7:48 <@WhatsApp C MUGHAL - RAJPUT RELATIONS By Adarsh Saini, hindu collge(du) INTRODUCTION The Mughal-Rajput relations, which matured under Akbar, incorporated a distingt cultural group ~ the Rajputs, within the larger matrix of Mughal state pees Ther was a need to establish good relations with the Rajputs in order to erfSure 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 rulefs~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 C 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 foheir fighting abilities and once ruled numerous Indian princely states. © They ranged from very power ns 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. Mughal - Rajput Relations 1 / DOWNLOAD FILE x ma -¢ BE @ academia.edu7:48 @ WhatsApp cre © Ifnot 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 ofa number of formidable forts. The Rajputana region was also very close to Delhi and the Mughal state would not want a hostile jower so close to the seat of power. ‘TIONS 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 oni Sa Chandra believes that the Mughal desire to conciliate the ruling cla8ses and the reputation of the Rajputs of loyalty and service formed the basis of their alliance with the ata ( san 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 ° ¢ 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. “—KKBAR - REASONS FOR AKBAR ADOPTING HIS RAJPUT POLICY - There and many reasons for Akbar's Rajput policy and for the evolution of this relationship. _—_ itis 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 © According to Vincent Smith, Akbar's relations with the Rajputs were an _——euteome of Akbar's imperial desires and political expediency. Mughal - Rajput Relations 2 Ce Beli Prasad and ALL Srivastav look at Abul Fazl’s accounts and say that Akbar’s relations with the Rajputs were an outcome of a policy of neo- imperialismy According to them, Akbar’s period was one of liberalism and fosteréd the growth of composite culture. Srivastav believes Akbar was the only ruler who thought of an all India unjty and bringing together his empire. They thus came to a conclusion kbar'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. _» #AKhan 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 thrane he faced many challenges fram tha nobility and DOWNLOAD FILE @ academia.edu7:48 @ WhatsApp political angle in trying to explain Rajput relation€“When Akbar ascended the throne he faced many challenges from the nobility and thus tried to devel Rajput support base to counter bal the existing Turanl nebilityjinternal 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 itive 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 uzerainty and were considered loyal allies in their existing role as the rulers of their principalities. § ——— © They were expected to perform m service in or around their principalities but not outside Rajasthat Mughal - Rajput Relations 3 puacess MUNCHIES 10 MINUTES zepto s foster family, 2) Turani nobles 3) Uzbeks. We concluded that he needed the strength of the Rajputs to break 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.