Kingdom of Mewar | |
---|---|
566–1949 | |
Motto: "The Almighty protects the one who upholds righteousness" | |
![]() The Kingdom of Mewar at its greatest extent c. 1521
| |
![]() The Udaipur State in 1909 within the Rajputana Agency | |
Capital | |
Common languages | Mewari[5] |
Religion | Hinduism |
Government |
|
Maharana | |
• 566-586 | Rawal Guhil |
• 728-764 | Bappa Rawal |
• 1326-1364 | Hammir Singh |
• 1508-1528 | Rana Sanga |
• 1572-1597 | Maharana Pratap |
• 1930-1948 | Bhupal Singh |
• Present | Mahendra Singh Mewar |
History | |
• Established | 566 |
1949 | |
Area | |
1901[6] | 33,030 km2 (12,750 sq mi) |
1941[7] | 33,517 km2 (12,941 sq mi) |
Population | |
• 1941[7] | 1,926,698 |
Today part of | India Pakistan |
The Kingdom of Mewar was an independent kingdom that existed in the Rajputana region of the Indian subcontinent and later became a major power in medieval India.[8] The kingdom was initially founded and ruled by the Guhila dynasty followed by the Sisodiya Dynasty.[9][10] The kingdom came to be known as the Udaipur State after it became a princely state in the nineteenth century.
The earliest kingdom was centered around the south-central part of Rajasthan, state of India. It was bordered by the Aravali Range to the northwest, Ajmer to the north, Gujarat, Vagad and Malwa regions to the south and the Hadoti region to the east.[11]
Mewar first gained prominence in the reign of Bappa Rawal (7th century A.D) who along with many powers of that time defeated the Arab powers trying to occupy the Indian Subcontinent.[12] Later, the kingdom became a vassal to Imperial Pratihars then to the Kingdom of Malwa and Chauhans.[13][14] The Kingdom transformed into an independent state in the early 10th century A.D. and was continuously engaged in many wars against the neighboring polities.[15] From the reign of Rawal Jaitra, Mewar was also facing the continuous expansion of the Delhi Sultanate. However, this came to an end, When in 1303 Delhi Sultanate's forces under Sultan Alauddin Khalji, besieged and occupied Chittorgarh, killing most of the branch of the Guhila dynasty.[16]
Later, Maharana Hammir, a scion of the cadet Sisodiya dynasty (junior branch of Guhilas) re-occupied Mewar in 1326 [17] However, a firm hold was established when an invading army of the Delhi Sultanate was repulsed at the Battle of Singoli (1336).[18] The kingdom in coming years became the most powerful state in the Northern India most notably under Maharana Kumbha and his grandson Maharana Sanga.[8] As it gained a streak of successes against the Islamic Sultanates of Malwa, Gujarat and Delhi, particularly in Mewar- Malwa Conflict. [19] It also successfully fought off and vassalized neighboring Hindu Kingdoms. At its peak, it controlled parts of Sindh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. The kingdom declined after the Battle of Khanwa with the Mughals.[20] Despite this, it continued to resist Mughal Expansion under Maharana Udai Singh II and Maharana Pratap. After Pratap's death, a constant struggle ensued between Mughals and Pratap's son Rana Amar Singh I which eventually led to a peace treaty through which Mewar became a vassal to the Mughals.[21] Even during this brief period of vassalization, Rana Raj Singh I and his successors revolted and led numerous successful campaigns including the Rathore rebellion and Rajput Rebellion (1708–1710) against the Mughal emperor, ultimately resulting in a victory for Mewar along with greater autonomy and power.[22] The kingdom afterward came under the Maratha influence and started paying Chauth.[23] The kingdom accepted British suzerainty in 1818 and it continued till 1947, after which Bhupal Singh signed the Instrument of Accession to India and joined the Union of India.[24]
Mewar's legacy lies in its prolonged struggle against the Islamic invasion.[25] The kingdom is witness to three Jauhars (Self-Immolation). It is also known for producing kings of high caliber such as Bappa Rawal, Khuman II, Rawal Jaitra, Maharana Hammir, Maharana Kumbha, Maharana Sanga, Maharana Pratap, Maharana Amar Singh, Maharana Raj Singh and Maharana Fateh Singh along with queens such as Padmavati and Karnavati and scholars such as Mirabai.[26][27] Shivaji, the great Maratha also claimed to be descended from the Sisodiya clan.[28] The Kingdom of Mewar, although a Hindu state, patronized Jainism and Buddhism. Among the Mewar's, Rajasthan Heritage Sites are Kumbhalgarh, Acchalgarh, Chittorgarh, Nagda-Ahar, Ranakpur Temple, Pichola Lake, Rajsamand Lake, Jaisamand Lake, Lake Palace, Sahasra Bahu Temples, Kirti Stambha and, most notably the Vijay Stambha (described variously as the jewel of Rajput art in India), which is also compared to Roman and Islamic architecture of Trajan's Column and Qutub Minar.[29][30] Udaipur, also known as the city of lakes and one of the largest cities of the North India was also founded by the Rana of Mewar, Udai Singh II.[31]
Mewar were considerably extended. On the north, they were pushed up as far as the Bayana River. In the east, Raisen, Sarangpur, Bhilsa, Kalpi and Chanderi, were included within her territories. In the south, Dungarpur and Banswara were held by a vassal, and her frontiers ran far into the heart of Malwa. To the south-west, Sirohi was ruled by the Rana's son-in-law. Even the chiefs of Marwar and Ambar, according to Tod, acknowledged his allegiance
The greater part of Malwa had been conquered and incorporated with Mewar. Ranthambhore, Gagrone, Kalpi, Bhilsa and Chanderi were under the sway of the Maharana. Ajmer had been taken and Abu reduced, and Sanga's governors administered both districts. Sanga reduced to submission the Khanzadas of Mewat.
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