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Sudha Murty, renowned philanthropist and Rajya Sabha MP, found herself facing criticism on social media after sharing a narrative about the origin of Raksha Bandhan that linked the festival to Mughal Emperor Humayun and Rani Karnavati of Chittor. In a video posted on X, Murty presented the legend as a historical fact, claiming that Rani Karnavati, facing danger in the 16th century, sent a thread to Humayun as a plea for help, thereby establishing the tradition of Raksha Bandhan. This account, however, was met with skepticism and outright rejection by numerous users who deemed it inaccurate and misleading.
The criticism leveled at Murty's post stemmed from the lack of historical evidence to support the alleged connection between Humayun and Rani Karnavati. While a 17th century Rajasthani book mentioned Humayun receiving a bracelet as a Rakhi from Rani Karnavati, as highlighted by historian Satish Chandra in his book 'Medieval India', contemporary sources fail to corroborate this claim. The absence of supporting evidence from historical records has led experts to cast doubt on the veracity of the legend, with many stating that the story cannot be considered historically reliable.
The backlash against Murty's account served as a stark reminder of the importance of historical accuracy in public discourse, especially when dealing with cultural traditions. The incident highlighted the potential for misinformation to spread through social media and the need to critically assess information before accepting it as factual. In contrast to Murty's contested narrative, the popular legend surrounding Lord Krishna and Draupadi from the Mahabharata remains a widely accepted and celebrated account of the origins of Raksha Bandhan. This legend emphasizes the concept of a brother's vow to protect his sister, resonating with the core values of the festival.
The controversy surrounding Sudha Murty's Raksha Bandhan post underscores the significance of engaging with history responsibly and verifying information before disseminating it. While the festival is celebrated for its familial bonds, the debate surrounding its origins reflects the dynamic and often contested nature of history and the importance of relying on credible historical sources.
Source: Sudha Murty shares Raksha Bandhan legend on Mughal emperor Humayun, trolled