Rana Sanga’s unparalleled bravery and swordsmanship had earned him immense power and influence, making him a force to be reckoned with. His kingdom was located in the heart of Chittoor, but as the kingdom of the Sultans of Mandu began to falter, he swiftly acquired control over numerous territories. His kingdom boasted a jaw-dropping income of 10 crores, and his army was composed of a staggering 100,000 riders, supported by 7 raos and 104 smaller chieftains.
If his successors had inherited his courage and skill, the Mughals might never have been able to establish their rule in India. It’s no wonder that even the mighty invader Babur mentioned Rana Sanga’s remarkable legacy in his memoirs. One can only imagine the sheer power and might of this legendary warrior in his prime.
Pride of Mewar
After Rana Kumbha was killed, Udai Singh briefly took over the reins of Mewar. However, how could the one who had slain his own father stay on the sacred land of Mewar? He was eventually eliminated by Raimal Sisodia, who, like his father, adhered to high ideals and transformed Mewar into the most prosperous and powerful state of Rajputana.
As Raimal Sisodia grew older, the question of who would succeed him as ruler of Mewar became a matter of concern. His three sons, Prithviraj, Jaimal, and Sangram, could not see eye to eye with each other, creating a rift within the family. Seeking guidance from a yogini, Raimal declared Sangram the rightful heir to the throne of Mewar.
However, enraged by this decision, Prithviraj attacked Sangram, resulting in him losing one of his eyes. Inevitably, Prithviraj and Jaimal’s rivalry escalated into a full-blown conflict, and Sangram Singh ultimately ascended to the throne of Mewar with the support of Ajaymeru province [now Ajmer]. This was the beginning of Sangram Singh’s reign as Rana Sanga, who would go on to become a legendary figure in the history of Mewar.
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That betrayal of Khanwa…
When the Mughals arrived in India, Mewar, under the able leadership of Rana Sanga, had emerged as the most dominant province in the country. Rana Sanga’s influence was such that he could summon over a lakh Rajputs with a single call. His unparalleled bravery ensured that the Lodi Empire never expanded beyond the territories of Delhi and Agra, while Mewar’s reign extended over most of North India.
Rana Sanga’s army consisted of 80,000 horses, seven top-ranking Rajas, nine Raos, 104 Sardars and Rawals, and 500 war elephants. At their peak, the Sanghas could field a massive army of 100,000 Rajputs. After defeating the combined forces of Malwa, Gujarat, and the Lodhi Sultanate, and winning a resounding victory over the Muslims, Rana Sanga emerged as the most powerful ruler in northern India. It is said that Rana Sanga fought in a hundred battles and lost his eyes, arms, and legs in various conflicts. Notably, he twice defeated Ibrahim Lodi, a testament to his military prowess.
When Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the battle of Panipat, it marked the beginning of the Mughal rule in India. However, Rana Sanga, the powerful ruler of Mewar, did not interfere in the battle because he believed that Babur was a mere plunderer who would leave India after looting. But when Babur stayed on and posed a growing threat to India, Rana Sanga decided to take action.
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In February 1527, Rana Sanga defeated Babur’s army in the Battle of Bayana and captured the fort of Bayana. Buoyed by this success, he planned to annihilate Babur completely. On March 16, 1527, the two armies clashed in the fierce Battle of Khanwa. Despite being outnumbered, the Mughals managed to hold their ground and repel the Rajputs, who had initially gained the upper hand. The Rajputs followed the Pati Perevan tradition in the war, with the commander of Mewati Ranaji, Hasan Khan, leading the charge.
Rana Sanga fought valiantly in the battle but was severely injured, losing one arm and an eye. He was carried away from the battlefield by his loyal soldiers, and though he survived, he could never recover from his injuries. The battle of Khanwa marked the beginning of the decline of the Rajputs and the rise of the Mughals in India.
History would have been different…
The Rajput cavalry relentlessly attacked the Mughals, causing them to retreat twice. However, Silhadi of Raisen, also known as Shiladitya, betrayed Rana Sanga’s army and supported Babur’s army, which changed the course of history. Despite this setback, Rana Sanga refused to accept defeat and continued to fight. Unfortunately, he was hit by a bullet and fell unconscious, causing confusion among the Rajput army, who then scattered.
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As a result, Rana Sanga had to leave the battlefield, and his best friend, Raj Rana Aja Jhala, took his place and inspired others with his bravery. During his reign, Mewar prospered, and he protected and advanced his kingdom. The betrayal and defeat shook Rana Sanga, and he swore not to set foot in Chittor until he had defeated Babur. However, before he could fulfill this oath, he died unexpectedly in January 1528.
The question that arises is: Had Rana Sanga not been rendered unconscious, would he have emerged victorious in the war?
If Babur truly possessed great power, why didn’t the Mughals conquer more territories beyond just a few provinces like Delhi and Agra until Akbar’s arrival? Moreover, what if Rana Sanga had access to weapons comparable to those of the Mughals? The answer to this question can be found in the fact that even though Akbar was able to conquer most of India, he was unable to defeat Maharana Pratap.
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