So, finally, the wait is over we can say! Only one day is left before the whole nation finds the answer to the most asked question ever “why did Katappa kill Baahubali?” The story, characters, screenplay, drama, and the hype the movie created could hardly be shaken by any other movie. The total earnings of 500 crores and some more was easily defeated by Dangal’s 721 crores. But now when the final “the conclusion” releases, things would change and history would be re-written for sure.
But before you get swayed into another month-long of Baahubali sensation, don’t you think there’s lot to know about Mahishmati, the fictional place where the kingdom is based.
- As early as 8 centuries ago, i.e., in 13th Century, Mahishmati is said to have flourished and this information is truly based on Paramara inscription.
- Mahishmati is also known to have been the most important city during the Avanti Kingdom and later became the capital of Anupa Kingdom.
- Old scriptures and inscriptions suggest that the Avanti Kingdom was separated by the Vindhyas in two parts. The northern wing had Ujjain as its capital while the headquarters of the Southern wing was known to be Mahishmati.
- Mahishmati was located in the current location of Madhya Pradesh. But again the exactness of the location is a vague thing now.
- Speculations of scholars and historians also suggest that this ancient city of Mahishmati was the erstwhile capital of Haihayas, and ancient alliance of five clans who ruled over Central and Western India.
- According to Harivamsa, this city was founded by King Mahishmat who was the descendant of Sahajna of Yadu (one among the 5 Indo-Aryan tribes as mentioned in the Rig Veda).
- Another record is of the view that this Mahishmati was founded by King Mucukunda who was another successor of Yadu.
- There is a fine line of connection between Mahishmati and the Mahabharata. There is mention of this place in the epic poem named Mahabharata. So, the story goes like “Mahishmati was ruled by King Nila”. The Lord of Fire, Agni fell in deep love with King Nila’s pretty daughter. Agni, the Lord of Fire came in disguise of a Brahmin man to win the heart of his lady love (imagine love games and flirting was prevalent and God’s also applied treachery sometimes!). Just like any other caring dad, King Nila was upset and thought to punish this man. When the man revealed the real identity, he paused from punishing Lord Agni (Power and hierarchy rules!) King Nila asked Lord Agni to protect his empire always. Then years later, Pandava prince Yudhisthir boarded on an assignment to conquer everyone else. His younger brother Sahaeva prayed to Agni for accomplishment before he moved to invade Mahishmati. And during the battle of Kurukshetra, King Nila was said to have served as the charioteer.
- This ancient city was also bleakly mentioned in the Ramayana. Ravana, who reigned over Lanka attacked Mahishmati during the rule of Kartavirya Arjuna.
- The kings in the southern parts of India during the 11th and 12th Century claimed to be off-springs of Haihaya. They also mentioned that their roots are based in Mahishmati which is read from the inscriptions from the 13th century.
- Many modern day historians say that may be the present day Maheshwar, Mandla and Mysore cities are the places where once upon a time there was Mahishmati.
When there is no visual evidence in front of us, we often end up in conjectures and arguments on “what could have been”. Maybe some of us are the real descendants of someone from Mahishmati! Historians would keep on reading and speculating but amidst all these, we must not forget to thank SS Rajamouli for creating a remarkable sensation. Today, Baahubali is not only a movie, it is far more than that. Money minded would simply say that it is a big business idea considering the fact how much money the director, actor, and producers made (26, 20, and 500 crores respectively). For some other people, it is the magic of Cinema that enthralls everyone with all possible means. I have taken a grotesque angle to it ” history is never dead or obsolete. History can still be felt as it inhales and exhales in our modern day living also. The difference is that now we don’t have those huge structurally designed mansions to live in but the soul of power, jealousy, love, patriotism, anger, fear, politics, deceit, passion, etc. are the same.
Baahubali “the conclusion releases tomorrow, 28th April 2017. Let’s go and catch up with another ingenious visual treat. I hope this time it shatters all the records of all the movies ever made.
You May Also Like:-
