Chapter 3: Assembling the Pillars of Power
The Challenge of Change
As dawn broke over Delhi, Raja Hemchandra Vikramaditya—Hemu—stood atop the palace balcony, watching the city awaken. Merchants opened their stalls, soldiers trained in the courtyards, and couriers rushed through the streets carrying messages. The kingdom moved, but it was not yet ready for war.
He had three months to turn a fragmented realm into a fortress of power. The Mughal forces, under Akbar and Bairam Khan, would come for Delhi soon. This time, Hemu would not let history repeat itself.
The first step in his plan had been taken—the ministers had been briefed, and orders had been issued. But planning was meaningless without the right people to execute it. Today, he would gather the finest minds of Bharat—warriors, engineers, strategists, spies, and visionaries.
A messenger entered the chamber, bowing deeply.
"Maharaj, the experts you summoned have arrived. They await in the durbar hall."
Hemu exhaled slowly. This was the moment everything would begin.
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The Gathering of Minds
The royal durbar was filled with men of different backgrounds. Some were noblemen, others commoners. Some were old masters of their crafts, others young prodigies. Each was chosen for a reason.
Hemu sat on his throne, scanning the gathered individuals.
1. Tukaram Das – Minister of Finance (Master of economics and trade)
2. Raghunath Rao – Supreme Commander (Master of warfare)
3. Keshav Pandit – Chief Strategist (Tactical genius)
4. Baldev Singh – Master Blacksmith (Expert in metallurgy and weapons crafting)
5. Nand Lal Suri – Engineer (Specialist in fortifications and road construction)
6. Jagan Malik – Head of Intelligence (Spy network expert)
7. Jayaram Seth – Naval Commander (Master of shipbuilding and sea warfare)
Hemu's voice was calm but firm as he spoke.
"Bharat stands at a turning point. The Mughals march upon us, and we have three months to prepare. Each of you has been called because your knowledge will shape the future of this land."
The men nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.
"Let us begin."
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Forging the Arsenal: The Weapons Council
Hemu turned to Baldev Singh, the blacksmith.
"Tell me, how advanced are our forges?"
Baldev Singh bowed. "Maharaj, our weapons are among the best in the land, but we still rely on traditional methods—swords, spears, and bows. The Mughals, however, use muskets and cannons."
Hemu nodded. That would change.
"From this moment, I want all weapons forges focused on three things: Muskets, Cannons, and Armor."
Baldev hesitated. "Maharaj, muskets are expensive and slow to reload. Can we rely on them?"
Hemu smiled.
"That is why we will improve them. I want a team of the best blacksmiths working day and night to create a musket with a faster reload mechanism. Also, we will produce lightweight cannons that can be moved easily on the battlefield."
Raghunath Rao's eyes gleamed. "If we achieve this, Maharaj, our army will be unmatched."
"We will achieve it," Hemu said with certainty.
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The Roads of War: Infrastructure Strategy
Hemu turned to Nand Lal Suri, the engineer.
"How fast can we build new roads?"
Nand Lal frowned. "Maharaj, under normal conditions, building highways across the kingdom would take years."
"What if you had unlimited manpower?"
The engineer hesitated. "With enough workers, we could complete major roads within two months, but the cost—"
"The cost is not an issue," Hemu interrupted. "The roads will be built with a dual purpose: Military movement and trade. I want all cities connected by highways and secret routes built for messengers and spies."
Jagan Malik, the head of intelligence, nodded. "Secret routes will be essential for moving information and supplies without enemy interference."
Hemu looked back at Nand Lal. "Begin immediately. Take as many workers as you need."
The engineer bowed. "It shall be done, Maharaj."
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The Web of Shadows: The Intelligence Network
Hemu now turned to Jagan Malik, the spy master.
"We need intelligence on the Mughals, the British, the Dutch—every potential enemy."
Jagan smirked. "That is already in motion, Maharaj. We have spies embedded in Mughal camps. They report that Akbar's forces are gathering near Panipat."
Hemu leaned forward. "And what of internal threats?"
Jagan's face darkened. "Many nobles do not trust this sudden change in strategy. Some may conspire against you."
Hemu smiled coldly. "Then we will handle them before they become a problem."
Jagan nodded. "I will have my men watch them closely."
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Dominating the Seas: Naval Expansion
Hemu turned to Jayaram Seth, the naval commander.
"Bharat's future depends not just on land but also on the sea. How strong is our naval power?"
Jayaram sighed. "Maharaj, we have skilled sailors but no organized navy. The Portuguese and Dutch control the seas."
"Not for long," Hemu said. "I want shipyards built along our coasts. Within three months, we must have warships ready."
Jayaram bowed. "I will oversee the shipbuilding personally."
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The Future of Bharat
As the meeting continued, plans were made for military training, resource management, and governance reforms. By the end of the session, the council was exhausted but determined.
Raghunath Rao stood and saluted. "Maharaj, I have served many kings, but none have planned like this. Bharat will rise under your command."
Hemu looked at the men before him. They were not just his advisors. They were the architects of a new era.
"Prepare yourselves," Hemu said. "In three months, we will change history."
The revolution had begun.
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