Hemu's Women: A Disturbing Depiction
Forget the crushing of Hem Chandra Vikramaditya under Akbar's elephant. The real issue? Hemu's women depicted timid, feeble, weak at just 30-40% of a man's size. This artwork screams a disturbing mindset from both the painter and their patron.
#mughals
Hem Chandra Vikramaditya, famously known as Hemu, was a brilliant Indian emperor and military leader who played a crucial role in the Sur Empire during the 16th century. Born in 1501, Hemu rose to prominence as a general and chief minister of Adil Shah Suri, winning an impressive 22 battles against Afghan rebels and Mughal forces led by Humayun and Akbar.
Hemu's military prowess was unmatched, and his strategic mind helped him secure vital victories for the Sur Empire. Some of his notable battles include:
- *The Battle of Tughlaqabad*: Hemu defeated Tardi Beg Khan, Akbar's governor in Delhi, and captured the city ¹.
- *The Battle of Delhi*: Hemu's victory over the Mughal forces led to him claiming the throne and adopting the title of Vikramaditya ¹.
- *The Second Battle of Panipat*: Although Hemu initially had the upper hand, he was struck by an arrow and eventually captured and beheaded by Akbar's forces.
Despite his tragic end, Hemu's legacy is remembered as a turning point in Indian history. He was a Hindu king who dared to challenge the Mughal Empire and almost succeeded in restoring a "Sanskritic monarchical tradition" to the region ¹. Historians like R.C. Majumdar and K.R. Qanungo have praised Hemu's bravery and military genius, considering him one of the greatest Hindu warriors of all time ².
Original painting