The Haryana government is all set to organize an event on Emperor Hemchandra Vikramaditya's coronation day on October 7 at Haryana Bhawan in New Delhi in which Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar will be the Chief Guest. A commemorative postal stamp will be issued in Emperor Hemchandra Vikramaditya's memory during the event.
Director General, Information, Public Relations, and Language Department, Dr Amit Agrawal said that this state-level function will be organized under the 'Sant Mahapurush Samman and Vichar Prasar Yojana'.
Throwing light on the early life of Emperor Hemu and his settlement in Rewari, Haryana, Dr Agrawal said that Emperor Hemchandra Vikramaditya, also known as Hemu, was a prominent figure in medieval Indian history. He was born in the year 1501 in the village of Machheri in the Alwar district, Rajasthan and his family later relocated to Rewari.
He said that Emperor Hemchandra Vikramaditya was a Hindu king who achieved remarkable success by winning 22 consecutive wars, including defeating Akbar's armies. He is celebrated for his exceptional military prowess, bravery, strategic acumen, and political foresight. Hemu's leadership and military skills propelled him to become a significant figure in North India, culminating in his declaration as an independent ruler of Delhi after a series of military victories.
Emperor Hemu achieved remarkable military success during his lifetime, capturing provinces like Etawah, Kalpi, and Bayana, solidifying his control over the central and western regions of present-day Uttar Pradesh. On October 6, 1556, in a single-day battle near Tughlakabad, Hemu's forces decisively defeated Akbar's army, leading to the conquest of Delhi. Following this triumph, on October 7, 1556, Emperor Hemu underwent a coronation ceremony, marked by elaborate religious rituals, in the presence of Afghan and Rajput commanders at the Old Fort of Delhi, situated today in front of Pragati Maidan.
Referring to the second battle of Panipat, Dr Agrawal said that according to historians, fearing the increasing power of Emperor Hemu, Akbar was preparing to return to Kabul on the advice of his generals, but his protector Bairam Khan insisted on taking another chance. After this, on November 5, 1556, the armies of Emperor Hemu and Akbar came face to face in the field of Panipat.
Historians believe that out of fear and security, Akbar and Bairam Khan themselves did not participate in this war and both of them stayed at a distance of 8 to 10 miles from the battlefield. But Emperor Hemu himself led his army. With the initial successes in the fierce battle, it was clear that the Mughal army would soon flee from the battlefield but unfortunately, Emperor Hemu was badly injured in this battle and was defeated, shared Dr Agrawal.
