A BRIEF LIFE SKETCH OF MAHARAJA PORUS

 

A BRIEF LIFE SKETCH OF MAHARAJA PORUS

            We have said it in preceding pages that the birth of Maharaja Porus is surrounded in mystery.  In fact, there are other areas also such as education,  tutor  or tutors, marriage, children, etc., for which there are no authentic sources which can provide us most reliable information. 

            Some books on history carry tales which are imaginary rather than real.  They are made interesting for lay and credulous readers who love to read amazing stories about even common events.  Here the purpose of the writer is not to present authentic record but what can go as absorbing  fiction.

             The life sketch of Maharaja Porus which follows is not based on well-researched recorded history as far as his personal , family and social history is concerned.  It is not as credible as is the war encounter between him and Alexander at Jhelum.

            According to Information available here and there, it may reasonably be conjectured that Porus was born in 398 B.C. He belonged to a sect called Khokhar (Khatri) and was a Khukrain Sabharwal.  This is however indisputable that he was born in the then Punjab (now in Pakitan) and  held under his rule at least Jhelum-Chenab areas.

            There is absolutely no doubt that the above-said Jhelum-Chenab area was accessible to foreign aggressors and invaders who had a powerful  hunger for capturing more and more territory and bring it under their own rule.  This geographical  situation compelled the inhabitants of the said area to keep themselves prepared for defensive wars for which they might be having  regular military training and might also be amassing all sorts of old and new weapon  to repel the onward march of the enemy.  Thus the Khukrains of this areas had to be by necessity of their survival instinct remarkable fighters and  to be successful in their defensive designs they also needed a King of outstanding military abilities and prowess which Maharaja Porus possessed in a large measure.

            It is probable that Maharaja Porus who inherited the kingdom of his father, had a good training under his father, King Bamni..  He was one of the four sons, loved stories of battles, fought friendly battles with his playmates, also learnt other subjects such as history, political science, astronomy and archery warfare which an able king and administrator had to learn according to the tradition and the needs of the time.

            It cannot be said with authenticity who was his regular teacher.Alexander had Aristotle but no name is available about the teacher of Porus.  It is however true that in that period of history the teachings of Kautilya, born 371 BC in India, died 283 BC in Patliplutra,  also known as Chanakya were widespread. There was also the university of Taxila (now in Pakistan) which had its influence among hosts of students including those of princely background.

            There is hardly any doubt that Porus had a robust health, he was physically strong, was at least six feet tall, if not 7.5 as has been claimed by some writers, was well-versed in war skills and tactics and the operation of the weapons and other forces of those times including elephants and horses.  He is also said to have become a good wrestler.

            Regarding his mother, Queen Anusuya, the un-researched claim is that she, too, was a Kshtriya and was Sawhney by caste,

                        As about his marriage unauthentic books say that astrologers had a big role to play to decide  the most auspicious time; emissaries were sent all around to find the most eligible bride according to the horoscopes of the both the would be bride and the bridegroom; and after a long time Princess Urvasi of Kshtriya clan, a resident of Gujranwal, was selected and the marriage was solemnized  on a very grand scale in the presence of   a large number of dignitaries and no prevailing ritual such as visiting the temples, invoking the blessings of God Almighty, taking out of the wedding procession through she streets of Jhelum was left out.

                          Regarding the public image of Maharaja Porus it is claimed that he was very kind-hearted, believed in public welfare, did not discriminate between various castes, ensured a just and fair administration, was a strict administrator but also forgiving, maintained cordial relations with the neighbouring rulers; was a great patriot and defended his territory with all the military power at his command and was thus a popular Maharaja due to his wisdom, valour and bravery.  He was also a democrat in a way and consulted his subordinates in taking a right decision whenever the circumstances so demanded. Another quality of Maharaja Porus which is easily believable is that he was a great judge of the character of human beings and seldom committed an error in selecting the best administrators, generals and diplomts.

            The fact that Alexander was impressed by the all-round qualities of Maharaja Porus proves that this Maharaja was one of the first kings  in Indian history to be called a unique patriot, freedom fighter and nationalist.  His legend with all its accuracies and inaccuracies commands attention of the students of history even today.

            Before concluding it may also be added that after Porus there was hardly any continuation of his dynasty. HHHe was succeeded by a son, known as Malayketu, who does not seem to have left any footprints on the sands of time. Another unauthentic account says that a son of Maharaja Porus died in the war between the Maharaja and Alexander.