Philanthropist and Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty recently sparked controversy with a social media post about the origins of Raksha Bandhan on the festive occasion on August 19. In a video shared on social media platform X, Murty recounted a story linking the festival to Mughal Emperor Humayun and Rani Karnavati of Chittor.
Murty Shares Video On The History Of Raksha Bandhan
Sudha Murty explained that the tradition of Raksha Bandhan dates back to the 16th century when Rani Karnavati while facing danger from an enemy, sent a thread to Emperor Humayun as a plea for protection. She described this act as the beginning of a long-lasting tradition of Raksha Bandhan, where a sister ties a thread to her brother, symbolizing a request for support in times of need and protection. She also detailed how Humayun, unfamiliar with the custom, was informed by the locals that the thread was a call for help from a sister to her brother. Although Humayun set out to assist Karnavati, he arrived too late to save her.
Raksha Bandhan has a rich history. When Rani Karnavati was in danger, she sent a thread to King Humayun as a symbol of sibling-hood, asking for his help. This is where the tradition of the thread began and it continues to this day. pic.twitter.com/p98lwCZ6Pp
— Smt. Sudha Murty (@SmtSudhaMurty) August 19, 2024Users Condemn Murty For Spreading False Information
The story, however, ended up facing significant criticism online. Many users on X dismissed Murty’s message as inaccurate, asserting that Raksha Bandhan’s origins are rooted in ancient Indian mythology rather than the 16th-century tale shared by Murty. Critics pointed out the more commonly recognized legend from the Mahabharata, in which Draupadi ties a strip of her saree around Lord Krishna’s wrist, leading him to vow protection for her. This act is popularly cited as the actual origin of the Rakhi tradition.
With absolute respect Madam, the origin of Rakshabandan dates back to the Mahabharata times.
Lord Krishna once accidentally cut his find on the Sudarshan Chakra. Seeing him injured, Draupadi tore a piece of cloth from her saree and tied it to stop the bleeding. Touched by her…
— D Prasanth Nair (@DPrasanthNair) August 19, 2024Historian Clarifies, Netizens Call The Story ‘Fake’
One user criticized Murty’s historical accuracy, suggesting she should read more to avoid spreading false information. Others labeled her story as “fake” and “rubbish,” arguing it diverges from traditional accounts of Raksha Bandhan’s origins. Historian Satish Chandra noted that while there is some historical evidence that Rani Karnavati sent a rakhi to Humayun, this account is not as prominent as other legends surrounding the festival.
Debate Around The Origin Continues
Another well-known legend concerning the origin of the tradition of Raksha Bandhan involves King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi, which is still believed by many to be the true tale. Despite the backlash, Murty’s video remains a part of the conversation around the tradition of Raksha Bandhan, highlighting the diverse interpretations of this significant festival.