<p>Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan said Wednesday that Padmavati -- the fictional queen of Chittor -- would be taught in the state&#39;s schools.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Rashtramata Maharani Padmavati will be taught in schools from next syllabus,&quot; Chauhan said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Our children will get to know from books about her greatness and not depend on distortions,&quot; he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rashtramata Maharani <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmavati?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmavati</a> will be taught in schools from next syllabus. Our children will get to know from books about her greatness and not depend on distortions: MP CM Shivraj Chouhan <a href="https://t.co/FIcTVxyc7u">pic.twitter.com/FIcTVxyc7u</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/933339541817065473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Chouhan was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmavati-row-now-shivraj-singh-chuahan-bans-the-film-in-madhya-pradesh-24645" target="_blank">the first chief minister to ban the movie</a> in his state on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmavati-row-after-madhya-pradesh-gujarat-bans-the-film-24851" target="_blank">followed by Gujarat</a> today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have also threatened to ban the movie if &quot;objectionable scenes&quot; from it are not removed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rajput and Hindu groups have been vociferously protesting against the movie saying it distorts history.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They have been most worried by a reported &quot;dream sequence&quot; in the movie between Deepika Padukone (who plays Padmavati) and Ranveer Singh (who plays Allaudin Khilji).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khilji, the sultan of Delhi, had invaded and defeated the Rajput kingdom of Chittor in 1303.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Popular legend says Rani Padmavati committed &quot;jauhar&quot; (mass &quot;sati&quot;) to save her honour from Khilji.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Historians however say there is no mention of a queen Padmavati in history.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And that the first mention of her is found in a book of poetry -- Padmavat -- written in 1520 by the sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The historians therefore say Padmavati was not a historical figure but a literary character -- one found only in books.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


'Our children will get to know from books about her greatness and not depend on distortions,' the Madhya Pradesh chief minister said

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan said Wednesday that Padmavati -- the fictional queen of Chittor -- would be taught in the state's schools. "Rashtramata Maharani Padmavati will be taught in schools from next syllabus," Chauhan said. "Our children will get to know from books about her greatness and not depend on distortions," he added. Rashtramata Maharani #Padmavati will be taught in schools from next syllabus. Our children will get to know from books about her greatness and not depend on distortions: MP CM Shivraj Chouhan pic.twitter.com/FIcTVxyc7u — ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2017 × Chouhan was the first chief minister to ban the movie in his state on Tuesday. He was followed by Gujarat today. Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have also threatened to ban the movie if "objectionable scenes" from it are not removed. Rajput and Hindu groups have been vociferously protesting against the movie saying it distorts history. They have been most worried by a reported "dream sequence" in the movie between Deepika Padukone (who plays Padmavati) and Ranveer Singh (who plays Allaudin Khilji). Khilji, the sultan of Delhi, had invaded and defeated the Rajput kingdom of Chittor in 1303. Popular legend says Rani Padmavati committed "jauhar" (mass "sati") to save her honour from Khilji. Historians however say there is no mention of a queen Padmavati in history. And that the first mention of her is found in a book of poetry -- Padmavat -- written in 1520 by the sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi. The historians therefore say Padmavati was not a historical figure but a literary character -- one found only in books.

Padmavati to be taught in MP schools, will not depend on distortions: Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan

<p><em>This excerpt is taken from the upcoming book, Padmavati: The Queen tells her own story.</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>About the book Padmavati</strong></p>

<p>Mrinalini Rao, a journalist, is visiting Chittorgarh to discover the truth about the existence of Queen Padmavati of Chittor. She meets a local girl who divulges a family secret. Eventually, Mrinalini uncovers an astounding story. Princess Padmavati of Singhaldweep was famous for her beauty as well as for her wisdom and integrity. When Rawal Ratan Singh of Chittor fell in love with her and brought her to Chittorgarh, the New Queen entered an unknown world rife with political intrigue. How she used her perception and prudence to navigate her way through these dangerous paths, survived assassination bids, escaped the claws of a lustful despot and yet left a legacy for posterity is what this novel, Padmavati brings to its readers. It is a tale told in the splendid cadences of a legendary queen who was larger than life. Nevertheless, it is a complete work of fiction narrated against the backdrop of historical events that took place in the 13th century.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Excerpt 1</p>

<p>It had been raining steadily for two days. Stormy winds had twisted trees and felled massive branches. Filled with sloshing, muddy water, the deep trapezium-like shaft, spread over a thousand square yards and referred to as the Kund or sacrificial fire cavity, could not be used for the pyre. Yet, any further delay would be disastrous. The sand in the hourglass trickled down steadily and the enemy was hammering at the gates.</p>

<p>The subterranean cavern would have to do, she had said. Bullock carts loaded with bundles of hay, wood-chips and numerous pots of clarified butter began drawing up to the mouth of the dark underground tunnel. Men, whose tears mingled with the rain, carried grist and fuel for the conflagration into the centre of the wide cave.</p>

<p>The queens, along with their ladies, maids and young girls, bathed and attired themselves from head to toe in gorgeous garments, jewels and ornaments. Married women bedecked themselves in their crimson-and-gold wedding finery. Some women held baby girls in their arms who smiled beatifically, unaware of their fate.</p>

<p>After offering veneration to the deity and consuming a sacred meal that included a drink of whey and basil mildly laced with marijuana, the women began to approach the cavern. Men lined the path, hands folded, heads bowed in salutation to the satis. Husbands and brothers, fathers and sons, unmindful of the rain, were each searching for a beloved face.</p>

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<p>In the enclosed space, the air was becoming scarce as the women surrounded a rude platform erected amidst mountains of hay and wood, liberally doused in clarified butter. The temple priests, having completed the rituals, stood by, chanting verses from the Vedas. Everyone waited for the senior queen to lead, but she seemed to falter. The New Queen gently slipped past her and ascended the platform.</p>

<p>She sat down in the centre and folded her palms. Instead of closing her eyes, she looked ahead calmly. The other royal ladies clambered up to sit in a semicircle around her. Some had to be helped up by their maids; because they were infirm or they were trembling with terror. The girls, maids, noblewomen and their female attendants stood behind the seated ladies, facing the priests. The baby girls in their arms looked around curiously as if this was a new game.</p>

<p>The chief priest held up a flaming torch. Calling out, &lsquo;Jai! Ek Linghji Ki Jai!&rsquo; he lit the pyre.</p>

<p>Whoosh!! The hay, wood and butter sprang into a wavering pillar of fire. The priests ran pell-mell to the cave opening to escape the brute firestorm. The flames spread quickly, encircling the platform, sucking out whatever little air there was in the cave. The women clutched at their throats, desperate mouths agape.</p>

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<p>Shrill screams echoing down the tunnel were abruptly choked off. Some mothers smothered their children to save them from the agony of burning. A few girl infants escaped the laps of mothers who were already alight. Tiny limbs spewing flames, they ran around, shrieking at their unexpected torment.</p>

<p>Other women clutching babies, young girls and maidens attempted to jump off the burning platform.Though they had voluntarily embraced the idea of grace through fire, their instinct for survival rejected the terrible death facing them. But their leaps for freedom landed them right into fiery, blazing, scarlet hands that enveloped them lovingly. Burning bodies rolled on the rocky floor, already dead. Orange and blue tongues licked greedily at human skin, making the royal ladies screech uncontrollably.&nbsp;Some jumped up, beating their burning garments with bare hands in vain.</p>

<p>Flames whirled around them until each became a separate bonfire reaching out to ignite more panicked women. All of it turned into an inferno of figures gyrating in agony. The roar of combustion growled within the cave, punctured by the hiss of sizzling skin and the sharp cracking of bones. A nauseous smell of burnt hair rose with clouds of thick grey smoke.</p>

<p>Once the pyre was burning merrily, the conflagration began to seek more air. Bellowing like an animal, the fire squeezed left and right through the narrow tunnel towards openings on both sides. The weeping men, still gathered just outside, were swept back as flames burst out of the tunnel.</p>

<p>In the centre of all the chaos, only one figure remained serene and motionless. As the gold, saffron and blue blaze made rings around her, rising higher and higher, slowly enclosing the New Queen, she was like a sculpture, absolutely still. Nothing seemed to touch her; not the torment, not the grief, not the fear. It defied all principles of logic.</p>

<p>Where did a girl find such strength, not garnered even by the meditation of ascetics, to tolerate the torture of being burnt alive? Her dark silhouette, in lotus pose, palms folded, was a sublime sight. When the great white heat reached the core, her body exploded in a shower of sparks. The tremendous blast ricocheted against the red, hot rocky walls sending horrific echoes floating out to the listeners.</p>

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<h5>For centuries to come, the supreme sacrifice of this legendary Queen of Chittor would attain a place of undying pride and honour in the hearts of all her country&rsquo;s people.</h5>
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<p>The jauhar took hardly a few minutes to extinguish Padmavati&rsquo;s living mortality but gifted her with indelible immortality; a significant niche in the history of India. Time could not dim her charisma nor age wither her stunning beauty. For centuries to come, the supreme sacrifice of this legendary Queen of Chittor would attain a place of undying pride and honour in the hearts of all her country&rsquo;s people.</p>

<p>Excerpt 2</p>

<p>Padmavati had hurried in her bathing because she wanted to be out of the place before Prabhavati&rsquo;s group completed their bath. As she came out of the Kund, she had noticed the huge basket of flowers guarded by two eunuchs on the top of the steps and idly wondered what it was for. If it is for the evening prayers, it should be at the temple and not here, she had thought, climbing the wet stairs.</p>

<p>The princess was about to put her foot down on the second step from the top, when she had happened to look down. She had given a loud gasp and instantly withdrawn her foot. Ambika who had been just behind her peered downwards and screamed. &lsquo;Snake! Snake!&rsquo; A thin, black reptile had been coiling and uncoiling on the wide stone step. It was a venomous krait. One bite from it was fatal and Padmavati had been about to step on it!</p>

<p>Ambika&rsquo;s screams had brought Koki running. With a stout stick, he had given a hard blow to the snake&rsquo;s shiny black head that splattered into a mush of flesh and blood. The princess, who had recovered by then, quickly skirted the dead reptile and climbed the last step. She was now safely on the platform. Her ladies had surrounded her and all of them walked up the slope to the temple.</p>

<p>They had spoken among themselves agitatedly; how had the reptile had slithered to this area, which was completely paved. There were no trees or snake holes nearby.</p>

<p>&lsquo;Almost as if somebody had brought the snake here,&rsquo; Ambika had remarked loudly. Her voice carried down the steps. Prabhavati&rsquo;s ladies had also risen from the Kund and were chattering excitedly about the incident. A deathly silence had fallen on everyone at Ambika&rsquo;s words. In one accord, as if the same idea had struck each one at the same time, all eyes had gone to the large basket of flowers.</p>

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<h5>Somebody had wanted to hurt Padmavati and hurt her seriously, even fatally. Who could be so malicious but her rival, Rani Prabhavati?</h5>
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<p>Had the snake been concealed in the basket? And brought here on purpose? If so, what was the purpose? The answer had been as clear as crystal. Somebody had wanted to hurt Padmavati and hurt her seriously, even fatally. Who could be so malicious but her rival, Rani Prabhavati?</p>

<p>Suddenly, the senior Rani had felt the heat of many pairs of speculative eyes on her. Instantly, she began climbing energetically towards the platform seeking escape through the passage, ordering her entourage to follow her. Padmavati had stared at her retreating back; quite sure that she was the culprit.</p>

<p>Yet, when Ambika had beseeched her to tell Ratan Singh about the incident, she refused, explaining, &lsquo;I have come here to be accepted as part of the Rawal&rsquo;s family, Ambika. Prabhavati didi is my senior. How can I complain about her, or even worse, accuse her?&rsquo;</p>

<p>Ambika had not been convinced. &lsquo;It is a matter of your safety. She tried to kill you.&rsquo;</p>

<p>&lsquo;No, my dear friend. We don&rsquo;t know for sure how the krait got there. We have no proof that Didi was responsible. Our suspicions may be wrong. And by complaining what will I get? I will only make the Rawal angry and alienate Prabhavati didi even more.&rsquo;</p>

<p>&lsquo;But she may make another attempt.&rsquo; Ambika&rsquo;s voice had cracked with fear.</p>

<p>&lsquo;No, Ambika. What have we learned in our land? If you give love and forgiveness, it will be returned double fold. Don&rsquo;t be afraid, my friend,&rsquo; Padmavati had said gently.</p>

<p>&lsquo;But these are not Singhas, Padmavati,&rsquo;Ambika had cried. &lsquo;You cannot trust them. Everyone has told me how spiteful Rani Prabhavati is.&rsquo;</p>

<p>But the princess would not be swayed.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Disclaimer:&nbsp;<i>The author writes here in a personal capacity.&nbsp;</i></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The jauhar took hardly a few minutes to extinguish Padmavati?s living mortality but gifted her with indelible immortality; a significant niche in the history of India

This excerpt is taken from the upcoming book, Padmavati: The Queen tells her own story. About the book Padmavati Mrinalini Rao, a journalist, is visiting Chittorgarh to discover the truth about the existence of Queen Padmavati of Chittor. She meets a local girl who divulges a family secret. Eventually, Mrinalini uncovers an astounding story. Princess Padmavati of Singhaldweep was famous for her beauty as well as for her wisdom and integrity. When Rawal Ratan Singh of Chittor fell in love with her and brought her to Chittorgarh, the New Queen entered an unknown world rife with political intrigue. How she used her perception and prudence to navigate her way through these dangerous paths, survived assassination bids, escaped the claws of a lustful despot and yet left a legacy for posterity is what this novel, Padmavati brings to its readers. It is a tale told in the splendid cadences of a legendary queen who was larger than life. Nevertheless, it is a complete work of fiction narrated against the backdrop of historical events that took place in the 13th century. Excerpt 1 It had been raining steadily for two days. Stormy winds had twisted trees and felled massive branches. Filled with sloshing, muddy water, the deep trapezium-like shaft, spread over a thousand square yards and referred to as the Kund or sacrificial fire cavity, could not be used for the pyre. Yet, any further delay would be disastrous. The sand in the hourglass trickled down steadily and the enemy was hammering at the gates. The subterranean cavern would have to do, she had said. Bullock carts loaded with bundles of hay, wood-chips and numerous pots of clarified butter began drawing up to the mouth of the dark underground tunnel. Men, whose tears mingled with the rain, carried grist and fuel for the conflagration into the centre of the wide cave. The queens, along with their ladies, maids and young girls, bathed and attired themselves from head to toe in gorgeous garments, jewels and ornaments. Married women bedecked themselves in their crimson-and-gold wedding finery. Some women held baby girls in their arms who smiled beatifically, unaware of their fate. After offering veneration to the deity and consuming a sacred meal that included a drink of whey and basil mildly laced with marijuana, the women began to approach the cavern. Men lined the path, hands folded, heads bowed in salutation to the satis. Husbands and brothers, fathers and sons, unmindful of the rain, were each searching for a beloved face. In the enclosed space, the air was becoming scarce as the women surrounded a rude platform erected amidst mountains of hay and wood, liberally doused in clarified butter. × In the enclosed space, the air was becoming scarce as the women surrounded a rude platform erected amidst mountains of hay and wood, liberally doused in clarified butter. The temple priests, having completed the rituals, stood by, chanting verses from the Vedas. Everyone waited for the senior queen to lead, but she seemed to falter. The New Queen gently slipped past her and ascended the platform. She sat down in the centre and folded her palms. Instead of closing her eyes, she looked ahead calmly. The other royal ladies clambered up to sit in a semicircle around her. Some had to be helped up by their maids; because they were infirm or they were trembling with terror. The girls, maids, noblewomen and their female attendants stood behind the seated ladies, facing the priests. The baby girls in their arms looked around curiously as if this was a new game. The chief priest held up a flaming torch. Calling out, ‘Jai! Ek Linghji Ki Jai!’ he lit the pyre. Whoosh!! The hay, wood and butter sprang into a wavering pillar of fire. The priests ran pell-mell to the cave opening to escape the brute firestorm. The flames spread quickly, encircling the platform, sucking out whatever little air there was in the cave. The women clutched at their throats, desperate mouths agape. Shrill screams echoing down the tunnel were abruptly choked off. Some mothers smothered their children to save them from the agony of burning. × Shrill screams echoing down the tunnel were abruptly choked off. Some mothers smothered their children to save them from the agony of burning. A few girl infants escaped the laps of mothers who were already alight. Tiny limbs spewing flames, they ran around, shrieking at their unexpected torment. Other women clutching babies, young girls and maidens attempted to jump off the burning platform.Though they had voluntarily embraced the idea of grace through fire, their instinct for survival rejected the terrible death facing them. But their leaps for freedom landed them right into fiery, blazing, scarlet hands that enveloped them lovingly. Burning bodies rolled on the rocky floor, already dead. Orange and blue tongues licked greedily at human skin, making the royal ladies screech uncontrollably. Some jumped up, beating their burning garments with bare hands in vain. Flames whirled around them until each became a separate bonfire reaching out to ignite more panicked women. All of it turned into an inferno of figures gyrating in agony. The roar of combustion growled within the cave, punctured by the hiss of sizzling skin and the sharp cracking of bones. A nauseous smell of burnt hair rose with clouds of thick grey smoke. Once the pyre was burning merrily, the conflagration began to seek more air. Bellowing like an animal, the fire squeezed left and right through the narrow tunnel towards openings on both sides. The weeping men, still gathered just outside, were swept back as flames burst out of the tunnel. In the centre of all the chaos, only one figure remained serene and motionless. As the gold, saffron and blue blaze made rings around her, rising higher and higher, slowly enclosing the New Queen, she was like a sculpture, absolutely still. Nothing seemed to touch her; not the torment, not the grief, not the fear. It defied all principles of logic. Where did a girl find such strength, not garnered even by the meditation of ascetics, to tolerate the torture of being burnt alive? Her dark silhouette, in lotus pose, palms folded, was a sublime sight. When the great white heat reached the core, her body exploded in a shower of sparks. The tremendous blast ricocheted against the red, hot rocky walls sending horrific echoes floating out to the listeners. For centuries to come, the supreme sacrifice of this legendary Queen of Chittor would attain a place of undying pride and honour in the hearts of all her country’s people. × The jauhar took hardly a few minutes to extinguish Padmavati’s living mortality but gifted her with indelible immortality; a significant niche in the history of India. Time could not dim her charisma nor age wither her stunning beauty. For centuries to come, the supreme sacrifice of this legendary Queen of Chittor would attain a place of undying pride and honour in the hearts of all her country’s people. Excerpt 2 Padmavati had hurried in her bathing because she wanted to be out of the place before Prabhavati’s group completed their bath. As she came out of the Kund, she had noticed the huge basket of flowers guarded by two eunuchs on the top of the steps and idly wondered what it was for. If it is for the evening prayers, it should be at the temple and not here, she had thought, climbing the wet stairs. The princess was about to put her foot down on the second step from the top, when she had happened to look down. She had given a loud gasp and instantly withdrawn her foot. Ambika who had been just behind her peered downwards and screamed. ‘Snake! Snake!’ A thin, black reptile had been coiling and uncoiling on the wide stone step. It was a venomous krait. One bite from it was fatal and Padmavati had been about to step on it! Ambika’s screams had brought Koki running. With a stout stick, he had given a hard blow to the snake’s shiny black head that splattered into a mush of flesh and blood. The princess, who had recovered by then, quickly skirted the dead reptile and climbed the last step. She was now safely on the platform. Her ladies had surrounded her and all of them walked up the slope to the temple. They had spoken among themselves agitatedly; how had the reptile had slithered to this area, which was completely paved. There were no trees or snake holes nearby. ‘Almost as if somebody had brought the snake here,’ Ambika had remarked loudly. Her voice carried down the steps. Prabhavati’s ladies had also risen from the Kund and were chattering excitedly about the incident. A deathly silence had fallen on everyone at Ambika’s words. In one accord, as if the same idea had struck each one at the same time, all eyes had gone to the large basket of flowers. Somebody had wanted to hurt Padmavati and hurt her seriously, even fatally. Who could be so malicious but her rival, Rani Prabhavati? × Had the snake been concealed in the basket? And brought here on purpose? If so, what was the purpose? The answer had been as clear as crystal. Somebody had wanted to hurt Padmavati and hurt her seriously, even fatally. Who could be so malicious but her rival, Rani Prabhavati? Suddenly, the senior Rani had felt the heat of many pairs of speculative eyes on her. Instantly, she began climbing energetically towards the platform seeking escape through the passage, ordering her entourage to follow her. Padmavati had stared at her retreating back; quite sure that she was the culprit. Yet, when Ambika had beseeched her to tell Ratan Singh about the incident, she refused, explaining, ‘I have come here to be accepted as part of the Rawal’s family, Ambika. Prabhavati didi is my senior. How can I complain about her, or even worse, accuse her?’ Ambika had not been convinced. ‘It is a matter of your safety. She tried to kill you.’ ‘No, my dear friend. We don’t know for sure how the krait got there. We have no proof that Didi was responsible. Our suspicions may be wrong. And by complaining what will I get? I will only make the Rawal angry and alienate Prabhavati didi even more.’ ‘But she may make another attempt.’ Ambika’s voice had cracked with fear. ‘No, Ambika. What have we learned in our land? If you give love and forgiveness, it will be returned double fold. Don’t be afraid, my friend,’ Padmavati had said gently. ‘But these are not Singhas, Padmavati,’Ambika had cried. ‘You cannot trust them. Everyone has told me how spiteful Rani Prabhavati is.’ But the princess would not be swayed. Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity.

Opinion: Searching for Padmavati's voice

<p>The Central Board of Film Certification has returned the movie &quot;Padmavati&quot; to its makers, saying the application is &quot;incomplete&quot;.</p>

<p>PTI reported the CBFC as saying the movie would be reviewed, and given a certificate, once it is sent back to the board.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;The film was submitted for certification last week. We examined the documents, as we normally do. It was conveyed to the makers that their application was incomplete. They had to rectify and send it back, we will view it when it comes back to us,&quot; PTI quoted a source in the CBFC as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;When they (makers) rectify the deficiency we will again scrutinise it once more and when the turn comes we will examine it (film for certification),&quot; the source added.</p>

<p>The source, however, refused to say what in the application was incomplete.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-deepika-padukone-on-padmavati-row-hurt-and-angry-but-i-know-no-wrong-will-be-done-24472" target="_blank">Deepika Padukone on Padmavati row: Hurt and angry but I know no wrong will be done</a></p>

<p>PTI reported Ajit Andhare, COO of Viacom 18 Motion Pictures -- which is releasing the picture -- as confirming the development.</p>

<p>&quot;That&#39;s true. But film is with the CBFC, it is merely a minor technical issue. Nothing stops them from seeing the film if they want,&quot; PTI quoted him as saying.</p>

<p>The Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed movie, slated for release on December 1, has led to a number of protests around the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rajput groups have been vociferously protesting against the film, most loudly against a possible dream sequence between Rani Padmavati of Chittor and Alauddin Khalji, the sultan of Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They say the movie distorts history.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Historians, however, say Rani Padmavati or Padmini never existed, and that she was only a literary character.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khalji defeated the the Rana of Chittor in 1303. Historians say the first mention of Padmavati was in 1540 in a poem by Malik Muhammad Jayasi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Padmavati is slated for a December 1 release.&nbsp;</p>


Rajput groups have been vociferously protesting against the film, most loudly against a possible dream sequence between Rani Padmavati of Chittor and Alauddin Khalji, the sultan of Delhi

The Central Board of Film Certification has returned the movie "Padmavati" to its makers, saying the application is "incomplete". PTI reported the CBFC as saying the movie would be reviewed, and given a certificate, once it is sent back to the board. "The film was submitted for certification last week. We examined the documents, as we normally do. It was conveyed to the makers that their application was incomplete. They had to rectify and send it back, we will view it when it comes back to us," PTI quoted a source in the CBFC as saying. "When they (makers) rectify the deficiency we will again scrutinise it once more and when the turn comes we will examine it (film for certification)," the source added. The source, however, refused to say what in the application was incomplete. Also read: Deepika Padukone on Padmavati row: Hurt and angry but I know no wrong will be done PTI reported Ajit Andhare, COO of Viacom 18 Motion Pictures -- which is releasing the picture -- as confirming the development. "That's true. But film is with the CBFC, it is merely a minor technical issue. Nothing stops them from seeing the film if they want," PTI quoted him as saying. The Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed movie, slated for release on December 1, has led to a number of protests around the country. Rajput groups have been vociferously protesting against the film, most loudly against a possible dream sequence between Rani Padmavati of Chittor and Alauddin Khalji, the sultan of Delhi. They say the movie distorts history. Historians, however, say Rani Padmavati or Padmini never existed, and that she was only a literary character. Khalji defeated the the Rana of Chittor in 1303. Historians say the first mention of Padmavati was in 1540 in a poem by Malik Muhammad Jayasi. Padmavati is slated for a December 1 release.

CBFC returns 'Padmavati' to makers, says application 'incomplete'?

<p>It is a question that the protestors who want the film &quot;Padmavati&quot; to be banned must first ask themselves before they take extreme steps, such as vandalising the film&#39;s sets in Jaipur or suggesting that the acclaimed director is tried for distorting history on grounds of treason.</p>

<p>The question is can somebody be tried for treason because he took inspiration from a work of fiction.</p>

<p>The Sanjay Leela Bhansali film is reportedly based on the 1540 fictional piece &quot;Padmavat&quot; by the famous poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi. The poem is a tribute to the valour of Rani Padmini, wife of the Rajput ruler of Mewar, Ratan Singh. In 1303, Alauddin Khilji, a king of the Delhi Sultanate, laid siege of the fort of Chittor.</p>

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<h5>The poem Padmavat states that Alauddin Khilji started the campaign to conquer Chittor motivated by his desire to capture Rani Padmini who committed Jauhar (self-immolation) along with other women to save their honour.</h5>
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<p>The Padmavat states that Alauddin Khilji started the campaign to conquer Chittor motivated by his desire to capture Rani Padmini who committed Jauhar (self-immolation) along with other women to save their honour.</p>

<p>Interestingly, the accounts prior to the &quot;Padmavat&quot; that describe Alauddin Khilji&#39;s Chittorgarh conquest make no mention of the queen.</p>

<p>Historian Amir Khusrau, who accompanied Alauddin Khilji during the important historical event, and records it in &quot;Khaza&#39;in ul-Futuh&quot; makes no mention of Rani Padmini. Later accounts of Rani Padmini are all adaptations of the &quot;Padmavat&quot;. Most modern historians have rejected the authenticity of the legend around Rani Padmini.</p>

<p>Rajput community leaders, several members of the BJP in the state and various right-wing organisations, including the Shri Rajput Karni Sena, the Sarv Brahmin Mahasabha and the Bajrang Dal have asked for a ban on the film, alleging that the filmmaker has distorted historical facts regarding Rani Padmini.</p>

<p>Their objections are to an alleged dream sequence between Rani Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji which the film&#39;s director has repeatedly denied.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court has refused to stay the release of the film and said that the Central Board of Film Certification or the censor board follows guidelines and considers all aspects before granting a certificate to any film.</p>

<p>The filmmaker is yet to take the approval of the censor board, a process which routinely takes 21 days.</p>

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<h5>A legislator of a political party has problems with the fact that a Rajput queen is dancing in front of everyone which he says is completely against Rajput culture and pride.</h5>
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<p>The Rajasthan government&#39;s suggestion is to set up a committee to examine the facts. Even if historians are invited to be committee members as suggested by some, it implies that another body will take over the functions of the censor board and this will set an unhealthy trend.</p>

<p>A legislator of a political party has problems with the fact that a Rajput queen is dancing in front of everyone which he says is completely against Rajput culture and pride.</p>

<p>&quot;The legendary queen (Padmavati) has been reportedly portrayed in a bad light (in the film). Rani Padmavati never danced, rather all women from royal families lived a very dignified life and whenever they felt that their chastity is in danger, they would jump into the fire, so that nobody can touch them. Rani Padmavati was one of them,&quot; Raj Purohit, chief whip of the BJP in the Maharashtra assembly said.</p>

<p>Is it really so? It is disappointing that a representative of the people, who should be open minded and carries a responsibility to be progressive has raised such objections. He is in all probability referring to the song &quot;Ghoomar&quot; from the film which features Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmini, dancing before the king and members of the palace. Instead, the queen should be lauded for her initiative (in the film). There is nothing vulgar in the way she is dancing. It is quite tastefully done.</p>

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<h5>Sanjay Leela Bhansali has repeatedly said that there is no scene in the film that can hurt the sentiments of the Rajputs.</h5>
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<p>Sanjay Leela Bhansali has repeatedly said that there is no scene in the film that can hurt the sentiments of the Rajputs.</p>

<p>In fact, the trailer repeatedly talks about the valour of the Rajputs. Phrases like &quot;Rani Padmini is our pride and honour&quot;, &quot;The one who never gives up and fights the enemy till his very last breath is a Rajput,&quot; &quot;One who accepts all challenges and emerges victorious is a Rajput&quot; feature in the trailer.</p>

<p>I am slightly disappointed by the fact that a brilliant filmmaker as Sanjay Leela Bhansali has been focussing on regressive themes in his last few films. Let us hope he has not glorified the practice of Jauhar. Rani Padmini allegedly committed self-immolation during the siege of Chittor.</p>

<p>Mr Bhansali&#39;s previous film &quot;Bajirao Mastani&quot;, which was also accused of distorting historical facts but ultimately released across India, highlighted the love triangle between Bajirao Peshwa, his wife and his mistress. Perhaps the filmmaker could feature more socially progressive and relevant topics in his films that would help India transition from a developing society to a developed one.</p>


Sanjay Leela Bhansali has been focussing on regressive themes in his last few films but he can't be tried for committing treason for taking inspiration from a work of fiction

It is a question that the protestors who want the film "Padmavati" to be banned must first ask themselves before they take extreme steps, such as vandalising the film's sets in Jaipur or suggesting that the acclaimed director is tried for distorting history on grounds of treason. The question is can somebody be tried for treason because he took inspiration from a work of fiction. The Sanjay Leela Bhansali film is reportedly based on the 1540 fictional piece "Padmavat" by the famous poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi. The poem is a tribute to the valour of Rani Padmini, wife of the Rajput ruler of Mewar, Ratan Singh. In 1303, Alauddin Khilji, a king of the Delhi Sultanate, laid siege of the fort of Chittor. The poem Padmavat states that Alauddin Khilji started the campaign to conquer Chittor motivated by his desire to capture Rani Padmini who committed Jauhar (self-immolation) along with other women to save their honour. × The Padmavat states that Alauddin Khilji started the campaign to conquer Chittor motivated by his desire to capture Rani Padmini who committed Jauhar (self-immolation) along with other women to save their honour. Interestingly, the accounts prior to the "Padmavat" that describe Alauddin Khilji's Chittorgarh conquest make no mention of the queen. Historian Amir Khusrau, who accompanied Alauddin Khilji during the important historical event, and records it in "Khaza'in ul-Futuh" makes no mention of Rani Padmini. Later accounts of Rani Padmini are all adaptations of the "Padmavat". Most modern historians have rejected the authenticity of the legend around Rani Padmini. Rajput community leaders, several members of the BJP in the state and various right-wing organisations, including the Shri Rajput Karni Sena, the Sarv Brahmin Mahasabha and the Bajrang Dal have asked for a ban on the film, alleging that the filmmaker has distorted historical facts regarding Rani Padmini. Their objections are to an alleged dream sequence between Rani Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji which the film's director has repeatedly denied. The Supreme Court has refused to stay the release of the film and said that the Central Board of Film Certification or the censor board follows guidelines and considers all aspects before granting a certificate to any film. The filmmaker is yet to take the approval of the censor board, a process which routinely takes 21 days. A legislator of a political party has problems with the fact that a Rajput queen is dancing in front of everyone which he says is completely against Rajput culture and pride. × The Rajasthan government's suggestion is to set up a committee to examine the facts. Even if historians are invited to be committee members as suggested by some, it implies that another body will take over the functions of the censor board and this will set an unhealthy trend. A legislator of a political party has problems with the fact that a Rajput queen is dancing in front of everyone which he says is completely against Rajput culture and pride. "The legendary queen (Padmavati) has been reportedly portrayed in a bad light (in the film). Rani Padmavati never danced, rather all women from royal families lived a very dignified life and whenever they felt that their chastity is in danger, they would jump into the fire, so that nobody can touch them. Rani Padmavati was one of them," Raj Purohit, chief whip of the BJP in the Maharashtra assembly said. Is it really so? It is disappointing that a representative of the people, who should be open minded and carries a responsibility to be progressive has raised such objections. He is in all probability referring to the song "Ghoomar" from the film which features Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmini, dancing before the king and members of the palace. Instead, the queen should be lauded for her initiative (in the film). There is nothing vulgar in the way she is dancing. It is quite tastefully done. Sanjay Leela Bhansali has repeatedly said that there is no scene in the film that can hurt the sentiments of the Rajputs. × Sanjay Leela Bhansali has repeatedly said that there is no scene in the film that can hurt the sentiments of the Rajputs. In fact, the trailer repeatedly talks about the valour of the Rajputs. Phrases like "Rani Padmini is our pride and honour", "The one who never gives up and fights the enemy till his very last breath is a Rajput," "One who accepts all challenges and emerges victorious is a Rajput" feature in the trailer. I am slightly disappointed by the fact that a brilliant filmmaker as Sanjay Leela Bhansali has been focussing on regressive themes in his last few films. Let us hope he has not glorified the practice of Jauhar. Rani Padmini allegedly committed self-immolation during the siege of Chittor. Mr Bhansali's previous film "Bajirao Mastani", which was also accused of distorting historical facts but ultimately released across India, highlighted the love triangle between Bajirao Peshwa, his wife and his mistress. Perhaps the filmmaker could feature more socially progressive and relevant topics in his films that would help India transition from a developing society to a developed one.

Padmavati row: Much ado over a piece of fiction?

<p>The first poster of Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s much-awaited movie &quot;Padmavati&quot;, starring Deepika Padukone in the titular role, was out on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmavati?src=hash">#Padmavati</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FilmPadmavati">@FilmPadmavati</a> <a href="https://t.co/MenI9N7qFz">pic.twitter.com/MenI9N7qFz</a></p>
&mdash; Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) <a href="https://twitter.com/deepikapadukone/status/910673498376364033">September 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The two posters show Deepika wearing a red royal dress with heavy Rajasthani jewellery and minimal make-up. She sports an extravagant lehenga with traditional <em>zardozi</em> work, in a symbolic &quot;Tree of Life&quot;&nbsp;style. The <em>dupatta </em>drape also follows the traditional styling pattern, still in practice in the Mewar belt of Rajasthan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Her costumes have been designed by Delhi-based designers&nbsp;Rimple and Harpreet Narula. The designers created her look after studying Jaipur and Calico museums, various old textiles, old murals and miniature paintings.</p>

<p>After 2015&#39;s &quot;Bajirao Mastani&quot;, Deepika&nbsp;plays&nbsp;a royal for the second time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Her look as a Rajasthani royal is, however, quite different from her previous one as a Muslim warrior queen.</p>

<p>The poster has been revealed, coincidentally, on the first day of Devi puja&nbsp;which heralds the beginning of the Navratri festival in India.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">???? ??????? ?? ??? ???? ?? ????? ???? ???????? ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmavati?src=hash">#Padmavati</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FilmPadmavati">@FilmPadmavati</a> <a href="https://t.co/hYJonZCEEH">pic.twitter.com/hYJonZCEEH</a></p>
&mdash; Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) <a href="https://twitter.com/deepikapadukone/status/910668862336544768">September 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p><br />
In &quot;Padmavati&quot;, Deepika plays Rani Padmavati while Shahid plays her husband, Raja Rawal Ratan Singh.&nbsp;Ranveer Singh,&nbsp;who plays Alauddin Khilji, will be seen in a dark role on the silver screen for the first time.</p>

<p>The upcoming Indian period drama has been jointly produced by Bhansali Productions and Viacom 18 Motion Pictures.</p>


The film is slated for a release on December 1

The first poster of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's much-awaited movie "Padmavati", starring Deepika Padukone in the titular role, was out on Thursday. #Padmavati @FilmPadmavati pic.twitter.com/MenI9N7qFz — Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) September 21, 2017 × The two posters show Deepika wearing a red royal dress with heavy Rajasthani jewellery and minimal make-up. She sports an extravagant lehenga with traditional zardozi work, in a symbolic "Tree of Life" style. The dupatta drape also follows the traditional styling pattern, still in practice in the Mewar belt of Rajasthan. Her costumes have been designed by Delhi-based designers Rimple and Harpreet Narula. The designers created her look after studying Jaipur and Calico museums, various old textiles, old murals and miniature paintings. After 2015's "Bajirao Mastani", Deepika plays a royal for the second time. Her look as a Rajasthani royal is, however, quite different from her previous one as a Muslim warrior queen. The poster has been revealed, coincidentally, on the first day of Devi puja which heralds the beginning of the Navratri festival in India. ???? ??????? ?? ??? ???? ?? ????? ???? ???????? ?? #Padmavati @FilmPadmavati pic.twitter.com/hYJonZCEEH — Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) September 21, 2017 × In "Padmavati", Deepika plays Rani Padmavati while Shahid plays her husband, Raja Rawal Ratan Singh. Ranveer Singh, who plays Alauddin Khilji, will be seen in a dark role on the silver screen for the first time. The upcoming Indian period drama has been jointly produced by Bhansali Productions and Viacom 18 Motion Pictures.

First look: Deepika Padukone as queen of Chittor in 'Padmavati'

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Padmavati row: Much ado over a piece of fiction?

First look: Deepika Padukone as queen of Chittor in 'Padmavati'