WARRIORS LOST IN PUNJAB OF 11TH CENTURY -EP 4: PRITHVI VS GREAT GHAURI- a story

11^TH CENTURY PUNJAB

…..There was no choice rather to go on foot now. They were lucky to get near Gujarat passing by Taxila and Jehlum city after taking lifts from the traders, which were coming from Afghanistan. There was not any proper road but narrow bricked paths circled with green fields and shadowy trees.
' yum, the guavas of 12th century are more tasty.' they stopped at a roadside tree.
'taste and hunger are directly propotional to each other,' Murtaza looked at Hassan and took another one.
, . Many Stupas of Buddha, temples and shrines were articulating, in their way. Majority people were Hindus and Sikhs their. Many men and women were practicing their rituals in small towns around. They didn’t seem to have a high-quality life over there. Class system was evident every where. They also saw some mosques there. Islam was evolving in that area after the conquests of Mahmood Ghaznavi and Shahabudin Ghauri. People were getting greatly inspired with divine teachings of Islam.

A CHELLENGE TAKER GHOURI

 Everywhere people  were talking about Shahbudin’s expedition to Delhi.

‘I have heard Shahabudin is coming with a bigger army this time. His army has best archers and highly trained horsemen this time,’ one of the local men gossiped to other at the small roadside cafe.

‘What if, he’ll have to run away again like last year? It’s impossible to stand against the precise archery tactics of Prithivi,’ another replied.

 http://fusionstor-ies@blogspot.com

‘I think you’re unaware with the challenge taker commander, Shahabudin Ghauri. A soldier loves to fight again and again to prove its will. He has the reasons for his expeditions here.  Many people around are blessed with the divine teachings of a great religion Islam just because of Muslim invaders coming from the western borders,’ one man with a small beard participated the discussion when the owner of cafe looked at them.

‘Are you travelers. Can I serve you?’ he asked.

‘Just a glass of water,’ Murtaza felt thirsty.

‘No matter, how big is his army? Prithvi’s elephant force will destroy his troops under their feet,’ another man was sure about the strength of Prithivi.

‘Don’t over exaggerate; his archery skills and clumsy elephants are rumored more than in real. Time will show it,’ cafe owner also participated in the discussion.

      They introduced themselves as traders everywhere. They were about to leave the cafe when a young tanned colored smart boy called them from back.

WANTS PRIZE MONEY?

‘I can’t see your luggage Mr. traders,’ he looked in their eyes…..

‘Umm… actually…,’

‘Let me guess, you have been robbed and has lost your way,’ the boy seemed talkative but was absolutely right at that moment.

‘Kumar Sharma. I can guide you to your way but you’ll have to serve me to a city near Lahore,’ he offered.

‘What type of services?’ Murtaza got suspicious.

‘Near Lahore! I’m too excited to see how our school and our house looked 1000 years ago. I’m ready,’ Hassan held Sharma’s hand.

‘You goof; our house and our school didn’t exist even 100 years ago and its 12^th century. There would be green fields all around now and he said near Lahore not around it,’ Murtaza took him at one side.

 ‘An annual funfair is being organized there. Enormous competitions of wrestling, archery and races will be held there. Prize money will be given to the winners. I’m up to sell my ponies and donkeys over there. You have to take care of my cattle. You may also take part in different competitions and can manage to reach your friends with the winning money,’ Kumar pointed towards his flock of donkeys at one corner.

‘I think we can do it. What do you say, Hassan? You have an excellent experience of riding…,’ Murtaza turned to Hassan.

‘Luckily, we have no choice again,’ Hassan clinched a deal avoiding any further argument.

BECOME A PARTICIPANT OF SWAMBER  

‘I’ll also bear out my luck again in swamber this year,’ Kumar was definitely a chatty partner.

 ‘A swamber! They looked at each other.

 ‘U mm…, rajah's daughter will pick a life partner from the participants, who’ll establish their talent to win her. A lucky man can win a princess and a Rajah's state. My success will change my fortune for forever,’ Kumar closed his eyes to imagine his dream.

‘We wish you luck,’ Murtaza smiled.

‘Ha ha... I knew after knowing about swamber, you’ll definitely dream of it. Every one wants to trial its luck for the princess.....
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Disclaimer: Names and people in this story are completely fictional. They bear no resemblance to anyone living or dead.