Savarkar, Vinayak Damodar, The Indian War of Independence of 1857

([London :  s.n.,  1909])

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The  Volcano
 

[ Pt.I
 

CHAPTER VI

THE  GREAT SACRIFICE
 

While the date of this National Vengeance is approaching
nearer and yet nearer, it is but proper that the requisite
sacrifice should be offered to the sacred and terrible God of
Fire, the Lord of us all, so that the presiding deity of this grand
work may be propitiated. As in the famous sacrifice of Indrajit
described in the Puranas, sacrifices were offered, one after
another, until the unconquerable chariot appeared, so offerings
must be thrown in the Sacrificial Kunda (pit) until the presiding
deity appears in person. There is no obstruction even, for this
sacrifice as was in the case of Indrajit. There could be no
doubt, then, about the success of the Yajna. The fire of indig¬
nation is burning terribly now, and all the seven tongues of
the God of Fire are rising higher and yet higher, demanding
the sacrifice. Then, why delay ? The Sankalpa (the declaration
and preliminary prayer) has been performed as early as the
year 1757.    Then, why delay? Begin the ofl'erings now!

Clive and Mir Jaffir, know ye not that the great honour of
the first offering belongs by right to the field of Plassey? Then,
why delay ? Throw the field of Plassey in !
~ Let riot the flames spare even the smallest kings and king¬
doms, armies and battlefields; whatever you find and wherever
you find it, aye, throw it in!

No offerings yet of the Koh-i-noor of the Panjab. Then go,
Dalhousie, and tear away the Koh-i-noor from its rightful
owner ! What better sacrifice could be meet for this crackling
fire   than  this   * gem of purest ray serene," this most ancient

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