Gurjar Community Submits Memorandum Over Alleged Historical Errors in Government Publication on Panna Dhai

Udaipur: Representatives of all Chaukhals of the Gurjar community in Udaipur have expressed strong resentment over changes made to the biography and historical identity of Panna Dhai in the book Bharat Ke Nari Ratna, reprinted in 2022 by the Publications Division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. The community submitted a memorandum to the District Collector, Udaipur, urging the government to immediately rectify what they described as factual inaccuracies in the publication.

According to the memorandum, the eighth reprint (2022) of Bharat Ke Nari Ratna (Editor: Ritushree, ISBN: 978-93-5409-692-1) describes Panna Dhai on page 8 as a "Kshatrani of the Khichi Rajput lineage." The representatives objected to this description, stating that it alters her original historical identity and community affiliation, which they claim is inconsistent with established historical records.

The community alleged that altering historical details in a publication issued under a central government ministry not only undermines the legacy of Panna Dhai's sacrifice but also presents future generations with an inaccurate account of history. They further stated that the published description contradicts historical narratives recognized by the Government of Rajasthan and supported by several historians.

To support their representation, the delegation submitted what it described as documentary and historical evidence, including authenticated historical works authored by the late Uday Lal Dhabhai, as well as references to the Panna Dhai Panoramas at Kameri (Rajsamand) and Pandoli (Chittorgarh), the Panna Dhai Gallery at Govardhan Vilas, Udaipur, and the Panna Dhai Park and statue at Govardhan Vilas. According to the memorandum, these sites are recognized by the Government of Rajasthan and depict what the community considers the authentic historical account of Panna Dhai.

The memorandum was submitted in the presence of Gurjar community representatives, including President Narayan Lal, Vice President Harish Dhaybhai, Treasurer Ramchandra Dhabhai, Patron Devanarayan Dhaybhai, Ramchandra Dhabhai, member Ravi Dhabhai, and representatives from all Chaukhals of the community.

The representatives urged the Government of India and the concerned Publications Division to review the matter and revise the historical account relating to Panna Dhai's life and lineage on the basis of what they described as authentic historical documents and evidence, ensuring that the published record accurately reflects established history.

Note: The claims regarding Panna Dhai's historical identity and lineage presented in the memorandum reflect the position of the Gurjar community representatives. The historical classification of Panna Dhai remains a matter of differing interpretations among various historians and sources.