Indian history is full of famous exploits of Rajputs. From Prithviraj's escape from Jaichand's court to Durgadas Rathore’s open defiance in Aurangzeb’s court, this martial race has always been an example of bravery.
So, let’s hear the story of a lesser known Rajput who single-handedly preserved the rule of the Rathore dynasty over Marwar from Mughal subjugation.
17th century Rajputana:
Rajputana after years of relentless resistance had finally tired. All the Rajputs states had finally agreed to accept Mughals as their sovereigns, while retaining their control over their respective states. Several brave Rajput generals adorned the Mughal armies. One of the bravest generals was the ruler of Marwar, Jaswant Singh Rathore who had died while campaigning for Mughals in Afghanistan.
What did Aurangzeb do in return?
The ungrateful Mughal emperor used this as an opportunity to subjugate Rajputana. He was a fanatic Muslim who couldn’t bear the sight of ‘infidels’ in his empire (An attitude which severely undermined the power of once prestigious Mughals later). He refused to accept Jaswant Singh’s infant son as the ruler of Marwar unless he was raised as a Muslim in Delhi. This enraged the Rajput delegation of 300 men under Durgadas Rathore, the custodian of Marwar Royal family. With a rare display of valour, he stormed out of the Mughal court with his men who fought their way out valiantly and thus protected the prince.
Aurangzeb then dispatched armies in Marwar. Anarchy and slaughter were let loose on the doomed state, all the great towns in the plain were pillaged, the temples were thrown down. Jaziya was imposed. Durgadas showed great strategic acumen and engaged the Mughuls in relentless guerilla warfare thereby inflicting heavy damages finally forcing the Mughals to withdraw.
A pioneer of the resurgence of Rajputs, Durgadas Rathore was a rare combination of the dash and reckless valour of a Rajput warrior with the tact, diplomatic cunning and organizing power of the best Mughal ministers.
Uniter of Rajputs:
Mughals had exploited the disunity of Rajputs since long time back. However Durgadas was able to unite Rajputs of various communities, including the long time enemies Rathores and the Sisodiyas to ward off the Mughal invasion. Trade routes throughout the region were plundered by the guerrilla attacks of Rajputs, who also looted various treasuries in the present-day Rajasthan and Gujarat. These attacks heavily impacted the finances of the Mughal (whose finances had already been stressed due to the campaign in Deccan). Finally, Durgadas was able to install Ajit Singh on the throne of Marwar.
A man of character:
Not just a valorous general and a master tactician, Durgadas Rathore was also a man of character. Aurangzeb’s grandchildren and daughter in law were under the supervision of Durgadas. It was inconceivable for a barbarian like Aurangzeb that his daughter-in-law would have escaped untouched, but Veer Durgadas was a man of such honour that he returned them to the Mughal! Unlike Aurangzeb who was forcing Islam on Ajit Singh, Durgadas allowed the grandchildren of the Mughal to learn Islamic faith by a Qazi. This exemplifies the greatness and the true character of Durgadas.
There have been many warriors who fought for their own, but there have been a very few men who fought for others. He could have easily eliminated the infant to become the king himself, but he chose to remain loyal to his word and gave the kingdom unhesitatingly to Ajit Singh. There are few parallels of such absolute detachment from power and such unflinching loyalty to one’s lord!!
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