It was a boon indeed for the lovers of Punjabi language, heritage and Sikh History to watch and enjoy an epic period drama 'Maharanj Jindan'. The play beautifully recreated the grandeur of mighty Sikh Empire of 19th century.
Maharani Jindan was Regent of the Sikh Empire from 1843 until 1846. She was the youngest wife of the first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire, Ranjit Singh, and the mother of the last Maharaja, Duleep Singh. She was renowned for her beauty, energy and strength of purpose and was popularly known as Rani Jindan, but her fame is derived chiefly from the fear she engendered in the British in India, who described her as "the Messalina of the Punjab", a seductress too rebellious to be controlled.
After the assassinations of Ranjit Singh's first three successors, Duleep Singh came to power in September 1843 at the age of 5 and Jind Kaur became Regent on her son's behalf. After the Sikhs lost the First Anglo-Sikh War she was replaced in December 1846 by a Council of Regency, under the control of a British Resident. However, her power and influence continued and, to counter this, the British imprisoned and exiled her. Over thirteen years passed before she was again permitted to see her son, who was taken to England.
The scene showing the bitterest blow to the Maharani was the separation from her 9-year-old son was enacted very well and had tears in the eyes of viewers.
In January 1861 Duleep Singh was allowed to meet his mother in Calcutta and take her with him back to England, where she remained until her death in Kensington, London, on 1 August 1863 at the age of 46.
In another emotional scene, Rani Jindan influences upon Duleep Singh to understand the great values and heritage of Sikh Gurus and their children who could not be converted to other religion even at the cost of their lives. They upheld the cause of upright living in pursuit of public justice. She wanted to see her son to support turban and bearded like his Dad was. This resulted in repeated applauds among the spectators. Her teachings has lasting effect and inspired Duleep Singh to revert back to Sikhism.
She was temporarily buried in Kensal Green Cemetery and cremated the following year at Nashik, near Bombay. Her ashes were finally taken to the samadh (memorial) in Lahore of her husband, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, by her granddaughter.
The actors fully justified the roles of the characters they were asked to act. Surinder Dhanoa assisted by Pauli Dhanoula did a remarkable job in putting together the show. Rani Jindan played by Mrs Dhanoa was impressive. The appearance of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Maharaja Prince Duleep Singh were near actuals and attracted the audience. Prince Bamba and 'Punjabi Dharti' were nicely highlighted.
Arvind Singh introduced the play with clarity and most admirably. Its a 'Must See' for our young generation of kids to learn History and Heritage.
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