Rana Sanga of Mewar, one of the most formidable rulers of Mewar, is remembered for his bravery, military strategies, and relentless efforts to resist foreign invaders. As a Rajput warrior king, he epitomized valor and sacrifice, leading numerous battles against the Delhi Sultanate, Gujarat Sultanate, and Babur’s Mughal forces. His life is a tale of unparalleled courage, ambition, and the struggle to uphold Rajput honor in medieval India.
Table of Contents
Geographical Location of Mewar
Mewar is a historically significant region in present-day Rajasthan, India. It is situated in the Aravalli Hills, a natural barrier that provided strategic defense against invasions. The kingdom of Mewar extended over parts of modern Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, making it a prominent center of Rajput power during medieval India.
Key geographical features of Mewar:
Capital Cities: Chittorgarh, later shifted to Udaipur
Rivers: Banas, Chambal, and Berach, which supported agriculture and sustenance
Mountains: The Aravalli range, which provided natural fortifications
Neighboring Regions:
- North: Ajmer and Marwar (Jodhpur)
- South: Gujarat
- West: Marwar and Sindh
- East: Malwa (Madhya Pradesh)
Historical Context of Rajputs of Mewar
The Rajputs of Mewar were among the most powerful warrior clans in Indian history. They played a crucial role in resisting foreign invasions, defending their sovereignty, and upholding the Rajput code of honor known as Rajputana pride.
1. Origins and Early History:
- The Sisodia Rajput dynasty, which ruled Mewar, claimed descent from the Surya Vamsha (Solar Dynasty), linking their lineage to Lord Rama.
- The Guhila dynasty was among the earliest ruling clans of Mewar, with Bappa Rawal (8th century) considered its founder.
2. Medieval Period – Resistance Against Foreign Invaders
- Chauhan and Parmar Rajputs of Rajasthan established strongholds, but the Sisodias of Mewar emerged as the most prominent Rajput dynasty.
- Rana Kumbha (1433-1468) expanded Mewar’s power, fortifying Chittorgarh and building 32 forts, including Kumbhalgarh.
- Rana Sanga (1508-1528) led a coalition of Rajputs against the Delhi Sultanate and Babur, making Mewar a dominant power in North India.
- Maharana Pratap (1572-1597) continued the struggle against the Mughals, famously resisting Akbar in the Battle of Haldighati (1576).
Rana Sanga of Mewar: Birth, 12 April 1482
Rana Sangram Singh Sisodia, widely known as Rana Sanga, was born in 12 April 1482 into the Sisodia Rajput dynasty of Mewar. He was the son of Rana Raimal, the ruler of Mewar and Queen Ratan Kunwar, a Jhala princess of Halvad. Sanga was the third son and his two elder brothers were Prithviraj and Jagmal.
Rana Sanga Ascension as Rana of Mewar, 1509
After the death of Rana Raimal in 1509, a fierce struggle emerged amongst the royal family members of Mewar. After a fierce struggle with his brothers Prithviraj and Jagmal, in which he lost one of his eyes, Sanga emerged victorious. He formally ascended as Rana of Mewar on 24 May 1509.
After his ascension to the throne, Sanga reunited the warring clans of Rajputana through diplomacy and marital alliances.
Rana Sanga of Mewar: Military Campaigns
Rana Sanga was an ambitious ruler who sought to expand Mewar’s influence. His reign was marked by significant battles against the Delhi Sultanate, Malwa, Gujarat, and the Mughals.
Battles Against the Delhi Sultanate
Rana Sanga successfully challenged the Lodhi dynasty and Ibrahim Lodhi, the last Sultan of Delhi. In 1517, he defeated Ibrahim Lodhi’s army at the Battle of Khatoli, expanding Mewar’s dominance over Rajasthan.
Another decisive battle took place in 1518 at the Battle of Dholpur, where Rana Sanga again inflicted a heavy defeat on Lodhi’s forces, further consolidating his power in northern India.
Conquests in Malwa and Gujarat
In 1519, Rana Sanga defeated Mahmud Khilji II, the Sultan of Malwa, and took control of major parts of Malwa, including Mandalgarh and Ranthambore.
He also fought against the Sultan of Gujarat, Muzaffar Shah II, and established Rajput supremacy in central India.
The Battle of Khanwa, 1527
The most crucial battle of Rana Sanga’s life was against Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire. After Babur’s victory over Ibrahim Lodhi in the First Battle of Panipat, 1526, Rana Sanga saw an opportunity to overthrow the Mughals and re-establish Rajput dominance.
In 1527, Rana Sanga, along with a confederation of Rajput rulers and Afghan chieftains, confronted Babur at the Battle of Khanwa near Agra. Despite his strong army, he was ultimately defeated due to Babur’s modern artillery and superior military tactics. This battle marked a turning point in Indian history, paving the way for Mughal rule in India.
Rana Sanga of Mewar: Death
Even after the defeat at Battle of Khanwa in 1527, Rana Sanga refused to accept Mughal supremacy and continued his resistance. He planned another attack against Babur, but before he could execute his strategy, he was poisoned by his own nobles in 1528, fearing another catastrophic war. Rana Sanga died on 30 January 1528.
Legacy and Historical Impact
Rana Sanga is remembered as:
- The last great Rajput ruler who fiercely resisted foreign invasions.
- A symbol of Rajput unity and warrior spirit.
- A king who expanded Mewar’s influence across Rajasthan, Malwa, and central India.
- His descendants, including Maharana Pratap, carried forward his legacy of valor and defiance against the Mughals.
Conclusion
Rana Sanga’s life was a saga of military brilliance, Rajput pride, and resistance against foreign rule. Despite his tragic end, his name remains etched in Indian history as a true warrior king. His efforts in preserving the sovereignty of Mewar continue to inspire generations.
References and Sources:
History of Mewar, from Earliest Times to 1751 A.D. by Somani, Ramavallabha (1976), published by Mateshwari Publications.
Advertisement
