Chapter 40 The end of the Clan Era

"A total of 7 thousand souls did meet their demise during the siege, with an additional four thousand valiant warriors, hailing from both factions, succumbing to the ferocity of battle.

Upon the briny deep, the formidable fleet of the Rajputra Clan, numbering six hundred strong, made landfall at the hallowed shores of Saraswati Bay. Their intent was none other than to lay siege upon the coastal jewel known as Suryanagar, a pivotal stronghold of the esteemed Saraswati Clan.

In the azure expanse, these six hundred vessels of the Rajputra, squared off against a fleet of two hundred and fifty vessels flying the Saraswati banner. Both sides did parade their maritime might, but the Rajputra ships, of grandeur and might, did dwarf those of the Saraswati.

For hours did the naval battle ensued, and the bay, it seemed, blazed crimson as fiery conflagrations consumed vessels from either shore, with the majority being of the Saraswati fleet.

As the flames devoured the once-proud Saraswati ships, the denizens and warriors of Suryanagar City surrendered without reservation. A rare instance amidst a siege, for their roads remained unstained by bloodshed.

Thus, it came to pass that a total of 15 thousand souls perished in the naval skirmish, with the Saraswati bearing the brunt of the grim toll. Their maritime spirit suffered a grievous blow.

Yet, the Saraswati did not falter, and in retaliation, they advanced westward, seizing the cities of Jalakanda and Hanumargiri. A humiliating defeat for the haughty Keshav Hanumanji of the Hanuman Clan. This reckoning claimed the lives of 18 thousand, including innocent folk dwelling in those cities and hamlets.

The Hanuman Clan, in light of these setbacks, found themselves unable to progress east or west, prompting Clan Leader Keshav Hanumanji to fortify their defences.

In the opening year of the conflict, in 801 AD, the forces under Clan Leader Vikram Singh Rathore ventured deeper into Saraswati territory. They captured the cities of Varunapura, once the capital of the Varuna Clan, as well as Jalapura, Saraswatigan, Vanastapur, and Chandravati.

Though the Saraswati stood firm in opposition, their resistance proved futile. The Rajputra warriors wielded deadly arms and harnessed the native skills of the region, skills foreign to the other clans.

And as the year 802 AD drew to a close, the city of Suryanagari and its coastal brethren fell into the clutches of the Rajputra Clan. Meanwhile, the Hanuman Clan succeeded in reclaiming the cities of Jalakanda and Hanumargiri from the Saraswati warriors.

The advance of the Rajputra warriors, led by Clan Leader Vikram Singh Rathore, compelled the once-arrogant Clan Leader Keshav Hanumanji into a frenzied advance toward the cities of Ganfapuri, Jalapuran, and Vasantnagar, before ultimately reaching the shores.

The relentless fall of cities within Saraswati dominion may be ascribed to the passing of their Clan Leader, Abhinav Saraswat. He was succeeded by his unseasoned son, Rajendra Varma.

The warriors of Saraswati were demoralized and exhausted. Some surrendered, while others chose to take their own lives in a desperate bid to preserve their honor, a practice that held great significance during the Clan Period, and one that endured even in those trying times.

By AD 803, three years after the commencement of the war, the forces of Clan Leader Vikram Singh Rathore and Clan Leader Keshav Hanumanji found themselves surrounding the fortified city of Mangalapuram, which corresponds to the modern-day Mangagoy City.

The sight of the combined forces of Hanuman and Rajputra was an intimidating one to behold. A great chaos engulfed the entire city as the forces of these two clans laid siege to the city gates.

5 thousand individuals perished during the siege, with an additional 7 thousand meeting their end during the fierce battle. The city's streets ran red with blood, flowing relentlessly toward the sea. In total, this war claimed the lives of approximately 500 thousand individuals, dealing a massive blow to the region's population at that time.

The siege culminated in success, resulting in the capture of the entire Saraswati family and the beheading of their leader, Clan Leader Rajendra Varma. The territory once controlled by the Saraswati Clan was subsequently divided into two, with the Rajputra Clan claiming the lion's share.

This division incited jealousy among members of the Hanuman Clan, who believed they deserved a more extensive territory. They argued that they had shed more blood than the warriors of the Rajputra Clan. However, their protests fell on deaf ears, met with ridicule by Clan Leader Vikram Singh Rathore," Doctor Rizal recounted, pausing momentarily to glance at his attentive student.

"Any question?" he inquired.

Which made me nod in fascination before posing a question. "Why do you think, Doctor, that the Hanumans chose to destroy the cities previously controlled by the Saraswati Clan, while the Rajputras opted to occupy and utilize them?"

Indeed, there is a reason behind the Hanumans' decision to lay waste to those cities. In the 800s AD, the Hanumans favoured a more brutal approach to conquering the territories once held by the Saraswatis. This tactic was aimed at intimidating and instilling fear in both the populace and the warriors of the Saraswati Clan, and it proved effective in the short term. The Rajputras did not resort to such measures, for their sheer numbers alone could inspire trepidation among their adversaries. This was evident when they conquered the city of Vanasrapur merely by presenting themselves at its gates," Doctor Rizal explained calmly while maintaining eye contact.

"Then, Doctor, what became of the alliance after the war? Did it endure?" I further inquired.

"No, it did not, sir The alliance between Aishwarya Rajputra of the Rajputra Clan and Arjun Hanuman of the Hanuman Clan never materialized due to the profound discontent harboured by Clan Leader Keshav Hanumanji. He felt betrayed by the meagre land allocation his clan received after the war," Doctor Rizal said with a smile, to which the student responded with a nod of understanding.

Empathy welled up within me for the Hanuman Clan, given their treatment, but he acknowledged that in such a tumultuous era, betrayals were as common as peace.

The Hanumans, while deserving of sympathy, found themselves in a precarious position, militarily weaker than the formidable Rajputras, who were wealthier and more powerful. Additionally, they grappled with the persistent threat of pirates and external settlements beyond their region.

"Shall we continue?" he inquired after a few moments of shared silence.

I nodded in approval, my curiosity piqued and my questions satisfied.

"Very well... By the year 850 AD, the region entered another era marked by peace and prosperity. During this time, more temples and pagodas graced the lands of the two clans. After years of continuous social and cultural progress, the people of the Rajputra Clan and the Hanuman Clan evolved into a distinct strain of humanity, giving rise to the Butuanon people as we know them today.

Any traces of Indianized culture had vanished, and both clans had managed to incorporate elements from various other cultures they encountered over the years. This blending gave birth to the earlier version of the Butuanon culture that we all recognize today, while they continued to adhere to the Hindu tradition of naming their children.

However, despite the peace prevailing, the Hanumans' animosity toward the Rajputras continued to fester, especially as the Rajputras advanced at a swifter pace. Jealousy towards the Rajputras became the core grievance among the ruling class of Hanuman lands.

Discrimination against Rajputra merchants and traders ran rampant in the ports and major cities of Hanuman territories.

This further incensed the Clan Leader of the Rajputra Clan and its elders. They demanded reparation from the Hanumans, but their pleas were met with derision from the ruling Hanuman elite. This marked the origin of the deep-seated animosity between the two clans.

By 984 AD, Shaja Killing, son of the previous Clan Leader Arjun Varhanti, ascended to the position of Clan Leader.

In 985 AD, under the leadership of Clan Leader Shaja Killing and his allied tribes, a sudden declaration of war was made against the Hanuman Clan, led by Clan Leader Kavir Hanuman. Both leaders were the 15th of their respective clans to hold such a title.

Clan Leader Shaja Killing harboured a singular ambition in his conquest: to unite all descendants of those who had migrated from the Islands of Taiwan and Hainan under his banner. It was a dream passed down from his grandfather to his father and now carried on his shoulders.

An astounding force of 80 thousand warriors from the Rajputra Clan descended from the plains and mountains, with their sights set on capturing the cities of Vardhavati, Varanapuri, Varunagrama, Kashlami, Vallabhipura, Jalapuran, and Gangapuri. It was a siege that scarcely resembled an attack, as it caught the warriors and upper echelons of the Hanuman Clan entirely off-guard.

The Hanumans' failure to anticipate the impending onslaught of the Rajputra warriors or even to detect their arrival led to the overwhelming success of these sieges. It was a resounding victory for the Rajputra people and a grievous blow to the Hanuman Clan. Even the humble coastal towns of the Hanuman Clan fell to the Rajputra Clan without putting up any resistance.

While the sieges were successful, they exacted a heavy toll, claiming the lives of around 10 thousand individuals, many of whom fell victim to the arrows of Hanuman archers. The Hanumans, on the other hand, suffered losses estimated at 20 to 30 thousand individuals, including civilians who resisted the Rajputra warriors.

By the time Clan Leader Kavir Hanuman and his Purana Prachayat (Council of Elders) became aware of the attack, it was already too late. Their cities near the border of the Rajputra Clan were under enemy control, and their ships and coastal towns had fallen to the Rajputras, led by Clan Leader Shaja Killing himself.

With great fury, Clan Leader Kavir Hanuman gathered all his warriors and set forth in three different directions across their land. To the North, where Clan Leader Shaja Killing stood with his 30 thousand warriors, Clan Leader Kavir Hanuman advanced with his own force, numbering 20 thousand strong.

To the Northwest, Datu Akash Kamer marched alongside his 15 thousand warriors to confront the oncoming forces of Datu Kunal Singh, who led 20 thousand warriors.

To the East, Datu Aryan Gupta advanced with his contingent of 10 thousand warriors to face the rapidly approaching Datu Vivek Joshi, who commanded 20 thousand warriors.

By the second half of the year 986 AD, it was Datu Akash Kamer and Datu Kunal Singh who first clashed in the city of Rajagiri.

A total of 20 thousand Rajputra warriors descended upon the 15 thousand warriors of Hanuman. In honour and valour, these two sides fought, not relenting until one side fell. The fields were stained crimson by the bloodshed, for many souls met their end during that grim time.

When daybreak came, a staggering 25 thousand warriors lay lifeless, including Datu Akash Kamer, who displayed remarkable bravery in his duel with Datu Kunal Singh. This battle marked one of the bloodiest in the history of the Clan since its inception.

In admiration of Datu Akash Kamer's valour, Datu Kunal Singh decided to honour the fallen warrior by erecting a stone statue in his memory in the city of Rajagiri.

Meanwhile, Datu Aryan Gupta and Datu Vivek Joshi encountered each other in the city of Hanumargiri, a fortified city and the heart of Hinduism in the Hanuman land.

Upon Datu Arya Gupta's arrival, he found that Datu Vivek Joshi had already seized control of the city. Arrows rained down upon Datu Arya Gupta's soldiers, filling them with confusion and dread. Before they could react fully, Rajputra warriors surged forth from the city gates, mercilessly attacking the Hanuman soldiers.

In this battle, 20 thousand lives were lost, not including innocent civilians. It was so brutal that scholars would later describe the canals of the city as running red with water, carrying a stench akin to fish.

Clan Leader Kavir Hanuman faced dire circumstances during the conflict. Instead of advancing North to confront the forces of Rajputra and Clan Leader Shaja Killing, they were forced into a retreat due to their adversaries. The once-mighty force of 20 thousand warriors dwindled to a mere 5 thousand, most of them perishing during a landslide, an event that greatly favoured Clan Leader Shaja Killing.

Poor leadership and arrogance had transformed this formidable 20 thousand-strong army into a mere 5 thousand, their numbers reduced by 15 thousand in graves deep beneath the ground. The Rajputra Clan, under Clan Leader Shaja Killing's command, continued to pursue them relentlessly. Eventually, Clan Leader Shaja Killing decided to halt the pursuit and concentrate on capturing the Hanuman Clan's territories.

By the end of the year 986 AD, the Rajputra Clan had conquered a staggering 90% of the Hanuman Clan's territories, leaving only the capital city of Varaprastha Nagara untouched.

It was a swift conquest for Clan Leader Shaja Killing, as most cities and towns did not put up significant resistance. However, it was not a bloodless campaign, as 60 thousand individuals perished during the conquest, with a majority being members of the Hanuman Family, while others were warriors of the Hanuman Clan.

And in the first month of the year 987 AD, Clan Leader Shaja Killing, along with Datu Vivek Joshi and Datu Kunal Singh, together with their warriors, commenced the siege upon the city of Varaprstha Nagara. The air was filled with the cries of terror and despair as people began to fall and the city gates were breached.

It is told that the waters of the city's canals ran crimson with the blood of those who perished during those dark days. It was also on this fateful day that the entire Hanuman Clan met their tragic end at the hands of the warriors of the Rajputra Clan. Not even the innocent children were spared from the wrath of the Rajputra warriors.

By that time, victory was claimed by the Rajputra Clan, led by their 29-year-old Clan Leader, Shaja Killing. Clan Leader Shaja Killing then set about consolidating his authority over the region, silencing those who opposed his rule.

By the conclusion of the year 987 AD, a staggering two hundred thousand souls had met their end, including those who fell in battle.

By the year AD 988, Clan Leader Shaja Killing formally established the Rajahnate of Butuan, proclaiming himself Rajah Shaja Killing, the inaugural Rajah of the Rajahnate of Butuan. This marked a complete transformation of the entire domain of the Clan. He chose to rename the capital city from Surya to Sooraj, signifying 'Sun.'

Furthermore, he altered the name of the Rajputra Clan to the Dynasty/House of Shaja, a name that paid homage to himself and his achievements. Rajah Shaja proclaimed that his house was committed to uniting the people who traced their roots to the migrants from the Islands of Hainan and Taiwan. Their ultimate goal was to reclaim the Islands of Hainan and Taiwan from the grasp of the Chinese (Song Dynasty), thereby reuniting the people with their ancestral lands.

This marked the end of the Clan Era for our people and the rule of the Rajputra Clan. Rajah Shaja's actions heralded the era of the Rajahnate for our nation and formalized his reign. By changing the name of his clan from Rajputra to Shaja, he brought an end to the long reign of the Rajputra Clan in the land.

Notably, this period also witnessed the end of the Hindu religious rule in the region. Rajah Shaja and his entire family converted to the Buddhist faith, leading to the transformation of temples and pagodas dedicated to Hindu deities into places of worship for the Buddhist faith.

Despite these sweeping changes, Rajah Shaja Killing instructed scholars and the people to retain the tradition of naming their descendants according to the naming conventions of the Hindu faith, a practice that endures to this day.

However, the primary reason behind Rajah Shaja's decision to change the nation's identity remains shrouded in mystery. The widely accepted narrative suggests that he received a divine command to undertake these changes, solidifying his rule in the land.

This belief has found support in a few ancient scripts discovered beneath the Batlso Palace. These scripts were penned in the ancient Butuanon language used during Rajah Shaja's time and contained accounts of the divine mandate bestowed upon him by a celestial being.

This evidence reinforces the notion that Rajah Shaja was a deeply religious individual and a devoted follower of the Buddhist faith. Proof of his religious devotion can also be found in his tomb, where scrolls containing Buddhist prayers and scripts written in Sanskrit and Ancient Butuanon Language are preserved.

And so, this is the narrative of the origin of the Butuanon people and the establishment of the Rajahnate. It is also the tale of the origin of your noble house, sir, the Imperial House Shaja of Butuan," Doctor Rizal concluded, taking a deep breath before closing his book.

I can feel it! My eyes twinkle with a thrilling delight, and there's a quiver in my limbs. Truly, history does awaken a passionate fervour within me, especially when it unveils tales hitherto unknown. Even the chronicles of the Temple of Butuan, as elucidated by Archbishop Adam during our recent discourse, do stir the embers of excitement within my chest.

"The migration of the ancient Austronesian folk from the Isles of Hainan and Taiwan is the very genesis of our exultant observance of the Bihimasa Festival. An annual celebration commemorating the protracted sojourn of our forebears from those distant isles to the land now under our nation's sway, particularly the dominion of Mindanao. Any inquiries?" He inquired, his gaze fixed upon me.

"Uhm… I beseech thee, to elucidate the other impetus that impelled the Rajputra Clan to wage war upon the Lin Clan. For the realm, at that juncture, had seemingly found tranquillity; why then did Rajah Shaja deem it requisite to annex the Hanuman Clan's territory?" I asked.

Though a firm proponent of the notion that warfare oftentimes begets societal advancement, I am equally persuaded that certain conundrums may find resolution through diplomatic means.

As my papa once imparted, diplomacy plays an indelible role in fostering amicable relations. War, verily, is not always the ultimate answer.

"Well, according to the records, there are three reasons for his invasion," he intoned in composed tones, raising one digit in a demonstrative fashion.

"Firstly, dominance; in the discerning eyes of Clan Leader Shaja Killing, the Hanuman Clan posed a substantial threat to the territorial integrity of his dominion. Hence, the annihilation of the Hanuman Clan appeared the sole course to secure his realm."

He advanced a second digit in elucidation.

"Secondly, resources; the region under Hanuman Clan's purview abounded with coveted natural wealth, a commodity markedly scant in the demesnes of the Rajputra Clan, notwithstanding their extensive domain. Given the Rajputras' penchant for trade and their adulation for precious metals, the coveting of Hanuman's lands kindled the flames of war."

A third digit he alofted to accentuate his final point.

"And lastly, personal ambition; historical archives proffer substantial evidence that Rajah Shaja Killing harboured ambitions of territorial expansion and augmentation of his dominion. He reckoned that by subjugating the Hanuman Clan's territory, he might not only aggrandize his own territorial holdings but also solidify his dominion by subjugating the entire Hanuman Clan populace, ruling them with an iron hand, thus ensuring subjugation and compliance. His yearning to unite the descendants of our ancient migrants from millennia ago fueled his ardour, especially upon witnessing the favourable outcome of his conquests.

These are the three reasons why Rajah Shaja Killing advances his plan to conquer the lands of the Hanuman Clan." Doctor Rizal calmly explained while looking at me with a full smile.

"Personal interest, hmm..." I mumbled to myself, as I could see myself in Rajah Shaja's actions of conquering the Hanuman Clan's lands.

The world is teeming with leaders driven by greed and ambition. It is a world of dominance and power, a stage for humans to thrive and expand. Survival of the fittest, as my ancestors used to say. This world is not for the weak or the faint-hearted.

To secure my survival, I thought, one must strive for dominance and power, especially if diplomacy fails.

"Doctor, I have a question," I said, gazing at the flowing waters of the Agusan River, named after Rajah Agusan I, who helped consolidate the Rajahnate's power over its vast land in the year 999 AD.

"What is it, sir?" he replied calmly, diverting his attention back to me.

"This is purely out of curiosity, but if our people originated from the Islands of Hainan and Taiwan some four thousand years ago, does that imply that we are still technically Chinese?" I inquired.

"Uhm… No, sir. Although the migration occurred relatively recently, precisely 4,895 years ago, we did not consider ourselves Chinese in any sense during or after the migration. We are the descendants of Austronesian migrants. While we may have lost some of our history during the 'Unknown Era,' both we and our ancestors are certain that we are not Chinese.

We, the Butuanons, are a people influenced by three dominant forces in the region during our expansion towards the northern part of our land.

First, we were influenced by the Gupta Empire by 500 AD through trade, which led to our Indianization. This brought Hinduism, language, literature, and architectural styles.

Second, the Chalukya Dynasty introduced Buddhism in 876 AD, leading to a fusion of Buddhism and Hinduism. They also brought fashion, clothing, and cuisine. 

The palaces, mansions, houses, shrines, and temples, are the product of this architectural mixture which is called by historians as 'Rajahnate Architecture'.

Lastly, we were influenced by the Tang Dynasty in 900 AD. The Tangs introduced their tea culture, governmental and civic practices, court system, music and dances, and fashion and clothing, which combined with Chalukya influences. This fusion later gave rise to our present clothing.

These three dynasties have left an indelible mark on our ancestors, shaping who we are today. We can discern the resemblance in our architecture, court system, faith, and more. But that does not make us Chinese or Indian. We are Butuanons—proud and strong.

We are a seafaring people, sailors who settled and expanded to become who we are today.

Yes, Chinese and Indian cultures have greatly influenced our own, but we are not them. This is our unique identity."

Doctor Rizal calmly explained as he prepared a fresh pot of tea.

The Butuanons disavow any connection to the Han Chinese, sir. As Rajah Shaja Killing stated,

'We are the descendants of people who migrated from the motherland (Taiwan and Hainan) and chose this land as our home. Although we may have been influenced by the Guptas, Chalukyas, and the Tangs, we are by no means related to them by blood.'

This statement, inscribed in stone, is currently on display at the Sooraj Museum."

"Our nation and people have come a long way, huh? 4,895 years is not a short span," I remarked, taking a sip of my tea.

"That we have," Dr. Rizal agreed with a nod before continuing. "With great effort and the wars our ancestors faced, we have reached this point in our nation's history."

Our conversation continued into the afternoon, delving into more mundane topics as our lesson had concluded. I also inquired about the current situation of the Rizal siblings, which Doctor Rizal happily shared.

Most of them resided in Calamba, Laguna, each pursuing their passions, while their eldest brother managed their family's estate in their hometown. Their mother sought relaxation and tranquillity away from bustling cities.

The Rizal family, although they presently hold a commoner's standing, they can trace their lineage back to the last Lakandula of Tondo. This distinguished bloodline was among the few noble families that survived the tragic massacre of nobility in the Islands of Luzon and Visayas during the reign of the Spanish.

However, it is noteworthy that despite their descent from the last Lakandula, their noble status was not reinstated after the Spanish regained control of these islands. The primary reason for this absence of restoration lies in the decision made by the Rizal family to adopt Spanish-style names—a choice that was highly unpopular during those times.

Nevertheless, their names and pertinent information were meticulously recorded by the Imperial Commission for Nobility Records (ICNR). They were recognized not as noble families themselves but rather as descendants of nobility.

During our conversation, Dr. Rizal courteously excused himself for a few moments, reminding me to delve deeper into the history of our people. He mentioned that our next lesson would revolve around the Clan Leaders of the Prajputra Clan, from the first leader to the very last. With that, my day's educational endeavours drew to a close, filled with newfound knowledge and understanding.

Upon returning to the mansion, I was greeted by my courtiers, and together, we spent quality time with our families. The day concluded with a heartfelt supper enjoyed by the entire family.

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