Panna Dai: A story of Duty over Kin
Throughout the history of India, there have been stories that stand as pillars of core human values, like duty, dedication, and selflessness. Among these stories of Rajas and warriors comes the story of a woman who sacrificed her only son to fulfill her role as a mother to another. A nursemaid to the infant prince of Mewar, Udai Singh II, Panna Dai is remembered as a noted figure of valor and bravery. The word ‘Dai’ stands for caretaker. The story of Panna Dai is one torn between the weight of her responsibilities and her obligation as a mother. Her selfless act of choosing duty over kin reveals her sacrificial love and devotion to her virtues.
POLITICAL UNREST
Let’s dive into the pages of history. Days and weeks prior to the night, Panna Dai made the decision that would label her as one of the most strong-willed women in history.
The Mewar of the 16th century was etched with family conspiracies and betrayals. Mewar was ruled by Maharana Sangram Singh, who, through his expeditions, earned the title of “Rana Sanga”. Rana Sanga was blessed with four sons, with Udai Singh II being just an infant when Rana Sanga was poisoned to death by his governors. With the eldest son already dead and another who ruled just four years before being killed in war, the throne of Mewar came to be ruled by Vikramaditya. The 14-year-old boy was completely inept at fulfilling his role as king.
The conspirator, Banvir
During this time of political turmoil, Udai Singh’s mother, Rani Karnavati, appoints Panna Dai to be Udai Singh’s caretaker and his “Dai”, with Panna Dai even breastfeeding the young prince. But after that, Vikramaditya was also removed from his position when he disrespected a governor in court. A mere infant, Udai Singh, was named the new ruler. Banvir was appointed Udai Singh’s protector and caretaker of the kingdom until Udai Singh was of age. Banvir, for those who didn’t know, was the son of Rana Sanga’s elder brother, Prithviraj.
Banvir, being the son of the elder brother, considered himself the rightful heir to the throne. So now he conspires against Vikramaditya and Udai Singh. Banvir assassinates Vikramaditya and moves to do the same to his younger cousin.
The Sacrifice
As Banvir’s bloodlusty shadows cover the whole palace, Panna Dai gets alerted about his intentions. It was at this moment that a mother was forced to choose between her son and the last hope of the kingdom that she was devoted to. She chooses duty over kin. She sent Udai away, hid him in a boat filled with flowers, and painfully replaced him with his beloved son, Chandan. As Banvir enters the room with his minions, asking about Udai Singh, she musters up the courage to point at the bed her Chandan was sleeping on and silently watches as Banvir butchers her son in front of her very eyes.
Banvir then gathered the governors, boasting himself as the new ruler, while Panna Dai watched her son lay still. Now in eternal sleep. She then hurries towards the river where Udai lies and decides to nurture him in a safe place.
Conclusion
Panna Dai’s devotion is forever etched in history and will continue to resonate in the future. She sacrificed her only kin to save everyone’s kingdom, and her name became synonymous with loyalty and courage. Even today, she remains a figure young girls are inspired to be, but it may be a little hard on those girls because, after all, Panna Dai was one of a kind.
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