Ashwaraj: The Shape-Shifting Hero and his Equine Allies in Raj Comics Universe

For those who have read Bhokal comics, they will find similarities in the early comics of Ashwaraj. In the first comic of Ashwaraj, a marathon chariot race is organized by the king Chintitsingh of Chintapokhli Nagar, much like the competition in the first Bhokal comic. However, since both characters belong to Raj Comics, there is not much significant difference in the stories.

The story of Ashwaraj begins with the chariot marathon organized by King Chintitsingh of Chintapokhli Nagar. However, the tale of Ashwaraj’s previous life’s fragment is narrated in the story “Phir Aaya Ashwaraj.” The narrative runs in parallel with two stories, one about the reincarnation of Ashwaraj and the other about his first life. In the realm of Ashwalok, two kingdoms, Suryavanshi Ashvasamrat Tarpido and Chandravanshi Ashvasamrat Ashwatank, were at odds with each other. Due to a mistake, soldiers from both kingdoms accidentally entered each other’s territories, leading to their demise. The main cause of this enmity was the love between Chandravanshi Emperor Ashwatank’s daughter, Princess Ashvakirti, and Suryavanshi Emperor Tarpido’s son, Ashwaraj. When Ashwatank, influenced by the demon Tootaboota, wanted to sacrifice his own daughter, Princess Ashvakirti, in his demonic rituals, she fled and sought refuge with Ashwaraj. In order to protect her, Ashwaraj hid her in the secret treasures of Kaanroo. However, after some events, Ashwaraj’s death occurs, and Ashvakirti is perpetually imprisoned in that same tilisma. Later, after a few years, two children are born to King Tarpido, a girl, and a boy. Upon seeing them, Tarpido realizes that Ashwaraj has reincarnated.

Ashwaraj is a shape-shifting humanoid with the ability to transform into a formidable horse-like creature during times of crisis. He is also a skilled warrior who constantly rides a chariot pulled by five horses. These horses are not just companions but possess unique powers associated with Ashwaraj’s two aspects.

1. Kala Khor: This horse has an exceptional sense of smell, capable of detecting scents from miles away.
2. Raktambar: With the power of long-distance vision, Raktambar alerts Ashwaraj of impending troubles.
3. Shravya Shakti: This horse possesses the ability to hear sounds from a great distance.
4. Neelkanth: With an incredible intellect, Neelkanth advises Ashwaraj on when the right time to fight is.
5. Ashwavat: This horse has the power of speech.

All these horses remain with Ashwaraj through every adversity, aiding him in various ways.

The Ashwaraj comics were never printed with more than 30 pages for two main reasons. Firstly, there was less enthusiasm among readers for Ashwaraj comics at that time, as characters like Nagraj and Dhruva had not yet established a strong presence. Publishers were reluctant to take risks, and secondly, increasing the page count would have raised the cost, which readers in the 1990s were not willing to spend on comics. Although Ashwaraj played a lengthy role in the Raj Comics series, it eventually had to be discontinued. However, a few years ago, a series called “Yugandhar” was initiated, reviving characters from discontinued comics, including Ashwaraj.