Chapter 38 Clan Period

Forewords: I want you to decide what style of English writing I should use, the late 19th Century one or the modern one? I was conflicted on this one actually since both are nice to read and write.

Fare warning, the following content of this chapter and its following one contains fictional history and should not be taken seriously. Thank you.

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--- 23rd of December 1896 ---

--- Imperial Crown Prince Siagu's POV --- 

"Good afternoon, Your Imperial Highness," Doctor Rizal respectfully greeted me, bowing his head as he did so.

"Good afternoon, Doctor," I responded with satisfaction. "I hope you have enjoyed your stay here on the estate while assisting with my younger brother's situation," I continued, gesturing for him to take a seat.

A smile appeared on his face upon hearing my words, and he settled himself on the opposite side of the table, reminiscent of the way Archbishop Adam and my father often conducted their discussions.

"I have indeed enjoyed my stay here, sir. My assistance to Imperial Prince Ainesh is a demonstration of my devotion to your family, and also a token of my gratitude for your help in containing the spread of the outbreak in Rio Tuba, Palawan," he replied with a warm smile.

"Please, Doctor, there's no need to mention it. It is our duty, as those in positions of power, to improve the lives of those under our care, to assist them in any way we can," I replied, signalling to my courtiers to prepare tea and some rice cakes for our later consumption.

"Indeed, sir. I cannot agree more with that sentiment," he nodded in agreement. "Shall we then commence our lesson?"

"You may," I responded respectfully.

With that, he took his stance and began to lecture on the origin of our people, the Butuanon people, initiating what promised to be a fruitful and enlightening session.

In the year 1897, a tutor, with an air of wisdom, addressed his pupil, the future monarch of the country, on a subject of great historical significance.

"Today, we embark on a journey to uncover the origins of the Butuanon people, a tale that predates the establishment of our illustrious Rajahnate. This knowledge is of paramount importance to you, sir, for you shall one day lead this nation. Understanding our history beyond the Rajahnate's inception will grant you insight into the essence of our people.

The annals of our mighty nation can be divided into four distinct epochs: The Migration, the Clan Period, the Rajahnate Period, and our present era, the Imperial Period, which, in itself, is divided into two facets—Absolute and Semi-Constitutional.

Per the accounts we possess, currently on display at the Sooraj Museum, the ancient Butuanon people are descendants of the final wave of Austronesian migrants who once inhabited the islands of Taiwan and Hainan. These intrepid souls arrived on our shores in 3000 BC, a time classified as the Neolithic Era. This momentous event marked the commencement of the Migration Period in our nation's chronicles.

These migrant groups found their homes in various lands. Some settled upon the island of Luzon, others among the scattered isles of Visayas, and a few chose to inhabit islands currently under the sway of the British and the Dutch. Yet, our forebears, driven by their unique vision, elected to establish their roots here, upon the vast expanse of Mindanao.

Echoes of their presence on this island, dating back to the era preceding the Rajahnate, still linger in the ruins they left scattered across our realm, albeit only a handful remain visible today. Theirs was a civilization that thrived using stone tools and technologies that, by today's standards, would be deemed primitive.

Yet, for reasons unknown, the records of their existence, the tale of what befell them in the years following their initial migration, have not been preserved or perhaps lay hidden, buried beneath our very soil. Approximately 3,496 years spanned from their initial arrival on the island around 2997 BCE until the year 500 AD, a vast expanse of time wherein no written accounts or evidence have come to light.

Archaeologists and historians of our great empire, in reference to these enigmatic years, have aptly dubbed them the 'Unknown Era.' It is a chasm in our history, a period from 2997 BCE to 500 AD, where historical records seemingly vanish, as if the entire civilization had been erased from our annals. No writings, no relics, no traces of what transpired in those pivotal years have come to light.

The only concrete evidence that we have about their existence is the information we got from the indigenous groups scattered throughout the empire.

Alas, many among our historians and archaeologists dismiss these accounts, deeming them vague and nearly indecipherable in the language of our modern era.

Yet, to our great astonishment, we possess knowledge dating back to the year 500 AD. During this period, our esteemed ancestors embarked on a remarkable journey of advancement in civilization. They transcended the confines of their tribal and seafaring existence, evolving into a more civilized society. These pioneering souls established their settlements, which, in time, burgeoned into powerful clans—a defining era in the annals of our nation.

This marks the inception of what scholars refer to as the Clan Period in our great empire. It was an epoch when, instead of traditional kingdoms or sultanates, formidable Indianized clans arose to assert their dominion over our land.

These clans staked claim to the riverbanks, where they laid the foundations of their maritime civilization. Some opted for seaside dwellings, embracing the shores as their own. Others chose to nurture their civilizations in the embrace of the mountains and plains that sprawled across the region. Yet, there was one clan whose destiny led them to settle at the confluence of the river and the sea.

By the year 510 AD, these nascent civilizations had flourished and, having drawn inspiration from neighbouring kingdoms and empires influenced by the great empires of the Indian subcontinent, witnessed the emergence of eight distinct clans. These clans looked to the culture and religion ushered in by these external influences, what we now know as 'Indianization.'

These eight clans, sir, are etched into the fabric of our history—clans with names that resonate even to this day: the Rajputra Clan, the Ganeshi Clan, the Suryavanshi Clan, the Vallabhi Clan, the Nandi Clan, the Saraswati Clan, the Varuna Clan, and the Hanuman Clan. These clans came together to occupy what we now recognize as the Region of Caraga.

The inland of our region bore witness to the presence of the Ganeshi Clan, a close-knit community, lush in its abundance. These industrious souls were renowned for their mastery of agriculture and farming, their fertile soil bearing a multitude of crops. Their culture held a deep reverence for nature and the tenets of Hinduism, all woven together with a tapestry of faith.

The Suryavanshi Clan, a clan of warriors, held sway over the fertile valleys and rolling hills of Caraga's hinterlands. Their livelihood, too, was rooted in agriculture, and they were celebrated for their skill in terraced farming. Hereditary leadership and the virtues of valour and honour defined their way of life.

The Vallabhi Clan, residing in the heartland, were master craftsmen and artisans. They were known for their intricate pottery, woodwork, and metalcraft. Their creations, renowned far and wide, found their way into the homes and hearts of our people. Their culture bore witness to the sacred art of craftsmanship and artistic expression.

Inland, the Varuna Clan, deeply connected to our region's rivers and waterways, excelled in boat-building and navigation. Their mastery of river trade was unparalleled, as they crafted efficient irrigation systems. The essence of their culture flowed with the rivers themselves.

The Hanuman Clan, nestled in the heart of the hinterlands, were celebrated for their agility and physical prowess. They embraced a unique martial tradition and excelled as hunters and gatherers. Their reverence for nature and its resources harmonized seamlessly with the practices of Hinduism, forging a bond with the forests and mountains.

The coastal areas of Caraga were claimed by the Nandi Clan, skilled seafarers and traders who established bustling port cities. In these vibrant marketplaces, treasures from lands afar exchanged hands, birthing a culture enriched by diverse influences.

Intellectuals and scholars found their haven among the Saraswati Clan, residing along the coastal regions. They were the keepers of knowledge, custodians of arts, sciences, and literature. Their libraries and academies stood as beacons of learning, attracting scholars from distant realms.

Lastly, the Rajputra Clan, a clan with maritime prowess, anchored themselves along the coastal regions of Caraga. Skilled in seafaring and fishing, they organized society around trade and commerce. These valiant souls were among the first to establish contact with the Chinese, leaving their indelible mark on our history. Theirs was a legacy of naval defences and warrior traditions.

This, sir, marks what historians have dubbed the "Clan Era" of our empire—a period rich in diversity, where clans thrived, each with its unique culture, language, and traditions.

These developments and advancements, wrought by the clans, have essentially rendered them the overlords of this region, subduing the other native tribes who also coalesced alongside them and took residence in these lands. These tribes, it must be noted, never made any progress in erecting their own civilization, contenting themselves merely with the idea of communal living. The inhabitants of these eight clans often referred to these tribesmen as 'Mleccha' (म्लेच्छ), an ancient Sanskrit word signifying 'Savages.'

Despite the misgivings harboured by the people of these eight clans towards these tribesmen, efforts were made to assimilate them into their society. The clans endeavoured to impart their culture and traditions to these tribes. Some tribesmen chose to embrace this assimilation, in return for which they retained a measure of autonomy, an arrangement sanctioned by the clan leaders.

However, certain tribes took offence to this endeavour, and it resulted in a war between the eight clans and these tribesmen. This was the sole recorded instance of the eight clans collectively engaging in warfare against the tribesmen, who vehemently resisted the assimilation attempted by the clans.

By the year 520 AD, the tribesmen found themselves vanquished at the hands of the well-equipped warriors of the eight clans. Those who resisted assimilation were dealt with most brutally, with no quarter shown to children or women, resulting in the complete obliteration of these tribes.

The actions of the eight clans struck fear into the hearts of other tribes who had previously refused to bow to the authority of the clans occupying their lands. Terrified of meeting the same fate as those tribes, they voluntarily offered to join the clans, albeit with the hope of being allowed to practice their own culture and traditions.

While some clans accepted these conditions, others did not. Those denied these terms were forcibly integrated, while others were subjected to castration to prevent them from reproducing and perpetuating their practices.

By the year 525 AD, all the tribes in the region had been assimilated into the respective clans.

In the subsequent year, a conflict erupted between the clans of Rajputra and those of Ganeshi, Suryavanshi, and Nandi.

According to historical records from the empire, this war arose when the combined forces of Ganeshi, Suryavanshi, and Nandi sought to invade territory under the control of the Rajput clan. This belief stemmed from the notion that the Rajputra clan was weakening after the demise of their previous clan leader.

Virat Singh of the Ganeshi Clan, Narayan Singh of the Nandi Clan, and Harshad Chandra of the Suryavanshi Clan simultaneously declared war against Raghavendra Pratap of the Rajputra Clan. This initially placed the Rajputra Clan at a disadvantage in the early stages of the war. However, as the official battle engagement of the war unfolded, the Rajputra Clan emerged victorious.

During the first year of the war, the Rajputra Clan found itself facing three major war fronts.

To their southwest, the Ganeshi Clan engaged with the forces of the Rajputra Clan along the banks of the Agusan River, which is now known as the what is now known as Agusan River.

Fifty boats, known as Diwa-Labaw (Spirit of the Eagle), each carrying fifteen warriors, sailed along the Agusan River, aiming for the capital city of the Rajputra Clan, Surya, which is today known as Sooraj.

However, the fifty-strong Diwa-Labaw fleet of the Ganeshi Clan was intercepted by the sixty-strong boat fleet of the Rajputra Clan, called Lantaka Maraya or, in modern times, the Balangay boat. This Rajputra fleet lay in wait at the river's mouth.

A battle promptly ensued upon the arrival of the Ganeshi warriors. Arrows aflame descended upon them, igniting their vessels. The Ganeshi warriors, in desperation, leapt into the water and swam toward the riverbanks. However, this choice proved fatal.

'And why do you think so, sir?' Dr. Rizal inquired.

'The upper reaches of the Agusan River at that time teemed with crocodiles, some as massive as eighteen to nineteen feet in length. Their decision to plunge into the water was indeed a suicidal one,' I replied with haste, eager for Dr. Rizal to continue the narration.

'Precisely. Their choice to enter the waters was, indeed, a suicidal one. Within moments of entering the river, freshwater crocodiles began to prey upon them. Within minutes of their initial entry into the water, they had all vanished, leaving behind only tattered clothing and smouldering boats. The warriors of the Rajputra Clan, who bore witness to the spectacle, stood idle, allowing the tragedy to unfold. After the carnage concluded, the Rajputra warriors rowed their boats toward the capital of the Ganeshi Clan, the city of Ganeshipur, now known as the Municipality of Esperanza.

This incident constituted a severe setback for the Ganeshi Clan, as it utterly devastated their river fleet. This marked the conclusion of the first battle engagement between the Ganeshi Clan and the Rajputra Clan, ending on the sixth day of the war.

Simultaneously, a naval battle between the fleets of Rajputra and the Nandi Clan unfolded at sea. The Nandi Clan dispatched a total of two hundred naval vessels, each bearing fifty warriors, to confront the naval might of Rajputra, which boasted four hundred naval ships, each also manned by fifty warriors.

A fierce clash ensued between the two naval forces. The outcome was the defeat of the Nandi Clan, which was left with a mere ten ships, while Rajputra retained three hundred of its ships.

The Nandi naval forces withdrew to their capital city, Nandipur, now known as the Municipality of Cantilan. One hundred and fifty of the Rajputra Clan's naval ships pursued the retreating ten Nandi ships, while the others returned to their capital, Suryapura.

Meanwhile, the Suryavanshi Clan invaded the southern border of the Rajputra Clan, resulting in a battle amid the mountains of what is today known as Afga.

The Suryavanshi Clan dispatched their warriors armed with swords and wooden shields, totalling four thousand in number. The warriors of the Rajputra Clan, in contrast, were led by Chief Arjun and numbered three thousand. Armed with swords and iron shields, they presented a formidable force. This marked a stark contrast to the equipment employed by the Suryavanshi Clan.

These two opposing forces converged in the region of Afga, engaging in a fierce and bloody battle. It was so savage that the small stream in the vicinity reportedly flowed red with the blood of the fallen, so numerous were the casualties.

Three thousand five hundred individuals perished during this battle, with only five hundred hailing from the Rajputra side. Their superior iron and bronze equipment, along with their well-coordinated battle formation, proved instrumental in their triumph over the Suryavanshi warriors.

They also captured Clan Leader Harshad Chandra, whom they subsequently conveyed to the capital of the Suryavanshi Clan, Suryapura, known today as the City of Bayugan. This event effectively placed the entire Suryavanshi Clan under the dominion of the Rajputra Clan.

By the year 526 AD, the Suryavanshi Clan had entirely fallen under the sway of the Rajputra Clan, resulting in the complete annexation of the territory previously controlled by the Suryavanshi Clan. This period also witnessed the introduction of slavery in the region, as members of the Suryavanshi Clan were reduced to servitude under the Rajputra Clan. The islands under the control of the Nandi Clan were likewise subjugated by the Rajputra Clan and safeguarded by its naval forces.

This constituted a severe humiliation for the Nandi and Ganeshi Clans. Consequently, after a year marked by skirmishes with the warriors of the Rajputra Clan, both clans mounted an offensive against the newly established border of the Rajputra Clan.

By the year 527 AD, a combined force of ten thousand warriors from the Ganeshi Clan and the Nandi Clan marched upon the city of Suryapura, capturing it with minimal resistance from the inhabitants and the garrisoned warriors. A total of one hundred and fifty individuals perished during the siege.

While this occurred, simultaneous sieges unfolded at the respective capitals of the Nandi Clan and the Ganeshi Clan, both naval and river sieges. The city of Nandipur, now recognized as the Municipality of Cantilan, and the city of Suryavanshi both experienced such sieges. By daybreak, the warriors of the Rajputra Clan had secured these cities. A total of five thousand individuals lost their lives during these sieges.

As the news of their city's fall reached their ears, the warriors of the Rajputra Clan found themselves in control of their respective lands. Clan Leader Virat Singh and Narayan Singh were on the brink of departing from the city of Suryapura when an army of warriors from the northern part of the city arrived, encircling the two Clan Leaders and their retinue. These two leaders, along with the city's inhabitants and their warriors, locked themselves in, effectively cutting off their external food supplies. The Rajputra Clan's warriors stationed themselves outside the city, ensuring no one could leave, thus subjecting those inside to a slow and painful death by starvation.

By the 15th day of confinement, the local inhabitants were starving and desperate for sustenance. However, due to the warriors of the two clans consuming their food supplies and the inability to leave the city, they were now slowly succumbing to starvation.

Anger and frustration enveloped the entire city by the 25th day of confinement. An uprising among the city's inhabitants erupted against the clans of Nandi and Ganeshi. Riots ensued within the city, resulting in deaths, with women and children crying and pleading for help.

Records indicate that on that fateful day alone, a city that had once housed 15 thousand individuals was reduced to a mere 5 thousand, as warriors from the two clans mercilessly slaughtered the people. Survivors among the inhabitants harboured deep resentment towards the soldiers of the two clans, as the warriors of the Rajputra Clan had treated them more humanely.

On the night of the 27th day of confinement, with a total of 20 thousand fully equipped Rajputra Clan warriors stationed outside, a group of Suryapura inhabitants opened the city gates and allowed the Rajputra warriors to enter.

The city, for the fourth time, ran with blood. The air was filled with panicked screams and agonizing cries, making it seem as though the very city itself was shrieking in anguish. The sleeping soldiers of the Nandi and Ganeshi Clans were mercilessly slaughtered, with some futile attempts at resistance. Within hours, the entire 10 thousand-strong force of the Nandi and Ganeshi Clans lay lifeless.

By daylight, the lifeless bodies of Nandi and Ganeshi warriors piled up outside the city walls of Suryapura. Two stakes were erected outside the city, upon which the severed heads of Clan Leader Virat Singh and Narayan Singh were impaled.

A total of 12 thousand individuals lost their lives during the night siege by the warriors of the Rajputra Clan. The people of Suryapura celebrated the defeat of the two clan warriors and pledged their unwavering support to Clan Leader Raghavendra Pratap.

Under the leadership of Clan Leader Raghavendra Pratap, the warriors of the Rajputra Clan began consolidating power throughout the lands once controlled by the Clans of Nandi, Ganeshi, and Suryavanshi. Some resistance was encountered, but it proved futile. During this campaign to consolidate power, an additional 1 thousand individuals perished at the hands of the Rajputra warriors, including common people, members of the resisting clans, remnants of clan warriors, and officials who believed they could control the Clan Leader.

By the year 529 AD, Clan Leader Raghavendra Pratap of the Rajputra Clan had secured the unwavering loyalty of the people in his newly acquired lands, effectively ending the war between the Rajputra Clan and the Clans of Nandi, Ganeshi, and Suryavanshi.

In total, it is estimated that the war claimed the lives of approximately 47,400 individuals, which accounted for 5% of the total population of the entire lands under the control of the Rajputra Clan, reaching a recorded total of 948 thousand individuals."

Dr. Rizal paused, looking at the student, and asked, "Any questions regarding the battle between the four clans?"

Curious, the student inquired, "What about their cultures? When will we discuss that?"

Dr. Rizal chuckled and replied, "Hahaha! We will delve into the cultures of these clans once we've concluded today's lesson."