Distorting History: Controversial script on Rani Kamla Pati-Nawab Dost Mohammad Khan play angers Bhopal residents

A controversial play that was written by Indira Dangi angered residents of Bhopal.

It not only ignored history and mocked at the cultural heritage of the region, but it also targeted the sacred bond of 'Rakhi'.

The play was written on the era when Rani Kamlapati, the Gond queen, sought help of Nawab Dost Mohammad Khan.

Strangely, all historical sources were ignored and a false narrative was brought.

Upset, residents objected. Strangely, Swaraj Sansthan didn't even pay attention to script and had bypassed norms, leading to this situation.

As per historical records, after Rani Kamlapati's husband was poisoned by deceit (the Gond king's own relatives were responsibl), she sought Sardar Dost Mohammad Khan's help.

She had sent a 'rakhi' to him. He attacked her enemies and took revenge.

During her life, he respected her and treat at part with her mother.

However, in a play written by Indira Dangi, effort was made to distort history.

When confronted, she claimed that it was all imaginary and fiction.

But if it was fiction, how original names were used and the sacred bond of 'rakhi' was discredited.

Historians are aghast at the manner in which facts were twisted and brazenly the story was given a new colour.

Eminent writer Shyam Munshi objects and says that it seems to be a conspiracy.

Though director later accepted that changes would be made, Indira Dangi remained tried to defend her script.

Irresponsible journalism: Dainik Bhaskar distorts Bhopal history, disrespects 'Rakhi' bond, publishes false story

Dainik Bhaskar, a Hindi newspaper, is more known for its large circulation in Hindi belt, however, it lacks respect and credibility.

This was once again proved when the newspaper published a false report and attempted to distort the history of Bhopal.

It not only played with facts but also cooked up a baseless story and published it, terming it as history.

The founder of Bhopal dynasty, Nawab Dost Mohammad Khan, had helped Rani Kamlapati after her husband, Gond ruler Nizam Shah was killed--poisoned to death by his own kin--Alam Shah Gond.

After her husband's death, Rani Kamlapati sought Sardar Dost Mohammad Khan's help. She tied rakhi on his wrist and also offered financial help.

Khan fought for her and took revenge on the Rani's behalf.

All historical records suggest that all her life, he treated her with utmost respect.

However, Dainik  Bhaskar published a report in its edition on September 23. In this report, all facts were changed and a new story was told to readers, without any facts or historical sources.

The paper even termed that Kamlapati took 'jal-samadhi'. Interestingly, there was nothing to substantiate.

So no quote, no historical text was mentioned. However, the report began with, 'Aisa bataya jata hai' i.e. 'It is said that...'.

No wonder, the irresponsible reporting has angered citizens in Bhopal. It is clearly a disgrace.

Even after decades, the paper is yet to get any credibility among masses. This is perhaps one of the reasons that why it gets little respect, unlike other papers of the region.