Hemu was a Hindu general of?
VerifiedAnswer: Mohammad Adil Shah
Explanation:
Hemu, also known as Hemchandra Vikramaditya, was indeed a Hindu general who served under Mohammad Adil Shah, the Sultan of the Bijapur Sultanate. This was during the turbulent period of the 16th century when the Mughal Empire was facing challenges from various regional powers across India.
Born around 1501, Hemu originally worked as a supplier of provisions to Sher Shah Suri's army. His organizational skills and military acumen quickly caught attention, and he rose through the ranks. After Sher Shah's death, Hemu continued to serve the Sur dynasty and later became associated with Mohammad Adil Shah when the political landscape shifted in the Indo-Gangetic plains.
Mohammad Adil Shah was facing pressure from the expanding Mughal forces under young Emperor Akbar and his regent Bairam Khan. In this challenging scenario, Hemu proved to be an invaluable military commander. His strategic brilliance became evident when he won 22 consecutive battles against various Mughal forces, showcasing exceptional military leadership.
The most significant moment in Hemu's military career came when he successfully captured Delhi in 1556. This was a remarkable achievement, as Delhi was the seat of Mughal power. After this victory, he was crowned as Vikramaditya at Purana Qila in Delhi, briefly establishing Hindu rule in the region. This made him one of the last Hindu rulers to sit on the throne of Delhi before the Mughal consolidation.
However, Hemu's reign was short-lived. The decisive moment came at the Second Battle of Panipat in 1556, where he faced the Mughal forces led by Bairam Khan on behalf of the young Akbar. Despite having a larger army and initial advantages, Hemu was struck by an arrow in his eye during the battle. This injury proved fatal, and his forces, seeing their commander fall, began to retreat. His death marked the end of his brief but significant challenge to Mughal authority.
Hemu's story represents the complex political dynamics of medieval India, where loyalty, military skill, and religious identity intersected in fascinating ways. His service under Mohammad Adil Shah demonstrates how capable administrators and military leaders could rise to prominence regardless of their religious background, serving Muslim rulers effectively while maintaining their own cultural identity.
