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{{Short description|Maharana of Mewar from 1597 to 1620}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2015}}
{{Infobox royalty
{{Infobox royalty
| native_lang1_name1 = राणा अमर सिंह
| native_lang1_name1 =  
| image         = Raja Ravi Varma, Maharana Amar Singh - I.jpg
| name        = Maharana Amar Singh I
| caption       = Painting of Maharana Amar Singh I
| image       = Raja Ravi Varma, Maharana Amar Singh - I.jpg
| succession     = [[Maharana]] of [[Mewar]]
| caption     = Painting of Maharana Amar Singh I
| reign         = January 19, 1597 – January 26, 1620
| succession   = [[Maharana]] of [[Mewar]]
| coronation     = January 19, 1597 [[Udaipur]], [[Rajasthan]], [[India]]
| reign       = 19 January 1597 – 26 January 1620
| predecessor   = [[Maharana Pratap]]
| coronation   = 19 January 1597 [[Udaipur]]
| successor     = [[Karan Singh II]]
| predecessor = [[Maharana Pratap]]
| birth_date     = March 16, 1559
| successor   = [[Karan Singh II]]
| birth_place   = [[Chittor Fort]], [[Rajasthan]]
| birth_date   = 16 March 1559
| death_date     = {{death date and age|1620|01|26|1559|03|16|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Chittor Fort]], [[Mewar]], [[Rajputana]]
| death_place   = [[Udaipur]], [[Rajasthan]]
| death_date   = {{death date and age|1620|01|26|1559|03|16|df=y}}
| spouse         = Rani Amba <br> Rani Ashwini <br> Rani Ganga <br> Maharani Yamuna <br> Rani Kunti
| death_place = [[Udaipur]], [[Mewar]], [[Rajputana]]
| issue         = [[Karan Singh II]] <br> Surajmal <br> (2/7 others)
| spouse       = Rathorji Laksh Deiji of [[Idar, Gujarat|Idar]]<br />Solankiniji Manbhawat Deiji of Virpur/[[Lunawada]] in [[Gujarat]]<br />Tomarji Shyam Deiji of [[Gwalior]]<br />Rathorji Ram Deiji of [[Marwar]]<br />Jhaliji Raj Deiji of [[Delwara]] in [[Mewar]]<br />Rathorji Satyabhama Deiji of [[Chavand, Rajasthan|Chavand]] in [[Mewar]]<br />Hadiji Manbhawan Deiji of [[Bundi]]<br />Rathorji Rukhmawat Deiji of [[Siwana]] in [[Marwar]]
| house   = [[Sisodia]]
| issue       = [[Karan Singh II]]<br />Surajmal<br />Bhim Singh<br />Arjun Singh<br />Ratan Singh<br />Bagh Singh<br />Kesar Kanwarji m. to [[Rao Surtan Deora]] I of [[Sirohi]]
| father         = [[Maharana Pratap]]
| house       = [[Sisodia Dynasty|Sisodia]]
| mother         = [[Maharani Ajabde]]
| father       = [[Maharana Pratap]]
| religion      = [[Hinduism]]
| mother       = Parmarji Ajab Deiji d.of Rao Mamrakh of [[Bijolia]] in [[Mewar]]
| religion     = [[Hinduism]]
{{Infobox military person
                      | embed        = yes
                      | allegiance  =
                      | branch       =
                      | rank        =
                      | battles    = *[[Battle of Dewair (1606)]]
*Battle of Ranakpur
*[[Siege of Ontala (1599)]]}}
}}
}}
{{Mewari Rana}}
{{Mewari Rana}}
'''Maharana Amar Singh I''', the [[Maharana]] of [[Mewar]] (March 16, 1559 – January 26, 1620), was the eldest son and successor of [[Maharana Pratap]] of [[Mewar]]. He was the 14th Rana of Mewar dynasty of [[Sisodia]] [[Rajput]]s and ruler of Mewar from January 19, 1597 till his death on January 26, 1620. His capital was [[Udaipur]].
 
'''Maharana Amar Singh I''' the [[Maharana|Sisodia-Rajput]] ruler of the [[Mewar|Mewar Kingdom]] (16 March 1559 – 26 January 1620), was the eldest son and successor of [[Maharana Pratap|Maharana Pratap I]]. He was the 14th Rana of Mewar, ruling from 19 January 1597 until his death on 26 January 1620.


==Birth and coronation==
==Birth and coronation==
Amar Singh was the eldest son of [[Maharana Pratap]]. He was born in [[Chittorgarh|Chittor]] on 16 March 1559 to [[Maharana Pratap]] and [[Maharana Pratap|Maharani Ajabde Punwar]], the same year, when foundation of [[Udaipur]] was laid by his grandfather, [[Udai Singh II]].<ref name="Chandra satish">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qHnHHwAACAAJ|title=History of Medieval India: 800-1700|author=Satish Chandra|publisher= Orient BlackSwan|year=2007|isbn=978-8125032267|access-date=2020-09-24}}</ref>Amar Singh succeeded Maharana Pratap upon his death on 19 January 1597 and was the ruler of Mewar till his death on 26 January 1620.{{sfn|Mathur|1994|p=23}}
Amar Singh I was the eldest son of [[Maharana Pratap|Maharana Pratap I]]. He was born in the old capital fortress of [[Chittorgarh|Chittor]] on 16 March 1559 to his father's chief queen [[Ajabde|Ajabde Punwar]], who belonged to the Parmarji of [[Bijolia]], a fiefdom under Mewar in the same year when foundation of the new capital city of [[Udaipur]] was laid by his grandfather, [[Udai Singh II]].<ref name="Chandra satish">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qHnHHwAACAAJ|title=History of Medieval India: 800-1700|author=Satish Chandra|publisher= Orient BlackSwan|year=2007|isbn=978-8125032267|access-date=2020-09-24}}</ref> Amar Singh I succeeded Pratap upon his death on 19 January 1597 and was the ruler of Mewar until his own death on 26 January 1620.{{sfn|Mathur|1994|p=23}}
 
==Conflict with the Mughals==
By the end his reign Maharana Pratap was able to recover much of his ancestral kingdom which included all 36 outposts of Mewar, apart from [[Chittor]] and Mandalgarh which continued to remain under the Mughals.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Vanina |first=Eugenia |date=October 2019 |title=Monuments to Enemies? 'Rajput' Statues in Mughal Capitals |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-royal-asiatic-society/article/abs/monuments-to-enemies-rajput-statues-in-mughal-capitals/20D45D35D02CE70E4D801D631C78EB79 |journal=Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society |language=en |volume=29 |issue=4 |pages=683–704 |doi=10.1017/S1356186319000415 |issn=1356-1863 |s2cid=211645258|url-access=subscription }}</ref>
 
'''<big>Against Akbar</big>'''
 
After Pratap's death, Akbar dispatched a strong force with [[Raja Man Singh]], Shah Kuli Khan and other senior Mansabdars under the nominal command of Prince Salim (later Emperor [[Jahangir]]). Rana Amar Singh, following his father's policy, sought refuge in the hilly regions of western Mewar. His forces resisted the Mughals, launching surprise attacks on their outposts. Sultan Khan Ghori, stationed at [[Bagor, Rajasthan|Bagor]], was unexpectedly attacked and killed. Later, Prince Salim arrived in Udaipur and ordered his commanders to intensify efforts against the Mewar forces. In response, Maharana launched a counter-attack near Malpura, plundering several towns. Additionally, he conducted a night raid on a Mughal outposts. The Mughal campaign ended inconclusively as Man Singh was called to Bengal without any significant achievements.<ref>
{{cite book |author=Ram Vallabh Somani |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NcIBAAAAMAAJ |title=History of Mewar, from Earliest Times to 1751 A.D. |publisher=Mateshwari |pages=243–244 |year=1976 |oclc=2929852 }}</ref>
 
Towards the end of his reign, [[Akbar]] invested Sagar, a son of Rana [[Udai Singh II]], with the title of Rana and intended to set him on the throne of Chittor. Akbar was actually preparing to send a force under [[Khusrau Mirza]] to install Sagar, but before this could be done, Akbar died.<ref>{{cite book| last=Maujumdar|first=RC|title=History and Culture of the Indian People, Volume 07, The Mughul Empire| year=1970| isbn=9788172765699| page=340}}</ref>
 
===Against Jahangir===
 
'''Parviz's Invasion of Mewar'''
 
Shortly after his accession in 1606, [[Jahangir]] sent an army of 20,000 cavalry to attack Mewar. [[Parviz Mirza]] was the commander in name only while in reality the ''[[de facto]]'' commander was Jahangir who directed [[Asaf Khan I|Asaf Khan]]. Amar led a hard fought battle to defend his territory and personally killed the Mughal commander Sultan Khan and his horse with a spear which went through them both.<ref>
{{cite book |title=The Mughal Empire (1526-1803) |first=Ashirbadi Lal  |last=Srivastava  |publisher=Shiva Lal Agarwala & Company  |year=1986 |edition=8th |page=269|quote=Amar Singh bravely defended his territory and fought a tough battle at the pass of Dewar which proved to be indecisive. Both sides claimed victory}}</ref>
 
'''Mahabat Khan's invasion'''
 
In 1608, an army under [[Mahabat Khan]] was sent to Mewar through Mandal and Chittor. This army was defeated and had to retreat because of continuous raids by Rajput forces.<ref>
{{cite book |author=Ram Vallabh Somani |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NcIBAAAAMAAJ |title=History of Mewar, from Earliest Times to 1751 A.D. |publisher=Mateshwari |pages=247–248 |year=1976 |oclc=2929852 }}</ref>


==Role in Mughal-Mewar conflict==
'''Abdullah Khan's invasion'''
{{See also|Battle of Dewair (1606)}}
The long drawn Mughal-Mewar conflict started when [[Udai Singh II]]  seek refuge in the mountains of the Mewar and never ventured out of his hiding. After his death in 1572, hostilities broke out, when his son [[Pratap Singh I]] was appointed as the Rana of Mewar. Initially, Pratap was inclined to eschew the passive strategy followed by his father Udai Singh II. He even sent his son Amar Singh to the Mughal Court, but himself like his father refrained from personal attendance.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h7kPQs8llvkC&pg=PT323|title=Emperors Of The Peacock Throne: The Saga of the Great Moghuls|author=Abraham Eraly|publisher=Penguin UK|year=2007|isbn=978-9351180937 |access-date=2020-09-23  }}</ref>{{Page needed|date=March 2021}}


[[Akbar]] on the other hand wanted him to serve in person and also eyed upon one of the Elephant named Ramprasad, which was in Rana's possession. Pratap refused to submit both the Elephant and himself and Akbar's imperial commander Raja [[Man Singh]] was also not received cordially by him. He even refused to have meal with him. The activities of Pratap Singh brought Mughals to Mewar once again and in the subsequent engagements, Mughals won nearly all the engagements inflicting terrible slaughter on Mewaris. The Rana had to flee deep into the forests and [[Udaipur]] was also taken over by the Mughals. But; despite all efforts Mughals were not successful in completely subduing him.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h7kPQs8llvkC&pg=PT323|title=Emperors Of The Peacock Throne: The Saga of the Great Moghuls|author=Abraham Eraly|publisher=Penguin UK|year=2007|isbn=978-9351180937 |access-date=2020-09-23  }}</ref>{{Page needed|date=March 2021}}
In 1609, Mahabat Khan was replaced by [[Abdallah (Moghul Khan)|Abdullah Khan]] who was able to achieve initial success from 1609 to 1611. In an attack by Abdullah Khan on [[Chavand, Rajasthan|Chavand]], about 2000–3000 Rajputs staying there fought till death and Amar Singh was forced to abandon the capital. Abdullah Khan was eventually defeated by Mewari forces at Battle of Ranakpur in 1611 rendering his expedition a total failure.<ref>
{{cite book |author=Ram Vallabh Somani |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NcIBAAAAMAAJ |title=History of Mewar, from Earliest Times to 1751 A.D. |publisher=Mateshwari |pages=248–250 |year=1976 |oclc=2929852 }}</ref> He was then dispatched as governor of Gujarat in 1611 and at his request Raja Basu was appointed to the command of the Mughul army in Rajasthan. But apparently he was defeated again and failed to meet the objectives. He was recalled and Khan A‘zam [[Mirza Aziz Koka]] sent in 1613 to replace him.<ref>{{cite book| last=Maujumdar|first=RC|title=History and Culture of the Indian People, Volume 07, The Mughul Empire| year=1970| isbn=9788172765699| page=341}}</ref>


After Pratap, Amar Singh continued defying Mughals and didn't submit even though he had nothing to loose, as in initial strikes Mughals had taken over the plains of Mewar and he along with his father were forced into hiding. When [[Jahangir]] ascended the throne he launched a series of assaults against Amar Singh. Perhaps, he felt himself guilty for his incapability of not being able to subdue him and Mewar, though he was entrusted twice by the Akbar to do this task. For Jahangir, it became a matter of head and he sent prince [[Parviz Mirza|Parviz]] to subdue Amar Singh, and the [[Battle of Dewair (1606)|Battle of Dewair]] took place, but due to [[Khusrau Mirza]]'s rebellion Parvez had to stop.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h7kPQs8llvkC&pg=PT323|title=Emperors Of The Peacock Throne: The Saga of the Great Moghuls|author=Abraham Eraly|publisher=Penguin UK|year=2007|isbn=978-9351180937 |access-date=2020-09-23  }}</ref>{{Page needed|date=March 2021}} Parviz was only the figurative commander in the battle, while in reality the ''[[de facto]]'' commander was Jahangir's brother-in-law, [[Asaf Khan IV|Asaf Khan]].<ref name="Prasad 227">{{Cite book|title=History of Jahangir|last=Prasad|first=Beni|pages=227}}</ref>
'''Final conflicts'''  


After this failed attempt, Jahangir sent [[Mahabat Khan]], Abdullah Khan and prince Khurram in succession. The long war had depleted Amar Singh's resources and thus he prepared to submit. His step caused the 48 years long war of attrition to come to an end. There were strict guidelines from the Jahangir's side to Khurram to treat him honourably as Jahangir notes:
Upon his request for assistance, in 1613, Jahangir himself came to Rajputana to supervise the campaign. His son [[Shah Jahan|Khurram]] led the campaign on the ground. The Rajputs were easily able to seek refuge in the hilly tracks of Rajputana and the Mughals largely failed to penetrate the area. They were finally able to penetrate it in 1614 when they engaged with the Mewar forces and established outposts. Many attempts were made by Jahangir to reach a settlement with the Maharana and the final attempt in 1615 succeeded when Amar Singh agreed to meet with Prince Khurram.<ref>
{{quote|When Rana clasped his (Khurram's) feets and asked foregiveness for his faults, he took his head and placed it on his breast and consoled him in such a manner as to comfort him.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h7kPQs8llvkC&pg=PT323|page=323|title=Emperors Of The Peacock Throne: The Saga of the Great Moghuls|author=Abraham Eraly|publisher=Penguin UK|year=2007|isbn=978-9351180937|quote=When Rana clasped his (Khurram's) feets and asked foregiveness for his faults, he took his head and placed it on his breast and consoled him in such a manner as to comfort him," notes Jahangir. The Rana and Prince then exchanged gift. |access-date=2020-09-23 }}</ref> }}
{{cite book |author=Ram Vallabh Somani |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NcIBAAAAMAAJ |title=History of Mewar, from Earliest Times to 1751 A.D. |publisher=Mateshwari |pages=252–255 |year=1976 |oclc=2929852 }}</ref>
In 1615, Amar Singh submitted to Mughals. The condition of submission were framed in such a manner so as to befit both sides. Due to his old age, Amar Singh was not asked to attend the Mughal Court in person and Mewar including [[Chittor]] was assigned to him as ''Watan [[Jagir]]''. The successor of Amar Singh, Karan Singh on the other hand was given a rank of 5000. Mughals on the other hand secured their interest by prohibiting the fortifications of the Mewar.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h7kPQs8llvkC&pg=PT323|title=Emperors Of The Peacock Throne: The Saga of the Great Moghuls|author=Abraham Eraly|publisher=Penguin UK|year=2007|isbn=978-9351180937 |access-date=2020-09-23  }}</ref>{{Page needed|date=March 2021}}
 
The long war had depleted Amar Singh's resources and thus he prepared to submit. His step caused the 48 years long war of attrition to come to an end. There were strict instructions from Jahangir to Khurram to treat Amar Singh honourably as Jahangir notes:
 
In 1615, Amar Singh submitted to Mughals. The condition of submission were framed in such a manner so as to befit both sides. Due to his old age, Amar Singh was not asked to attend the Mughal Court in person and Mewar including [[Chittor]] was assigned to him as ''Watan [[Jagir]]''. The successor of Amar Singh, Karan Singh on the other hand was given a rank of 5000. Mughals on the other hand secured their interest by prohibiting the fortifications of the Mewar.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h7kPQs8llvkC&pg=PT323|title=Emperors Of The Peacock Throne: The Saga of the Great Moghuls|author=Abraham Eraly|publisher=Penguin UK|year=2007|isbn=978-9351180937 |access-date=2020-09-23  }}</ref>


==Peace treaty==
==Peace treaty==
{{Main article|Mughal conquest of Mewar}}
After [[Mewar]] was devastated financially and in manpower due to several battles against the Mughals, Amar Singh thought it prudent to start negotiations with them and finally entered into a treaty with [[Shah Jahan]] (who negotiated on behalf of [[Jahangir]]) in 1615. He was advised by his council and his grandmother, [[Jaiwanta Bai]], his advisor.
After [[Mewar]] was devastated financially and in manpower due to several battles against the Mughals, Amar Singh thought it prudent to start negotiations with them and finally, entered into a treaty with [[Shah Jahan]] (who negotiated on behalf of [[Jahangir]]) in 1615. He was advised by his council and his grandmother, [[Jaiwanta Bai]], his advisor.


In the treaty, it was agreed that:  
In the treaty, it was agreed that:


*The ruler of Mewar, will not be bound to present himself in person at Mughal court, instead, a relative of the Rana would wait upon the [[Mughal Emperor]] and serve him.{{sfn|Chandra|2006|p=123}}   
*The ruler of Mewar would not be bound to present himself in person at Mughal court. Instead, a relative of the Rana would wait upon the [[Mughal Emperor]] and serve him.{{sfn|Chandra|2006|p=123}}   
*It was also agreed that the Ranas of Mewar would not enter matrimonial relations with the Mughals.{{sfn|Chandra|2006|p=123}}  
*It was also agreed that the Ranas of Mewar would not enter into matrimonial relations with the Mughals.{{sfn|Chandra|2006|p=123}}  
*Mewar would have to keep a contingent of 1500 horsemen in the Mughal service.<ref>{{cite book| last=Sharma|first=Sri Ram|title=Maharana Raj Singh and his Times| year=1971| isbn=8120823982| page=14}}</ref>  
*Mewar would have to keep a contingent of 1500 horsemen in the Mughal service.<ref>{{cite book| last=Sharma|first=Sri Ram|title=Maharana Raj Singh and his Times| year=1971| isbn=8120823982| page=14}}</ref>  
*Chittor and other Mughal occupied areas of Mewar would be returned to the Rana, but Chittor fort would never be repaired. The reason for this last condition was that the Chittor fort was a very powerful bastion and the mughals were wary of it being used in any future rebellion.{{sfn|Chandra|2006|p=123}}
*Chittor and other Mughal occupied areas of Mewar would be returned to the Rana, but the Chittor fort would never be repaired. The reason for this last condition was that the Chittor fort was a very powerful bastion and the Mughals were wary of it being used in any future rebellion.{{sfn|Chandra|2006|p=123}}
*The Rana would be given a Mughal rank of 5000 zat and 5000 sowar.<ref>Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals Part - II By Satish Chandra pg.123-124</ref>
*The Rana would be given a Mughal rank of 5000 zat and 5000 sowar.<ref name="Medieval India pg.123-124">Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals Part - II By Satish Chandra pg.123-124</ref>
*The rulers of Dungarpur and Banswarra (who had become independent during Akbars reign) would once again become vassals of Mewar and pay tribute to the Rana.<ref>Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals Part - II By Satish Chandra pg.123-124</ref>
*The rulers of [[Dungarpur State|Dungarpur]] and [[Banswara State|Banswara]] (who had become independent during Akbar's reign) would once again become vassals of Mewar and pay tribute to the Rana.<ref name="Medieval India pg.123-124"/>


Later, when Amar Singh went to meet Jahangir at [[Ajmer]], he was given a warm welcome by [[Mughal Emperor]] and the territories around [[Chittorgarh|Chittor]] along with the [[Chittor Fort]] were given back to Mewar, as goodwill gesture.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/place/India/Jahangir#ref485820 Jahangir - Emperor of India - Encyclopaedia Britannica]</ref> However, [[Udaipur]] remained the capital of [[Mewar]] State.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://udaipur.rajasthan.gov.in/content/raj/udaipur/en/about-udaipur/history.html#|title=Udaipur History|website=Rajasthan Government official|access-date=2020-09-25}}</ref>
Later, when Amar Singh went to meet Jahangir at [[Ajmer]], he was given a warm welcome by the [[Mughal Emperor]]. The territories around [[Chittorgarh|Chittor]], along with the [[Chittor Fort]], were given back to Mewar as a goodwill gesture.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/place/India/Jahangir#ref485820 Jahangir - Emperor of India - Encyclopaedia Britannica]</ref> However, [[Udaipur]] remained the capital of [[Mewar]] State.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://udaipur.rajasthan.gov.in/content/raj/udaipur/en/about-udaipur/history.html#|title=Udaipur History|website=Rajasthan Government official|access-date=2020-09-25}}</ref>


==Qualities==
==Assessment==
Amar Singh was admired for his bravery, leadership, valour, and sense of justice and kindness. He showed great valour against the Mughals due to which he was given the title 'Chakraveer'.{{sfn|Mathur|1994|p=23}}
Amar Singh was admired for his bravery, leadership, valour, and sense of justice and kindness. He showed great valour against the Mughals to which he was given the title 'Chakraveer'.{{sfn|Mathur|1994|p=23}} Amar Singh patronised an author called Mathuratmaja ("son of Mathura"), who wrote ''Amara-bhushana'' ([[IAST]]: ''Amarabhūṣaṇa'') and ''Ishta-ghatika-shodhana'' (''Iṣṭaghaṭikāśodhana''). These works are sometimes attributed to Amar Singh (Amara-siṃha).<ref>{{cite book |editor=David Pingree |editor-link=David Pingree |title=Census of the Exact Sciences in Sanskrit Series A |volume=1 |publisher=American Philosophical Society |year=1970 |url=https://archive.org/details/PingreeCESS/Pingree_CESS_A1_1970/ |page=45 }}</ref>


==Death==
==Death==
Amar Singh died on 26 January 1620 at Udaipur and was succeeded by his eldest son [[Karan Singh II]].<ref name="Chandra satish"/>
 
The remaining years of Amar Singh’s reign were uneventful. It is said that he felt the insult of accepting a Mughal farman so keenly that he retired to his private chamber, leaving the administration in the hands of the heir-apparent,  [[Karan Singh II]]. He died on 26 January 1620.<ref name="Chandra satish"/><ref>{{cite book| last=Maujumdar|first=RC|title=History and Culture of the Indian People, Volume 07, The Mughul Empire| year=1970| isbn=9788172765699| page=344}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
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* {{citation|last=Nicoll| first=Fergus| title= Shah Jahan|year=2009|isbn=9780670083039|publisher=Penguin Books|location=[[India]]}}
* {{citation|last=Nicoll| first=Fergus| title= Shah Jahan|year=2009|isbn=9780670083039|publisher=Penguin Books|location=[[India]]}}
* {{citation|first=Satish|last=Chandra|title=Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals (1206–1526)|volume=2|publisher=Har-Anand Publications|date=2006}}
* {{citation|first=Satish|last=Chandra|title=Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals (1206–1526)|volume=2|publisher=Har-Anand Publications|date=2006}}
* {{citation|title=Costumes of the Rulers of Mewar: With Patterns and Construction Techniques|first=Pushpa Rani|last=Mathur|date=1994|isbn=9788170172932|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HnZKSg4crdcC}}
* {{citation|title=Costumes of the Rulers of Mewar: With Patterns and Construction Techniques|first=Pushpa Rani|last=Mathur|date=1994|publisher=Abhinav Publications |isbn=9788170172932|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HnZKSg4crdcC}}
* {{citation|title=The Mughul Empire (1526–1803 A.D.)|first=Ashirbadi Lal|last=Srivastava|date=1969}}
* {{citation|title=The Mughul Empire (1526–1803 A.D.)|first=Ashirbadi Lal|last=Srivastava|date=1969}}
* {{citation|title=The Pearson Guide To The Central Police Forces Examination, 2/E|last=Thorpe|date=September 2010|isbn=9788131729052|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_LgHK5PNxXUC}}
* {{citation|title=The Pearson Guide To The Central Police Forces Examination, 2/E|last=Thorpe|date=September 2010|publisher=Pearson Education India |isbn=9788131729052|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_LgHK5PNxXUC}}


{{S-start}}
{{S-start}}
{{S-hou|[[Sisodia|Sisodia Rajput Clan]]||16 March 1559||26 January 1620}}
{{S-hou|[[Sisodia Dynasty|Sisodia Rajput Clan]]||16 March 1559||26 January 1620}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Maharana Pratap]]}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Maharana Pratap]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Sisodia|Sisodia Rajput Ruler]]
{{S-ttl|title=[[Sisodia Dynasty|Sisodia Rajput Ruler]]
|years=1597–1620}}
|years=1597–1620}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Karan Singh II]]}}
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[[Category:17th-century Indian monarchs]]
[[Category:17th-century Indian monarchs]]
[[Category:History of Rajasthan]]
 
[[Category:Maharana Pratap]]
[[Category:Maharana Pratap]]
[[Category:Mewar dynasty]]
[[Category:Monarchs of Mewar]]
[[Category:Hindu monarchs]]
[[Category:Hindu monarchs]]

Latest revision as of 21:55, 27 November 2025


Maharana Amar Singh I
Painting of Maharana Amar Singh I
Maharana of Mewar
Reign19 January 1597 – 26 January 1620
Coronation19 January 1597 Udaipur
PredecessorMaharana Pratap
SuccessorKaran Singh II
Born16 March 1559
Chittor Fort, Mewar, Rajputana
Died26 January 1620(1620-01-26) (aged 60)
Udaipur, Mewar, Rajputana
SpouseRathorji Laksh Deiji of Idar
Solankiniji Manbhawat Deiji of Virpur/Lunawada in Gujarat
Tomarji Shyam Deiji of Gwalior
Rathorji Ram Deiji of Marwar
Jhaliji Raj Deiji of Delwara in Mewar
Rathorji Satyabhama Deiji of Chavand in Mewar
Hadiji Manbhawan Deiji of Bundi
Rathorji Rukhmawat Deiji of Siwana in Marwar
IssueKaran Singh II
Surajmal
Bhim Singh
Arjun Singh
Ratan Singh
Bagh Singh
Kesar Kanwarji m. to Rao Surtan Deora I of Sirohi
HouseSisodia
FatherMaharana Pratap
MotherParmarji Ajab Deiji d.of Rao Mamrakh of Bijolia in Mewar
ReligionHinduism
Military career
Battles/wars
Sisodia Rajputs of Mewar II
(1326–1884)
Hammir Singh (1326–1364)
Kshetra Singh (1364–1382)
Lakha Singh (1382–1421)
Mokal Singh (1421–1433)
Rana Kumbha (1433–1468)
Udai Singh I (1468–1473)
Rana Raimal (1473–1508)
Rana Sanga (1508–1527)
Ratan Singh II (1528–1531)
Vikramaditya Singh (1531–1536)
Vanvir Singh (1536–1540)
Udai Singh II (1540–1572)
Pratap Singh I (1572–1597)
Amar Singh I (1597–1620)
Karan Singh II (1620–1628)
Jagat Singh I (1628–1652)
Raj Singh I (1652–1680)
Jai Singh (1680–1698)
Amar Singh II (1698–1710)
Sangram Singh II (1710–1734)
Jagat Singh II (1734–1751)
Pratap Singh II (1751–1754)
Raj Singh II (1754–1762)
Ari Singh II (1762–1772)
Hamir Singh II (1772–1778)
Bhim Singh (1778–1828)
Jawan Singh (1828–1838)
Sardar Singh (1828–1842)
Swarup Singh (1842–1861)
Shambhu Singh (1861–1874)
Sajjan Singh (1874–1884)
Fateh Singh (1884–1930)
Bhupal Singh (1930–1955)
Bhagwant Singh (1955–1971)
This box:


Maharana Amar Singh I the Sisodia-Rajput ruler of the Mewar Kingdom (16 March 1559 – 26 January 1620), was the eldest son and successor of Maharana Pratap I. He was the 14th Rana of Mewar, ruling from 19 January 1597 until his death on 26 January 1620.

Birth and coronation[edit | edit source]

Amar Singh I was the eldest son of Maharana Pratap I. He was born in the old capital fortress of Chittor on 16 March 1559 to his father's chief queen Ajabde Punwar, who belonged to the Parmarji of Bijolia, a fiefdom under Mewar in the same year when foundation of the new capital city of Udaipur was laid by his grandfather, Udai Singh II.[1] Amar Singh I succeeded Pratap upon his death on 19 January 1597 and was the ruler of Mewar until his own death on 26 January 1620.[2]

Conflict with the Mughals[edit | edit source]

By the end his reign Maharana Pratap was able to recover much of his ancestral kingdom which included all 36 outposts of Mewar, apart from Chittor and Mandalgarh which continued to remain under the Mughals.[3]

Against Akbar

After Pratap's death, Akbar dispatched a strong force with Raja Man Singh, Shah Kuli Khan and other senior Mansabdars under the nominal command of Prince Salim (later Emperor Jahangir). Rana Amar Singh, following his father's policy, sought refuge in the hilly regions of western Mewar. His forces resisted the Mughals, launching surprise attacks on their outposts. Sultan Khan Ghori, stationed at Bagor, was unexpectedly attacked and killed. Later, Prince Salim arrived in Udaipur and ordered his commanders to intensify efforts against the Mewar forces. In response, Maharana launched a counter-attack near Malpura, plundering several towns. Additionally, he conducted a night raid on a Mughal outposts. The Mughal campaign ended inconclusively as Man Singh was called to Bengal without any significant achievements.[4]

Towards the end of his reign, Akbar invested Sagar, a son of Rana Udai Singh II, with the title of Rana and intended to set him on the throne of Chittor. Akbar was actually preparing to send a force under Khusrau Mirza to install Sagar, but before this could be done, Akbar died.[5]

Against Jahangir[edit | edit source]

Parviz's Invasion of Mewar

Shortly after his accession in 1606, Jahangir sent an army of 20,000 cavalry to attack Mewar. Parviz Mirza was the commander in name only while in reality the de facto commander was Jahangir who directed Asaf Khan. Amar led a hard fought battle to defend his territory and personally killed the Mughal commander Sultan Khan and his horse with a spear which went through them both.[6]

Mahabat Khan's invasion

In 1608, an army under Mahabat Khan was sent to Mewar through Mandal and Chittor. This army was defeated and had to retreat because of continuous raids by Rajput forces.[7]

Abdullah Khan's invasion

In 1609, Mahabat Khan was replaced by Abdullah Khan who was able to achieve initial success from 1609 to 1611. In an attack by Abdullah Khan on Chavand, about 2000–3000 Rajputs staying there fought till death and Amar Singh was forced to abandon the capital. Abdullah Khan was eventually defeated by Mewari forces at Battle of Ranakpur in 1611 rendering his expedition a total failure.[8] He was then dispatched as governor of Gujarat in 1611 and at his request Raja Basu was appointed to the command of the Mughul army in Rajasthan. But apparently he was defeated again and failed to meet the objectives. He was recalled and Khan A‘zam Mirza Aziz Koka sent in 1613 to replace him.[9]

Final conflicts

Upon his request for assistance, in 1613, Jahangir himself came to Rajputana to supervise the campaign. His son Khurram led the campaign on the ground. The Rajputs were easily able to seek refuge in the hilly tracks of Rajputana and the Mughals largely failed to penetrate the area. They were finally able to penetrate it in 1614 when they engaged with the Mewar forces and established outposts. Many attempts were made by Jahangir to reach a settlement with the Maharana and the final attempt in 1615 succeeded when Amar Singh agreed to meet with Prince Khurram.[10]

The long war had depleted Amar Singh's resources and thus he prepared to submit. His step caused the 48 years long war of attrition to come to an end. There were strict instructions from Jahangir to Khurram to treat Amar Singh honourably as Jahangir notes:

In 1615, Amar Singh submitted to Mughals. The condition of submission were framed in such a manner so as to befit both sides. Due to his old age, Amar Singh was not asked to attend the Mughal Court in person and Mewar including Chittor was assigned to him as Watan Jagir. The successor of Amar Singh, Karan Singh on the other hand was given a rank of 5000. Mughals on the other hand secured their interest by prohibiting the fortifications of the Mewar.[11]

Peace treaty[edit | edit source]

After Mewar was devastated financially and in manpower due to several battles against the Mughals, Amar Singh thought it prudent to start negotiations with them and finally entered into a treaty with Shah Jahan (who negotiated on behalf of Jahangir) in 1615. He was advised by his council and his grandmother, Jaiwanta Bai, his advisor.

In the treaty, it was agreed that:

  • The ruler of Mewar would not be bound to present himself in person at Mughal court. Instead, a relative of the Rana would wait upon the Mughal Emperor and serve him.[12]
  • It was also agreed that the Ranas of Mewar would not enter into matrimonial relations with the Mughals.[12]
  • Mewar would have to keep a contingent of 1500 horsemen in the Mughal service.[13]
  • Chittor and other Mughal occupied areas of Mewar would be returned to the Rana, but the Chittor fort would never be repaired. The reason for this last condition was that the Chittor fort was a very powerful bastion and the Mughals were wary of it being used in any future rebellion.[12]
  • The Rana would be given a Mughal rank of 5000 zat and 5000 sowar.[14]
  • The rulers of Dungarpur and Banswara (who had become independent during Akbar's reign) would once again become vassals of Mewar and pay tribute to the Rana.[14]

Later, when Amar Singh went to meet Jahangir at Ajmer, he was given a warm welcome by the Mughal Emperor. The territories around Chittor, along with the Chittor Fort, were given back to Mewar as a goodwill gesture.[15] However, Udaipur remained the capital of Mewar State.[16]

Assessment[edit | edit source]

Amar Singh was admired for his bravery, leadership, valour, and sense of justice and kindness. He showed great valour against the Mughals to which he was given the title 'Chakraveer'.[2] Amar Singh patronised an author called Mathuratmaja ("son of Mathura"), who wrote Amara-bhushana (IAST: Amarabhūṣaṇa) and Ishta-ghatika-shodhana (Iṣṭaghaṭikāśodhana). These works are sometimes attributed to Amar Singh (Amara-siṃha).[17]

Death[edit | edit source]

The remaining years of Amar Singh’s reign were uneventful. It is said that he felt the insult of accepting a Mughal farman so keenly that he retired to his private chamber, leaving the administration in the hands of the heir-apparent, Karan Singh II. He died on 26 January 1620.[1][18]

See also[edit | edit source]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Satish Chandra (2007). History of Medieval India: 800-1700. Orient BlackSwan. ISBN 978-8125032267. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Mathur 1994, p. 23.
  3. ↑ Vanina, Eugenia (October 2019). "Monuments to Enemies? 'Rajput' Statues in Mughal Capitals". Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society. 29 (4): 683–704. doi:10.1017/S1356186319000415. ISSN 1356-1863. S2CID 211645258.
  4. ↑ Ram Vallabh Somani (1976). History of Mewar, from Earliest Times to 1751 A.D. Mateshwari. pp. 243–244. OCLC 2929852.
  5. ↑ Maujumdar, RC (1970). History and Culture of the Indian People, Volume 07, The Mughul Empire. p. 340. ISBN 9788172765699.
  6. ↑ Srivastava, Ashirbadi Lal (1986). The Mughal Empire (1526-1803) (8th ed.). Shiva Lal Agarwala & Company. p. 269. Amar Singh bravely defended his territory and fought a tough battle at the pass of Dewar which proved to be indecisive. Both sides claimed victory
  7. ↑ Ram Vallabh Somani (1976). History of Mewar, from Earliest Times to 1751 A.D. Mateshwari. pp. 247–248. OCLC 2929852.
  8. ↑ Ram Vallabh Somani (1976). History of Mewar, from Earliest Times to 1751 A.D. Mateshwari. pp. 248–250. OCLC 2929852.
  9. ↑ Maujumdar, RC (1970). History and Culture of the Indian People, Volume 07, The Mughul Empire. p. 341. ISBN 9788172765699.
  10. ↑ Ram Vallabh Somani (1976). History of Mewar, from Earliest Times to 1751 A.D. Mateshwari. pp. 252–255. OCLC 2929852.
  11. ↑ Abraham Eraly (2007). Emperors Of The Peacock Throne: The Saga of the Great Moghuls. Penguin UK. ISBN 978-9351180937. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Chandra 2006, p. 123.
  13. ↑ Sharma, Sri Ram (1971). Maharana Raj Singh and his Times. p. 14. ISBN 8120823982.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals Part - II By Satish Chandra pg.123-124
  15. ↑ Jahangir - Emperor of India - Encyclopaedia Britannica
  16. ↑ "Udaipur History". Rajasthan Government official. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  17. ↑ David Pingree, ed. (1970). Census of the Exact Sciences in Sanskrit Series A. Vol. 1. American Philosophical Society. p. 45.
  18. ↑ Maujumdar, RC (1970). History and Culture of the Indian People, Volume 07, The Mughul Empire. p. 344. ISBN 9788172765699.

References[edit | edit source]

Amar Singh I
Born: 16 March 1559 Died: 26 January 1620
Preceded by
Maharana Pratap 		Sisodia Rajput Ruler
1597–1620 		Succeeded by
Karan Singh II
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