by the ruler himself..!
As a result, family feud started between Jogidas Khuman and Wajesinh Gohil. Jogidas Khuman turned himself into an outlaw to get his villages back. He started looting Gohilwad (the kingdoms of Wajesinh), to pressurize the ruler and recover the seized villages of Kundla. Wajesinh sent his vizier Anandji to fight, but he was killed in a clash with Jogidas.
3 – Chivalry Towards Enemy’s Wife
Once the Queen of Wajesinh, Naniba was travelling towards her kingdom with kunwar, in her chariot, back from a religious tour. Another outlaw named Ragha Chavda went to loot her in name of Jogidas, with an intention to indirectly harm the King. (Jogidas was unaware of this – till moment).
Being overjoyed, Ragha thought today is the most favorable day as he got the Queen as his prey…! He saw abducting her is an easy path for recovering seized villages from the King.
Coincidentally at the exact moment Jogidas arrives and realizes it is the Queen who’s being looted..! He roared to Ragha, “She is my sister in law, and equal to my mother. Leave her alone and safe. I have enmity with the King. And the Queen, on no account shall suffer out of this…!”
Jogidas battled with Ragha Chavda and his troop. All of the crew members were killed by Jogidas one by one. Seeing this, coward Ragha fled the place to save his life.
Jogidas himself then escorted Queen’s chariot with reverence, up-till the foot of the kingdom of Gohilwad. The Queen felt contented with this dignified and chivalrous behavior of Jogidas.
While departing, she inferred to Jogidas that he deserved his territory back and so that she will now recommend this to Ruler Wajesinh. Jogidas on this note said, ” I am honored to have your privilege. But If I repossess my villages on recommendation of my sister and not by brave acts, that will be a disgrace to my valiant noble clan..!”
Note 1:
(*Obeying morals of Jogidas, his crew never looted women. On no account they misused their power against women, let it be young or old. It was only in the Queen’s case, Ragha Chavda (a non-member of Jogidas’s crew) found a shortcut to fight injustice but that plan was also dispersed immediately on call of Jogidas.)
Note 2:
(*During this incident of Queen’s escort, child of Wajesinh – Dadubha, who was also accompanying the Queen, develops a heart bond with father figure Jogidas Khuman. Stuck with an awe in charm of a powerful horse rider, kunwar demands to sit on Jogidas’s horse which he fulfills with love in return.
He rode the child in his lap with warm physical support. On way, the amused kunwar showers storm of childish questions on Jogidas along with playing his prideful beard. At the end of the destination, both Jogidas and Dadubha were bonded by the ties of affection for each other conjoined with tears of parting in their eyes..! Such was a noble high conduct of Jogidas Khuman towards son of his rival…!)
4 – Jogidas Khuman Consoles His Enemy
An event occurred, of unexpected death of the eldest son of Wajesinh – Dadubha. Not only Wajesinh, but also Jogidas was moved by this unfortunate incident. (Jogidas held humanity – even for his enemies). So with an intention to attend kunwar’s demise gathering, Jogidas reached palace with veil on his face- under hidden identity.
(*Jogidas was very much aware that if squad of Wajesinh sensed arrival of Jogidas, they will behead him for sure. In spite of this big life risk, he departs to pay homage to kunwar.)
Jogidas was unhappy to hear from the countrymen that Wajesinh ate nothing in past 4 days in grief of his deceased son. The gathered crowd mumbled – if this continues, the Ruler is sure to die..!
So Jogidas himself went to console Wajesinh, who was sitting on ground, with his head down in sorrow…! Jogidas insisted him to eat something. Wajesinh, being an honest rival, identified voice of Jogidas and reverted back – continuing with his head positioned down – calling his name loud, with humility..!
And hundreds of sharpen swords stretched out in crowd..! Immediately after the name ‘Jogidas’ was heard from Wajesinh’s mouth… In order to chop his head off..!
But Wajesinh calms everyone down saying “The Jogi has arrived today as a friend..! Not as an enemy..!” Jogidas consoled the Ruler in his tough time. Wajesinh was astounded by such instincts of him…!
Jogidas forced him to consume food on his oath and accompanied him too, on his request. They both ate together that day.
5 – Hada Khuman was Killed
Once in a dispute, Wajesinh ordered his commander-in-chief to combat with Jogidas Khuman. The commander, instead of fighting with him, killed Hada Khuman – the 112 year old father of Jogidas Khuman. Hada Khuman fought valiantly against the king’s soldiers and died a heroic death.
The commander brought his severed head to the Ruler. This deeply grieved Wajesinh as Hada Khuman was a father figure to him. The Ruler condemned the commander for this disgraceful act of fighting an old man. The commander asked for mercy, but he was expelled.
(*Wajesinh hold an opinion that the feud was between the heirs of Gohils and Khumans and the elders at no cost should suffer out of it – But unwillingly, opposite of the case has happened.)
6 – Wajesinh Performs Death Rituals of Jogidas’s Father
The Ruler carried out all rituals of Hada Khuman as if he was his own father – shaving his mustaches, wearing whites..! Jogidas Khuman soon arrived to the funeral. He asked Wajesinh,”Why are you doing this?”
To which Wajesinh replied,”He accepted me as his own child..! He was like a father to me..! And by that relation – I hold to be his elder son. Today, let me light the pyre, and let us keep the politics and enmity aside for this point. ” Jogidas agreed and Wajesinh concluded all the after-death rituals as an elder son.
Jogidas was no doubt a virtuous person. But this incident proved Wajesinh to be an esteemed person too. That was actually the beauty of their feud..! Where both hold high the ethics of their clan – even in rivalry..!
7 – Chili Powder in Eyes
Once a mate from crew of Jogidas pulled him out to see a “splendorous thing” passing by their location. Jogidas, unaware of the matter reaches the spot where he realizes he was called to view a woman and her beauty..! Having mistakenly saw a woman, Jogidas asked his mate to bring chili powder. He decides to punish himself and his eyes who looked at a lady..!
Jogidas grabbed handful of chili powder and chucked immediately into his eyes. He then slept by tying a cloth band on his chili filled eyes. By the next morning, Jogidas’s eyes got transformed into big red balls which gave him a sigh of relief from sin committed..!
8 – Handsome Jogidas Khuman : He Scarred His Own Face With Knife
Being overridden by “Majestic Personality”, “Heavy Verdi Beard” and “Heroic Attributes” of Jogidas, once the daughter of Dhana Suthar insisted him to marry her. Nothing but heartache could come out of it for Jogidas..! Jogidas felt very sad from heart for this unexpected request.
He replied, “I am married to Kathiyani. All women except her are mother and sister to me. If you felt fascinated to the handsome face of mine, it needs to be amended.” Saying this he bluntly cut his beard to blood and scarred his face with knife several times and vowed not to look at any woman henceforth.
9 – Who will Take Care of an Old Lady like Me Now?
Once, one of the men – in name of Jogidas, killed a farmer with an intention to loot him. When Jogidas realized this heinous act of his mate, he was heart-hurt and rushed to detain his man. On spot, the weeping old mother of deceased farmer questioned Jogidas, “Who will take care of me from now?”
Honest Jogidas moved by her pity and vowed to serve her as his own mother for the life..! The man who killed the farmer fled away and never returned as he knew that Jogidas would kill him for murdering an innocent farmer.
10 – Safety in Boondocks
Once around a midnight, a horseman was overseeing the safety of his owned area of wilderness – with veil on face, camouflaging his identity. Suddenly he saw a 16 year old girl in the dark woods..! Roaming alone fearlessly with her grazing herd…! The horseman went up to her and asked, “Why are you moving here alone? Aren’t you afraid of being abducted, dear daughter..?”
The young girl replied with conviction, “No one can dare to even lift their eyes against any woman here..! We are shielded and safe under supervised reign of Mighty Godfather Jogidas Khuman..!”
The horseman left the place, without revealing his identity to the young girl. That was no other, but Jogidas Khuman himself…! He felt a great sense of peace in heart and gratitude towards Lord of Universe..! His double edged integrity was now paying off through mellow countrywomen..!
He urged from heart, “Oh Lord, even if I don’t get my villages back, it doesn’t matter…! Even if I have to fight till last of my breath, I don’t bother..! But please retain my reputation at least – As it is…! Until I am alive..!”
11 – Why Should Family Suffer?
Since Jogidas turned an outlaw, he had to leave his village and shift in the foothills of mountains for living. His wife Kathiyani and his children, Harsur, Lakha, daughter Kamli were forced to live nomadic life. They slept on floor and eat dry bread (made of millet).
After the incident of receiving protection from Jogidas on way to palace, the Queen (as well as the Ruler) was shaken by Jogidas’s resolute morality. She asked Wajesinh, “Why should the family of Jogidas suffer because of your enmity? What is their fault? I want you to bring them in our palace. I will live with Kathiyani as my sister and serve their children as my own.”
Agreeing to this, Wajesinh bestowed shelter to children and wife of Jogidas in safe ambiance of his palace. He himself started treating Kathiyani as sister of his own, with great admiration.
12 – Son of Jogidas Slaps Kunwar of Wajesinh
Wajesinh had 3 sons – Dadubha, Narubha and Akhubha. One day, the younger son of Jogidas, Lakha, punched Akhubha, the son of Wajesinh. Kunwar, with a rage, complained to the Ruler.
Wajesinh grinned and said “His father slaps on our identity with his fortitude and righteous behavior everyday…! He annoys us every time with his firm morals and nobility..! But we don’t complain. His son has the right to punish us as we did wrong to them…!”
Finishing this statement, Wajesinh worryingly rushed to son of Jogidas and asked whether his hand is aching..! And showed concerns for his safekeeping…!
13 – Jogidas Khuman Vows to Ascend Himalayas : To Dissolve in Snow
There even came a time during outlaw, when no grain was left in house of Jogidas to feed his crew. He turned extremely poor, in confrontation of injustice…!
One day, Jogidas received a letter from Kathiyani, informing, ”The queen treats me like a sister here. She takes care of our kids better than her own. The Ruler performed marriage rights of our daughter as royal as any Rajkunwari deserved..!”
He thought deeply, “The person I am fighting against, is so noble…!” Feeling guilty by heart, Jogidas decides to climb Himalayas and dissolve his body in snow to repent his sins. Hearing which, Wajesinh promised to Kathiyani – His sister – Of her intact marriage. The Ruler left immediately from the palace, to accompany Jogidas back to his Kingdom.
14 – End of the Family Feud after 25 Years
Wajesinh convinced Jogidas to suspend his idea of self-dissolution into Himalayas by abiding him to his oath. He offers him territory of Kundla back. But Jogidas now refuses to accept them out of reverence for the Ruler. Still Wajesinh forcibly returned him back two villages, as well a village to his elder son to reinstate their rights.
Setting up higher standards of integrity and ideal rivalry for the generations to come, Jogidas Khuman and Wajesinh Gohil embraced each other with an ardor…!
_*_
Love & Light
Krishna
