On Thursday, Raje inaugurated a panorama at Auwa village, depicting a forgotten chapter in the history of the state.
In second phase of Rajasthan Gaurav Yatra, chief minister Vasundhara Raje is traversing across erstwhile Marwar in the Jodhpur division. On Thursday, Raje inaugurated a panorama at Auwa village, depicting a forgotten chapter in the history of the state. Auwa, is the only village in Rajasthan that challenged the British rule and put up a valiant fight during the revolt of 1857.
Catering to local sentiment, a replica of the ancient statue of Sugali Mata, the goddess with 54 arms, the protector or Auwa fort was also installed. The original statue was damaged by the British and presently is lying in the Pali Museum. Further a statue of Thakur Kushal Singh, who had led the revolt, was also unveiled.
Tales of bravery of Auwa soldiers and their contribution to the freedom struggle are part of folklore and folk songs of the Marwar region.
Inauguration of the panorama, built at a cost of 5 crore gives a political message too. It can be seen as an effort to woo the Rajput community that is currently upset with the BJP government. Rajputs make up around 10 per cent of the population of Rajasthan and are a decisive vote bank in over 50 of 200 assembly seats. Speaking on the occasion Raje said, “There are many communities that have added to the valour and pride of Rajasthan. Sugali Mata is highly revered. It is great that her statue has been installed.”
BJP terms recognition of Auwa as a ‘correction of mistakes’. “There has been gross disregard of national heroes and it needs to be set right. Their contribution cannot be ignored by terming them feudal or royal,” said Onkar Singh Lakhawat, chairman Heritage Development Board, Rajasthan.
The message seems to have gone down well locally. “Disregard of 160 years has been set right by BJP. It is a relief to see it happen in my lifetime,” said Pushpendra Singh, a descendant of Kushal Singh.
BJP is seeking political future by catering to the ancient valour, But the moot question is; will the deep resentments in Rajput community be sorted out. Will appeasement translate to votes.
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