MUGHAL – RAJPUT RELATIONS

By Adarsh Saini, hindu collge(du)

INTRODUCTION
The Mughal-Rajput relations, which matured under Akbar, incorporated a
distinct cultural group – the Rajputs, within the larger matrix of Mughal state
power. There was a need to establish good relations with the Rajputs in order
to ensure the stability of the Empire. However, these relations underwent
significant changes due to existing socio-political factors as well as the
individual policies of the various rulers. The relations can be seen in terms of
expansion of Mughal territorial control and state power and the mutual need
for some kind of political accommodation on the part of both the Rajputs and
the Mughals.
THE RAJPUTS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RAJPUTANA REGION –
 The term Rajput comes from rajaputra which means ‘son of a king’ and
is identified with numerous kshatriya or warrior castes in northern and
western India. They are famed for their fighting abilities and once ruled
numerous Indian princely states.
 They ranged from very powerful clans like the Rathores of Marwar and
the Sisodias of Mewar to minor clans and the reasons for each one of the
states to ally with the Mughals differed.
 Minor clans were vassals of major clans and when minor clans entered
into relations with the Mughals, this changed and impacted the major
Rajput clans as well.
 The Kachhwahas of Amber were the first Rajput minor clan with whom
the Mughals forged relations by marrying Raja Bharamal’s daughter.
Importance of the Rajputana Region – The Rajputana region, which was
strategically located, was very important in Mughal history as –
 It formed a crucial link between the Gangetic Valley and the flourishing
sea ports on the west coast of India and with the prosperous tract of
Malwa on the other, which was important for trade and access to
Gujarat and the Deccan region.

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  If not controlled from the center it could have made the Mughal state
vulnerable to attacks both from the North-West Frontier and from
Malwa.
 The Aravallis were a natural barrier and a good base for the
construction of a number of formidable forts. The Rajputana region was
also very close to Delhi and the Mughal state would not want a hostile
power so close to the seat of power.
RELATIONS BEFORE AKBAR –
The relationship between the local rulers and the central authority had many
ups and downs starting from the Sultanate period during which the region
could not be unified. Satish Chandra believes that the Mughal desire to
conciliate the ruling classes and the reputation of the Rajputs of loyalty and
service formed the basis of their alliance with the Rajputs.
Babur –
 During his time, the relations between the Mughals and Rajputs did not
develop along definite and positive lines; rather it was in consonance
with the political needs
 Since the time of Babur the influence of the Rajputs had been growing
and the growth of such powerful neighbors would have caused serious
instabilities to the Empire.
Humayun –
 Humayun, who attempted to establish relations with the Rajputs in
order to conciliate and win over the zamindars or indigenous ruling
sections in the country, encountered problems and resistance from both
the Rajputs and Afghans.
AKBAR –
REASONS FOR AKBAR ADOPTING HIS RAJPUT POLICY – There and many
reasons for Akbar’s Rajput policy and for the evolution of this relationship.
 It was important for Akbar to enlist the support of such strong allies and
control the Rajputs in order to ensure his own stability and increase his
own strength.
 According to Vincent Smith, Akbar’s relations with the Rajputs were an
outcome of Akbar’s imperial desires and political expediency.

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  Beli Prasad and A.L Srivastav look at Abul Fazl’s accounts and say that
Akbar’s relations with the Rajputs were an outcome of a policy of neo-
imperialism. According to them, Akbar’s period was one of liberalism
and fostered the growth of composite culture. Srivastav believes Akbar
was the only ruler who thought of an all India unity and bringing
together his empire. They thus came to a conclusion that Akbar’s Rajput
policy was an intrinsic part of his religious policy and that his Rajput
wives and allies were the main reason for his liberal ideas. However it is
hard to draw such a correlation and it can’t be said that one policy was
an outcome of another as both these policies weren’t well defined. They
evolved over a period of time and did impact each other or were
complementary.
 I.A.Khan argues that both Akbar’s ideological outlook and Rajput policy
were an outcome of his attempt to create a composite homogeneous
nobility out of a multiracial heterogeneous one. Khan put forward a
political angle in trying to explain Rajput relations. When Akbar
ascended the throne he faced many challenges from the nobility and
thus tried to develop a Rajput support base to counter balance the
existing Turani nobility. Internal rebellions made Akbar realize the need
to create an effective bulwark and a class of efficient bureaucracy to
balance out such rebellious elements.
 Akbar also wanted to convert the hostility and resistance of the Rajput
and other states into active support and participation and evolve their
identity to that of the Mughal state, where they would become partners
in governance and transform the passive support of the Rajputs into
active support.
THREE PHASES OF MUGHAL-RAJPUT RELATIONS UNDER AKBAR
Satish Chandra has classified the history of Mughal-Rajput relations under the
Akbar into three broad phases.
FIRST PHASE – 1556 – 1567 –
Rajputs as Loyal Allies –
 The first phase was one where most Rajput rajas, accepted Mughal
Suzerainty and were considered loyal allies in their existing role as the
rulers of their principalities.
 They were expected to perform military service in or around their
principalities but not outside Rajasthan.

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  This was a difficult phase for Akbar who was facing rebellions from – 1)
his foster family, 2) Turani nobles 3) Uzbeks. He concluded that he
needed the strength of the Rajputs to break the power of the Turanis.
Rajputs were employed in the conquest of Mertha in 1562 and Jodhpur
in 1563 but not against the larger Rajput states like Chittor and
Ranthambore.
Matrimonial Alliances –
 Matrimonial alliances took on a new significance as they became
important in developing an alliance with the Rajputs on a permanent
basis.
 In 1562, Akbar entered into relations with the Kachhwaha ruler
Bharamal of Amber, who offered his daughter Bai Harkha to Akbar. At
the time, the Kachhwahas were a minor Rajput clan who felt that they
would be able to rise to the position of leading nobles in the Mughal
court. Therefore over a period of time this alliance was beneficial for the
Kachhwahas as when Akbar went on his campaign to Gujarat Bharamal
was left in charge of his court.
Liberal Measures –
 In the 1560s, Akbar tried to attract the Rajputs by putting forward
liberal measures like the abolition of the Pilgrimage tax and Jaziya
between 1562-64.
 However despite these measures, it didn’t lead to an alliance with other
Rajput states or create an atmosphere of total peace between the
Mughals and the Rajputs. This formed the background for the 2 nd phase
of Akbar’s policy towards the Rajputs.
SECOND PHASE: 1568 – 1580 – This was the period after the conquest of
Chittor during which the relations with the Rajputs were further established.
Forceful Persuasion –
 Akbar adopted a hard line approach, accompanied by the use of force
through which he compelled the Rajputs to accept alliances.
 Akbar also used diplomatic means as he knew that the peaceful
submission of the Rajput states was important.
 Among the more violent and conflictual narratives of Mughal-Rajput
relations include – 1) Akbar’s campaign against Rana Uday Singh of

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 Mewar 2) the siege of Chittor in 1567 and Ranthambhor in 1569 3)
prolonged campaign against Rana Pratap.
Chittor Campaign (October 1567 to February 1568) –
 The Chittor campaign was the most vigorous campaign launched by
Akbar against Mewar.
 With the exception of Mewar, the largest state ruled by the Sisodias
under Rana Uday Singh, most other states had accepted Mughal
suzerainty.
 Why Mewar was attacked –1) Mewar was targeted as Akbar felt that if
Mewar fell to the Mughals, so would the smaller states, which did
happen. 2) According to Abul Fazl, Akbar was compelled to take up arms
against the arrogant Rana Uday Singh. 3) Badauni and Nizammudin
Ahmad felt that Rana Uday Singh had hidden Bazbahadur, an Afghan
chief.
 The Chittor campaign ended with 30000 Rajputs losing their lives and
was described by some people as a Jihad.
 Along with Mewar, military pressure was also used on Jaisalmer and
Bikaner.
Alliances with Akbar –
 After the fall of Chittor, many Rajput states entered into alliances with
the Mughals including Ranthambore in 1569 and Jodhpur, Bikaner and
Jaisalmer in 1570.
 The Rajputs were inducted in large numbers into the Mughal courts and
the Rajput chiefs began to emerge as the military bulwark of Mughal
rule.
 The Rajputs moved from the position of friends and loyal associates to
allies and actively assisted in the expansion of the empire.
 By 1570, with the exception of the Sisodias of Mewar who still resisted,
most Rajput states had entered into an alliance with Akbar. The Rana of
Mewar did not agree to personal submission and wanted to regain
Chittor.
 This was further emphasized as there was new resistance by the
Sisodias led by Rana Pratap in the famous battle of Haldighati in 1575. It
was not a struggle between Hindus and Muslims but was the
pronouncement of the ideal of regional independence. Before this,
Akbar had still tried to win over the Sisodias by sending emissaries such

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 as Man Singh and Bhagwan Das but the Sisodias did not relent. Akbar
was successful in the Battle of Haldighati but despite this, Mewar did not
enter into an alliance with Akbar and continued to resist. However the
Rana’s power suffered a severe jolt.
THIRD PHASE: 1580 onwards – In the third phase from 1580 to the end of
Akbar’s reign, the Rajputs enjoyed an enhanced prestige as nobles and Akbar
was sympathetic to them as they were an integral part of his court.
Turani Revolt –
 In 1580, Akbar faced a Turani revolt in Bengal and Bihar
 The Turanis were supported by Akbar’s half brother Mirza Hakim.
 The rebellion led Akbar to promote Rajputs in large numbers and they
were deployed in the battle. They emerged as the support arm of the
Mughal state and began to be accorded important administrative
assignments. Thus from allies they now emerged as partners in the
kingdom.
 Slowly the number of Turani nobles declined and the Rajputs went from
8% to 16% in the Mughal court.
Equation with Smaller Rajput States –
 G.S.L. Devra has examined the Mughal-Rajput relations in the context of
Akbar’s equation with the smaller Rajput states with which he tried to
forge close relations
 He argues that Akbar’s relations with the more powerful states of
Mewar and Jodhpur always remained strained but on the contrary his
relations with the not so powerful chieftains were always cordial. The
Kachhwahas remained the most significant support group within Rajput
clans.
Integration of the Rajputs through the Jagirdari System –
 S. Inayat Ali Zaidi explains the Mughal Rajput relations in terms of the
integration of the Rajputs into the Mughal state through the Jagridari
system which was mutually beneficial for both.
 This was done to construct a sort of class solidarity between the two
regarding the exploitation of the peasantry.

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  When the Rajput chiefs were inducted in the court and joined Mughal
service, they were assigned high mansabs and were paid through the
assignment of revenues in the form of a jagir.
 Rajput chiefs became jagirdars and their patrimonial property was
recognized as their jagirs and increasingly as watan-jagirs or non-
transferable holdings. Thus, the rights and privileges of Rajput chiefs
were substantially continued, with the difference that privileges that
were earlier independent now became imperial endowments.
 Moreover, Akbar also started the practice of granting jagirs to Rajputs in
areas other than their watan. He probably realized that the creation of
jagirs far away from their patrimonies would compel a merger of the
chiefs’ own interests with those of the Empire.
 Thus, while Akbar recognized the sentimental attachments of the Rajput
chiefs to their patrimonies and hence refrained from unnecessarily
uprooting the old chiefs from their watans, he yet systematically
integrated their principalities into the empire. The chiefs were
reconciled to this by the offers of jagirs and administrative offices in
other parts of the empire.
OTHER FEATURES –
Matrimonial Alliances –
 The matrimonial alliances were not initiated by Akbar but had Turkish
origins.
 Akbar entered into such alliances only with those families, who were
willing to do so and they weren’t looked upon as a mark of submission
and loyalty.
 Moreover, it was the Rajput states who wished to draw benefits from
such alliances. They not only received jagirs, mansabs and positions in
the Mughal court but were able to develop close relations with the
Mughal state.
 The rise of the Kachhwahas of Amber was on account of a matrimonial
alliance.
 Afzal Husain says that there were about 38 marriages during Akbar’s
reign, of which about 32 were for political purposes.
 Alliances once contracted were believed to continue in the succeeding
generations as well. This, according to Satish Chandra, was a part of
Akbar’s long-term policy of establishing close ties between the Rajput
states and his successors.

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Examples of Mughal Control over the Rajputs –
 The Mughals claimed a kind of paramountcy which implied that the
Rajput chiefs did not raid each other’s territories or try to resolve
territorial disputes by resorting to war. This gave peace to the country.
 There were instances of Akbar attempting to establish complete control
over some Rajput principalities. For example, taking advantage of the
war of succession in Jodhpur, he kept it under direct imperial control for
nearly twenty years but handed back territory to after facing resistance.
 Akbar intervened in cases of disputed successions and this right was
maintained by all subsequent Mughal rulers. There was no tradition of
primogeniture among the Rajputs and the death of every ruler was
followed by a period of political turmoil. As the sovereign ruler, Akbar’s
approval was necessary before succession was considered legitimate.
Mutual Benefits – The Mughal-Rajput relations were mutually beneficial and
was a two way process.
 The alliance secured to the Mughals, the services of brave warriors and
their loyalty. The Rajputs helped in the consolidation and expansion of
the empire. Moreover, by wielding control over these principalities
Akbar was able to ensure peace in the countryside. Through the
granting of jagirs, he integrated the various principalities into the
empire.
 The Rajputs were able to secure service in the Mughal administration
and were appointed to the highest ranks of the nobility by assigning
them high administrative offices in different parts of the Empire. This,
along with matrimonial alliances, helped the Rajputs to enhance their
social status and prestige. Mughal state service was also financially
rewarding. In addition to their watan jagirs, they were accorded jagirs
outside Rajasthan in accordance with their mansabs.
CONCLUSION –
 It can be seen that the development of cordial and friendly relations
with the Rajputs was part of a conscious and deliberate policy of Akbar.
 Although, his policy was not uniform and differed from case to case, on
the whole, with the exception of Mewar, Akbar was able to establish
peaceful working relations with all the Rajput states.

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  The benefits derived of such a policy lead Norman Ziegler to claim that
the Rajput alliance with the Mughals represents one of the more
prominent Mughal successes.
JAHANGIR AND SHAH JAHAN
Under both Jahangir and Shah Jahan, the Mughal Rajput relations continued
and the alliance with the Rajputs forged by Akbar was steadily consolidated
despite some ups and downs. The relations between the two developed
during the 17th century in the framework of a comparatively slow expansion
of the empire and limited economic growth. Thus it did suffer a setback
against the backdrop of internal conflicts among the Rajputs and proclamation
of regional autonomy by different sections.
JAHANGIR –After Jahangir’s accession, he made efforts to continue the cordial
relations that had been established by Akbar and took up the matter more
energetically.
Relations with Mewar –
 The Mughal relations with Mewar improved to a certain extent.
 In 1613, Jahangir directed a campaign against the Sisodias of Mewar in
order to resolve the long conflict.
 Jahangir was able to settle this dispute by 1615 and this is seen as one
of his greatest achievements.
 Jahangir exempted the Rana of Mewar from personal attendance and
service at the Mughal court and didn’t insist upon matrimonial relations
with the Mughals.
 The lack of such an insistence enabled Jahangir to maintain good
relations with the Rajputs. However it may be doubted if any formal
treaty was concluded between the two in this respect. The only
condition imposed was that Chittor was not to be fortified.
Improved Relations with the Rajputs –
 Moreover, the status of Marwar improved during the reign of Jahangir.
The rulers of Jodhpur were granted important administrative
assignments and ranks in court. The rulers of four leading states of
Bikaner, Mewar, Marwar and Amber held the mansab of 5,000 or above.
 Jahangir continued Akbar’s policy of establishing personal relations
with the Rajput rajas by entering into matrimonial relations. However,

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 after Mewar’s submission, matrimonial alliances between the Mughals
and the leading Rajput states became less frequent.
 However, there was evidence to suggest that the influence of the
Marathas in the Mughal Court was increasing at the cost of the Rajputs.
SHAH JAHAN –
Military Functions of the Rajputs –
 During the reigh of Shahjahan, there was scarcely any important
military expedition where the Rajputs were not employed.
 The Rajputs continued to hold an important place in the Mughal court
and to serve as the military arm of the Empire. Most remarkable were
the expeditions of Shahjahan to Balkh, Badakhashan and Qandhar
where the Rajput rajas not only participated but held important
commands.
Administrative Functions –
 The Rajputs were given important commands and granted high
mansabs. They continued to be allies but their role in administration
was negligible.
 Even in terms of administrative jobs some Rajputs like Jaswant Singh,
Jai Singh and Rao Ratan Hada received special favours from Shah Jahan.
 Jaswant Singh was a special favourite of Shahjahan and it is for this
reason that he backed Dara Shikoh after the death of the Emperor. The
support that Jaswant Singh got from Shahjahan enabled him to ignore
the clan sardars, something that was unusual according to Rajput
traditions.
Conflicts against Bundela and Mewar –
 An important development was the conflicts with the Bundela chief
Jujhar Singh and with Rana Amar Singh of Mewar.
 At the primary level, both the conflicts arose out of differing
interpretations of the concepts of suzerainty and paramountcy.
 At the root the conflict was one between class allies who had common
interests vis-à -vis the extraction of land revenue and maintenance of
law and order, but differed with each other regarding their respective
rights and privileges.

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  Such conflicts were generally resolved by a process of give or take, but
could lead to armed conflict.
 Thus the relations with Mewar had become increasingly strained.
It may be concluded that while the Rajputs remained valuable allies and
partners, under Jahangir and Shahjahan, their role in the governance of the
empire was weakened to some extent.
AURANGZEB
Aurangzeb’s policy towards the Rajputs has been clouded by immense
controversy and it caused worry both to the Rajputs as well as to a section of
the Mughal nobility. The Mughal alliance with the Rajput chiefs is said to have
been breached under Aurangzeb, leading to the weakening and subsequent
disintegration of the empire. According to Jadunath Sarkar, the general
perception was that Akbar built symbiotic and cordial relations with the
Rajputs while Aurangzeb’s policies led to the breaking up of alliances.
ROLE OF THE RAJPUTS IN THE WAR OF SUCCESSION –
 Aurangzeb went out of his way to win over and conciliate some of the
leading Rajputs during the War of Succession.
 The Rajputs played a significant role in Aurangzeb’s coming to power
 Raja Jai Singh of Amber and Rana Raj Singh of Mewar both had become
supporters of Aurangzeb helping him overthrow Dara.
 After accession to the throne in 1658, Aurangzeb’s relations with the
Rajputs passed through a number of phases which need to be analyzed
separately.
EARLY PHASE (1658 – 1667)
 In the early phase of Aurangzeb’s reign, the relations with the Rajputs
were cordial and they were treated as partners in the Mughal state with
their position actually improving.
 The heads of the three leading Rajput states, Mewar, Marwar and Amber
had cordial relations with Aurangzeb.
 Rana Jai Singh of Amber was a close advisor to Aurangzeb and was often
called the the key to the brain of Aurangzeb.
 He also maintained good relations with the other important states of
Bikaner, Bundi and Kota despite the initial opposition shown by these
Rajput states against Aurangzeb’s accession to the throne.

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  Matrimonial alliances also came to an end during Aurangzeb's reign as
they had been used by Akbar to strengthen the relationship with the
Rajputs, which had already been achieved by the time of Shah Jahan and
Aurangzeb
 However the relations between Aurangzeb and the Rajputs gradually
seemed to be cooling down.
DOMESTIC CHALLENGES –
 Between 1666 and 1679, Aurangzeb faced a series of domestic
challenges and he undertook a number of measures which had far
reaching implications.
 The Mughal state faced rebellions from the Jats and Satnamis and were
in continuous conflict with the Afghans, Assamese and Marathas.
 The Rajputs continued to support the Mughal army in quelling these
rebellions despite Aurangzeb’s recourse to Islam as a major bond of
unity by instituting a series of orthodox measures, and coming closer to
the ulama.
 The fact that Rajput forces were dispatched to distant places and were
virtually made to languish there for long periods led to suggest that
during this period, Aurangzeb had been exercising restraint in
promoting the Rajputs.
 This can be further attested by the fact that the percentage of Rajput
nobles to the total number of nobles dropped, as did their aggregate
ranks.
 All this suggests a growing reservation on the part of Aurangzeb
towards the Rajputs and forms the background to the breach with
Marwar and Mewar.
BREAK IN RELATIONS–
 Thus the real break in relations comes in the latter half of Aurangzeb’s
reign.
 This period witnessed the major rebellion by the states of Marwar and
Mewar in 1679. It is on account of these rebellions that it is generally
believed that the Mughal-Rajput relations were completely reversed.
 The re-imposition of jaziya by Aurangzeb in 1679 is regarded as
marking the culmination of the spirit of religious bigotry, which led to
the alienation of the Rajputs.

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  Thus, while Aurangzeb’s policies may have been important it is far more
important to analyse these rebellions from the point of view of inter-
state relations in the area and the ambitions of the individual rulers that
may have drawn the Mughal Empire into Rajput affairs.
CRISIS IN MARWAR –
 The Rathor chieftains of Marwar came from the Kannauj district and
established a monarchy.
 The crisis began when Jaswant Singh of Marwar died in November
1678, with no surviving heir. At the time of his death, his two wives
were pregnant but there was no certainty of the birth of a male child.
 This raised the problem of who was to succeed to the gaddi and there
were no definite principles of primogeniture among the Rathores.
 In Marwar there were two claimants to the throne – Anup Singh
(grandson of Amar Singh – brother of Jaswant Singh) and Indra Singh
(son of Amar Singh). The gaddi could not be conferred on Rani Hadi, the
Chief Queen according to Rajput tradition. Both offered a huge amount
of peskhash to Aurangzeb and Anup singh also volunteered to escheat
Jaswant Singh’s property to realize the dues he owed to the government.
Conversion to Khalisa land –
 When news reached Aurangzeb, he issued orders that the state of
Marwar including Jodhpur be taken into khalisa.
 Apart from the disputed succession, another reason for the state being
taken into khalisa was that on the death of the Maharaja, the various
zamindars who had been subject to him, withheld revenues and in many
cases created disturbances. Jaswant Singh owed heavily to the state
treasury and was not able to clear his dues. He was therefore in debt to
the state.In addition to this the growing law and order problem in
Marwar could have been a contributory factor for Aurangzeb’s decision.
 Jadunath Sarkar saw this as an ideological conflict attributed to the
orthodoxy of Aurangzeb who wanted to deprive Marwar of any effective
leadership by taking control. Marwar was strategically located and he
wanted it to be in the hands of someone more loyal than Jaswant Singh
had been. Sarkar says that this was meant to avenge the role played by
Jaswant Singh in the War of Succession, when he supported Dara
Shukoh. Thus Aurangzeb’s move has been viewed by scholars like
Sarkar as an annexation on religious and personal grounds.

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  Jadunath's conclusions have been contested by a number of historians,
especially in the light of the two contemporary sources - Waqai Sarkar
Ajmer wa Ranthambhor and the Hukumat-ri-Bahi. Firstly, it has been
argued that if Aurangzeb wanted to punish Jaswant Singh, why would
he have waited for more than 20 years. Moreover, Aurangzeb had
actually pardoned him and retained him in the Mughal court.
Resistance by Rani Hadi –
 It is seen that Aurangzeb did not break any Mughal precedent in
converting Marwar into khalisa land.
 Rani Hadi, the chief queen of Jaswant Singh, was not prepared to
surrender Jodhpur although she had no objection to the rest of Marwar
being taken into khalisa. She wanted to postpone the issue and awaited
the birth of Jaswant Singh’s child.
 The claim of Rani Hadi was supported by a number of Rathores and by
Rana Singh of Mewar.
 When Rani Hadi refused to surrender Jodhpur Aurangzeb decided to
strike a blow and Marwar was subdued. Mughal officers were posted at
Jodhpur but the fort was retained by Rani Hadi.
The Rathore Rebellion –
 Meanwhile two posthumous sons were born to the Ranis of Jaswant
Singh. As the rival claimants were at loggerheads, Aurangzeb bestowed
the gaddi of Marwar on Indra Singh, which came as a big surprise to the
Rathores.
 Earlier Rani Hadi had made a secret offer, that the Rathores would
themselves destroy all the temples in Marwar if the gaddi was given to a
son of Jaswant Singh. Though it was duly rejected by Aurangzeb, it
shows the extent to which his motives were being misunderstood by the
Rajputs as well as his own officials.
 As a last resort, Rani Hadi urged that rather than Jodhpur being
conferred upon Indra Singh, it should remain in khalisa. According to
Jadunath Sarkar, if Aurangzeb was being guided by religious orthodoxy
and had desired to annex Marwar in order to further his objective of the
forcible conversion of Hindus, he would have kept Marwar in khalisa. He
could have administered it through an imperial nominee till the sons of
Jaswant Singh came to age.

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  However the Rajputs feared that Indra Singh’s accession would
establish an unhealthy precedent that the claims of a direct descendent
of the Raja wouldn’t be considered by the Mughal Emperor arbitrarily.
 The two minor sons of Jaswant Singh were brought to Delhi and their
claims were backed by the Mir Bakshi. The Rajputs again pressed the
claims of the two sons with great vehemence.
 However Aurangzeb had already decided to partition the kingdom in
order to satisfy the claims of both sides. Tika was to be given to Indra
Singh, and Ajit Singh (son of Jaswant Singh) was offered a mansab. This
was meant to weaken Jodhpur as a part of Aurangzeb’s policy of
restraint in promoting the Rajputs.
 The Rathores, rejected this compromise which they felt was against the
interests of the state.
 Angered at the rejection of his offer, Aurangzeb decided to put the two
minor sons of Jaswant Singh and their mothers in confinement, which in
turn became the immediate cause of the flight of the Rajputs and the
beginning of the Rathore uprising against the Mughals.
 This alarmed the Rathores who managed to escape Delhi with Ajit
Singh. Their arrival in Jodhpur marked the beginning of a Rathore
uprising against the Mughals. Amid great rejoicing the tika was given to
Ajit Singh. Factions supporting Ajit Singh openly attacked the Mughals
and they were forced to retaliate by using force against them.
 Aurangzeb decided that the Rajputs needed to be taught a stern lesson.
He deputed a strong force and heavy reinforcements were called in.
Aurangzeb also removed Indra Singh from the gaddi on grounds of
incompetence. Ajit Singh was accused of being an imposter and
Aurangzeb ruled out any negotiations with him.
 After the initial sharp engagement, the Rathores did not risk any further
battles with the Mughals and retreated. For the time being, resistance in
Marwar had been crushed and the Rathore capital, Jodhpur occupied.
This episode shows the weakening of the Mughal Rajput relations.
MEWAR –
Mewar was one of the largest Rajput states ruled by the Sisodia chiefs. Before
the rise of the Mughals, Mewar was one of the most prominent states among
the Rajputs. However, the submission to the Mughals had witnessed the
steady erosion of their pride and possessions and at the same time their

Mughal – Rajput Relations 15

erstwhile vassals and much smaller states like Bikaner and Amber had surged
far ahead on account of more favourable relations with the Mughals.
Involvement in Marwar –
 If the Rathores had not received active help and encouragement from
Rana Raj Singh of Mewar from the outset, it is likely that their resistance
to Aurangzeb would have collapsed.
 As far as the Rana’s involvement is concerned it was not because of any
opposition to Aurangzeb’s orthodoxy but that the Rana had certain
vested interests which he hoped to fulfill through intervention. The
disputed succession in Marwar was viewed by him as an opportunity for
reasserting the importance of Mewar in Rajput affairs and to establish
itself as the premier state of Rajastan. He may have also hoped to gain
some territories.
Aurangzeb Attacks Mewar –
 As an increasing number of Mughal forces came to be stationed in
Marwar, the proximity of Mewar to Jodhpur and the formidable military
strength of the Mughals in the vicinity could have created an uneasiness
in Rana Raj Singh’s mind. The Emperor’s decision to personally direct
the operations against Marwar from Ajmer created further
apprehension in the Mewar state.
 Aurangzeb struck the first blow and in November 1678 and advanced
upon Mewar. The Rana abandoned the plains and even his capital and
was bottled up by Aurangzeb in the hills. With the outbreak of the
Mewar war, Marwar became a secondary sector for the Mughals though
sporadic Rathor resistance continued.
 This was the situation when Rana Raj Singh passed away in September
1680.Aurangzeb now formed a plan of bringing Mewar to its knees, but
the new Rana, Jai Singh proposed to the Mughals to come to terms.
 Thus the war with Mewar lasted till 1681. By now both parties desired
peace as the Rajputs were tired of war, and the Emperor because
matters had taken a serious turn in the south and required his urgent
presence there.
 As a result, the Treaty of Rajsamudra was signed, according to which Jai
Singh was acknowledged as the Rana of Mewar and given a mansab of
5000. In return, the Rana was forced to cede the parganas of Mandal and
and Bidnur, in lieu of Jaziya and to promise not to support the Rathors.

Mughal – Rajput Relations 16

  The treaty of proved to be the basis of a lasting peace between the
Rajputs of Mewar and the Mughals. These cordial relations continued
under Jai Singh’s successor Rana Amar Singh, who ruled from 1698-
1707.
War with Marwar –
 The problems between the Mughals and Marwar continued and a
number of secret Rajput emissaries entreated Prince Akbar, who had
been left incharge of this campaign in 1680 to rebel against his father
and seize the throne with Rajput support.
 It was these attempts and their subsequent results that suddenly
converted what had been merely an awkward rebellion by the Rathors
to a full-blown imperial crisis.
 However, during the period 1681-1707, the war continued to be waged
intermittently and with varying degrees of intensity.
 After the failure of Prince Akbar’s rebellion, most of the Rathors
returned to Marwar and decided to accept imperial rule and attempted
to obtain positions in the Mughal administration of the state. After the
Treaty, Durga Das and his followers were completely isolated.
The effect of the breach with Marwar and Mewar on the Mughal Empire
should not be overestimated. The scale of the Mughal military operations in
the area after the treaty with the Rana in 1681 was too small to effect the
Mughal operations elsewhere, or to constitute a serious drain. However, the
inability to settle the issues concerning these states affected the prestige of
the empire and increased the area of lawlessness. Above all, it created doubts
about the political sagacity of Aurangzeb as well as his bonafides in his
dealings with non-Muslims. This helped to swell the tide of political
disaffection and religious discord in the country, and was also reflected in the
efforts of various royal princes to intrigue with the Rajput rajas, and to form
their own groups and factions. Nonetheless, Aurangzeb's breach with Marwar
and Mewar does not signify his breach with the Rajputs as such. The rebellion
had only involved the Rathors and Sisodias. The other clans had not only
remained aloof, but had also served under the Mughals. Thus, to conclude, the
Mughal-Rajput relations during the reign of Aurangzeb focus specifically on
the rebellions of the rulers of Mewar and Marwar and in general with the
other ruling houses of the Rajputana. It is quite obvious that despite the
rebellions by the Sisodias and the Rathores, the Mughal relations with the
other Rajputs were hardly affected.

Mughal – Rajput Relations 17

Mughal – Rajput Relations 18