Sudha Murty faces backlash over Raksha Bandhan origin story

Sudha Murty, philanthropist and Rajya Sabha MP, has come under fire on social media for her recent post regarding the origin of Raksha Bandhan. In a video shared on X, Murty attributed the festival’s inception to a legend involving Mughal emperor Humayun and Rani Karnavati of Chittor.

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Murty explained, “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.” She elaborated that Rani Karnavati, whose kingdom was under threat, sent a small piece of thread to Humayun, requesting his protection.

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, 2024

The post, which was accompanied by the video, sparked significant controversy. Critics on social media quickly challenged the historical accuracy of Murty’s account. Comments such as, “You should read history 20 hours a day,” and “Stop propagating falsehood!” reflected widespread disapproval. Some users dismissed her story as “absolute rubbish,” arguing that it misrepresents historical facts.

Murty’s claims have ignited a debate on historical accuracy and the role of personal narratives in public discourse, highlighting the sensitivity around cultural and historical interpretations.