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{{Short description|Maharana of Mewar from 1508–1528}}
{{Short description|Maharana of Mewar from 1509 to 1528}}
{{protection padlock|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2015}}
{{Infobox royalty
{{Infobox royalty
| name        = Rana Sanga
| name        = Sangram Singh I
| title        = {{plainlist|*'''[[Maharana]]'''
| title        = Maharana<br>Hindupati
*'''Hindupati''' <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/rajasthanthroughtheagesvol1bakshis.r._751_U/page/200/mode/1up?view=theater|title=Rajasthan Through the Ages Vol 1 Bakshi S. R.}}</ref>}}
| alt          = See caption
| alt          = Rana Sanga
| image        = Photo of Rana Sanga from Udaipur Museum (From my Camera).jpg
| caption      = 20th century depiction of Rana Sanga
| caption      = Painting of Rana Sanga in the Udaipur Museum
| succession  = [[Rana (title)|Rana]] of [[Mewar]]
| succession  = [[Rana of Mewar]]
| image       = Depiction of king Rana Sanga.jpg
| reign       = 24 May 1509 – {{Nowrap|30 January 1528}}
| reign        = 1508–1528
| coronation  = 24 May 1509{{sfn|Sharma|1954|p=12-13}}
| coronation  = 1508 CE {{sfn|Sharma|1954|p=12-13}}
| predecessor  = [[Raimal Singh]]
| predecessor  = [[Rana Raimal]]
| successor    = [[Ratan Singh II]]
| successor    = [[Ratan Singh II]]
| birth_date  = 1482 CE
| birth_date  = {{Birth date|1482|04|12|df=yes}}
| birth_place  = [[Chittor]], [[Mewar]]
| birth_place  = [[Chittor]], [[Mewar]], [[Rajputana]] (present-day [[Rajasthan]], [[India]])
| death_date  = January/May 1528
| death_date  = {{Death date and age|1528|01|30|1482|04|12|df=yes}}
| death_place  = [[Kalpi]]
| death_place  = [[Kalpi]] (present-day [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[India]])
| spouse      = [[Rani Karnavati]]
| spouse      = [[Rani Karnavati]]
| issue        = {{Unbulleted list| [[Ratan Singh II|Ratan Singh]]
| issue        = {{Unbulleted list|
| [[Vikramaditya Singh (Maharana)| Vikramaditya]]
| [[Bhoj Raj]]
| [[Bhoj Raj]]
| [[Udai Singh II| Udai Singh]]
| [[Ratan Singh II|Ratan Singh]]
| [[Vikramaditya Singh (Maharana)|Vikramaditya]]
| [[Udai Singh II]]
}}
}}
| full name    = Rana Sangram Singh Sisodia
| full name    = Sangram Singh
| era dates    = [[15th Century|15th]] & [[16th Century|16th Centuries]]
| era dates    = [[15th century|15th]] and [[16th century|16th centuries]]
| regnal name  = Sangram Singh I
| regnal name  = Maharana Sangram Singh
| house        = [[Sisodias of Mewar|Sisodia]]
| house        = [[Sisodia dynasty]]
| father      = [[Rana Raimal]]
| father      = [[Rana Raimal]]
| mother      = Ratan kunwar
| mother      = Rani Ratan Jhali
| religion    = [[Hinduism]]
| religion    = [[Hinduism]]
{{Infobox military person
| embed        = yes
| allegiance  =
| branch      = 
| rank        =
| battles    = {{collapsible list|title = {{nobold|''See list''}}|{{tree list}}
* [[Mewar-Malwa Conflict]]s
** [[Battle of Gagron|Gagron (1519)]]
* Mewar-Gujarat Conflicts
** [[Battles of Idar|Idar (1514–17)]]
** [[Rana Sanga's invasion of Gujarat|Gujarat (1520)]]
** [[Siege of Mandsaur|Mandsaur (1521)]]
* [[List of Mewar (Sisodiya)–Delhi conflicts|Mewar-Delhi Conflicts]]
** Khatoli (1517)
** [[Battle of Dholpur|Dholpur (1519)]]
** Ibrahim Lodi's invasion of Ranthambore (1521)
* [[Mughal–Rajput wars]]
** [[Battle of Bayana|Bayana (1527)]]
** [[Battle of Khanwa|Khanwa (1527)]]{{WIA}}
{{tree list/end}}
}}
}}
'''Sangram Singh I''' ([[International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration|IAST]]: Rāṇā Saṅgrāma Siṃha; c. 1482 – 1528 CE), popularly known as '''Rana Sanga''' or '''Maharana Sanga''', was an [[List of Indian monarchs|Indian ruler]] from the [[Sisodias of Mewar|Sisodia dynasty]]. He ruled [[Mewar]], the traditional territory of Guhilas (Sisodias) in present-day north-western India. However, through his capable rule his kingdom turned into one of the greatest power of [[Northern India]] in early sixteenth century.<ref>{{Cite book|author=V.S Bhatnagar|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=plFuAAAAMAAJ&q=Rana+Sanga|title=Life and Times of Sawai Jai Singh, 1688-1743|date=1974|publisher=Impex India|language=en|page=6|quote=Mewars grand recovery commended under Lakha and later under kumbha and most notably under Sanga it became one of the greatest power in the northern india in first quater of 16th century}}</ref> He controlled parts of present-day [[Rajasthan]], [[Gujarat]], [[Madhya Pradesh]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]] with capital at [[Chittor]].{{sfn|Satish Chandra|2004|pp=224}}  
}}
His reign was admired by several of contemporaries including [[Babur]], who described him the "greatest Indian king" of that time along with [[Krishnadevaraya]] of South India. The Mughal historian [[Abd al-Qadir Badayuni|Al-Badayuni]] called Sanga as the bravest of all Rajputs along with [[Prithviraj Chauhan]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Day|first=Upendra Nath|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IBMdAAAAMAAJ|title=Mewar Under Maharana Kumbha, 1433 A.D.-1468 A.D.|date=1978|publisher=Rajesh Publications|language=en|page=35|quote=Regarding Al Badayuni praise of Kumbha we dont find that instead we find him {{sic|?|priasing}} Rana Sanga and further calling him bravest of all Rajputs along with Rai Pithaura}}</ref>
}}
Rana Sanga was the last independent Hindu king of Northern India to control a significant territory before the Mughal Era. In some contemporary texts is described as the ''Hindu Emperor'' in Northern India.
 
'''Sangram Singh I''' ({{IPA|mtr|səŋɡɾaːm sɪ̃ɳ}}; 12 April 1482 – 30 January 1528), most commonly known as '''Rana Sanga''', was the [[List of ranas of Mewar|Maharana of Mewar]] from 24 May 1509 until his death in 1528. A member of the Sisodia dynasty, he controlled parts of present-day [[Rajasthan]], [[Gujarat]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Haryana]], [[Sindh]], and [[Uttar Pradesh]] from his capital at [[Chittorgarh]].{{sfn|Sharma|1954|p=18}}
 
During his military career, Sanga was successful against several neighbouring [[sultanates]]. After the 1519 [[Battle of Gagron]] against the [[Malwa Sultanate]], he [[Mewar–Malwa conflicts|captured]] much of [[Malwa|eastern Malwa]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Chandra |first=Satish |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i7lmnQEACAAJ |title=History of Medieval India: 800-1700 |date=2020 |publisher=Orient BlackSwan |pages=175|isbn=978-93-90122-54-7 }}</ref> He [[Rana Sanga's invasion of Gujarat|humbled]] the Sultan of [[Gujarat Sultanate|Gujarat]] several times.<ref>{{harvnb|Sharma|1954|p=15}}: "He opened his career with fair prospects of success. From 1514-15 20 A. D. he routed the forces of Sultan of Gujarat, Muzaffar Shah II, from place to place 10 and is said to have gained eighteen pitched battles against the Sultans of Delhi and Malwa. In one of these he was opposed by Ibrahim Lodi in person at Ghatoli, in which the imperial forces were defeated with great slaughter, leaving a prisoner of the blood royal to grace the triumph of Chitor."</ref> Sanga also subjugated the [[Khanzadas of Mewat]], helping them extend their sway over modern-day [[Haryana]]. Among his victories were the [[Delhi-Mewar conflicts#List of Battles|defeats]] of the [[Lodi dynasty]] of [[Delhi]] at Khatoli, Dholpur, and Ranthambore, enabling Sanga to capture much of the Lodi's domain in [[Malwa|southern Malwa]] and [[western Uttar Pradesh]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rooja |first=Hima |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qqd1RAAACAAJ |title=A History of Rajasthan |date=2006 |publisher=Rupa and Co |isbn=978-81-291-1501-0 |pages=451 "Sultan Ibrahim Lodi's bid to annex Ranthambore and Ajmer to the Delhi Sultanate led Rana Sanga to make peace with the sultan of Gujarat...Rana Sanga inflicted a defeat on Ibrahim Lodi when the latter attacked Ranthambore."}}</ref>
 
At its zenith in 1521, Sanga's empire stretched from [[Mandu, Madhya Pradesh|Mandu]] (the capital of [[Malwa Sultanate]]) in the south to Peela Khal (Pilya Khal, a small rivulet near [[Bayana]] and [[Agra]]) in the northeast, to the [[Indus River]] in the west and north-west.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rooja |first=Hima |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qqd1RAAACAAJ |title=A History of Rajasthan |date=2006 |publisher=Rupa and Co |isbn=978-81-291-1501-0 |quote= As a consequence of Sanga's exploits, the borders of Mewar by this period extended from near Mandu (the capital of Malwa), in the south to Peela Khal (Pilya Khal), a small rivulet near Bayana and Agra, in the northeast, and deep into the desert country (stretching towards the river Indus) west and north-west of Mewar. }}</ref> Nearly all the Rajput chiefs owed allegiance to him.<ref>{{harvnb|Somani|1976|p=168}}: "In V. 1478, Maharana Sanga’s power was at zenith, Nearly all the Rajputs chiefs according to Amar Kavya Vamshavali®" owed their allegiance to him."</ref> Sanga also marched against the invading forces of [[Babur]], who founded the [[Mughal Empire]]. Despite initial success against Mughal-Afghan forces at the [[Battle of Bayana]], he experienced a significant defeat at [[Battle of Khanwa|Khanwa]] (primarily due to Babur's [[Gunpowder empires|use of gunpowder]], unknown in northern India at the time).<ref>{{cite book|author=Radheyshyam Chaurasia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8XnaL7zPXPUC|title=History of Medieval India: From 1000 A.D. to 1707 A.D.|date=2002|publisher=Atlantic Publishers & Dist|isbn=978-81-269-0123-4|page=161|quote="The battle of Kanwaha was more important in its result even than the first battle of Panipat. While the former made Babur ruler of Delhi alone the later made him King of Hindustan. As a result of his success the Mughal empire was established firmly in India. The sovereignty of India now passed from Rajputs to Mughals"|language=en}}</ref>


In his long military career, Sanga achieved a series of unbroken successes against several neighbouring Muslim kingdoms, most notably the [[Lodhi dynasty]] of [[Delhi Sultanate|Delhi]]. He united several [[Rajput]] clans for the first time since the [[Second battle of Tarain]] and marched against the [[Timurid Dynasty|Timurid]] ruler [[Babur]]. Despite initial success, Sanga suffered a major defeat at [[Battle of khanwa|Khanwa]] through the Timurid's use of gunpowder, which was unknown in North India at the time. He was later poisoned by his own nobles. His defeat at Khanwa is seen as a landmark event in Mughal conquest of Northern India.
Sanga is considered the greatest ruler of his time. Said to have won 18 battles against the [[sultan]]s of [[Delhi Sultanate|Delhi]], [[Malwa Sultanate|Malwa]] and [[Gujarat Sultanate|Gujarat]], he is renowned for his heroism and leadership. Sanga received more than 80 wounds in battle; he lost an eye and an arm, and one of his legs was crippled. He is considered the last independent Hindu sovereign of [[North India|Northern India]] to control extensive territory.<ref>{{harvnb|Somani|1976|p=176}}: "Sanga was the greatest ruler of his time, He possessed undaunted courage and uncommon power of body, He had successfully measured swords against the Sultans of Malwa, Gujarat and Ibrahim Lodi, The combined forces of Malwa and Gujarat at Mandsaur, could not humble his pride. He was lacking an eye an arm and had crippled by a broken leg. At the same time he was having more than 80 honourable scars on his body. Babar trembled and hesitated to fight with him, He was a great diplomat and extended his shelter to the fugitive and dislodged chiefs. In other words, he was the last Hindu Independent Chief, of northern India, who was possessing extensive boundaries."</ref> His reign was admired by [[Babur]], the first [[Mughal Empire|Mughal emperor]] who described him as the "greatest Indian ruler" of that time; Babur also accused him of sending an invitation to invade India, a claim that has not been widely accepted.<ref>{{harvnb|Sharma|1954|pp=21–22}}: "That the above view is not improbable will be clear from the fact that Babur was to embark on an expedition against the ruler of Delhi whose resources in men and money were far superior to those of his own and, therefore, the issue of the proposed contest was in doubt. Under these circumstances it was in Babur’s interest to seek an alliance with greatest and most powerful enemy in India. In the second place Sanga did not at this time stand in need of an alliance with Babur who had yet to establish his reputation in India. Thirdly, the view that Sanga sent an envoy to Kabul goes against the Rajput and, in fact, Hindu habit of sitting on the fence and waiting to see as to which side won before deciding a line of action. Fourthly, unlike his usual practice Babur here gives no details of his alliance though he has elsewhere given the details of his agreements with Alam Khan Lodi and Dolat Khan Lodi .* 7 Fifthly, it will be too much to think that Babur always stated tire whole truth. Close students of Baburnama are aware how sometimes he deliberately gave wrong facts. For example, he stated more than once in positive terms that he had 12,000 men” all told in his fight against Ibrahim Lodi. Modern research”, however, has shown that he had a much larger number at the field of Panipat. And finally, it has to be noted that no other contemporary writer I-Jir.du or Muslim makes mention of Sanga’s sending an ambassador to Kabul. It is a pity that all modern writers 30 have uncritically accepted Babur’s version.
"</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Somani|1976|p=169}}: "While in Kabul, he had dispatched emissaries at Chittor to obtain his help in creating a diversion on Ibrahim’s southern frontier."</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Rooja |first=Hima |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qqd1RAAACAAJ |title=A History of Rajasthan |date=2006 |publisher=Rupa and Co |isbn=978-81-291-1501-0|quote=In contrast, the traditional Rajput version holds that it was not Sanga — already powerful enough and mainly successful against various enemy states — who had sent an envoy to Babur at Kabul, proposing an alliance against their common foe, Ibrahim Lodi, but rather, it was Babur who sought an ally of undoubted ability and strength for his proposed expedition against the Lodi sultan! Thus, some hold that Rana Sanga agreed to Babur’s proposal, and, using Silhadi, the Tomar (Tanwar) chief of Raesen, as the medium of communication, sent a letter to that effect to Babur. However, Sanga subsequently changed his mind upon the advice of his nobles — which advice — given the nature of the state, and the relation of the ruler as primus inter pares with his clansmen and nobles — could not be lightly ignored by any Rajput ruler or chief. Looking back, it is possible that Sanga had believed that the forces of Babur and Ibrahim Lodi would have indulged in a long and protracted struggle, thereby providing an opportunity to Mewar to take advantage of the situation and expand its own power and territorial sway across northern India. Sanga may also have believed that, if victorious against the Lodis, Babur would eventually return to his estates in Afghanistan, thereby leaving a weakened — or even defunct — Delhi Sultanate, and a clear held for Sanga to establish his own hegemony. Such a state of affairs seemed to be furthest from Babur’s mind, though.}}</ref> Mughal historian [[Abd al-Qadir Badayuni]] called Sanga the bravest of all [[Rajput]]s with [[Prithviraj Chauhan]], also known as Rai Pithaura.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Day |first=Upendra Nath |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IBMdAAAAMAAJ |title=Mewar Under Maharana Kumbha, 1433 A.D.-1468 A.D. |date=1978 |publisher=Rajesh Publications |page=35 |language=en |quote=Regarding Al Badayuni praise of Kumbha we dont find that instead we find him {{sic|?|priasing}} Rana Sanga and further calling him bravest of all Rajputs along with Rai Pithaura.}}</ref>


==Early life and accession==
==Early life and accession==
[[File:Chittorgarh fort.JPG|thumb|Chittor fort birthplace of Rana Sangram]]
[[File:Depiction of king Rana Sanga.jpg|thumb|alt=Painting of Rana Sanga|Rana Sanga]]
Sanga was born to the [[Sisodia]] king Rana Raimal and queen Ratan kunwar a ([[Chauhan|Chahamana (Chauhan) princess]]). Although contemporary texts of Sisodias does not mention the year of his birth, but provides some of the astrological planetary positions at the time of his birth, calling them auspicious. Based on these positions, assuming certain other planetary positions and on basis of Kumbhalgarh inscription Historian [[Gaurishankar Hirachand Ojha|G.H Ojha]] calculated Sanga's birth year as 1482 CE.{{sfn|Somani|1976|p=171}} Sanga was youngest of the four sons of Raimal, However, due to the circumstances and after a fierce struggle with his brothers [[Prithviraj_Sisodia|Prithviraj]] and Jagmal, in which he lost one of his eye, he finally succeeded throne of Mewar in 1508.{{sfn|Sharma|1954|p=12-13}}
Sanga was born to King Raimal and Queen Ratan Kunwar, a Jhala princess from [[Kingdom of Jhalavad|Halvad]]. Although contemporary texts did not mention the year of his birth, they provided astrological planetary positions at the time of his birth and called them auspicious. Based on these positions, assuming other planetary positions and based on the [[Kumbhalgarh]] inscription, historian [[Gaurishankar Hirachand Ojha]] calculated Sanga's birth year as 1482.{{sfn|Somani|1976|p=171}}
 
Sanga was Raimal's third son. After a struggle with his brothers [[Prithviraj Sisodia|Prithviraj]] and Jagmal, in which he lost an eye, he ascended the throne of Mewar in 1509.{{sfn|Sharma|1954|p=12-13}}


==Military career==
==Military career==
After his ascension to the throne, Sanga reunited the warring clans of Rajputana through diplomacy and marital alliances. [[Babur]], the founder of the [[Mughal Empire]], mentions in [[Baburnama|his memoirs]] the challenges he faced in India, Babur described Sanga as the greatest infidel(Hindu) king of India along with [[Krishnadevaraya]] of [[Vijayanagara Empire]] in South. Babur further said that ''Sanga had recently grown so great by his audacity and sword that his kingdom included a significant portion of [[Northern India]]''.{{sfn|Wink|2012|pp=157-158|ps=. "Reflecting on challenges he faced in India in his memoris Babur described Rana Sanga as one of the two greatest infidel king of India along with Deva Raya of South. who had grown so great by his audacity and sword and whose territory was so large that it covered significant portion of North-Western India"}}
[[File:Map of Sisodiya dynasty at its apex.png|thumb|The Kingdom of Mewar at its greatest extent under the Sisodiya dynasty, during the reign of Rana Sanga|upright=1.1|alt=Map of India, with Rana Sanga's domain highlighted]]
Sanga defeated the sultans of [[Delhi Sultanate|Delhi]], [[Malwa Sultanate|Malwa]] and [[Gujarat Sultanate|Gujarat]] in eighteen battles, conquering much of present-day [[Rajasthan]], [[Madhya Pradesh]] and northern [[Gujarat]]. He also controlled portions of [[Haryana]], [[Uttar Pradesh]] and [[Umerkot|Amarkot]].{{sfn|Sharma|1954|pp=15–19}}<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sarda |first=Har Bilas |url=http://archive.org/details/maharanasangahin00sardrich |title=Maharana Sanga; the Hindupat, the last great leader of the Rajput race |date=1918 |publisher=Ajmer, Scottish Mission Industries |others=University of California Libraries |pages=1–2}}</ref>{{sfn|Chandra|2005|p=224}}<ref>{{Citation |last=Chandra |first=Satish |title=Mughal India |date=1982 |work=The Cambridge Economic History of India: Volume 1: c.1200-c.1750 |volume=1 |pages=458–471 |editor-last=Habib |editor-first=Irfan |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/cambridge-economic-history-of-india/mughal-india/1090ED12AEE3C249811AE2464024C83C |access-date=2024-02-17 |series=The Cambridge Economic History of India |place=Cambridge |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1-139-05451-5 |editor2-last=Raychaudhuri |editor2-first=Tapan}}</ref> After his rise to the throne, Sanga reunited the warring clans of Rajputana through diplomacy and marriage. In his ''[[Baburnama]]'', Babur noted the challenges he faced in India. He described Sanga as the greatest [[kafir|infidel]] king of [[Hindustan]], with [[Krishnadevaraya]] of southern India's [[Vijayanagara Empire]]: "Sanga had recently grown so great by his audacity and sword that his kingdom included a significant portion of [[northern India]]."{{sfn|Wink|2012|pp=157-158|ps=. "Reflecting on challenges he faced in India in his memoirs Babur described Rana Sanga as one of the two greatest infidel king of India along with Deva Raya of South. who had grown so great by his audacity and sword and whose territory was so large that it covered significant portion of North-Western India"}}


According to legends, Sanga had fought a 100 battles and lost only once. In various struggle he lost his wrist and was crippled in leg. {{sfn|Puri|2003|p=107}} In his illustrious military career, Sanga defeated Sultans of [[Delhi Sultanate|Delhi]], [[Malwa Sultanate|Malwa]] and [[Gujarat Sultanate|Gujarat]] in 18 pitched battles and expanded his domain by conquering much of Present-day Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, northern part of Gujarat and parts of Amarkot, Sindh.{{sfn|Sharma|1954|p=18}} He re-established Rajput rule in Malwa first time after fall of [[Paramara dynasty|Paramara kingdom]] in 1305 CE.<ref name="Sharma p27 16th century">{{harvnb|Sharma|1970|p=27}} "The early 16th century marks the rise of Patriotic one eyed chief of Mewar named as Rana Sanga who defeat several of his neighbour kingdom and establish Rajput hold on Malwa first time after fall of Parmara dynasty through series of victories over Malwa, Gujarat and Delhi Sultanate"</ref>
According to legend, Sanga fought 100 battles and lost only one. His leg was crippled, and he received eighty wounds in war.{{sfn|Puri|2003|p=107}} India's [[Rajput]]s saw him as their leader against the sultanates,{{sfn|Sharma|1954|p=18}} and he re-established Rajput rule in Malwa for the first time since the fall of the [[Paramara dynasty]] in 1305.<ref name="Sharma p27 16th century">{{harvnb|Sharma|1970|p=27}} "The early 16th century marks the rise of patriotic one-eyed chief of Mewar named as Rana Sanga who defeat several of his neighbour kingdom and establish Rajput hold on Malwa first time after fall of Parmara dynasty through series of victories over Malwa, Gujarat and Delhi Sultanate"</ref>


He also removed [[Jizya]] tax from the Hindus which was earlier imposed by Muslim rulers. He was the last independent Hindu king of Northern India to control a significant territory and in some contemporary texts described as ''Hindu Emperor''.{{sfn|Somani|1976|pp=176-179|ps=. "Sanga was the last Independent Hindu king who was controlling extensive boundaries"}}
Sanga removed the [[jizya]] tax from the Hindus, which had been imposed by Muslim rulers. He is considered the last independent Hindu king of northern India to control significant territory, and was described in contemporary texts as "Hindu Emperor".{{sfn|Somani|1976|pp=176-179|ps=. "Sanga was the last Independent Hindu king who was controlling extensive boundaries."}}


==Conquest of Malwa==
=== Invasion of Malwa ===
{{Main|Battle of Gagron}}
[[Medini Rai]] a rebellious minister of Malwa sultan was having a life and death struggle for throne of Malwa against Mahmud, he was promised aid by Rana Sanga.{{sfn|Chaurasia|2002|pp=155-156}}
As a result, the combined Muslim forces of Gujarat and Malwa met the Sisodias led by Sanga at [[Battle of Gagron|Gagron]]. The battle resulted in complete route of Muslim forces and decisive victory of Rajputs.{{sfn|Sharma|1954|p=17}}


After the victory in the battle and other skirmishes aftermath Sanga conquered Malwa along<ref name="Sharma p27 16th century"/> with Chanderi. Rai made Chanderi his capital and became king of Malwa.{{sfn|Chaurasia|2002|p=156}} while [[Silhadi|Silhaditya Tomar]] establish himself as master of Raisen and Sarangpur region. According to historian [[Satish Chandra (historian)|Satish Chandra]] this events took place between 1518 and 1519.<ref>{{Cite book|author=Satish Chandra|author-link=Satish Chandra|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1BRuAAAAMAAJ|title=Essays on Medieval Indian History|date=2003|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-566336-5|language=en|pages=362|quote=Rana Sanga of Mewar came in conflict with Sultanates of Malwa, Gujarat and Delhi and repelled all of their invasions. An ensuring battle was fought in Gagron along with other skirmishes in which Rana came Victorious and Subsequently Eastern and Northern Malwa passed under Control of Rana. These events are placed in 1518-19"}}</ref>
{{Main|Battle of Gagron|Mewar–Malwa conflicts}}


After the victory and restoring Hindu rule in Malwa, Sanga order Rai to remove [[Jizya tax]] from Hindus of the region.{{sfn|Chaurasia|2002|pp=156,155,158-160}}
[[Medini Rai]], a rebellious minister of the Malwa sultan, was struggling with Mahmud for the throne of Malwa and was promised aid by Rana Sanga.{{sfn|Chaurasia|2002|pp=155-156}}
The combined sultanate forces of Gujarat and Malwa met the Sisodias, led by Sanga, at [[Battle of Gagron|Gagron]]. The battle was a Rajput victory.{{sfn|Sharma|1954|p=17}}


==Wars against Lodhis ==
After victory in the battle and other skirmishes, Sanga captured eastern and northern Malwa and<ref name="Sharma p27 16th century"/> [[Chanderi]]. Rai made Chanderi his capital,{{sfn|Chaurasia|2002|p=156}} and [[Silhadi|Silhaditya Tomar]] established himself as ruler of [[Raisen]] and the [[Sarangpur, Madhya Pradesh|Sarangpur]] region. According to historian [[Satish Chandra (historian)|Satish Chandra]], these events occurred between 1518 and 1519.<ref>{{Cite book|author=Satish Chandra|author-link=Satish Chandra (historian)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1BRuAAAAMAAJ|title=Essays on Medieval Indian History|date=2003|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-566336-5|language=en|pages=362|quote=Rana Sanga of Mewar came in conflict with Sultanates of Malwa, Gujarat and Delhi and repelled all of their invasions. An ensuring battle was fought in Gagron along with other skirmishes in which Rana came Victorious and Subsequently Eastern and Northern Malwa passed under Control of Rana. These events are placed in 1518-19"|access-date=24 March 2021|archive-date=14 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414084506/https://books.google.com/books?id=1BRuAAAAMAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref> After the victory and establishment of [[Hinduism|Hindu]] rule in eastern and northern Malwa, Sanga ordered Rai to remove the Jizya tax from the region's Hindus.{{sfn|Chaurasia|2002|pp=156,155,158-160}}{{Request quotation|date=July 2024}}
{{Main|Battle of Khatoli|Battle of Dholpur}}


After conquering Malwa, Sanga turned his attention towards northeastern Rajasthan which was then under the control of Khilji's ally, Ibrahim Lodi of Delhi. [[Ibrahim Lodi]], after hearing the news of encroachments by Sanga on his territory, prepared an army and marched against Mewar in 1517. The Rana with his army met Lodi at Khatoli on borders of [[Hadoti]] and in the ensuing [[Battle of Khatoli|Battle at Khatoli]], Lodi army suffered serious reverses and fled. One Lodi prince was captured and imprisoned. In this battle, Sanga lost an arm by a sword cut, and an arrow made him lame for life.{{sfn|Sharma|1954|p=16}}
=== <span class="anchor" id="Wars against Lodhis"></span>Wars against the Lodis ===
{{Main|Battle of Dholpur}}


Lodi, reportedly stunned by this Rajput aggression (the extent of which was unprecedented in the preceding three centuries), once again moved against Mewar in 1518-19 but was humbled again at [[Battle of Dholpur]]. Lodi fought Sanga repeatedly, only to be defeated each time, losing his entire land in present-day Rajasthan, while Sanga's influence extended up to the striking distance of Pilia Khar in Agra.{{sfn|Satish Chandra|2004|pp=224}}
Sanga turned his attention towards northeastern Rajasthan, controlled by Delhi sultan [[Ibrahim Lodi]], after conquering Malwa. Lodi, after hearing about encroachments by Sanga on his territory, prepared an army and marched against Mewar in 1517. Sanga and his army met Lodi at Khatoli on the border of [[Hadoti]]. In the ensuing battle at Khatoli, the Lodi army had serious reverses and fled; one Lodi prince was captured and imprisoned. In this battle, Sanga lost an arm and an arrow made him lame for life.{{sfn|Sharma|1954|p=16}}


According to a 16th-century text "Parshvanath-Shravan-Sattavisi", Rana Sanga further defeated Ibrahim Lodi at [[Ranthambore Fort|Ranthambore]] after the [[Siege of Mandsaur]].{{sfn|Hooja|2006|p=451}}
Lodi, reportedly stunned by the Rajput aggression (whose extent was unprecedented in the preceding three centuries), again moved against Mewar in 1518-19 but was defeated again in the battle of Dholpur. Lodi fought Sanga repeatedly and was defeated each time, losing his land in present-day Rajasthan; Sanga's influence extended to nearPilia Khar in [[Agra]].{{sfn|Chandra|2005|p=224}} According to the 16th-century text ''Parshvanath-Shravan-Sattavisi'', Sanga defeated Lodi at [[Ranthambore Fort|Ranthambore]] after the [[Siege of Mandsaur]].{{sfn|Hooja|2006|p=451}}


==Campaign in Gujarat==
=== Campaign in Gujarat ===
{{Main|Rana Sanga's invasion of Gujarat}}
{{Main|Battles of Idar|Rana Sanga's invasion of Gujarat}}
In 1520, Sanga invaded Gujarat on the question of the succession of the state of [[Idar State|Idar]], with his powerful army of 40,000 [[Rajputs]] supported by his three vassals. Rao Ganga Rathore of Marwar too joined him with a garrison of 8,000 [[Rajputs]]. The other allies of Rana were Rawal Udai Singh of [[Vagad]] and Rao Viram deva of [[Merta City|Merta]]. He defeated the Muslim army of Nizam khan and pursued them to [[Ahmedabad]]. Sanga called off his invasion 20 miles before the capital Ahmedabad. He plundered the royal treasuries of Gujarat and destroyed several mosques and built temples over them.{{sfn|Hooja|2006|pp=450-452}} After a series of victories, Sanga successfully annexed [[North Gujarat|Northern Gujarat]] and appointed one of his vassals to rule there.{{sfn|Sharma|1954|p=18}}{{sfn|Chaube|1975|pp=133-139}}
The three battles of Idar were fought between the armies of its two princes: Bhar Mal (supported by the [[Gujarat Sultanate]] under [[Muzaffar Shah II]]) and Rai Mal, supported by the Rajputs under Rana Sanga. The main reason for Sanga's involvement in these battles was to reinstate Rai Mal to his throne and weaken the growing power of the Gujarat Sultanate. Rai Mal, assisted by Rana Sanga,<ref>{{cite book | title=Aligarh Journal of Oriental Studies | publisher=Viveka Publications | issue=v. 4-6 | year=1987 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aYNDAAAAYAAJ | access-date=2022-07-06 | page=15 | archive-date=17 August 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817154907/https://books.google.com/books?id=aYNDAAAAYAAJ | url-status=live }}</ref> defeated Muzzafar Shah II in 1517 and retook his kingdom.


==War against  Mughals==
In 1520, Sanga invaded Gujarat because of the succession of the state of Idar with an army of 40,000 Rajputs supported by his three vassals. Rao Ganga Rathore of Marwar also joined him with a garrison of 8,000 Rajputs. Sanga's other allies were Rawal Udai Singh of [[Vagad]] and Rao Viram of [[Merta City|Merta]]. He defeated the Muslim army of Nizam Khan and pursued them to [[Ahmedabad]]. Sanga called off his invasion 20 miles before the capital, Ahmedabad. He plundered the royal treasuries of Gujarat, destroying several mosques and building temples over them.{{sfn|Hooja|2006|pp=450-452}} After a series of victories, Sanga annexed [[North Gujarat|northern Gujarat]] and appointed one of his vassals to rule it.{{sfn|Sharma|1954|p=18}}{{sfn|Chaube|1975|pp=133-139}}
{{Main|Battle of Bayana|Battle of Khanwa}}
[[File:Early matchlocks.jpg|thumb|Early matchlocks, musketeers, swivel guns, mortars and other firearms of [[Timurid Dynasty|Timurids]]]]


On 21 April 1526, the Timurid king [[Babur]] invaded India for the fifth time and defeated Ibrahim Lodhi in the [[First Battle of Panipat]] and executed him. After the battle, Sanga unified several Rajput clans for the first time since [[Prithviraj Chauhan]], built an army of 100,000 Rajput soldiers and advanced to Agra.{{sfn|Spear|1990|p=25}}
=== <span class="anchor" id="War against Mughals"></span>War against the Mughals ===


The Mughals captured Bayana fort which was part of Sanga's empire therefore a major clash took place in Bayana in February 1527 in which Mughal forces of Babur led by Chin Timur khan were defeated by Rajput forces led by Prithviraj kachwaha and later by Rana Sanga (in last parts of siege). The defeat was last of Rana Sanga success as a result the Mughals who were angered by Rajput disrespect threatened Babur to leave for Kabul, However Babur confronting a large Hindu army for first time used religious bravery against the Rajputs by declaring the battle as a ''Jihad against the Kaffirs'' he further sought divine favour by abjuring liquor, breaking the wine vessels and pouring the wine down a well.{{sfn|Sharma|1954|p=22-27}}
[[File:Early matchlocks.jpg|thumb|Early [[matchlock]]s from the [[Timurid dynasty]]|alt=16th-century illustration of soldiers]]
On 21 April 1526, the Timurid king [[Babur]] invaded India for the fifth time, defeated Ibrahim Lodhi in the [[First Battle of Panipat]], and executed him. After the battle, Sanga united several Rajput clans for the first time since the [[Prithviraj Chauhan]] era, built an army of 100,000 Rajput soldiers, and advanced to Agra.{{sfn|Spear|1990|p=25}}


In ensuring battle fought at Khanwa, 37 miles (60&nbsp;km) west of Agra, on March 16. The Mughals were victorious due to their cannons, matchlocks and other firearms. Sanga was struck by an arrow in mid of the battle and was removed from the battle by his brother-in law [[Prithviraj Singh I|Prithviraj Kachwaha]] of [[Amber Fort|Amber]] along with prince [[Maldeo Rathore|Maldev Rathore]] in an unconscious state. Following his victory, [[Babur]] ordered a tower of enemy skulls to be erected, a practice formulated by [[Timur]] against his adversaries, irrespective of their religious beliefs. According to Chandra, the objective of constructing a tower of skulls was not just to record a great victory, but also to terrorize opponents. Earlier, the same tactic had been used by Babur against the [[Bajaur Campaign|Afghans of Bajaur]].{{sfn|Chandra|2006|p=44}}
The Mughals captured [[Bayana]]'s fort, which was part of Sanga's empire. In the February 1527 [[Battle of Bayana]], he defeated Babur's Mughal forces (led by Abdul Aziz) for his final victory. He sought divine favour by forbidding liquor, breaking wine vessels and pouring the wine down a well.{{sfn|Sharma|1954|p=22-27}} In the 16 March [[Battle of Khanwa]], 37 miles (60&nbsp;km) west of Agra, the Mughals were victorious due to their cannons, matchlocks and other firearms. Sanga was struck by an arrow in mid-battle and was removed, unconscious, by his brother-in law [[Prithviraj Singh I|Prithviraj Kachwaha]] of [[Amber Fort|Amber]] and prince [[Maldeo Rathore|Maldev Rathore]]. Following his victory, [[Babur]] ordered a tower of enemy skulls{{snd}}a practice used by [[Timur]]. According to Chandra, the objective of a tower of skulls was to record a great victory and terrorize opponents; the tactic had been used by Babur against the [[Bajaur massacre|Afghans of Bajaur]].{{sfn|Chandra|2005|p=44}} Sanga was betrayed by [[Silhadi]] during the battle, who changed sides and joined Babur.{{sfn|Sarkar|1960|p=57|ps=. "A treacherous desertion at outset upset Rana Sanga pre-arranged plan of combat. Silhadi, who had made himself a master of Raisen and Sarangpur and often changed side during troubled time had ultimately turned Muslim to save himself but ultimately joined Rana with his army, He went over to Babur's side from his post in the vanguard of the Hindu army."}}


Sanga was also betrayed by [[Silhadi]] during the battle who changed sides and went over to Babur.{{sfn|Sarkar|1960|p=57|ps=. "A treacherous desertion at outset upset Rana Sanga pre-arranged plan of combat. Silhadi, who had made himself a master of raisen and sarangpur and often changed side during troubled time had ultimately turned Muslim to save himself but ultimately joined Rana with his army, He went over to Babur's side from his post in the vanguard of the Hindu army."}}
The Mughal victory is seen as a landmark event in the Mughal conquest of [[North India]], more significant than the [[First Battle of Panipat]]; it made [[Babur]] the master of North India, crushing the Rajput clans. According to historian [[Andre Wink]], the centre of Mughal power became Agra (instead of Kabul) after the victory at Khanwa and remained so until it fell after [[Alamgir II|Ālamgir's]] death.{{sfn|Chaurasia|2002|p=161}}{{sfn|Wink|2012|p=27}} Without Babur's cannons (which ended outdated Indian warfare), Sanga might have prevailed.<ref name="barua">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FIIQhuAOGaIC&pg=PA33 |pages=33–34 |title=The State at War in South Asia |first=Pradeep |last=Barua |publisher=University of Nebraska Press |year=2005 |isbn=978-0-80321-344-9 |access-date=13 February 2016 |archive-date=17 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817154934/https://books.google.com/books?id=FIIQhuAOGaIC&pg=PA33 |url-status=live }}</ref> Babur stopped further invading Rajasthan, Rajput forces encamped at Baswa (near [[Dausa]]) for Sanga's treatment, and Sanga soon began preparation of another war against Babur.{{sfn|Sharma|1954|pp=42,43}}
 
The victory of Mughals is seen as a landmark event in Mughal conquest of North India as the battle turned out to be more historic and eventful than [[Battle of Panipat (1526)|Panipat]] because it made [[Babur]] the undisputed master of [[North India]] while crushing the threatening and reviving [[Rajput|Rajput powers]]. According to historian [[Andre Wink]] after the victory at Khanwa, the centre of Mughal power became Agra instead of Kabul and continued to remain so till its downfall after Aalamgir's death.{{sfn|Chaurasia|2002|p=161}}{{sfn|Wink|2012|p=27}} According to modern historians had there not been the cannons of Babur, Sanga might have achieved a historic victory against Babur. Babur's cannons had put an end to the outdated trends in Indian warfare.<ref name="barua">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FIIQhuAOGaIC&pg=PA33 |pages=33–34 |title=The State at War in South Asia |first=Pradeep |last=Barua |publisher=University of Nebraska Press |year=2005 |isbn=978-0-80321-344-9}}</ref>


==Death and succession==
==Death and succession==
Sanga was taken away from the battlefield in an unconscious state by [[Prithviraj Singh I]] [[Kachwaha]] and [[Maldeo Rathore]] of [[Marwar]]. After regaining consciousness he took an oath to not return to Chittor until he had defeated Babur and conquered Delhi. He also stopped wearing a Turban and used to wrap a cloth over his head.<ref name="imm">{{harvnb|Sharma|1954|pp=43}}</ref> While he was preparing to wage another war against [[Babur]] , he was poisoned by his own nobles who did not want another conflict with [[Babur]]. He died in [[Kalpi]] in January 1528{{sfn|Sharma|1954|pp=44}} or on May 20, 1528{{Sfn|Somani|1976|p=176}} and was succeeded by his son [[Ratan Singh II]].
Sanga was removed unconscious from the battlefield by his brother-in-law, [[Prithviraj Singh I|Prithviraj Singh]] of [[Amber]], and [[Maldeo Rathore]] of [[Marwar]]. After regaining consciousness he took an oath to not return to [[Chittorgarh|Chittor]] until he defeated Babur and conquered Delhi, and stopped wearing a [[turban]].<ref name="imm">{{harvnb|Sharma|1954|pp=43}}</ref> Preparing for another war against Babur, he was poisoned by nobles who did not want more conflict. He died in [[Kalpi]] in January 1528{{sfn|Sharma|1954|pp=44}} or on 20 May of that year{{Sfn|Somani|1976|p=176}} and was succeeded by his son, [[Ratan Singh II]].


After Sanga's defeat his vassal [[Medini Rai]] was defeated by Babur at [[Battle of Chanderi|Siege of Chanderi]] and Babur captured the capital of Rai kingdom [[Chanderi]]. Medini was offered Shamsabad instead of Chanderi as it was historically important in conquering Malwa but Rao refused the offer and chose to die fighting. The [[Rajput]] women and children committed [[Self-immolation]] to save their honour from Babur's army.<ref name="imm"/> Babur subsequently captured Malwa along with Chanderi following his victory which was earlier ruled by Rai.{{sfn|Chaurasia|2002|p=157}}
After Sanga's defeat, his vassal [[Medini Rai]] was defeated by Babur at [[Battle of Chanderi|Chanderi]] and Babur captured the Rai capital. Rai refused an offer of Shamsabad instead of Chanderi, and chose to die fighting. The Rajput women and children [[Self-immolation|immolated themselves]] to save their honour from Babur's army.<ref name="imm"/> Babur captured Chanderi, earlier ruled by Rai, after his victory.{{sfn|Chaurasia|2002|p=157}} The power vacuum left by Sanga was filled by Rao [[Maldeo Rathore]], who took over the role of leading Rajput king and dominated the era with his increased use of [[Cavalry#Mughal Empire|cavalry]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=be-7CwAAQBAJ&q=A+History+of+Mobility+and+Identity+in+the+Great+Indian+Desert.|last=Kothiyal|first=Tanuja|year=2016|title=Nomadic Narratives: A History of Mobility and Identity in the Great Indian Desert.|publisher= Cambridge University Press|pages=85|isbn=9781107080317|quote=Malde attempted to fill the power vacuum created by the death of Rana Sanga. The death of Rana Sanga and the misfortunes of the house of Mewar left Malde to the uncontrolled exercise of his power}}</ref>


== In popular culture ==
== In popular culture ==
* 1988–1989 : ''[[Bharat Ek Khoj]]'', broadcast on [[Doordarshan]], where he was played by [[Ravi Jhankal]].
* 1988–1989: ''[[Bharat Ek Khoj]]'', broadcast on [[Doordarshan]], where he was played by [[Ravi Jhankal]].
* 2013–2015: ''[[Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap]]'', broadcast by [[Sony Entertainment Television (India)]], where he was portrayed by [[Aarav Chowdhary]].
* 2013–2015: ''[[Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap]]'', broadcast by [[Sony Entertainment Television (India)]], where he was played by [[Aarav Chowdhary]].
 
== See also ==
 
* [[Bappa Rawal]]
* [[Hammir Singh|Maharana Hammir Singh]]
* [[Rana Kumbha|Maharana Kumbha]]
* [[Maharana Pratap]]
* [[Amar Singh I|Maharana Amar Singh]]
* [[Raj Singh I|Maharana Raj Singh]]
* [[History of Rajasthan]]
* [[Kingdom of Mewar]]
* [[List of battles in Rajasthan]]


==References==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== Bibliography ==
== Bibliography ==
<!-- C -->
<!-- C -->
* {{cite book |last1=Chandra |first1=Satish |title=Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals Part - II |date=2006 |publisher=Har-Anand Publications |isbn=978-81-241-1066-9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0Rm9MC4DDrcC |language=en}}
* {{cite book |last1=Chandra |first1=Satish |title=Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals Part - II |date=2005 |publisher=Har-Anand Publications |isbn=978-81-241-1066-9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0Rm9MC4DDrcC |language=en}}
*{{Cite book|last=Chaube|first=J.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m94BAAAAMAAJ|title=History of Gujarat Kingdom, 1458-1537|date=1975|publisher=Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers|isbn=9780883865736|language=en}}
*{{Cite book|last=Chaube|first=J.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m94BAAAAMAAJ|title=History of Gujarat Kingdom, 1458-1537|date=1975|publisher=Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers|isbn=9780883865736|language=en}}
*{{cite book|last=Chaurasia|first=Radhey Shyam|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8XnaL7zPXPUC|title=History of Medieval India: From 1000 A.D. to 1707 A.D.|date=2002|publisher=Atlantic Publishers & Dist|isbn=978-81-269-0123-4|language=en}}
*{{cite book|last=Chaurasia|first=Radhey Shyam|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8XnaL7zPXPUC|title=History of Medieval India: From 1000 A.D. to 1707 A.D.|date=2002|publisher=Atlantic Publishers & Dist|isbn=978-81-269-0123-4|language=en}}
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<!-- W -->
*{{Cite book|first=Andre |last=Wink|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zhu9DwAAQBAJ|title=Akbar|date=2012|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=978-1-78074-209-0|language=en}}
*{{Cite book|first=Andre |last=Wink|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zhu9DwAAQBAJ|title=Akbar|date=2012|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=978-1-78074-209-0|language=en}}
*{{Cite book |last=Chandra |first=Satish |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i7lmnQEACAAJ |title=History of Medieval India (800-1700) |publisher=Orient BlackSwan |isbn=9789390122547}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Sanga, Rana}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sanga, Rana}}
[[Category:1482 births]]
[[Category:1482 births]]
[[Category:1528 deaths]]
[[Category:1528 deaths]]
[[Category:Mewar dynasty]]
[[Category:Monarchs of Mewar]]
[[Category:Rajput rulers]]
[[Category:History of Udaipur]]
[[Category:Hindu monarchs]]
[[Category:Hindu monarchs]]
[[Category:16th-century Indian monarchs]]
[[Category:16th-century Indian monarchs]]
[[Category:1528 in India]]
[[Category:1528 in India]]
[[Category:History of South Asia]]
[[Category:History of South Asia]]

Latest revision as of 02:52, 7 March 2026



Sangram Singh I
Maharana
Hindupati
See caption
Painting of Rana Sanga in the Udaipur Museum
Rana of Mewar
Reign24 May 1509 – 30 January 1528
Coronation24 May 1509[1]
PredecessorRaimal Singh
SuccessorRatan Singh II
Born(1482-04-12)12 April 1482
Chittor, Mewar, Rajputana (present-day Rajasthan, India)
Died30 January 1528(1528-01-30) (aged 45)
Kalpi (present-day Uttar Pradesh, India)
SpouseRani Karnavati
Issue
Names
Sangram Singh
Era dates
15th and 16th centuries
Regnal name
Maharana Sangram Singh
HouseSisodia dynasty
FatherRana Raimal
MotherRani Ratan Jhali
ReligionHinduism
Military career
Battles/wars

Sangram Singh I (mtr; 12 April 1482 – 30 January 1528), most commonly known as Rana Sanga, was the Maharana of Mewar from 24 May 1509 until his death in 1528. A member of the Sisodia dynasty, he controlled parts of present-day Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Sindh, and Uttar Pradesh from his capital at Chittorgarh.[2]

During his military career, Sanga was successful against several neighbouring sultanates. After the 1519 Battle of Gagron against the Malwa Sultanate, he captured much of eastern Malwa.[3] He humbled the Sultan of Gujarat several times.[4] Sanga also subjugated the Khanzadas of Mewat, helping them extend their sway over modern-day Haryana. Among his victories were the defeats of the Lodi dynasty of Delhi at Khatoli, Dholpur, and Ranthambore, enabling Sanga to capture much of the Lodi's domain in southern Malwa and western Uttar Pradesh.[5]

At its zenith in 1521, Sanga's empire stretched from Mandu (the capital of Malwa Sultanate) in the south to Peela Khal (Pilya Khal, a small rivulet near Bayana and Agra) in the northeast, to the Indus River in the west and north-west.[6] Nearly all the Rajput chiefs owed allegiance to him.[7] Sanga also marched against the invading forces of Babur, who founded the Mughal Empire. Despite initial success against Mughal-Afghan forces at the Battle of Bayana, he experienced a significant defeat at Khanwa (primarily due to Babur's use of gunpowder, unknown in northern India at the time).[8]

Sanga is considered the greatest ruler of his time. Said to have won 18 battles against the sultans of Delhi, Malwa and Gujarat, he is renowned for his heroism and leadership. Sanga received more than 80 wounds in battle; he lost an eye and an arm, and one of his legs was crippled. He is considered the last independent Hindu sovereign of Northern India to control extensive territory.[9] His reign was admired by Babur, the first Mughal emperor who described him as the "greatest Indian ruler" of that time; Babur also accused him of sending an invitation to invade India, a claim that has not been widely accepted.[10][11][12] Mughal historian Abd al-Qadir Badayuni called Sanga the bravest of all Rajputs with Prithviraj Chauhan, also known as Rai Pithaura.[13]

Early life and accession[edit | edit source]

Painting of Rana Sanga
Rana Sanga

Sanga was born to King Raimal and Queen Ratan Kunwar, a Jhala princess from Halvad. Although contemporary texts did not mention the year of his birth, they provided astrological planetary positions at the time of his birth and called them auspicious. Based on these positions, assuming other planetary positions and based on the Kumbhalgarh inscription, historian Gaurishankar Hirachand Ojha calculated Sanga's birth year as 1482.[14]

Sanga was Raimal's third son. After a struggle with his brothers Prithviraj and Jagmal, in which he lost an eye, he ascended the throne of Mewar in 1509.[1]

Military career[edit | edit source]

Map of India, with Rana Sanga's domain highlighted
The Kingdom of Mewar at its greatest extent under the Sisodiya dynasty, during the reign of Rana Sanga

Sanga defeated the sultans of Delhi, Malwa and Gujarat in eighteen battles, conquering much of present-day Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and northern Gujarat. He also controlled portions of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Amarkot.[15][16][17][18] After his rise to the throne, Sanga reunited the warring clans of Rajputana through diplomacy and marriage. In his Baburnama, Babur noted the challenges he faced in India. He described Sanga as the greatest infidel king of Hindustan, with Krishnadevaraya of southern India's Vijayanagara Empire: "Sanga had recently grown so great by his audacity and sword that his kingdom included a significant portion of northern India."[19]

According to legend, Sanga fought 100 battles and lost only one. His leg was crippled, and he received eighty wounds in war.[20] India's Rajputs saw him as their leader against the sultanates,[2] and he re-established Rajput rule in Malwa for the first time since the fall of the Paramara dynasty in 1305.[21]

Sanga removed the jizya tax from the Hindus, which had been imposed by Muslim rulers. He is considered the last independent Hindu king of northern India to control significant territory, and was described in contemporary texts as "Hindu Emperor".[22]

Invasion of Malwa[edit | edit source]

Main articles: Battle of Gagron and Mewar–Malwa conflicts

Medini Rai, a rebellious minister of the Malwa sultan, was struggling with Mahmud for the throne of Malwa and was promised aid by Rana Sanga.[23] The combined sultanate forces of Gujarat and Malwa met the Sisodias, led by Sanga, at Gagron. The battle was a Rajput victory.[24]

After victory in the battle and other skirmishes, Sanga captured eastern and northern Malwa and[21] Chanderi. Rai made Chanderi his capital,[25] and Silhaditya Tomar established himself as ruler of Raisen and the Sarangpur region. According to historian Satish Chandra, these events occurred between 1518 and 1519.[26] After the victory and establishment of Hindu rule in eastern and northern Malwa, Sanga ordered Rai to remove the Jizya tax from the region's Hindus.[27][need quotation to verify]

Wars against the Lodis[edit | edit source]

Main article: Battle of Dholpur

Sanga turned his attention towards northeastern Rajasthan, controlled by Delhi sultan Ibrahim Lodi, after conquering Malwa. Lodi, after hearing about encroachments by Sanga on his territory, prepared an army and marched against Mewar in 1517. Sanga and his army met Lodi at Khatoli on the border of Hadoti. In the ensuing battle at Khatoli, the Lodi army had serious reverses and fled; one Lodi prince was captured and imprisoned. In this battle, Sanga lost an arm and an arrow made him lame for life.[28]

Lodi, reportedly stunned by the Rajput aggression (whose extent was unprecedented in the preceding three centuries), again moved against Mewar in 1518-19 but was defeated again in the battle of Dholpur. Lodi fought Sanga repeatedly and was defeated each time, losing his land in present-day Rajasthan; Sanga's influence extended to nearPilia Khar in Agra.[17] According to the 16th-century text Parshvanath-Shravan-Sattavisi, Sanga defeated Lodi at Ranthambore after the Siege of Mandsaur.[29]

Campaign in Gujarat[edit | edit source]

Main articles: Battles of Idar and Rana Sanga's invasion of Gujarat

The three battles of Idar were fought between the armies of its two princes: Bhar Mal (supported by the Gujarat Sultanate under Muzaffar Shah II) and Rai Mal, supported by the Rajputs under Rana Sanga. The main reason for Sanga's involvement in these battles was to reinstate Rai Mal to his throne and weaken the growing power of the Gujarat Sultanate. Rai Mal, assisted by Rana Sanga,[30] defeated Muzzafar Shah II in 1517 and retook his kingdom.

In 1520, Sanga invaded Gujarat because of the succession of the state of Idar with an army of 40,000 Rajputs supported by his three vassals. Rao Ganga Rathore of Marwar also joined him with a garrison of 8,000 Rajputs. Sanga's other allies were Rawal Udai Singh of Vagad and Rao Viram of Merta. He defeated the Muslim army of Nizam Khan and pursued them to Ahmedabad. Sanga called off his invasion 20 miles before the capital, Ahmedabad. He plundered the royal treasuries of Gujarat, destroying several mosques and building temples over them.[31] After a series of victories, Sanga annexed northern Gujarat and appointed one of his vassals to rule it.[2][32]

War against the Mughals[edit | edit source]

16th-century illustration of soldiers
Early matchlocks from the Timurid dynasty

On 21 April 1526, the Timurid king Babur invaded India for the fifth time, defeated Ibrahim Lodhi in the First Battle of Panipat, and executed him. After the battle, Sanga united several Rajput clans for the first time since the Prithviraj Chauhan era, built an army of 100,000 Rajput soldiers, and advanced to Agra.[33]

The Mughals captured Bayana's fort, which was part of Sanga's empire. In the February 1527 Battle of Bayana, he defeated Babur's Mughal forces (led by Abdul Aziz) for his final victory. He sought divine favour by forbidding liquor, breaking wine vessels and pouring the wine down a well.[34] In the 16 March Battle of Khanwa, 37 miles (60 km) west of Agra, the Mughals were victorious due to their cannons, matchlocks and other firearms. Sanga was struck by an arrow in mid-battle and was removed, unconscious, by his brother-in law Prithviraj Kachwaha of Amber and prince Maldev Rathore. Following his victory, Babur ordered a tower of enemy skulls – a practice used by Timur. According to Chandra, the objective of a tower of skulls was to record a great victory and terrorize opponents; the tactic had been used by Babur against the Afghans of Bajaur.[35] Sanga was betrayed by Silhadi during the battle, who changed sides and joined Babur.[36]

The Mughal victory is seen as a landmark event in the Mughal conquest of North India, more significant than the First Battle of Panipat; it made Babur the master of North India, crushing the Rajput clans. According to historian Andre Wink, the centre of Mughal power became Agra (instead of Kabul) after the victory at Khanwa and remained so until it fell after Ālamgir's death.[37][38] Without Babur's cannons (which ended outdated Indian warfare), Sanga might have prevailed.[39] Babur stopped further invading Rajasthan, Rajput forces encamped at Baswa (near Dausa) for Sanga's treatment, and Sanga soon began preparation of another war against Babur.[40]

Death and succession[edit | edit source]

Sanga was removed unconscious from the battlefield by his brother-in-law, Prithviraj Singh of Amber, and Maldeo Rathore of Marwar. After regaining consciousness he took an oath to not return to Chittor until he defeated Babur and conquered Delhi, and stopped wearing a turban.[41] Preparing for another war against Babur, he was poisoned by nobles who did not want more conflict. He died in Kalpi in January 1528[42] or on 20 May of that year[43] and was succeeded by his son, Ratan Singh II.

After Sanga's defeat, his vassal Medini Rai was defeated by Babur at Chanderi and Babur captured the Rai capital. Rai refused an offer of Shamsabad instead of Chanderi, and chose to die fighting. The Rajput women and children immolated themselves to save their honour from Babur's army.[41] Babur captured Chanderi, earlier ruled by Rai, after his victory.[44] The power vacuum left by Sanga was filled by Rao Maldeo Rathore, who took over the role of leading Rajput king and dominated the era with his increased use of cavalry.[45]

In popular culture[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sharma 1954, p. 12-13.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Sharma 1954, p. 18.
  3. ↑ Chandra, Satish (2020). History of Medieval India: 800-1700. Orient BlackSwan. p. 175. ISBN 978-93-90122-54-7.
  4. ↑ Sharma 1954, p. 15: "He opened his career with fair prospects of success. From 1514-15 20 A. D. he routed the forces of Sultan of Gujarat, Muzaffar Shah II, from place to place 10 and is said to have gained eighteen pitched battles against the Sultans of Delhi and Malwa. In one of these he was opposed by Ibrahim Lodi in person at Ghatoli, in which the imperial forces were defeated with great slaughter, leaving a prisoner of the blood royal to grace the triumph of Chitor."
  5. ↑ Rooja, Hima (2006). A History of Rajasthan. Rupa and Co. pp. 451 "Sultan Ibrahim Lodi's bid to annex Ranthambore and Ajmer to the Delhi Sultanate led Rana Sanga to make peace with the sultan of Gujarat...Rana Sanga inflicted a defeat on Ibrahim Lodi when the latter attacked Ranthambore.". ISBN 978-81-291-1501-0.
  6. ↑ Rooja, Hima (2006). A History of Rajasthan. Rupa and Co. ISBN 978-81-291-1501-0. As a consequence of Sanga's exploits, the borders of Mewar by this period extended from near Mandu (the capital of Malwa), in the south to Peela Khal (Pilya Khal), a small rivulet near Bayana and Agra, in the northeast, and deep into the desert country (stretching towards the river Indus) west and north-west of Mewar.
  7. ↑ Somani 1976, p. 168: "In V. 1478, Maharana Sanga’s power was at zenith, Nearly all the Rajputs chiefs according to Amar Kavya Vamshavali®" owed their allegiance to him."
  8. ↑ Radheyshyam Chaurasia (2002). History of Medieval India: From 1000 A.D. to 1707 A.D. Atlantic Publishers & Dist. p. 161. ISBN 978-81-269-0123-4. The battle of Kanwaha was more important in its result even than the first battle of Panipat. While the former made Babur ruler of Delhi alone the later made him King of Hindustan. As a result of his success the Mughal empire was established firmly in India. The sovereignty of India now passed from Rajputs to Mughals
  9. ↑ Somani 1976, p. 176: "Sanga was the greatest ruler of his time, He possessed undaunted courage and uncommon power of body, He had successfully measured swords against the Sultans of Malwa, Gujarat and Ibrahim Lodi, The combined forces of Malwa and Gujarat at Mandsaur, could not humble his pride. He was lacking an eye an arm and had crippled by a broken leg. At the same time he was having more than 80 honourable scars on his body. Babar trembled and hesitated to fight with him, He was a great diplomat and extended his shelter to the fugitive and dislodged chiefs. In other words, he was the last Hindu Independent Chief, of northern India, who was possessing extensive boundaries."
  10. ↑ Sharma 1954, pp. 21–22: "That the above view is not improbable will be clear from the fact that Babur was to embark on an expedition against the ruler of Delhi whose resources in men and money were far superior to those of his own and, therefore, the issue of the proposed contest was in doubt. Under these circumstances it was in Babur’s interest to seek an alliance with greatest and most powerful enemy in India. In the second place Sanga did not at this time stand in need of an alliance with Babur who had yet to establish his reputation in India. Thirdly, the view that Sanga sent an envoy to Kabul goes against the Rajput and, in fact, Hindu habit of sitting on the fence and waiting to see as to which side won before deciding a line of action. Fourthly, unlike his usual practice Babur here gives no details of his alliance though he has elsewhere given the details of his agreements with Alam Khan Lodi and Dolat Khan Lodi .* 7 Fifthly, it will be too much to think that Babur always stated tire whole truth. Close students of Baburnama are aware how sometimes he deliberately gave wrong facts. For example, he stated more than once in positive terms that he had 12,000 men” all told in his fight against Ibrahim Lodi. Modern research”, however, has shown that he had a much larger number at the field of Panipat. And finally, it has to be noted that no other contemporary writer I-Jir.du or Muslim makes mention of Sanga’s sending an ambassador to Kabul. It is a pity that all modern writers 30 have uncritically accepted Babur’s version. "
  11. ↑ Somani 1976, p. 169: "While in Kabul, he had dispatched emissaries at Chittor to obtain his help in creating a diversion on Ibrahim’s southern frontier."
  12. ↑ Rooja, Hima (2006). A History of Rajasthan. Rupa and Co. ISBN 978-81-291-1501-0. In contrast, the traditional Rajput version holds that it was not Sanga — already powerful enough and mainly successful against various enemy states — who had sent an envoy to Babur at Kabul, proposing an alliance against their common foe, Ibrahim Lodi, but rather, it was Babur who sought an ally of undoubted ability and strength for his proposed expedition against the Lodi sultan! Thus, some hold that Rana Sanga agreed to Babur's proposal, and, using Silhadi, the Tomar (Tanwar) chief of Raesen, as the medium of communication, sent a letter to that effect to Babur. However, Sanga subsequently changed his mind upon the advice of his nobles — which advice — given the nature of the state, and the relation of the ruler as primus inter pares with his clansmen and nobles — could not be lightly ignored by any Rajput ruler or chief. Looking back, it is possible that Sanga had believed that the forces of Babur and Ibrahim Lodi would have indulged in a long and protracted struggle, thereby providing an opportunity to Mewar to take advantage of the situation and expand its own power and territorial sway across northern India. Sanga may also have believed that, if victorious against the Lodis, Babur would eventually return to his estates in Afghanistan, thereby leaving a weakened — or even defunct — Delhi Sultanate, and a clear held for Sanga to establish his own hegemony. Such a state of affairs seemed to be furthest from Babur's mind, though.
  13. ↑ Day, Upendra Nath (1978). Mewar Under Maharana Kumbha, 1433 A.D.-1468 A.D. Rajesh Publications. p. 35. Regarding Al Badayuni praise of Kumbha we dont find that instead we find him priasing [sic?] Rana Sanga and further calling him bravest of all Rajputs along with Rai Pithaura.
  14. ↑ Somani 1976, p. 171.
  15. ↑ Sharma 1954, pp. 15–19.
  16. ↑ Sarda, Har Bilas (1918). Maharana Sanga; the Hindupat, the last great leader of the Rajput race. University of California Libraries. Ajmer, Scottish Mission Industries. pp. 1–2.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Chandra 2005, p. 224.
  18. ↑ Chandra, Satish (1982), Habib, Irfan; Raychaudhuri, Tapan (eds.), "Mughal India", The Cambridge Economic History of India: Volume 1: c.1200-c.1750, The Cambridge Economic History of India, vol. 1, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 458–471, ISBN 978-1-139-05451-5, retrieved 17 February 2024{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)
  19. ↑ Wink 2012, pp. 157-158. "Reflecting on challenges he faced in India in his memoirs Babur described Rana Sanga as one of the two greatest infidel king of India along with Deva Raya of South. who had grown so great by his audacity and sword and whose territory was so large that it covered significant portion of North-Western India"
  20. ↑ Puri 2003, p. 107.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Sharma 1970, p. 27 "The early 16th century marks the rise of patriotic one-eyed chief of Mewar named as Rana Sanga who defeat several of his neighbour kingdom and establish Rajput hold on Malwa first time after fall of Parmara dynasty through series of victories over Malwa, Gujarat and Delhi Sultanate"
  22. ↑ Somani 1976, pp. 176-179. "Sanga was the last Independent Hindu king who was controlling extensive boundaries."
  23. ↑ Chaurasia 2002, pp. 155-156.
  24. ↑ Sharma 1954, p. 17.
  25. ↑ Chaurasia 2002, p. 156.
  26. ↑ Satish Chandra (2003). Essays on Medieval Indian History. Oxford University Press. p. 362. ISBN 978-0-19-566336-5. Archived from the original on 14 April 2023. Retrieved 24 March 2021. Rana Sanga of Mewar came in conflict with Sultanates of Malwa, Gujarat and Delhi and repelled all of their invasions. An ensuring battle was fought in Gagron along with other skirmishes in which Rana came Victorious and Subsequently Eastern and Northern Malwa passed under Control of Rana. These events are placed in 1518-19"
  27. ↑ Chaurasia 2002, pp. 156,155,158-160.
  28. ↑ Sharma 1954, p. 16.
  29. ↑ Hooja 2006, p. 451.
  30. ↑ Aligarh Journal of Oriental Studies. Viveka Publications. 1987. p. 15. Archived from the original on 17 August 2023. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  31. ↑ Hooja 2006, pp. 450-452.
  32. ↑ Chaube 1975, pp. 133-139.
  33. ↑ Spear 1990, p. 25.
  34. ↑ Sharma 1954, p. 22-27.
  35. ↑ Chandra 2005, p. 44.
  36. ↑ Sarkar 1960, p. 57. "A treacherous desertion at outset upset Rana Sanga pre-arranged plan of combat. Silhadi, who had made himself a master of Raisen and Sarangpur and often changed side during troubled time had ultimately turned Muslim to save himself but ultimately joined Rana with his army, He went over to Babur's side from his post in the vanguard of the Hindu army."
  37. ↑ Chaurasia 2002, p. 161.
  38. ↑ Wink 2012, p. 27.
  39. ↑ Barua, Pradeep (2005). The State at War in South Asia. University of Nebraska Press. pp. 33–34. ISBN 978-0-80321-344-9. Archived from the original on 17 August 2023. Retrieved 13 February 2016.
  40. ↑ Sharma 1954, pp. 42,43.
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 Sharma 1954, pp. 43
  42. ↑ Sharma 1954, pp. 44.
  43. ↑ Somani 1976, p. 176.
  44. ↑ Chaurasia 2002, p. 157.
  45. ↑ Kothiyal, Tanuja (2016). Nomadic Narratives: A History of Mobility and Identity in the Great Indian Desert. Cambridge University Press. p. 85. ISBN 9781107080317. Malde attempted to fill the power vacuum created by the death of Rana Sanga. The death of Rana Sanga and the misfortunes of the house of Mewar left Malde to the uncontrolled exercise of his power

Bibliography[edit | edit source]

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