Chapter 20: The Rise of the New Empire

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1. Delhi Under Rajput Rule

The streets of Delhi were filled with the sounds of celebration. After centuries of foreign rule, the city was finally under the control of its own people.

Hemu, now crowned as Maharajadhiraja Hemchandra Vikramaditya, stood on the balcony of the Red Fort, overlooking the thousands of people gathered below.

Hemu: "From this day forward, Hindustan belongs to its people. No foreign power will ever rule us again!"

The crowd erupted in cheers. The Mughals had fled, and a new era had begun.

But Hemu knew this was just the beginning.

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2. The First Royal Assembly

Inside the Diwan-e-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), the greatest minds of Hindustan gathered.

✔ Maharana Pratap, the Lion of Mewar.

✔ Rani Avantibai, the fearless warrior queen.

✔ King Malhar Rao of Malwa, an expert in administration.

✔ King Chhatrasal of Bundelkhand, a master strategist.

✔ Rajput Chieftains from Marwar, Jaisalmer, and Mewar.

✔ Scholars, traders, and generals from all across the empire.

Hemu sat at the head of the table.

Hemu: "We have won the battle, but the war is not over. Akbar still breathes, and he will return. We must prepare."

Maharana Pratap nodded.

Maharana Pratap: "We need to secure our borders, train our soldiers, and strengthen our economy. The Mughals will not stay defeated for long."

Rani Avantibai smirked.

Rani Avantibai: "Let them come. We will give them another taste of our steel."

The council agreed on three major plans:

1. Strengthening the Military – Every kingdom would send warriors to train under a unified command.

2. Economic Growth – New trade routes would be established, and taxes would be lowered for merchants.

3. Alliances & Expansion – The Rajput Confederation would send envoys to other kingdoms, inviting them to join the new empire.

The foundations of a powerful, united Hindustan had been laid.

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3. The Rajput Military Reforms

Hemu knew that to defeat the Mughals permanently, he needed a modern, disciplined army.

Under his orders, the Rajput army underwent a massive transformation.

✔ Gunpowder Units – Soldiers were trained in matchlock rifles, stolen from the Mughals.

✔ Elephant Cavalry – War elephants were fitted with armor and trained for battlefield formations.

✔ Horse Archers – Inspired by the Mongols, fast-moving archers on horseback were introduced.

✔ Fortifications – New cannons were placed in forts, making cities almost impenetrable.

Hemu personally oversaw the training of his elite guard, a 10,000-strong force of the best warriors from Rajputana, Bundelkhand, and Malwa.

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4. Economic Reforms – The Trade Empire

With the Mughals defeated, trade flourished across Hindustan.

✔ Silk and spices were exported to Persia, Arabia, and Europe.

✔ Iron and steel weapons were sold to foreign markets.

✔ A standardized coin system was introduced.

The new currency system:

1 Gold Coin = 100 Silver Coins

1 Silver Coin = 100 Copper Coins

1 Gold Coin could feed a family for six months.

To ensure fair trade, Hemu abolished unnecessary taxes, allowing merchants to thrive.

Hindustan was becoming the richest empire in the world.

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5. The Grand Alliance – Uniting Hindustan

Hemu sent messengers to every kingdom in Hindustan.

✔ The Vijayanagara Empire in the South.

✔ The Ahoms of Assam in the East.

✔ The Marathas in the Deccan.

A message was sent:

"Join us in building a Hindustan free of foreign rule. The Mughals are wounded. Together, we can crush them forever."

The Marathas, eager for battle, joined immediately.

The Vijayanagara Empire, though hesitant, agreed to send gold and soldiers.

The Ahoms, known for their fierce resistance, pledged their naval fleet.

For the first time in centuries, Hindustan stood united.

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6. Akbar's Revenge – The Mughals Regroup

Far away in Kabul, Akbar sat in his war tent. His face was calm, but his mind burned with fury.

Bairam Khan stood before him.

Bairam Khan: "Hemu grows stronger. If we do not act now, we will never reclaim Hindustan."

Akbar clenched his fists.

Akbar: "We will return. And this time, we will not stop until Delhi burns."

The Mughals began gathering their forces.

✔ Reinforcements from Persia and Central Asia.

✔ More cannons and gunpowder weapons.

✔ New battle tactics inspired by the Ottoman Empire.

Akbar swore an oath:

"Hindustan will belong to the Mughals once more."

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7. Hemu's Final Move – The Empire Expands

Hemu was no fool. He knew Akbar would return.

Before that happened, he made one final move.

✔ Delhi was fortified with new walls and cannon emplacements.

✔ A massive armory was built, producing weapons day and night.

✔ A military academy was established to train future warriors.

And most importantly…

✔ Hemu led an army of 50,000 to capture Lahore, cutting off Akbar's route back into Hindustan.

When the city fell to the Rajput Confederation, a message was sent to Kabul:

"This is our land now. Come if you dare."

Akbar's rage knew no bounds.

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8. The Stage is Set – War is Coming

The empire of Hindustan was stronger than ever.

✔ A powerful military.

✔ A booming economy.

✔ Allies from across the subcontinent.

But across the mountains, the Mughals prepared for war.

The next battle would not be just for Delhi.

It would be for the soul of Hindustan itself.