Surya Devi - "Death before Dishonor"

Meet Surya Devi, a princess of Sindh, born to Maharaja Dahir of Sind. In the year 711 CE, her kingdom faced a violent invasion by the Umayyad Caliphate under the leadership of Muhammad bin Qasim. Despite a brave defense, her father met his demise at the Battle of Aror, near the Indus River. His severed head was dispatched to Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf, marking a brutal end to Sind's monarchy.

Following this catastrophe, the widowed Queen Rani Bai held her fortress of Rawar against the invaders. However, realizing the inevitable, she opted for a warrior's death, performing Jauhar. When Brahmanabad fell, another queen, Rani Ladi, and two princesses, Surya Devi, and Parimal Devi, were captured. Muhammad bin Qasim, took Rani Ladi as his slave, while Surya Devi and Parimal Devi were sent to Caliph Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik.

Faced with a life in the Caliph's harem, Surya Devi demonstrated an indomitable spirit. She accused Muhammad bin Qasim of violating her and her sister, leading the enraged Caliph to order his death. Only after Qasim's death did Surya Devi reveal her lie, explaining her motivation to avenge her father.

Their story, however, ended tragically. The remorseful Caliph ordered them to be buried alive within a wall.

Surya Devi's tale is one of defiance and bravery in the face of adversity. She chose to fight for her honor and dignity, rather than surrender to the fate forced upon her. Her courage in standing against her oppressors stands as a testament to the strength of self-respect.

In Surya Devi's life, we see a resounding echo of the adage, "Death before dishonor." This is what self-respect truly means.