Some rulers are born into greatness. Others earn it step by step, against all odds. Hemu Vikramaditya belonged to the latter. As Delhi faced waves of conflict and change, he emerged as a powerful figure with the strength to challenge empires. His story is a reminder that even in chaos, greatness can rise. He is remembered as the last Hindu king of Delhi.
Hemu’s Early Life and Rise to Power
Born in 1501 in the quiet village of Machheri near Alwar in Rajasthan, Hemu came from a Dhusar Brahmin family. His early life was far from royal. He helped his father in small trades and later moved to Rewari in Haryana. There, he started supplying grains and saltpeter, used in making gunpowder, to Sher Shah Suri’s army.
But his destiny was never to remain behind the scenes. His sharp mind, discipline, and fearless approach quickly got noticed. Under Islam Shah Suri and later Adil Shah Suri, he climbed up to become the Prime Minister and Chief of Army. This Hindu king of Delhi before Mughals was now at the forefront, running the administration and crushing rebellions across North India.
Hemu’s Military Achievements
Between 1553 and 1556, Hemu fought and won 22 consecutive battles, a feat no commander of his time could claim. He defeated Afghan rebels, rival sultans, and even Humayun’s returning Mughal forces.
Then came his biggest moment.
In October 1556, with Humayun dead and young Akbar still gaining ground, Hemu marched toward Delhi. After defeating the Mughal army at Tughlaqabad, he entered the capital with royal honors and crowned himself at Purana Qila as Samrat Hem Chandra Vikramaditya, a nod to the legendary king Vikramaditya. For the first time in over three centuries, Delhi had a Hindu ruler once again.
Downfall of Hemu
But the Mughals weren’t done. Akbar’s guardian Bairam Khan refused to retreat. On November 5, 1556, Hemu’s forces clashed with the Mughals in the Second Battle of Panipat.
The battle tilted in Hemu’s favor. His war elephants, cavalry, and commanders had pushed the Mughal wings into chaos. Victory seemed certain. But fate had other plans. An arrow struck Hemu’s eye while he fought atop his elephant. He collapsed unconscious. Without their leader, his army panicked and scattered. Hemu was captured alive.
He was brought to Akbar’s camp. Bairam Khan insisted that the boy-king strike him to claim the title of “Ghazi.” Akbar hesitated but eventually gave in. Hemu was executed. His head was sent to Kabul. His family and supporters faced brutal persecution.
And with that, the curtain fell on the last Hindu ruler of the Delhi kingdom.
Also Read: Know about Indian Culture
Hemu’s Enduring Legacy
What makes Hemu stand out is not just his bravery or victories but his story of rising from the dust and daring to dream. He wasn’t born in a palace. He didn’t inherit an empire. He built everything with intellect, courage, and loyalty. He tried to reclaim native rule during a time when foreign dynasties fought over Indian soil.
But history wasn’t kind to him.
The forgotten warriors of India often don’t make it to mainstream textbooks. Hemu deserves more than a passing mention. He was the Hindu king who defeated Akbar, a man who came close to changing the power structure of medieval India.
In just 29 days of rule, he showed what a determined leader could achieve. His governance was fair, his reforms meaningful, and his sense of justice uncompromised. He protected cows, restructured the economy, and stood for local traditions.
His Final Impact
Today, Hemu’s legacy in Indian history serves as a reminder. That courage is not always crowned. That sometimes, the boldest voices are silenced too soon. But stories like his do not die. They wait for someone to tell them again.
He may not have ruled long, but Hemu Vikramaditya earned something greater, a place in the hearts of those who value courage, patriotism, and forgotten pride.
Planning to fly soon? Get $25 off on flights from Washington to New Delhi with Indian Eagle! Use coupon code WOMENSDAYTD25 while booking your ticket between the USA and India. This limited-time offer is valid until March 31, 2025, and can be used only once. Don’t miss out on the best Indian Eagle flight deals. Book now and save!
FAQs
Who was the last Hindu king of Delhi?
Hemu Vikramaditya was the last Hindu king of Delhi. He briefly ruled in 1556 after defeating Mughal forces and was crowned at Purana Qila as Samrat Hem Chandra Vikramaditya.
Where was Hemu Vikramaditya born?
Hemu Vikramaditya was born in 1501 in Machheri village near Alwar, Rajasthan, into a Dhusar Brahmin family. He later moved to Rewari in present-day Haryana.
How did Hemu rise to power?
Hemu began as a supplier to Sher Shah Suri’s army. His skill and leadership led to top roles under Islam Shah and Adil Shah, eventually becoming Prime Minister and Chief of Army of the Suri Empire.
How many battles did Hemu win?
Hemu won 22 consecutive battles, defeating Afghan rebels and Mughal forces, making him one of the strongest military leaders of his time.
Why is Hemu called the last Hindu ruler of the Delhi kingdom?
Hemu is called the last Hindu ruler of the Delhi kingdom because after his death, no Hindu ever ruled Delhi again as an independent monarch.
| Disclaimer: City Village News claims no credit for the images featured on its blog site. All the visual content is copyrighted to its respective owners only. We mention the source name of the picture whenever possible and found. However, please get in touch with us if we miss acknowledging the owner’s source. In case the owners don’t want us to use their images, we will remove them promptly. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist, and photographer. |
