War Drums Across the Seven Continents
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 154
Doha 154 · Movement 1 of 2
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Beside the king stands Dharmaruchi, a wise and beneficial minister whose understanding equals that of Shukra. Mighty brothers and seasoned warriors strengthen the court, while Pratapbhanu himself burns like a sun of prowess upon the battlefield.
The four divisions of his army gather in immense number. Elephants, chariots, cavalry, and infantry fill the mustering ground with armour, dust, standards, and expectation. War drums thunder. On an auspicious day, the king marches out amid full royal ceremony.
Wherever rulers resist, Pratapbhanu defeats them through strength of arms. Kings who submit are spared and render tribute. Seven continents come beneath his sway until he stands as the single blazing sovereign over the whole earth.
The last war drum fades, and one royal standard casts its shadow across seven continents.
Read the passage from the Manas
नृप हितकारक सचिव सयाना। नाम धरमरुचि सुक्र समाना।। सचिव सयान बंधु बलबीरा। आपु प्रतापपुंज रनधीरा।। सेन संग चतुरंग अपारा। अमित सुभट सब समर जुझारा।। सेन बिलोकि राउ हरषाना। अरु बाजे गहगहे निसाना।। बिजय हेतु कटकई बनाई। सुदिन साधि नृप चलेउ बजाई।। जँह तहँ परीं अनेक लराईं। जीते सकल भूप बरिआई।। सप्त दीप भुजबल बस कीन्हे। लै लै दंड छाड़ि नृप दीन्हें।। सकल अवनि मंडल तेहि काला। एक प्रतापभानु महिपाला।।
The king had a wise minister devoted to his welfare, Dharmaruchi by name, the equal of Shukra himself. With a sagacious counsellor, a brother mighty in arms, and Pratapabhanu himself, steadfast on the field of battle.