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The confrontation of Raj Singh
with the Mughals began from 1679. In that year Aurangzeb reimposed Jaziya tax
on the Hindus on the 2nd April,1679, which according to Dr. Ojha, evoked a
vigorous protest later from Raj Singh. Historians are not unanimous over the
name of the real author of this protest letter. Whosoever may be the author
but his fact is clear that the relation on Raj Singh with Aurangzed further
worsened. Rather problem led to the war with the Mughals. This problem grew
with the death of Jaswant Singh at Jamrud in December 1678. At the time of his
death Jaswant Singh had no issue. So aurangzeb ordered the annexation of
Marwar, and himself proceeded to Ajmer to supervise the situation. On 19th
February, two posthumous sons were born to Jaswant Singh, one of them died
soon after his birth and other lived, who was known as Ajit Singh. Unmindful
of the birth of a successor, Aurangzeb continued with his policy of converting
Marwar into Khalsa. Naturally it caused great resentment in Rathor
principality. Aurangzeb’s attempt to bring up Ajit Singh as a Muhammadan in
the royal harem further worsened the situation. Durga Das and other Rathore
sardars succeeded in taking newly born – baby to Marwar safely. Now came the
problem of Ajit’s security. Raj Singh was the only ruler who could provide the
shelter. So according to Raj Ratnakar and Raj Vilas his help was sought. The
Rana must have been in a dilemma. To reuse to give shelter was against the
Rajput tradition. On the other hand if he gave protection, it would amount to
an act of hostility against the Mugals. But for Raj Singh upholding of Rajput
tradition was more important then any fear of war. There ware several other
considerations also. Firstly, Ajit was closely related to Raj Singh. Secondly,
the borders of Mewar and Marwar were contiguous and the establishment to the
Mughal authority in Marwar could as wee create security problem of Mewar.
Inspired by these considerations, he not only agreed to keep Ajit in his state
but also conferred upon his 12 villages along with Kelwa for his maintenance.
It was quite evident to the Rajputs that war with the Mughals was inevitable,
hence they (Mewar and Marwar) also entered into a military pact, according to
which, it was agreed that (1) Raj Singh will help Ajit to regain his
patrimony, (2) Both side will fight the Mughal invasion jointly.
In this way Rathor – Sisodia alliance came into existence. This alliance is of
great historical significance. Thus for the first time after the battle of
Khanwa a confederacy was formed in Rajasthan. Thus once again Mewar was
leading the united Rathor – Sisodias against the Mughals. Both the clans were
the most powerful in Rajasthan. The policy of religious prosecution had
already been causing much resentment amongst Sikhs, Jats and Satnamis. This
still made situation easier for allies to face the Mughal.
This alliance was a very serious challenge for the empire. Aurangzeb was also
reluctant to stake his military reputation. His desire was to settle the
problem by negotiation. He sent one after another letters to Raj Singh asking
him to hand over Ajit to him. But the Maharana was completely committed for
the safety of the prince, hence he ignored the messages. Now confrontation was
the only way left for Aurangzeb. Both sides started preparation for the coming
struggle. It was the question of survival for them.
The way in which the allied fought with the Mughals goes to prove Raj Singh as
a great military leader. A plan was developed and executed with great
diplomatic skill. It affected the Mughal morale to such an extent that the
alliance could win over Akbar, son of Aurangzeb, to their side. Thus “Mewar
and Marwar”, says S.R. Sharma” alliance almost shook the throne of the emperor
and led to the only princely rebellion in Mughal history inspired by out side
interests. But, unfortunately, in the meanwhile Raj Singh died on October 12,
1680. It gave altogether a new turn to the events. If Raj Singh had lived for
a few months more beyond 1680, the rebellion of Akbar could have been the
beginning of a new history of India, but his successor Jai Singh was incapable
of working out any great idea. Tired of war, he signed the peace treaty with
the Mughals in 1681, without consulting the ally. Raj Singh sat on the throne
in a very difficult situation but by his political foresightedness,
fearlessness and realistic policy he raised the stats of Mewar to a great
extent.
Although in Rajasthan the powerful rulers like Mirza Raja Jai Singh and
Jaswant Singh were his contemporaries but whether it was the case of
Charumati’s marriage or the problem of Aurangzeb’s intolerant policy, it was
towards Raj Singh that whole of India looked. He raised the morale of the
people. He revolutionized the entire system of warfare – he did not neglect
the economic prosperity of the state which was the surest road to be powerful
politically. He constructed several dams and tanks. “it is doubtful”, says
S.R. Sharma,” whether any medieval ruler of India had spent such a large
amount of money for purposes of public welfare, not even the greatest of the
Grand Mughals. Certainly not one of them had spent such a large proportion of
his resources for such a beneficial purpose.” Raj Singh’s reign has been
rightly described as the golden period in the history of Mewar. In his age all
round development took place. It was a period of creative activities. |
