Gazed upon his father.
Banda thereafter wrapped his left arm
Around the child's neck
And with his right, in one swift move
Thrust his dagger into the child's chest.
Saying Hail to Guruji! the child fell to the dust-
Silence befell the vast hall.
Red-hot tongs in hand, the executioner
Then ripped the flesh from Banda's body
Without flinching the valiant one gave up
His life, uttering not a single sound of distress.
Speechless, the spectators closed their eyes
Silence befell the hall.
Commentary:
As is true of all imperial and colonial occupations throughout history, the history of the Mughal dynasty in India (its heyday between 1526-1707, beginning with Babur Shah and ending with Aurangzeb), which had its better moments in terms of communal integration (especially under Akbar (1556-1605)), but also exceedingly dark times rife with persecution and destruction of many regional and ethnic enclaves in India, was also dotted with brutal repression and territorial conquests. These conquests, and resistance to them, were accompanied by examples of betrayal, disloyalty, and treachery which undermined many resistance movements across the vast sub-continent.
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