Throughout history, warrior classes across civilizations have upheld traditions of either respectfully burying their enemies or, in some cases, preserving their graves as trophies of victory. Regardless of the circumstances, even the vanquished were often granted the dignity of burial—a recognition that the battlefield’s enmity should not extend beyond death.
However, desecrating the tombs of enemies out of hatred is a practice that diminishes those who engage in it. When we resort to such actions, we stoop beneath the level of those we criticize. Our enemies throughout history—especially in regions like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh—have inflicted grave injustices upon our Sanatani and Hindu warrior ancestors. Many of our sacred sites, temples, and burial grounds have suffered systematic destruction. The pain and humiliation inflicted upon our lineage are undeniable.
Yet, the question remains: do we rectify historical wrongs by mirroring the very actions we condemn? What is unjust remains unjust, regardless of who perpetrates it. It is commendable that some Hindu organizations are now attempting to reclaim the honor of our warrior ancestors. In fact, such efforts should have been initiated long ago by Kshatriya organizations, demanding official recognition and restoration of our heritage.
There has been only one known instance of an individual traveling to Pakistan to collect burial soil in honor of an emperor—a symbolic gesture that barely scratches the surface of what should have been a larger movement. No major Kshatriya organization has exerted significant pressure on the government to reclaim the dignity of our fallen warriors, despite it being a long-overdue endeavor. This negligence is indeed unacceptable.
Furthermore, in no other country does a warrior class tolerate the celebration of an enemy’s existence, let alone pay them celebratory respect even after their defeat and death. Such actions stand in direct opposition to the values and principles of the local communities, the state, and the nation itself. If Kshatriya organizations had, in the past, strongly objected to and opposed these glorifications of enemy figures—practices that essentially challenge the cultural identity and sovereignty of the state—this situation might have been avoided. However, their failure to act has led to a significant compromise of dignity and cultural interests.
Now, as Hindu organizations push for the excavation of enemy tombs, it is essential to recognize that this is not a true solution. Instead, a more effective approach would be to preserve the tomb purely as a historical artifact while eliminating any celebratory practices and dismantling the premises that facilitate such glorification. Or the broader approach would be to, pressure our neighboring country’s governments to construct respectful premises and even fund them. By doing so, history is acknowledged, but the misplaced reverence is properly placed, ensuring that the dignity of our ancestors and our cultural values remain intact.
History teaches us that true strength lies not in destruction but in preservation and rightful reclamation. If we seek to restore our dignity, we must rise above vengeance and focus on building a future where our heritage is respected, our warriors are remembered, and our legacy stands untarnished by acts of retribution.
—Khumaer Bayas