From the ancient, indecipherable script of the Indus valley, to the massive pyramids of Egypt, history was never monotonous. Even if it was about the Indian freedom struggle or the many invasions India fought off; each time the war seemed more elaborate. Emperors were lauded for their armies, their strategies and their wins — but have you ever wondered if there were some who managed to outwit emperors without lifting a single spear? Let’s go back to the 17th century, when the Raja of Bhawana decided to play his cards carefully to avoid his land being usurped.
When he heard the Governor and his family were visiting, he devised a ploy to ensure his throne remained his without the need for violence. He knew goitre was prevalent in certain areas of the Himalayas, due to the lack of iodine in their diets. The Raja gathered them as many people as he could and placed them around the very area the Governor and his family were staying to make it appear like the entire region was suffering from goitre. Right from the women around the village to the courtesans; he replaced as many people as he could. To ensure his point got through properly — he appointed women affected by goitre to cater to the women’s quarters of the Governor’s residence.
Horrified by the rampant disease, they soon began to believe that the very air and water of Pinjore were contaminated. The women of the harem refused to stay in Pinjore and thereby secured the Raja his throne, beloved garden, and land, without him having to lift a single sword!
For more information about the aftermath, read the full article on The Better India. Disclaimer: While the story is rather famous and has been covered widely, Homegrown does not claim that this is an accurate representation of history — we are merely retelling this witty tale.
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