Kingdom of Mewar
Kingdom in India (550s–1949) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Kingdom of Mewar, also called Medapata,[10] was an independent kingdom that existed in the Rajputana region of the Indian Subcontinent and later became a dominant state in medieval India.[11] The kingdom was initially founded and ruled by the Guhila dynasty followed by the Sisodiya Dynasty.[12] [13]The earliest kingdom was centered around the south-central part of Rajasthan, state of India. It was bordered by the Aravali Range to the northwest, Ajmer to the north, Gujarat, Vagad and Malwa regions to the south and the Hadoti region to the east.[14]
Kingdom of Mewar | |
---|---|
566 CE–1949 | |
Motto: "The Almighty protects the one who upholds righteousness" | |
Capital | |
Common languages | Mewari[7] |
Religion | Hinduism |
Government |
|
Maharana | |
• 566-586 CE | Rawal Guhil |
• 1930–1948 (last) | Bhupal Singh |
History | |
• Established | 566 CE |
1949 | |
Area | |
1901[8] | 33,030 km2 (12,750 sq mi) |
1941[9] | 33,517 km2 (12,941 sq mi) |
Population | |
• 1941[9] | 1,926,698 |
Mewar first gained prominence in the reign of Bappa Rawal(7th century A.D) who along with many powers of that time defeated the Arab powers trying to occupy the Indian Subcontinent.[15] Later, the kingdom became a vassal to Imperial Pratihars then to the Parmara Dynasty and Chauhans.[16][17]The Kingdom transformed into an independent state in the early 10th century A.D. and was continuously engaged in many wars against the neighboring polities.[18] From the reign of Rawal Jaitra, Mewar was also facing the continuous expansion of the Delhi Sultanate. However, this came to an end, When in 1303 Delhi Sultanate's forces under Sultan Alauddin Khalji, besieged and occupied Chittorgarh, killing the entire branch of the Guhila dynasty.[19]
Later, Maharana Hammir, a scion of the cadet Sisodiya dynasty (junior branch of Guhilas) re-occupied Mewar in 1326.[20] However, a firm hold was established when an invading army of the Delhi Sultanate was repulsed at the Battle of Singoli(1336).[21] In the coming years, the kingdom became the most powerful state in the Northern India most notably under Maharana Kumbha and his grandson Maharana Sanga.[11] At its peak, it controlled parts of Sindh, Haryana Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Mewar achieved this by gaining a streak of success against its neighboring Hindu Kingdoms and Islamic Sultanates, most notably in Mewar- Malwa Conflict.[22] The kingdom declined after the Battle of Khanwa with the Mughals.[23] Despite this, It continued to resist Mughal Expansion under Maharana Uday and Maharana Pratap. Later, a peace treaty was signed between the Mughals and Mewar through which it became a vassal to the Mughals.[24] Even during this brief period, Rana Raj Singh I and his successors revolted and led numerous successful campaigns including the Rathore revolt and Rajput - Mughal war(1708-1710) against the Mughal empire, ultimately resulting in victory for Mewar along with its independence.[25] The kingdom afterward came under the Maratha influence and started paying Chauth.[26] The kingdom accepted British suzerainty in 1818 and it continued till 1947, after which Bhupal Singh signed the Instrument of Accession to India and joined the Union of India.[27]
Mewar's legacy lies in its prolonged struggle against the Islamic invasion.[28] The kingdom is witness to three Jauhars(Self-Immolation). It is also known for producing kings of high caliber such as Bappa Rawal, Rawal Jaitra , Maharana Hammir, Maharana Kumbha, Maharana Sanga, Maharana Pratap and, Maharana Raj with queens such as Padmavati and Karnavati and scholars such as Mirabai[29][30]The kingdom although a Hindu state patrionaised Jainism and Buddhism. Among the Mewar's , Rajasthan Heritage Sites are Kumbhalgarh, Acchalgarh, Chittorgarh, Nagda-Ahar, Ranakpur Temple, Pichola Lake, Rajsamand Lake, Jaisamand Lake, Lake Palace, Sahasra Bahu Temples, Kirti Stambha and, most notably the Vijay Stambha(described variously as the jewel of Rajput art in India), is compared to Roman and Islamic architecture's of Trajan's Column and Qutub Minar.[31][32] Udaipur, also known as the city of lakes and one of the largest cities of the North India was also founded by the Rana of Mewar ,Uday Singh II.[33]