The forgotten hero of Marwar

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Many warriors fought for their independence however, only a few were remembered. Shivaji and Maharana Pratap went down in Indian history to be known as the symbols of independence. So lets take a look at a much lesser-known but an equally valorous leader who was forgotten in our history books. A ruler who was not just a staunch patriot like Pratap but was also his close ally and contemporary. An exact replica of Maharana Pratap in values and qualities, I am talking about the forgotten hero of Marwar, Rao Chandrasen Rathore

Rajputana in second half of 15th century:

The entire Rajputana was divided into two camps. All the small Rajput states were either in the influence of the more ancient and respected Mewar (Shisodiyas) or the larger and stronger Marwar (Rathores). Mewar had severely weakened after the death of their valorous king Rana Sanga and was then ruled by his youngest son Udai Singh (father of Rana Pratap). Marwar on the other hand utilised this power vaccum and expanded its influence manifoldly under Maldev Rathore. He became so powerful that he was even able to stop Sher Shah Suri’s invasion in Rajputana (The same ruler who had ousted Akbar’s father from India). The powerful but hostile Marwar earned the wrath of the neighboring Rajput states which soon mustered around Akbar with their grievances against the Rathore Chief of Marwar. Akbar used this as a pretext to attack Marwar and sent several expeditions against Marwar. Marwar was not as defensible as Mewar which enjoyed protection of the Aravalli hills and hence it was severely weakened. As fate had wished, Maldeo died soon after. He was succeeded by his younger son Rao Chandrasen in 1562 who inherited a crumbling state (like Pratap).

(A rough division of Mewar in red and Marwar in white)

Rao Chandrasen was the ablest of all the other princes and hence he was declared the successor by Maldev even though Rajputs followed Primogeniture policy and he was not the eldest son. After ascension, Chandrasen had to face his brothers who had rebelled and joined Akbar’s camp (Same as Pratap’s case). He fought two battles with the allied army of Mughals and Rajputs of Bikaner and Amer (Battle of Merta (1562) and Battle of Sojat (1574)). His brother was declared as the king of Jodhpur by Akbar (similar to what Akbar had done in Mewar by appointing Pratap’s brother as the king of Mewar).

Akbar tried to capture the powerful fort of Siwana, capital of Chandrasen. However, two of his expeditions were defeated by Rathore generals Rawal Sukhraj and Patai Rathod. Akbar tried to win over Chandrasen by offering him Jodhpur and make him his mansabdar (fedual). He refused and continued fighting for 2 years until Siwana finally fell. Chandrasen was hunted relentlessly, until he finally retreated to Mewar and joined Pratap. He assembled his army once again and was successful in repulsing Mughals using guerrilla tactics until he met an untimely death soon after in 1581.

This was the story of the ‘Forgotten Hero of Marwar’, an embodiment of valor and sacrifice. He was one of those few kings of the contemporary India who died as an independent king. This was my small tribute in his valiant memory.

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Durgadas Rathore, the lion of Marwar

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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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