On Monday, Sudha Murty, a well-known philanthropist and Rajya Sabha MP, faced online criticism after sharing a video about Raksha Bandhan. In her video, Sudha Murty mentioned a story connecting the festival to Mughal emperor Humayun and Rani Karnavati of Chittor. This led to a lot of debate and negative comments.
To address the backlash, Murty explained that the story she shared is just one of many legends associated with Raksha Bandhan. She clarified that this particular story is not the definitive origin of the festival. In her latest update, Murty noted that Raksha Bandhan has a rich history with various traditions, and the tale of Rani Karnavati sending a protective thread to Humayun in the 16th century is just one of them.
Sudha Murty Explains Raksha Bandhan’s Origin
Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty recently faced backlash for her comments on the origins of Raksha Bandhan. In a video posted on X, she traced the festival’s roots to a historical incident involving Mughal emperor Humayun. According to Murthy, the tradition of Raksha Bandhan began in the 16th century when Rani Karnavati, facing imminent danger, sent a thread to Humayun as a plea for assistance.
Raksha Bandhan has a rich history. When Rani Karnavati was in danger, she sent a thread to King Humayun as a symbol of sibling-hood, asking for his help. This is where the tradition of the thread began and it continues to this day. pic.twitter.com/p98lwCZ6Pp
— Smt. Sudha Murty (@SmtSudhaMurty) August 19, 2024She explained that Raksha Bandhan has a significant historical background. When Rani Karnavati’s kingdom was threatened, she sent a thread to Humayun, symbolizing a call for help and sibling protection. This act, she said, marked the start of the thread tradition that continues to be observed today.
The story I shared on Raksha Bandhan is just one of many tales associated with the festival and certainly not its origin. As I have said in the video clip, this was already a custom of the land. My intention was to highlight one of the many stories I learnt about when growing up,…
— Smt. Sudha Murty (@SmtSudhaMurty) August 19, 2024Murthy further elaborated that Raksha Bandhan, or Rakhi, is a key festival where a sister ties a thread to express trust in her sibling’s support. She recounted how Rani Karnavati, under attack and unsure of her next steps, reached out to Humayun with a thread, requesting his protection as her brother. Despite coming from a different land and unfamiliar with the custom, Humayun responded to her plea for safety.
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Sudha Murty Trolled
In the comments section, many users criticized Sudha Murty’s story as “fake” and “rubbish.” One user advised, “You should study history more,” while another commented, “Stop spreading false information!” Another user described the story as a “lie” and questioned Murty’s reading habits.
In response, a user shared the well-known Raksha Bandhan legend involving Lord Krishna and Draupadi. According to this ancient tale from the Mahabharata, Draupadi tore a piece of her saree to bandage Krishna’s wounded wrist.
Moved by her gesture, Krishna promised to protect her whenever she needed it. This story highlights the essence of Raksha Bandhan, where the Rakhi represents a vow of mutual protection and care.
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated through various legends, with the story of Lord Krishna and Draupadi being among the most well-known.
Indian historian Satish Chandra, in his book Medieval India, notes a 17th-century Rajasthani text mentioning that Rani Karnavati, the widow of Chittor’s king, sent a rakhi to Mughal Emperor Humayun. However, Chandra points out that contemporary sources do not confirm this event, suggesting that the story’s credibility is questionable, as noted in a DailyO article.
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Sudha Murthy Explains Raksha Bandhan’s Origin FAQs
Q.1. What did Sudha Murty say about Raksha Bandhan?
Ans. Sudha Murty shared a story linking Raksha Bandhan to a 16th-century incident involving Rani Karnavati and Humayun. She clarified that this is just one of many legends associated with the festival.
Q.2. Why was Sudha Murthy criticized?
Ans. Sudha Murthy was criticized for suggesting that Raksha Bandhan originated from the story of Rani Karnavati sending a rakhi to Humayun. Critics claimed the story was inaccurate and misleading.
Q.3. What is the significance of Raksha Bandhan?
Ans. Raksha Bandhan is a festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. It involves a sister tying a rakhi to her brother, symbolizing protection and mutual support.
Q.4. What are the different legends of Raksha Bandhan?
Ans. Various legends explain Raksha Bandhan’s origins, including the well-known story of Lord Krishna and Draupadi from the Mahabharata, and the tale of Rani Karnavati and Humayun.
Q.5. What did historian Satish Chandra say about the Raksha Bandhan story?
Ans. Historian Satish Chandra noted that while a 17th-century Rajasthani text mentions Rani Karnavati sending a rakhi to Humayun, contemporary sources do not verify this story, questioning its credibility.
