Bappa Rawal The Story of a Famous Rajput King

By the 7th century the Rajput kings had lost their kingdoms, extending up to Ghazni in Afghanistan, to their enemies. In the 8th century the foreign invaders had not only entered India across the Indus but had also established several small kingdoms in Rajasthan. Even so, the Hindu rulers failed to unite. There was not one Rajput ruler strong enough to drive those aliens out, bring together the small states and instill a sense of peace and security among the people.

Such were the conditions when prince Shailadhish, who was to become famous as Bappa Rawal, the father of a united Rajasthan, was compelled to go into hiding. He was a mere child when he was taken away from his mother to serve a Brahman.

Once, when he went to see her, his mother related to him how the Rajputs had once ruled over the territory up to Ghazni. At that moment Bappa made a vow, "I will win back the territory of my predecessors."

In the following pages you will read how, in the face of troubles and tribulations, he redeemed his promise. This book has been adapted from the various legends about Bappa Rawal.