It had been three months since the unfortunate demise of Maharaja Vikramadeva. Maahishmati was still mourning. Three months, after all, were not sufficient to move past the loss of the kindest king these people had ever known. Neither were they sufficient for Sivagami, his sister-in-law who was protecting the kingdom, to find a replacement for the able administrator he had been; to find someone who would at least maintain, if not further develop, the golden age the late king created under his rule.

It was the day of the new moon in the month of Bhadrapada. Maharani Akhila was in labour. Vikramadeva had been beyond joyous when they’d found out that she was going to have twins. He wished for a boy who could be his heir, protecting the people with just as much care as he had, and a girl who would make him the happiest man on earth. He would plan to teach both of them how to ride a horse, wield whatever weapon they liked, and see to it that they were experts in whatever field of academics they had a liking for. The midwife, Prasunamba, could not help but dwell on how unfortunate it was that he did not live to even see the birth of his children. 

Ten hours into labour, the firstborn of the queen in labour saw the world outside of his mother’s womb. But just as he sucked in air for the first time, his mother breathed her last. Prasunamba could not hold back tears of sorrow. The queen was one of the few people belonging to royalty who also respected her for her knowledge and expertise, rather than only treating her with compassion. She held the baby boy and cleaned him before making her way to Sivagami, unable to bear the sight of the still, unmoving Akhila even for a second more.

“We couldn’t save the Queen, Milady.” 

Sivagami turned around to face Prasunamba. She sighed, closing her eyes. This was expected. Giving birth to twins was risky as it was, and the shock of losing her husband at such a time only made her mentally more vulnerable. “What about the other baby?”

“Doctors were summoned to see if anything can be done, but…”

Sivagami nodded. Even she thought it was very unlikely that the other child would survive. She stepped closer to Prasunamba, to take a look at her nephew. 

“It’s a boy, Milady,” Prasunamba slightly stretched out her arms to let Sivagami have a closer look. Sivagami caressed the little one’s bare head and ran her hand down his face. He held her index finger in a strong grip, simply refusing to let go.

“Baahubali,” Sivagami uttered. She had named the boy appropriately: the one with strong arms.

Before she could enquire further regarding any updates of Baahubali’s twin, Vidya, Sivagami’s secret informant, rushed in and hastily explained how the ministers led by Martanda had brought in a large group of warriors, aiming to rebel and capture the empty throne. She nodded at Prasunamba, wordlessly asking her to follow, as she began walking towards the court. 

“Go to Maharani’s chambers, Vidya. They might need your help there.” Vidya had gained tremendous knowledge in the field of medicine, particularly for pregnant women and infants, at a very young age. Sivagami hoped she would be able to help Baahubali’s twin survive.

It was only a matter of a few minutes before Kattappa, had cleared, with the traitors’ blood, the filth of rebellion accumulated in Maahishmati, as ordered by Sivagami. However, he was not alone: she had the foresight to pay off the warriors more money than the ministers could have ever given them.

“Milady, we have just had the privilege to witness your acumen in statecraft and war strategy. We would be delighted if you sat upon the throne yourself and brought back glory to our kingdom—you deserve the position.”

“No, Mahamantri,” she denied the Prime Minister’s request. “It is not my place.”

“Then whose is it, Milady?”

“What sort of a question is that, Mahamantri?” Bijjaladeva chimed in. He was still bitter over the fact that his younger brother was preferred over him to sit upon the throne. He blamed it on his physical disability—his left hand was deformed—and paid no attention to his attitude, which was unworthy of such great power. But he was glad that now there was no contender alongside his son; or so he thought. “The throne belongs to my son, Bhallaladeva,” he pointed to the infant in Sivagami’s arms. She too had given birth just a few weeks ago. “Tell them, Sivagami.”

She stayed quiet for a moment, glancing at the newborn in Prasunamba’s arms, presumably hungry. She signalled her to hand Baahubali over to her. Prasunamba understood the gesture and placed him in Sivagami’s arms comfortably so that she could feed him too. Silent gratitude and awe shone in her eyes for the noble lady who was now Queen Mother. 

“Both my sons have equal claim to inheriting the throne. Whoever grows into a formidable warrior, and more importantly, earns respect in the hearts of the people, he shall become King.” She could see from the corner of her eye that Bijjaladeva was about to protest. “This is my word,” she stated firmly. “And my word shall be decree.”

She gently patted the babies to sleep after she sensed that both of them were content. That was when Vidya brought the youngest member of the royal family into court. “This is a miracle, Milady! It was quite a tricky situation, but we managed to save the young prince’s twin,” she stood right before Sivagami. “It’s a girl.”

She was much smaller in comparison to her twin, appearing much more fragile. Sometimes, one twin got a larger share of nutrients than the other. But when she held Sivagami’s thumb, wrapping her little hand around it, Sivagami was surprised, realising that she was no less stronger than her twin. 

“Lalita,” Sivagami uttered. The delicate one. But it was also the name of the Mother Goddess who nurtured and sustained all Creation. “Irrespective of which brother of hers is crowned as King,” she proclaimed proudly, “I am certain that the Princess will grow into a capable woman who can support him and work for the welfare of her people.”

And so began arguably the most prominent, defining period that shaped the history and identity of the kingdom of Maahishmati.

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