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The confrontation of Raj Singh with the
Mughals began from 1679. In that year Aurangzeb reimposed
Jaziya tax on the Hindus on the 2nd April,1679, which
according to Dr. Ojha, evoked a vigorous protest later from
Raj Singh. Historians are not unanimous over the name of the
real author of this protest letter. Whosoever may be the
author but his fact is clear that the relation on Raj Singh
with Aurangzed further worsened. Rather problem led to the war
with the Mughals. This problem grew with the death of Jaswant
Singh at Jamrud in December 1678. At the time of his death
Jaswant Singh had no issue. So aurangzeb ordered the
annexation of Marwar, and himself proceeded to Ajmer to
supervise the situation. On 19th February, two posthumous sons
were born to Jaswant Singh, one of them died soon after his
birth and other lived, who was known as Ajit Singh. Unmindful
of the birth of a successor, Aurangzeb continued with his
policy of converting Marwar into Khalsa. Naturally it caused
great resentment in Rathor principality. Aurangzeb’s attempt
to bring up Ajit Singh as a Muhammadan in the royal harem
further worsened the situation. Durga Das and other Rathore
sardars succeeded in taking newly born – baby to Marwar
safely. Now came the problem of Ajit’s security. Raj Singh was
the only ruler who could provide the shelter. So according to
Raj Ratnakar and Raj Vilas his help was sought. The Rana must
have been in a dilemma. To reuse to give shelter was against
the Rajput tradition. On the other hand if he gave protection,
it would amount to an act of hostility against the Mugals. But
for Raj Singh upholding of Rajput tradition was more important
then any fear of war. There ware several other considerations
also. Firstly, Ajit was closely related to Raj Singh.
Secondly, the borders of Mewar and Marwar were contiguous and
the establishment to the Mughal authority in Marwar could as
wee create security problem of Mewar. Inspired by these
considerations, he not only agreed to keep Ajit in his state
but also conferred upon his 12 villages along with Kelwa for
his maintenance. It was quite evident to the Rajputs that war
with the Mughals was inevitable, hence they (Mewar and Marwar)
also entered into a military pact, according to which, it was
agreed that (1) Raj Singh will help Ajit to regain his
patrimony, (2) Both side will fight the Mughal invasion
jointly.
In this way Rathore – Sisodia alliance came into existence.
This alliance is of great historical significance. Thus for
the first time after the battle of Khanwa a confederacy was
formed in Rajasthan. Thus once again Mewar was leading the
united Rathor – Sisodias against the Mughals. Both the clans
were the most powerful in Rajasthan. The policy of religious
prosecution had already been causing much resentment amongst
Sikhs, Jats and Satnamis. This still made situation easier for
allies to face the Mughal. This alliance was a very serious
challenge for the empire. Aurangzeb was also reluctant to
stake his military reputation. His desire was to settle the
problem by negotiation. He sent one after another letters to
Raj Singh asking him to hand over Ajit to him. But the
Maharana was completely committed for the safety of the
prince, hence he ignored the messages. Now confrontation was
the only way left for Aurangzeb. Both sides started
preparation for the coming struggle. It was the question of
survival for them.
The way in which the allied fought with the Mughals goes to
prove Raj Singh as a great military leader. A plan was
developed and executed with great diplomatic skill. It
affected the Mughal morale to such an extent that the alliance
could win over Akbar, son of Aurangzeb, to their side. Thus
“Mewar and Marwar”, says S.R. Sharma” alliance almost shook
the throne of the emperor and led to the only princely
rebellion in Mughal history inspired by out side interests.
But, unfortunately, in the meanwhile Raj Singh died on October
12, 1680. It gave altogether a new turn to the events. If Raj
Singh had lived for a few months more beyond 1680, the
rebellion of Akbar could have been the beginning of a new
history of India, but his successor Jai Singh was incapable of
working out any great idea. Tired of war, he signed the peace
treaty with the Mughals in 1681, without consulting the ally.
Raj Singh sat on the throne in a very difficult situation but
by his political foresightedness, fearlessness and realistic
policy he raised the stats of Mewar to a great extent.
Although in Rajasthan the powerful rulers like Mirza Raja Jai
Singh and Jaswant Singh were his contemporaries but whether it
was the case of Charumati’s marriage or the problem of
Aurangzeb’s intolerant policy, it was towards Raj Singh that
whole of India looked. He raised the morale of the people. He
revolutionized the entire system of warfare – he did not
neglect the economic prosperity of the state which was the
surest road to be powerful politically. He constructed several
dams and tanks. “it is doubtful”, says S.R. Sharma,” whether
any medieval ruler of India had spent such a large amount of
money for purposes of public welfare, not even the greatest of
the Grand Mughals. Certainly not one of them had spent such a
large proportion of his resources for such a beneficial
purpose.” Raj Singh’s reign has been rightly described as the
golden period in the history of Mewar. In his age all round
development took place. It was a period of creative
activities.
Cultural Achievements
Raj Singh was not only an able administrator, accomplished
diplomat and fearless general but also a patron of art and
literature. During his reign great progress was made in the
cultural field. He himself a poet. A ‘Chhapaya’ (six – line
stanza) composed by him is extant. He was also a patron of men
of letters and artists. The literature of his age is available
in Sanskrit, Dingal and Pingal. The Sanskrit books of this
period fall under tow categories: (1) Works of the scribes who
made copies of ancient books like Vedias, Puranas, the
Upanishads, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Purohit Garib
Das has made great contribution through getting the ancient
works copied. He was himself a learned pandit Besides him. Ran
Chood, Ram Rai etc., also got the ancient works copied. (2)
Secondly, in the age of Raj Singh, several learned men also
produced original literature in Sanskrit, chief among them is
Ran Chhod Bhatt whose work ‘Rajprashasti’ composed as per the
wish of Raj Singh deserves mention. The Whole work, after it
was incised on 25 large marble slabs, was fixed in the niches
in the walls of the Nauchauki Ghati of the Rajsamundra. The
slabs are of black stone, each measuring 3 feet and 20 feet.
The epic which is historical in nature is in 24 cantps. The
history of Mewar has been described since earliest times in
this work.
However, the history of Raj Singh is authentic. Along with the
political history, this epic contain a good description of
social, economic and cultural condition of 17th century. Its
language is chaste and its style suits the subject. There are
two other works of Ranchod Bhatt which fall under the category
of eulogies. The first is placed on Indra Sarover dam and the
other on Trimurty Baoli. Besides these, Bhatt also wrote ‘Amar
Kavya’ which contains the description of the rulers of Mewar
from the earliest times to Raj Singh. It is smaller in size
than Rajprashasti but superior to it in poetic qualities. Its
language is more chaste and style better organized and subject
matter more exhaustive. The poet Sada Shiva was also under the
patronage of Raj Singh. He composed the important work of
Ranchhod Bhatt from the point of view of language. Jagannath
Paliwal also wrote ‘Rajabhishek Paddhati’ a work which, deals
with the coronation of Maharana Raj Singh. It includes a
discussion on the significance of the coronation and is
supported with relevant material taken from Brahmanas and
Puranas, valmiki Ramayan, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda etc. It was
completed on Magh Sudi Pumima, V.S. 1709. The author of Raj
Singh Prabhaa Varman, Lal Bhatt was a contemporary of Raj
Singh. The work has102 verses and of very little historical
importance, but the noble virtues of Raj Singh have been
described in hyperbolic terms. Mukan Kshotari also wrote a
poetic work called ‘Raj Singhasan’.
Besides Sanskrit, several works were written in Dingal and
Pingal, chief among them being Raj Vilas of Man who was a Jain
yati. The narrative divided into 18 cantos, is historical
which covers the period from Bappa Rawal to the last three
years of Raj Singh. According to Moti Lal Menaria, the work is
full of literary excellence and the portions dealing with the
army, battles and battle – fields are especially impressive.
Besides these, Girdhar Das wrote ‘Sagat Raso’ Rao Kishore Das
wrote ‘Raj Prakash’ and Rao Kalyan Das ‘Gun Govind’.
Architecture and Painting
Along with literature, art and architecture also progressed in
this age. Raj Samundra is wonderful example of architecture.
The reservoir is five kms. by two kms. The dam across it is
famous as Nauchauki because on each of the three large
platforms below the dam there are three roofed mandaps (pavellions)
which total nine. The mandaps resembles those generally
constructed over cenotaphs over cenotaphs. The dams have been
so constructed in groups of three so that they might appear
striking. But unlike the construction of the projected
portion, the mark of Hindu style is obvious. Nevertheless
these mandaps are the first of their type in the history of
Rajasthan Architecture. Later this style became more and more
popular and some of its examples can be seen in palaces, in
lake Pichola, and Mohan Mandir. There is a beautiful carving
work on the pillars and ceilings of these and figures of
birds, animals and women are very attractive. The carvings
project beautiful picture of contemporary social, political,
economic and cultural life. Raj Singh also construct several
tanks besides Rajsamundra. Several palaces and temples were
constructed which include Sarva Ritu Palace, Gardens and
temple of Amba Mata. His minister Daya Das constructed a
marble Jain temple of Adinath on a hill near Rajsamundra.
From the point of view of painting, 17th century is important
in Mewar. The art was well developed during the reign of Raj
Singh and his father Jagat Singh. A lot of painting work was
done at Udaipur in this age. The aim of these paintings was to
depict myths, Puranic customs and the display of valour.
Instead of 16th century characteristic of coarseness and
rusticity, the art of painting in Raj Singh’s time reflects a
sort of finish and maturity. The Nathdwara style originated at
this time. Raj Singh patronized music also as he had done
painting. In this way the achievements of Raj Singh in
political as well cultural fields are significant. |
