When the masses ‘beefed’ up peace

At a time when Hindu-Muslim unity appears to be a thing of past and various political parties are trying to strengthen their own votes by divisive politics, an example of peaceful co-habitation between the age-old communities can be drawn from the desert state. From a time when resources were scarce and the sword denoted the law of the land, two warrior sects from the Hindu and Muslim stock struck an accord which has stood the onslaught of time and stands as strong as it was first inked over five hundred years back. 

The two warrior sects- Shekhawat Rajputs and Panni Pathans- settled on an honourable agreement after realising that a peaceful cohabitation is more beneficial for future than infighting and factious or extreme politics.

HOW IT TOOK OFF

As the famous folklore goes, Sheikh Burhan Chishti was a well known sufi saint in the area. The birth of a male heir to Rao Mokal (Maharao Shekha’s father) was prophesied by Sheikh Burhan Chishti. “Rao Mokal was grazing cows one day and came across Chishti. He asked for food which Rao Mokul did not have at that time and asked to accompany him to his fort. However, Chishti asked him to milk a cow whose udders had dried and the Mokul expressed concern as to how could that be possible. However, on repeated persuasions, Mokul milked the cow and much to his surprise, milk came from the udders. He then prophesied that Mokul would father a son and soon a child was born who was named Shekha in honor of Sheikh Burhan Chishti.

Maharao Shekha became ruler of his area at a tender age of 12 after his father died. He informed Chishti about the shortage of warriors in his army and the need to strengthen his kingdom. “Chishti told Shekha about a wandering tribe from Kabul - Panni Pathans - who were excellent in fighting abilities and were looking for a place to settle. Sheikh Burhan asked Shekha to include them in his army as they would provide the needed impetus to his plans. Maharao Shekha met with the leader of the Panni Pathans and befriended them. The former gave 12 villages to the Pathans from his own territory that came to be known as Barah Basti (twelve settlements),” said Thakur Sampat Singh Shekhawat of Dhamora village, secretary, Maharao Shekha Sansthan. 

TOKEN OF FRIENDSHIP & GOOD FAiTH

“Since Pathans had to fight under Shekha’s saffron flag, they also wanted their distinct presence. Thus a mediation was called for under the leadership of Chishti. Shekha suggested a blue border around the saffron flag to be put in honor of Pathans. However, the alliance posed another problem. The soldiers needed to be fed, but the kitchen in the army would be the same. As a measure of respect for the feelings of Muslim Pathans, Shekha then renounced consuming Hog (Pork). Moved by Maharao’s commitment, the Panni pathans also renounced never to kill or consume cow beef or peacock meat - both animals holding religious sentiments in Hindus. The Pathans posed another question over this. As Muslims they could consume only Halaal meat and as Hindus, Shekha and his Hindu soldiers would not eat Halaal. However, Shekha again took oath that his descendants would consume Halaal meat and not Jhatka (as preferred by other Rajput clans). The traditions are followed till date,” said Haidar Ali Khan, a native of Amarsar and direct descendant of the first Panni Pathan settlers.

GRAND ACCORD

W hile this accord was struck in the 14th Century AD, the oath was taken over five centuries ago and is being followed religiously and over the time, the agreement has taken the shape of tradition. “My father told me about the story and the subsequent renunciation of beef and peacock meat. My ancestors have stood strong to the oath. I have informed about it to my children, who have accepted it as their moral duty,” Khan said.