The midday sun blazed mercilessly over the arid plains stretching between Mandsaur and Gwalior. Dust clung to every surface, and the air shimmered with heatwaves. A vast army, numbering over ten thousand soldiers clad in gleaming steel armor, advanced across the undulating terrain. Their polished shields glinted in the sunlight, and their spears formed a forest of deadly points swaying in unison.
At the head of the formation rode Emperor Harishchandra, regal and imposing atop a magnificent warhorse. His golden crown glimmered beneath a red turban, and his sharp eyes scanned the horizon, ever vigilant for any sign of movement. The rhythmic beat of war drums, the creak of wooden wheels laden with provisions, and the thunder of hooves echoed across the plains.
Beside him rode Senapati Mahadev, a seasoned warrior whose beard was streaked with silver. His expression was grave as he broke the tense silence. "Maharaj, scouts have returned with critical news. Raja Vikramaditya and Raja Vishvavarma have mobilized their five thousand soldiers and are advancing between Ujjaini and Vidisha." And coming close to us .
The emperor's brows furrowed, the weight of responsibility evident on his face. "What of Indra's forces from the Rashtrakuta Empire? What strategy are they employing?"
Mahadev's voice was taut with concern. "Maharaj, they are advancing toward our Hadoti region in Rajputana. Their plan appears to be a dual-front assault. Once they cross Hadoti, they intend to strike Mandsaur and Gwalior together or target one of them strategically. Should they penetrate deeper, they will face Mandore directly and it would be risk form them ,because they have to fight whole Rajputana behind Mandore and flanked by the combined forces of our vassals.""
The emperor's jaw tightened. His voice was measured but laced with steely resolve. "Indra... he has become a relentless thorn in my side. In the south, he pushes against the Chalukyas. In the northeast, he eyes Magadh, weakened by internal strife. Now he dares to encroach upon the Suryavanshi Empire. This time, if I do not seize Ujjaini, I may as well relinquish my throne to Harsha. Indra will regret underestimating me and the might of the Suryavanshi Empire."
Mahadev nodded solemnly. "Maharaj, the drought in Rajputana is another pressing concern. Yet Yuvraj Harsha has managed to maintain the court's affairs and sustain grain supplies."
The emperor's expression softened briefly. "May Mahadev grant my son the wisdom and strength to navigate these challenges."
As they created a ridge, the vibrant banners of Mandsaur and Gwalior fluttered in the distance. The royal standards marked the border where Rashtrakuta lands loomed ominously. Soldiers bearing the emblems of both kingdoms stood vigilant, their armor gleaming despite the dust.
The royal cavalry and elephant units, clad in resplendent steel armor, moved with disciplined precision. Drums thundered, heralding the emperor's arrival. As they approached, Raja Vikramaditya and Raja Vishvavarma dismounted from their horses and knelt before Emperor Harishchandra, their heads bowed in reverence.
"Long live the emperor!" they declared in unison.
The emperor raised his hand, his voice firm yet gracious. "Rise, my loyal friends."
Both rajas stood, their faces etched with a mixture of respect and apprehension.
Raja Vikramaditya spoke first. "Maharaj, our spies confirm that Indra's forces are massing near Hadoti. They seek to divide and conquer, striking Mandsaur and Gwalior simultaneously. They are one day ahead of us."
Raja Vishvavarma added, "Their numbers are formidable, but their strategy leaves them vulnerable if we strike swiftly and decisively. We could face them outside Hadoti and push them back toward Ujjaini and Vidisha."
Emperor Harishchandra's gaze hardened. "Then we must not delay. Mahadev, deployed scouts to track every movement of the Rashtrakuta forces. Raja Vikramaditya and Raja Vishvavarma, rally your soldiers and prepare defensive positions along the Hadoti border. I will lead the central force to confront Indra directly. Once we confirm that they are not diverting soldiers and attempting to cross Hadoti, you both will flank their army from each side." And I will face them from the center.
The rajas exchanged determined glances. "It shall be done, Maharaj," they affirmed.
As the orders were issued, Mahadev leaned closer to the emperor. "Maharaj, what of the drought in Rajputana? Should we divert food supplies to ensure the people's survival if the war drags on?"
The emperor's voice was resolute. "We are Suryavanshis. Even in drought, we endure and protect. Dispatch a messenger to Mandore for Harsha and instruct him to distribute grain from the royal granaries to the people. Ensure that every household receives enough to survive. Let the people see that their emperor stands with them. Additionally, establish a new supply route from the vassal kingdoms. Identify the quickest and safest route in case the war becomes prolonged."
Mahadev's eyes gleamed with pride. "Your wisdom shall inspire loyalty, Maharaj."
The emperor turned his gaze back to the horizon, where storm clouds gathered ominously. "Indra may think us weakened by drought and divided by threats, but he will find himself sorely mistaken. This empire was forged in fire and will not crumble before his ambitions."
As the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the plains, the emperor's army stood ready. The banners of Mandsaur and Gwalior fluttered defiantly under the Suryavanshi royal flag—a testament to the unity of the empire.
The battle for the future of Rajputana was about to begin.
End of chapter .
to be continued ...