Durga Dass Rathore

Merwar and Marwar were defeated by the Mughals. He was note disappointed by the annexation of Marwar to Mughal Empire followed by anihililation of Rajputs in the battle of Debari. On the one hand he continued to guide and inspire his clansmen to raise revolts in different parts of Marwar to weaken the Mughal hold over the newly acquired territories and on the other hand he played the part of a diplomat by trying unsuccessfully to come closer to Muazzam and then by instigating the third son of Aurangzeb to revolt against his father. He succeeded in getting recognition for Ajeet Singh as the real son of Jaswant Singh from the rebel prince at a crucial time when Aurangzeb was not prepared to recognize Ajeet Singh. Prince Akbar conferred on Ajeet Singh the title of Maharaja and Mansab. His foresightedness in escorting Akbar from Rajasthan to the Deccan was a calculated move because Aurangzeb also left for the Deccan to check the possibilities of Maratha – Rajput alliance against him. The intensity of Mughal atrocities was lessened with the movement of Aurangzeb from Rajasthan. Moreover, opportunities were provided to various Rathor Sardars to crate disturbances in Mughal territories to weaken their hole. Despite being away from Marwar, Durga Dass was in touch with his fellow nobles in these hard times when means of communications were almost inadequate. Despite the fact that Durga Dass was born and brought up in the traditional way, he was different from the Ran Bankura Rathors of his age who believed in displaying their personal velour and chivalry. He possessed the qualities of a statesman. But for this Ajeet Singh could not have got over financial stringency. Further, despite differences with his Swami Ajeet Singh he rose to the occasion to advise him not to fall in the Mughal trap when Ajeet was invited at Ajmer in 1692 to meet Shujaat Khan. Similarly, he was present in the battle of Sambhar. The Mughal Emperor Jahandarshah conferred on his the title of ‘Rao’ and awarded mansab of 4000 Zat and 3000 sawar.

The name of Durga Dass continues to figure in the official records of the Mughal Empire till about the year 1716 A.D. On many occasions Khilats were conferred on his and his mansab was raised time and again. But in the chronicles of Marwar his name is not mentioned after the victory of Rajputs in the battle of Sambhar. There may be two reasons for it. Firstly, his strained relations with Ajeet Singh which were completely ruptured by 1702. Secondly, the jealousy of his fellow clansmen because of his unique position in Marwar and Mughal Empire. Still, the tales of his heroic feats, devotion and sacrifice is remembered not only by the people of Marwar but by every Indian. His narrative presents an uninterrupted record of patriotism and loyalty.