Rajpal Ganeshan
Rajpal Ganeshan, was born into the kshatriya caste in the year 1540 C.E. in the city of Jaipur, Rajasthan, the son of Uma, the daughter of a professional embroiderer, and Khirpal, an incense maker. Once old enough, he began to learn his father's craft, and at age 13, was married to Asha Delgejin, the daughter of a camel trader from the Thar Desert. Together, they have two children, Khirpal, 13, and Ratnavali, 10.
In 1567, the Muslim emperor, Akbar, marched into Rajasthan to assert his authority following the defiant gestures of the local Hindu prince, Raja Udai Singh. Akbar beseiged the city of Mewar, which was promptly abandoned by Udai Singh, and left in the hands of his two generals. The fort of Chittor, which dominated Mewar, was not impregnable, but Akbar lost nearly 100 men each day from the Hindu sharpshooters inside. The Emperor was forced to build great approach corridors, large enought to accomodate two elephants and riders abreast. When Akbar himself shot and killed one of the rebel generals, the Hindus gathered for a last ditch assault on the Islamic invaders. The men swallowed opium and rushed into the fray, whilst their women and children stayed behind in the fort and performed jauhar, immolating themselves to avoid falling into enemy hands following the inevitable defeat of their husbands.
Enraged and sickened by this mass suicide, Akbar ordered the destruction of anyone else left inside. He then marched on the Fort of Ranthambhor, another stronghold of Hindu resistance and considered one of the most powerful fortresses in India. Rajpal, inspired by the tales of Hindu bravery and glory, left his family in Jaipur and traveled to Rathambhor to take part in what he believed would be a glorious victory against the Islamic oppressors. Rajpal's leaders, however, were anxious to avoid another bloodbath like Chittor, and after a token resistance, surrendered.
Rajpal was wounded during this brief struggle. The victors treated his wound and cared for him until he was well enough to travel home again. In that time, Rajpal saw enough of the emirs and especially the Emperor Akbar himself to know that his first impressions of the Muslims were erroneous. He vowed never to take up arms again, and returned to Jaipur to the joy and relief of his family.
Upon seeing his son returned safe and sound, Khirpal (Rajpal's father) did as many Indian men do at a certain point in their lives, and renounced his responsibilities. He gave ownership of the business to Rajpal, officially making him the head of the household, and went off to Pushkar, a place of pilgrimmage, to live on the alms of pilgrims and prepare himself for death.
Today, Rajpal lives a quiet life in Jaipur, teaching his craft to son Khirpal, hiding what little wealth he can amass from the taxman, seeking out new markets, and finding partners for his children. In this he is ably assisted by his mother, his wife and his younger brother, Sanjiv. Sanjiv's wife, Kimala, is less helpful.