Rani Karnavati and Humayun: The Popular Raksha Bandhan Story

Raksha Bandhan is a festival that celebrates love, trust, and protection between brothers and sisters. On this particular day, a sister ties a rakhi on her brother’s wrist wishing that he will remain alive and prosper throughout his life. The brother, in return, promises that he will protect his sister all through his life.

There are a number of legends that go with this festival such as the famous legends of Lord Krishna and Draupadi and that of Yama and Yamuna. One other very popular legend about Raksha Bandhan involves Rani Karnavati of Mewar and Mughal Emperor Humayun.

Asking for political and military support during difficult times, this legend takes place in the medieval times and is often cited as one more example of how rakhi can symbolize relationship of protection and trust regardless of biological connection.

Rani Karnavati and Humayun: What Is the Story?

Rani Karnavati was a widow of Rana Sanga, the king of Mewar. After her husband died, Karnavati became regent of Mewar since her son was still a child at that time. During her reign, there were many political and military confrontations taking place.

According to the legend, there was an attack by Bahadur Shah of Gujarat on Mewar. When the situation started worsening, Karnavati turned to Mughal emperor Humayun.

According to the traditional version of the story, Karnavati sent Humayun a rakhi saying that she wishes Humayun to accept her as a sister and help her.

At that time, Humayun was engaged in another military operation; however, this did not stop him from being convinced by Karnavati’s appeal and sending his troops to Mewar.

However, Humayun was unable to reach Chittor in time.

The Fall of Chittor

The Rajputs were defeated in Chittor. As per the story, Karnavati and other women of the fort did jauhar after the defeat.

Humayun reached Chittor finally, but by then the battle had taken place. As per the popular story, Bahadur Shah and his army left the place afterwards, as a result of which Mewar came back to Karnavati’s son, Vikramjit.

The story became the most common among many legends associated with Raksha Bandhan.

How Historically True is the Story of Karnavati and Humayun?

Though it is very popular, yet there is a need to differentiate between history and folklore.

There have been questions about certain aspects of the episode, especially the fact that Karnavati sent a rakhi to Humayun and he decided to help her on the basis of the same. This point does not have sufficient evidence.

Hence, it will be correct to say that the story of Karnavati and Humayun should be treated as a popular historical episode, instead of presenting it as a historical fact.

Nevertheless, the story has gained a lot of cultural significance over time. This popularity is due to the fact that the rakhi stands for affection, trust, loyalty and protection.