"So let us continue… 'The fortified cities of Suryapura, Suryavanshi, and Nandipur have fallen in the hands of the Rajputra warriors'. This has become the talk of the entire region for the entire time.
Ganeshi, Suryavanshi, and Nandi now lay under the firm control of the Rajputra Clan. The clans of Saraswati, Varuna, Hanuman, and Vallabhi, however, began to harbour concerns about the growing power of the Rajputra Clan. Unlike the other three clans, which had openly declared war on the Rajputra, these four clans chose a different path. They sought to establish peaceful and prosperous relationships with the newfound powerhouse.
As the war raged on between the four clans of Ganeshi, Nandi, Suryavanshi, and Rajputra, the others watched in silence. They shared a common belief that the Rajputra Clan would not withstand the onslaught. This belief, however, led them down a path of miscalculation and error.
To the surprise of many, the Rajputra Clan emerged victorious against all odds. This outcome was a profound shock to the remaining clans, which were significantly smaller in size and population compared to the Rajputra Clan at that time.
With peace restored to the entire region, a period of tranquillity endured for the next decade. This respite from major and minor conflicts was primarily due to the presence of the Rajputra Clan. The other clans hesitated to engage in wars amongst themselves, fearing that the Rajputra Clan, under the rule of Clan Leader Raghavendra Pratap, might seize the opportunity to declare war on them.
However, in the year 540 AD, just 11 years after the war, Clan Leader Raghavendra Pratap, the third leader of Clan Rajputra, succumbed to malaria. His son, a 25-year-old man named Bhuvan Harish Pranav Rajputra, assumed the mantle of leadership as the fourth Clan Leader of Clan Rajputra.
With the passing of Clan Leader Raghavendra Pratap, the remaining four clans grew more active and displayed ambitions of their own to expand their territories. The first among them was the Clan of Varuna, which had long-standing rivalries, particularly with the Saraswati Clan.
The Varuna Clan, situated inland, was known for its mastery of irrigation techniques and the development of efficient water management systems. Their culture revolved around the rivers and lands under their control. Clan Leader Harsha Varuna, the fourth Clan Leader of his clan, was an ambitious and somewhat arrogant man who placed great trust in the strength of his warriors. He aimed to lead his clan to the sea and expand their trade network.
An opportunity presented itself when Clan Leader Vikramaditya Saraswati, the fifth Clan Leader of the Saraswati Clan, imprisoned merchants from the Varuna Clan on suspicion of espionage. In the latter half of 540 AD, Clan Leader Harsha Varuna boldly declared war on the Saraswati Clan in response to this act. His swift and aggressive reaction initially gave him the advantage in the early stages of the conflict.
As the warriors of Clan Leader Harsha Varuna marched toward the lands of the Saraswati Clan, skirmishes with the Saraswati warriors occurred along the way. During their invasion, the Varuna Clan, boasting 14,000 strong warriors, encountered the warriors and civilians of the Saraswati Clan, resulting in the deaths of 1,000 Saraswati warriors and civilians.
The Varuna Clan captured three of the border cities of the Saraswati Clan: Kalpanagar, Saraswatigan, and Vasantapur. They continued their advance, capturing the cities of Suryanagar and Chandravati, solidifying their control over the northern territories of the Saraswati Clan.
This provoked the wrath of Clan Leader Vikramaditya Saraswati, who resolved to reclaim his lost cities and territory. Fueled by anger, he summoned his warriors and launched a campaign against the invading Varuna warriors, personally leading the charge.
A formidable force of 18,000 well-equipped Saraswati warriors marched north to recapture their lost cities, with Clan Leader Vikramaditya Saraswati at the helm. Additionally, 60 naval ships, each carrying 25 warriors, departed from the capital, Mangalapuram, as part of the Saraswati Clan's campaign.
Enraged by the actions of the invading Varuna warriors, Clan Leader Vikramaditya Saraswati, the esteemed leader of the Saraswati Clan, summoned his warriors to embark on a campaign against this Varuna incursion, led by their own clan leader.
A formidable force of 18 thousand well-equipped warriors from the Saraswati Clan began their march northward, intent on reclaiming the cities that were once their own. Leading this valiant campaign was none other than Clan Leader Vikramaditya Saraswati himself. Their journey was further bolstered by a fleet of 60 naval ships, each carrying 25 warriors, which set sail from the bustling harbour of their capital, Mangalapuram.
The initial clash between the 18 thousand warriors of the Saraswati Clan and the 14 thousand warriors of Naruna took place in the town of Suryanagari, or what is known today as the town of Tagbina," Doctor Rizal explained as he turned the pages of the history book he was discussing.
"The battle that unfolded was nothing short of bloody and brutal. A staggering total of 10 thousand men met their end in the midst of the conflict. Shockingly, 7 thousand of these fallen warriors hailed from the ranks of the Naruna Clan, while on the side of the Saraswati Clan, 4 thousand valiant warriors succumbed to the chaos of war.
Faced with the grim prospect of further losses, the warriors of the Naruna Clan, under the command of their leader, Harsha Varuna, made the strategic decision to retreat. Witnessing this retreat, Clan Leader Vikramaditya Saraswati wasted no time. He ordered his warriors to pursue the retreating Naruna forces while simultaneously striving to reclaim the cities that had once been their own.
For a full month, the relentless warriors of the Saraswati Clan continued their pursuit of the Naruna forces. After this arduous month, the Naruna warriors found themselves pushed back to their border by the resolute Saraswati warriors. Notably, they succeeded in fully recapturing the cities of Kalpanagar, Saraswatigan, and Vasantapur.
Simultaneously, the coastal cities of Suryanagar and Chandravati were reclaimed by the naval might of the Saraswati Clan. In these coastal cities, the warriors of the Naruna Clan who had been stationed there met their end, defeated by the fierce naval force of Saraswati, thus securing a hard-won victory and ensuring the safety of their homeland.
In the year 541 AD, a grim tale unfolded in our history. A staggering total of 13 thousand souls had met their untimely demise because of the war.
During these dark days, the valiant warriors of the Naruna Clan found themselves utterly depleted and demoralized. More than half of their once-mighty ranks had perished in their protracted conflict against the formidable warriors of the Saraswati Clan. To compound their misery, their esteemed leader had descended into madness, subjecting them to mismanagement and mistreatment.
Facing these dire circumstances, the warriors of Naruna Clan made a fateful decision. They resolved to take the life of their own clan leader and his loyal general before submitting to the might of the Saraswati Clan. And so, Clan Leader Harsha Varuna and his steadfast generals met their demise at the hands of their own troops. The morrow of that ill-fated night bore witness to the decapitated head of Clan Leader Harsha Varuna, offered as a token of peace to Clan Leader Vikramaditya Saraswati of the Saraswati Clan.
Though the gruesome trophy was accepted, the warriors who had betrayed their leader faced a grimmer fate. Clan Leader Vikramaditya Saraswati, firm in his belief, deemed them unworthy of life, and a dreadful carnage ensued. The remaining 6 thousand warriors of the Naruna Clan were ruthlessly dispatched.
The warriors of the Saraswati Clan, their thirst for vengeance unquenched, continued their relentless march toward the heart of the Naruna Clan, the capital city of Varunapura. Their intent was the annexation of the entire clan's territory, and they displayed no mercy. Another 5 thousand souls fell to the sword, staunchly resisting the impending annexation. The fortified cities of Amaragiri, Nadiapur, Vardhavati, and Jalapura, in turn, succumbed to the relentless advance of Saraswati warriors, paving their path to Varunapura.
As the year 543 AD dawned, the once-mighty lands of the Naruna Clan lay under the dominion of Clan Leader Vikramaditya Saraswati of the Saraswati Clan. Thus, the war that had been initiated by the Naruna Clan concluded with their own defeat at the hands of the Saraswati Clan. In this devastating conflict, a total of 25 thousand souls met their tragic end, equivalent to approximately 9% of the total population, numbering around 277 thousand individuals.
This brutal war reshaped the fortunes of the Saraswati Clan, endowing them with newfound confidence in their regional dominance. Their control over the former Naruna Clan territories granted them access to precious metals previously beyond their reach. Moreover, they established a vital connection to the mighty Agusan River, affording them river access to the cities governed by the prosperous Rajputra Clan, the foremost among the remaining clans in the region.
Yet, even as the Saraswati-Naruna conflict raged on, lands under the sway of Vallabhi and Hanuman were not spared from the tempestuous tides of turmoil.
In Vallabhi, a land steeped in tradition and ruled by the iron grip of Clan Leader Chandragupta Vallabhi, a rebellion emerged. Harshavardhan Vallabhi, a member of the Vallabhi Clan, ignited the flames of revolt. With the people's fervor and the support of valiant warriors, he successfully overthrew the incumbent Chandragupta Vallabhi.
By the year 540 AD, Harshavardhan Vallabhi ascended as the new Clan Leader, bolstering the military presence along the borders of Vallabhi. Despite these efforts, Vallabhi remained the weakest among the clans in the region.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the coin, the Hanuman Clan, under the ambitious leadership of Raghavendra Hanuman, harboured grand ambitions. Their leader, with the weight of newfound power, declared war on the Vallabhi Clan. His aim? To unite the entire region under the banner of Hanuman rule.
The initial contact came from the Hanuman warriors, as they invaded the Vallabhi Clan's eastern front. A formidable force of 14 thousand warriors breached Vallabhi's borders, clashing with and vanquishing the defenders stationed there. This brutal conflict claimed the lives of 2 thousand souls at the hands of the Hanuman warriors, who wielded swords and arrows with deadly intent.
This campaign raged on for a full year before the Hanuman Clan managed to capture only half of Vallabhi's territory. Despite the staunch resistance put up by Vallabhi's warriors, it proved futile against the overwhelming might of the Hanuman Clan. Cities like Rajagiri, Surnapura, Kundapura, and Prithivinagar all succumbed to the relentless onslaught of the Hanuman warriors, led by their determined clan leader.
As the year 543 AD dawned, the Hanuman Clan continued its inexorable advance against the wearied people of the Vallabhi Clan. City after city fell into their grasp, with some escaping destruction, but others were not so fortunate. Even the innocent children did not escape the wrath of the ravenous Hanuman warriors.
And so it came to pass, by the year 544 AD, that the great city of Vallabhipura itself fell beneath the merciless siege of the Hanuman warriors. The remaining members of the Vallabhi Clan were enslaved, and the men of the clan met their tragic end. Records from that dark day recount how the city burned for an entire day, consumed by the flames ignited by the Hanuman Clan.
By the year 545 AD, a semblance of peace was restored to the region. Yet, pockets of rebellion and remnants of the vanquished clans persisted, haunting the land and posing a continued challenge to the triumphant three clans.
Thus, in the year 546 AD, a joint expedition was launched by the three clans to suppress these lingering insurgencies in their respective domains. The remnants of the defeated clans were ruthlessly eradicated.
As the sands of time continued to flow, by the year AD 550, these three clans stood as the undisputed rulers of the entire region. The Rajputra Clan commanded 60% of the territory, the Saraswati Clan held sway over 20%, and the Hanuman Clan governed another 20% of these ancient lands.
In the aftermath of the land division in the region, the three Clans turned their focus inward, concentrating on domestic rule rather than territorial expansion. During this period, Buddhist monks arrived in the area, endeavouring to spread the faith.
The Saraswati Clan and its people opted to embrace the Buddhist faith, marking the end of Hinduism's dominance in their lands. Temples that were once dedicated to Hindu deities were repurposed and converted for Buddhist worship. This transformation led the Saraswati Clan to base their society on the teachings of Buddhism. However, despite their conversion to Buddhism, they retained the Hindu naming conventions.
Conversely, the people of the Rajputra and Hanuman Clans chose to adhere to the teachings of Hinduism. This decision made their civilization centre around Hindu beliefs rather than Buddhism. Nevertheless, a minority within the Rajputra and Hanuman Clans found the allure of Buddhism irresistible and converted to the faith," Doctor Rizal narrated as he read from the book on the origin of the Butuanon people.
I, too, listened with amazement and excitement. This origin story differed significantly from the account of the Filipino people's origins in my previous life, which theorized their descent from migrants from the Island of Taiwan thousands of years ago.
In this world, the origin was meticulously documented, making it impossible for detractors to merely speculate about our origins and tarnish our heritage.
"By 750 AD, the Rajputra Clan had risen to dominate the land militarily and naval, effectively controlling the northern sea of the region. Hindu temples adorned the entire landscape, while palaces and mansions paid homage to the Rajputra Clan, who ruled over the entire territory. These palaces drew inspiration from the architectural designs of the Indian subcontinent, a testament to the influence of Indianization on the region.
The Hanuman Clan, on the other hand, flourished in agriculture and military might. Their trade with other settlements on the island enriched them, second only to the Rajputra Clan. They also enhanced their irrigation systems, enabling cultivation in areas distant from rivers.
The Saraswati Clan excelled in naval strength but remained the weakest of the three Clans on the island. This was primarily due to the coastal dominance of the Rajputra Clan, attracting traders to dock at Rajputra's bustling ports.
With these advancements came the increased practice of slavery among the upper echelons, further stratifying the society during the Clan Period. The three remaining Clans developed a unique social structure distinct from their surrounding civilizations.
At the apex was the Clan leader, or Kula Nakaya. 'Kula' denoted clan, and 'Nakaya' signified protector or leader in the ancient Butuanon Language. This position was reserved exclusively for male descendants of the previous clan leader. The clan leader held absolute authority over the clan and its lands, with his words akin to law and his decisions critical for the clan.
Next were the elders, or Purana Prachayat. 'Purana' referred to old or ancient, while 'Panchayat' meant council or assembly of five in the ancient Butuanon Language. The elders constituted a council of eight elderly individuals from the clan, advising the clan leader on his decisions. They held the second-highest authority in the clan and its lands, but the clan leader retained control over them.
Some scholars have suggested that this system may have inspired Rajah Agusan I to establish the Grand Imperial Court Bodies in 1000 AD, given the similarities in evidence.
In the third class, there were the monks/priests or Tapasvins, meaning spiritual austerity in the ancient Butuanon Language. They were responsible for maintaining the beliefs of the people and resided in each temple as caretakers. They held significant power over the religious aspects of our society.
The fourth class, known as the Clan Members or Kula Sajiva, held a unique place. 'Kula' denoted clan, while 'Sajiva' signified members in the ancient Butuanon Language. These individuals were the descendants of the clan's founder and possessed substantial authority over clan lands. However, they often exercised only a fraction of this power due to the fear of offending the clan leader or the elders.
Next, we have the fifth class, the Scholars or Vidya Punditas. 'Vidya' conveyed knowledge, and 'Pundita' represented scholars in the ancient Butuanon Language. Scholars were responsible for maintaining records of the clans, including government, economic, religious, and people's records. These scholars hailed from the peasantry and qualified through literacy to record and preserve clan information.
The sixth class, the Merchants or Vaishya Vyaparins, played a pivotal economic role within the clans. 'Vaishya' referred to the merchant class, while 'Vyaparins' meant traders. They facilitated trade with neighbouring clans and foreign cultures, even reaching as far as the Middle East and parts of Africa.
Moving on to the seventh class, the Peasants or Krishi Bhoomikas. 'Krishi' represented agriculture, and 'Bhoomika' referred to those who worked the land. These peasants constituted the largest segment of society and engaged in various professions, including pottery, textile weaving, jewellery making, armour and sword crafting, farming, and fishing.
The eighth class consisted of the Tribal Territories or Adivasi Pradesha. 'Adivasi' designated indigenous people, and 'Pradesha' denoted territory. These tribes, incorporated by each clan, retained some autonomy in exchange for submission to the clan leader's authority, though they constituted a smaller portion of the clan's population.
The ninth class was known as the Untouchables or Aspreshya. 'Aspreshya' signified those considered untouchable. This group worked at the lowest rung of society, slightly above slaves, as they received payment for their labour.
The tenth class, the Slaves or Gulama, represented servitude, a practice widespread in the region. Slaves included those unable to repay debts or individuals captured in wars. They toiled without pay and received minimal respect from their masters.
Lastly, the eleventh class, the Outcast or Vishwasta, consisted of marginalized individuals, often treated even worse than slaves. Criminals and those engaged in forbidden activities fell into this category, and some were regarded as subhuman due to their low social status.
By the year 799 AD, the region's population had swelled to an estimated 4-5 million individuals.
By 800 AD, Clan Leader Vikram Singh Rathore of the Rajputra Clan and Clan Leader Keshav Hanumanji of the Hanuman Clan formed an alliance, declaring war on Clan Leader Abhinav Saraswat of the Saraswati Clan.
The alliance in question was woven into existence when the daughter of Clan Leader Vikram Singh Rathore, the esteemed Aishwarya Rajputra, was united in matrimony with the son of Clan Leader Keshav Hanumanji, the valiant Arjun Hanuman. Their union, young scholar, was not merely one of love, but a carefully orchestrated political alliance, one that held a singular aim: to unite their strengths in the pursuit of conquering the territories governed by the Saraswati Clan.
Now, the desire that fueled both these clans' hearts, in their quest to wrest these lands from the Saraswati's grasp, was deeply rooted in the discovery of abundant deposits of gold within the bosom of the Saraswati's mountainous dwellings. This revelation sparked fierce jealousy amongst the other clans of the region, ultimately leading to a sinister plan being hatched.
Thus, it came to pass that these two clans declared open warfare against the Saraswati Clan, with their covetous eyes fixed firmly upon the golden treasure held by the Saraswati Clan's leader.
The war that ensued was grievously disadvantageous for the Saraswati Clan, for its territories lay predominantly in the eastern expanse of our domain. With a vast land border to safeguard, extending nearly to the terminus of our region, and coastal cities to shield, the warriors of the Saraswati Clan found themselves spread far too thinly.
Though their numbers swelled to nearly 25 thousand valiant souls, it proved inadequate to defend their vast borders, both land and sea. Particularly daunting were the naval forces of the Rajputra clan, which numbered close to a thousand strong, not to mention the additional warriors from both the Rajputra and Hanuman clans, amassing an imposing total of 60-70 thousand individuals.
This formidable host of 60-70 thousand warriors, drawn from the ranks of both the Rajputra and Hanuman clans, converged upon the borders of Saraswati's realm with a singular purpose—to seize control of the Saraswati lands. Meanwhile, the Rajputra clan unleashed 600 naval vessels upon the coastal cities of the Saraswati, in stark contrast to the 450 ships of the Saraswati Clan, valiantly standing their ground upon the tumultuous seas.
The Hanuman warriors, displaying their characteristic ferocity, divided themselves into three cohorts, each numbering 10 thousand strong. This arrangement resulted in a three-pronged assault on the Saraswati territories, with one group invading from the west and two others descending upon the southwestern regions.
Simultaneously, the Rajputra warriors orchestrated their own assault, mirroring their adversaries' strategy. Their 600 naval vessels ventured through the shallower waters of the eastern Saraswati coast, while 15 thousand warriors set their sights on the northern borders. An additional 20 thousand marched relentlessly towards the northwest, further intensifying the Saraswati Clan's ordeal.
The beleaguered Saraswati Clan, numbering 25 thousand brave souls, found themselves pushed to the very brink. With 25 thousand warriors stationed at the land borders, they valiantly sought to repel invasions on four fronts. Meanwhile, their 450 ships stood resolute, defending the seas, many of them steadfastly anchored in the Saraswati bay.
The first of these encounters didst transpire when the valiant warriors of the Hanuman Clan didst journey to the city of Kashlami, nigh the grand Hanuman city of Simhasagara. In this fateful conflict, they found themselves embroiled in a dire confrontation, pitting ten thousand Hanuman warriors against three thousand sons of Saraswati. The siege of Kashlami endured for five arduous days, until the city fell to the might of the Hanuman forces, and the warriors of Saraswati were vanquished, and the city itself lay in ruins.
A sorrowful toll of 4 thousand souls didst meet their fate upon the battlefield, and the once-proud city of Kashlami lay reduced to nought but rubble, for it had been set ablaze by the relentless Hanuman.
Such scenes of destruction and conquest did repeat themselves in the cities of Varunagrama and Vardhavati, where the Hanuman horde did descend. Two cities fell to their onslaught, brought to utter desolation by their unwavering resolve. The Hanuman warriors, in their relentless pursuit, spared none, not even the innocent children. With this advance into the north, three cities had now been swallowed by the maw of the Hanuman horde.
Yet, whilst their northern campaign yielded success, the eastern borders of Hanuman and Saraswati were fraught with strife. Despite their valiant efforts, the Hanuman forces faltered in their quest to conquer the likes of Vasantnaga, Jalapuran, and Gangapuri. These cities, harboring many a warrior of Saraswati, remained steadfast in their defense, for they were situated in close proximity to the capital city of Saraswati.
The toll was heavy, for 6 thousand Hanuman warriors met their end in these failed eastern advances, dealing a grievous blow to the morale of the eastern warriors of Hanuman. Their leader, Keshav Hanumanji, faced the weight of their disappointment.
Upon the realm of the Rajputra, a different tale unfolded, guided by the hand of their clan leader, Vikram Singh Rathore. In but a mere month's time, their forces marched forth and laid claim to the cities of Yogasharam, Uttarkashi, Amaragiri, Nadiapur, and Kalpanagar. None could withstand the relentless might of the Rajputra warriors, and these cities, too, fell under their dominion..."
----------
I know. I have over-exaggerated the numbers. I was quite dizzy making this. Hehehe