This is written based on folklore. This is a representative work of fiction and does not claim any historical happening in the conversations. This is to show the spirit of the women of Rajputana.
The year 1657.
Shah Jahan had taken ill and was rumoured to be dying in Agra Fort. He was about eighty, and the pressure of having an empire had taken a toll on his body. The seat of power was slowly shifting from Agra to Delhi since the prominence of the Laal Quila had increased, and if the news spread was to be believed, his sons were in a battle for the throne already. It was time each king chose sides once again.
Dara Sikhoh was the eldest and the righteous Heir to the throne. He was believed to be a man who held high morals and was hence respected by both enemies and allies as well. Aurangzeb was his sibling and the youngest of the brothers. Short-tempered and cunning, he was always dreaded by the court. As Shah Jahan took ill, Aurangzeb took this as a golden opportunity to wage a war against his brothers to win over the Mughal Throne and Delhi’s seat of Power. After all, the blood of each ruling dynasty itself was Power Hungry, always.
Dara was at first reluctant for a battle. Aurangzeb was determined to have one. Dara hence had no option but to seek help from the nearest allies, i.e. the Rajputs. Now, since Akbar’s time, Jodhpur (Marwar) and Jaipur (Amber) had been allied with the Mughals and had enjoyed high positions in the Mughal court as well. However, things slowly began to change since Salim (Jehangir) and his co-regent Meherunisa (Noor Jahan) came into the picture.
The falling importance of the Rajputs in the Mughal court disheartened them, and it increased further when Khurram (Shah Jahan), although being the son of Jagat Gosain of Jodhpur, continued to favour the Muslim Courtiers over his Rajput ones. The scenario got worse when Dara asked for their help. They knew the only way they could have some say was to make sure Dara ruled and not the staunch Aurangzeb. Along with these larger states, some smaller ones like Kisengarh, Bundi, and Kotah also allied with Dara as he was the rightful heir.
The Raja Bahadur of Kisengarh was Roop Singh Ji. He ruled over a small province and shifted his capital to Roopangarh after Shah Jahan fell ill, fearing a Mughal attack on his land. The same fear made him ally with the rightful heir. Moreover, Aurangzeb was clear about his intentions toward the Rajputs, clearly claiming them as Enemies. His heir and son joined in the battle of the Mughal powers rather reluctantly in a suicide attempt to save their land. Raja Bahadur Roop Singh also had two daughters. Rajkumarisa Charumati was the eldest and believed to be the prettiest and wittiest among his children.
Around the end of May 1558, Aurangzeb waged a war against Dara at Samugarh, around 10km away from Agra near Kotah. The battle lasted for a fortnight, resulting in the death of nearly 30000 soldiers on Dara’s side. Dara was killed mercilessly by his brother. Aurangzeb made it clear with his deft leadership that he was here to stay, and Dara’s softer heart clearly lacked the leadership skills of the battle. Raja Bahadur was cut to pieces by Aurangzeb himself in this battle, as his son decided to save his life and surrender.
The news reached the Forts of Roopangarh that the Raja was no more, killed ruthlessly in the battle, and the prince had surrendered. The queens and princesses were in a dilemma. Over the years, the Mughals had time and again proved their ruthlessness in battles and towards women. They won’t spare a Rajput. They were shocked to know that the Prince had welcomed the young Mughal Prince, soon to be crowned emperor, for some hospitality.
Charumati was not only the eldest princess but also an able adviser to her father. Roop Singh always preferred his daughter’s wit over his son’s. She paced the darkroom of the Ranimahal while the heavy-hearted queens and princesses were preparing for the Mughal’s welcome.
No way could they bow to the Mughal, no way could they lose the land that their father loved. The Mughal would wreak havoc there; as a princess, she could not let that happen? But what could she do? Charumati stopped pacing and stared at the portrait she had painted a few weeks back.
A prince in his late twenties, they said, looked like his forefather, the one every true Rajput idolised like a god. She smiled at it, remembering when she first saw him at his coronation a few years back. Roop Singh Ji was on good terms with Mewar, unlike Amber and Marwar, and he was invited with his family for the Coronation of Raj Singh Sisodia of Mewar in 1653. Her brother had refused the invitation, fearing that it might anger the Mughals. But she wanted to accompany her father to the land of Bravehearts.
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| Raj Singh, as painted by Ravi Varma |
Raj Singh, son of Jagat Singh, was the great-grandson of Amar Singh, son of Maharana Pratap. His grandfather, Karan Singh, had sheltered Khurram during his youth against his father and had also exchanged turbans at the Mughal court with the emperor Shah Jahan, thus ending an age-old enmity. However, after Karan Singh’s untimely demise, the ungrateful Mughal struck again, trying to force his father into the alliance. Jagat Singh had not bowed down, and when he died untimely after a short rule, leaving the throne to his eldest son, Raj Singh had sworn every Mughal to be his enemy. He had talked alliance with the Marathas, knowing about the uprisings against Adil Shah at Pune under Shahji Raje Bhosale and his defiant son, the young commander Shivaji Raje. They also, in turn, were ready for such alliances if needed.
Raj Singh, as per norms of the family, had already married the daughter of Rao Raja Chhatrasal of Bundi, Ranisa Kunwerbai, his chief queen before his coronation and also the daughter of the Rawal of Jaisalmer for an alliance. Seeing him sitting on the throne in the Udaipur Palace of Jagat Mahal, many princesses and elderly queens had gushed that he resembled the valiant Maharana not only in looks but in bravery and ideology. True or not, Charumati had smiled at the figure more than once in awe as her heart raced.
The drums rolled in the welcome of the Mughal Prince at dawn as she frowned from the Jharokhas. Her whole body burned at how he smiled at the mother. She shut her eyes, deciding to be patient.
A letter reached Raj Singh via a messenger with a royal seal of Kishangarh. He frowned absentminded at it. Last heard, Aurangzeb had won the battle and had killed the king mercilessly. Kishangarh was now an ally of the Mughals. What did they want now?
Shocked, he read the letter twice. Absentmindedly, he strode into his chamber as his favourite minister intervened.
“A Princess wants me to save Kisangarh from the Mughal.” He sounded shocked still.
“A princess?” The man raised his eyebrows.
“Yes, Rajkumarisa Charumati Baisa.”
An unknown smile curved his lips as he remembered her face. Five years ago, a day before his coronation, almost at midnight, he had strolled into the Kanha Temple, surprised to find her there. She had, in her shock, forgotten to put the dupatta over her face and was clearly embarrassed about it. His warrior's eyes had not missed those glances in the crowd. All these years, he had actually forgotten about her, happy with his wife, who now had a son. His heir. But today the letter had proved she hadn’t forgotten him.
“ But Ranaji, if the crown prince had decided to ally in the absence of the king, we can do nothing.” He nodded as the man was right.“ They have not asked for our help.”
“Let’s just hope that they don’t trouble her.” Raj Singh spoke unmindfully.
Two days hence, Charumati was clearly hurt at Raj Singh’s lack of response. Had he forgotten her? Or his morals as a Rajput? She was angry and disappointed. She had seen the Mughal stare at her with eyes that made her burn in rage. She was glad he had gone for his coronation in Delhi.
Raj Singh felt restless in his chambers.
“Anything wrong, Ranaji?” Ranisa was worried.
He had no heart to lie to his wife. He told her what the letter said.
“I don’t understand politics, Ranaji, but as a woman, I can tell you, if a girl wants you to protect her honour, you should go, you should save her like Prithviraj Chauhan had once saved Rani Samyogita.”
“But Ranisa, you should see the reality here, Mewar is not strong enough for the Mughals alone. Even after Marwar and Amber had gone against Aurangzeb still it’s still not enough.”
“Then ally with all those who are against him.” She smiled.
“ Ally with Marwar and Amber? My forefathers would curse me.” He shook his head.
“They will curse you more if you don’t respond to her call.” Ranisa insisted on her husband.
Aurangzeb had ascended the throne and had immediately declared special taxes on all non-Muslims. The Jizya was removed by Akbar and had remained so till then. Aurangzeb not only reimposed it but also decided to increase the amounts. The news angered the Rajput Rulers.
Raj Singh decided to act on it, sending a cordial letter to the Mughal Emperor, requesting him to honour his forefather’s age-old traditions and remove the Jizya. He waited for a reply from the Mughal, hoping that he had understood.
In his court, the sealed letter from the Sisodia king made Aurangzeb fume. He had dared to question the Mughal Emperor; it was time to teach this man a lesson. Smiling at his idea, he called upon his commanders posted at Bundi.
“ Are you sure about this, Alampana?” His commander’s question angered him. “You all are my servants; you cannot question the master. Do as I say!”
The Mahanal Temple complex of Bijolia was almost at the Mewar Bundi borders. Dedicated to the Kuldev Lord Shiva, this temple fell under the province of the Rao Sahebs of Bijolia. Early at dawn, a sudden attack from a thousand-odd Mughals shook Bijolia fort as they barged into the complex and broke down the walls. The Mughal General damaged the temples of Shiva.
“He had done enough.” Raj Singh sore before the Maharana’s portrait. "Samant Ji!”
“Ji?” The man asked, scared.
“Send peace offers to Marwar and Amber now!”
"Are you sure..."
"We are yet to avenge the death of the Rao Raja Chattarsal from him, and his army is attacking our borders. I am sure!"
“Baisa Baisa.” The lesser queen called out, scared.
“Ji?” She sat up with a frown.
“He… he…..”
“Speak up, Ranisa.”
“Aurangzeb … wants you in his harem as proof that we have… truly allied.”
“What?” Charumati fumed in anger, taking up her dagger. “How dare he?”
“Baisa, calm down.” The queen rushed after her as she entered her brother’s chambers.
“Ahh, so you heard, you see we need to… err… make such….”
“Over my dead body!” Her eyes shone and shook his heart as she barged out and ran to her chambers.
“What will you do now?” His minister asked worriedly.
“We cannot say no to the emperor. She needs to understand.”
Charumati wiped away her tears. My Last attempt. She swore. Before she sent another message to the one who could save her.
“He …” Raja Ajit Chand Singh of Marwar was surprised at the letter from Mewar: “wants alliance against Aurangzeb?”
“Mewar wants an alliance with us?” For the recently dead Jaswant Singh’s son in Jaipur, it was a blessing in disguise; he knew Aurangzeb was eyeing Jaigarh now. “That had never happened before.”
Raj Singh was playing host to two very special guests that day. The Raja of Amber and the Rao of Marwar were glad to have this ally.
“ So what are your terms?” Chand Singh Rathore asked, smiling.
“I lead, I chose the battlefield.” Raj Singh spoke determined. “Yours?”
Chand Singh Rathore exchanged a glance with the Raja of Amber.
“You see, alliances between us have stopped since Maharana Pratap’s time. Marriages…”
“ Because we don’t ally with Mughals.” Raj Singh smiled.
“We want marriage alliances with the Sisodias once again!”
“ All right, but on one condition.”Raj Singh smiled, agreeing, “ Their sons will be your heirs.”
“Agreed.” They nodded.
“Ranaji, another letter from…” The minister stopped as Raj Singh snatched the letter.
“It will be sooner than I thought.”
“What?” Chand asked cluelessly.
“Prepare for battle within a month. Rawatji, make arrangements and inform Ranisa that I am leaving for Roopangarh at dawn.”
“What? A month?” The kings looked taken aback as Raj Singh stared at the letter.
Meanwhile, in Kishangarh, the Roopgarh palace was being decked up, and Aurangzeb's men would be there in a week to take away Charumati. She waited on her balcony with hope on the horizon.
A small procession could be seen on the path leading to the palace. Mughals? The red flag and the golden sun lit up her face.
“Rana Raj Singhji is here to see you.” The king was surprised. A Mughal enemy? What did he want? Everyone knew what Aurangzeb had done in Bijolia.
As per the Rajput household norms, they welcomed the Rana of Mewar. His eyes searched the Jharokhas and landed on a smiling one as he looked away, making her blush.
“What can I do for you, Ranaji?” He asked once refreshments were served.
“Well, I heard Aurangzeb is coming for Rajkumari Baisa any day now.”
“You heard right.” There was a hint of restlessness in the Brother’s voice.
“I assume you wouldn’t want your sister to end up in the Mughal Harems” Rana Raj Singh smiled at the man calmly.
“But Ranaji, we have no choice but to…” He looked up.
“You have.” Rana Raj Singh leaned forward to pat the young man’s back. “ You have Mewar.”
“Ji?” He asked, surprised.
“Mewar had always upheld the Rajput morals, and our chief one is the honour of women. I, as a Mewari, can not see this happen.”
“You will fight with…” He asked, surprised.
“No, I will marry Charumati and take her with me to Udaipur.” A gasp went across the room as a relieved brother smiled.
“But once he shows up….” He looked worried.
“Spread the news she had escaped with me. Spare your sister from living her life in the dungeon of the man who killed her father.”
“But then his target will be you. If they attack Mewar, how is she safe?”
“Let’s just say no Mewari woman would ever be touched by a Mughal as long as Mewar’s men breathe.”
“Why are you doing this, Ranaji?” He asked, surprised.
“For love.” Charumati’s heart skipped a beat in the jharokhas. “Love for my morals and Rajput ideals “, he smiled as she nodded, smiling.
At dawn, the women were in her chamber, dressing her up in the traditional red lehenga and jewellery. She cried, hugging her sister.
“You are so lucky Ranaji has come for you.” She smiled.
“Swear on me if any trouble comes after I leave, you will immediately write to me.” Charumati made them promise.
Raj Singh had sent away his troops to wait for him in the jungles of the Bhils. He patted his impatient white horse to stay still as the sound of payals made him turn. Her face was hidden in the chunri as per norms. Her mother was tearful as she folded her hands at him.
“Don’t worry, Ranisa, she will be safe in Mewar.” Raj Singh reassured as he got up on the stallion. Unsure, Charumati looked up at him from behind the chunri as he gave his hand. Smiling, she took it as he pulled her up on the horse in front. They rode away as the fort disappeared in the distance, making her eyes teary.
“You are…”
“Fine, thank you for coming for…”
“Thank you for trusting me for the second time…” He said, unsure. “Sorry I….”
“Ranisa knows….”
“She is the one who sends me…”
“I will be ever grateful to her.” Charumati meant it.
“Kunwarsa is waiting for you at the tents, and so is she, I guess.” He smiled.
The horse stopped only when it had crossed into Mewar. The troops had set up tents for the day. As she struggled to get down, a boy about four came running to hug her as his mother smiled.
“ Welcome to Sisodia Vansh.” She smiled as Charumati hugged her.
“Thank you, Ranisa I….”
“Say Jija, not Ranisa… come, the mandap is ready.” Charumati looked up at this lady in awe. She was saying it so easily and sharing her husband just to save another woman’s honour.
A week later….
“What? Raj Singh kidnapped her?” Aurangzeb fumed.
“Yes, Alampana.” His minister spoke. “I think it's revenge for…”
“ Send a hundred men with a letter to Mewar right now.”
A few weeks later…
“ Choti Maasa, Ranima! There is a Mughal messenger and troop at the court.” The young princess Ajab Kanwar was restless.
“They are here for me.” Charumati was scared. Ranisa Kunwer bai firmly held her hand. “Come, let's see.”
“So he is telling a Rajput to give up his wife or fight?” Raj Singh was amused. “Really?”
“Fight! Fight!” the court roared.
“You heard them.” He addressed the Mughals.
“Jija.” Charumati grabbed her hand in fear.
“ He has been planning this war since your first letter arrived.”
“He was?” She was surprised.
Raj Singh was in his armoury checking out the swords when her anklets were heard stopping at the threshold.
“Ekanth.” He ordered as he turned to her. “Anything you want to say?”
“Thank you for doing this. I know that is a small word for…”
“I am doing this for myself.” His words made her look up. “My honour, my love.” His words made her smile as he added with a smile, “and yours.”
“Ranaji.” She paused as he read her face. “I am with child.” Smiling, he hugged her.
“Jija knows that…”
“Of course she does, she knows everything.” He nodded.
“After all, being the Maharani is tough.” She smiled back.
“Let me go win this for him.” He caressed her belly as she stopped his hand with hers.
“Or it is her.” She blushed.
In the summer of 1660, the triple alliance of Mewar, Marwar and Amber for the first time met a weak and tired Mughal army. The Mughals escaped to Agra after the defeat, and Raj Singh’s leadership was praised by all. Aurangzeb decided to divert his attention to the Deccan and Pune, where Shivaji was a rising threat, and Mughal forces retreated from Rajputana. Raj Singh stood before the allied Rajput troops as he raised the flying flag of Mewar high and spoke up. “Today, I can proudly say I have done what my forefathers have dreamt of. We have united Rajputana and defeated the Mughals. Now the troubled souls of Chittorgarh and my forefathers will rest in peace. Justice has been served. Jai Eklingji!”
Mewar celebrated the birth of the Rajkumarsa soon, and as he held his daughter in the Naam Karan sanskaar, he looked at his wives as Charumati whispered, “Jija has he thought of a name?”
“I think he has.” She smiled back as Raj Singh looked at the little bundle of joy and announced.
“Mewar, welcome, Rajkumar Pratap Singh.”
“Pratap?…” Charumati smiled.
“May you be blessed by the one I name you after.” He kissed his son’s forehead, shaking off the guilt that he couldn’t protect the Menal temples.
Years later, in 1669, when under Aurangzeb's rule, his generals started attacking Temples, the priests of Sree Nath Ji of Mathura had asked every Rajputani state for shelter against the Mughals. Bundi, Kotah, Kishangarh and even Marwar refused help, seeing the wrath of Aurangzeb, but Raj Singh was truly Maharana Pratap’s blood. He immediately ordered his troops to escort the idol from Mathura to Mewar and received it himself on December 1671 at Sihad Village, now famous as Nathdwara.
Aurangzeb, angered by this, attacked Mewar again and this time Raj Singh politically played his part, offering peace as Jaipur and Jodhpur didn’t ally. The mended relations broke again as Mewar, once again, alone, continued to fight the Mughals as Shivaji’s rebellions rose in the west. Aurangzeb’s defeat at Raj Singh’s hands was the most significant proof that the Mughals were now weak and prompted many smaller rebellions across the empire.
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| Menal temple in ruins |
All these wouldn’t have happened if Charumati, like many others, had silently accepted the wrongdoings and not protested or called out to the one she loved. She laid a foundation of trust in Rajsingh that Rajputs could now unite to win against Mughals and that it was just the beginning of regaining Mewar’s glory and the downfall of the Mughal Empire. We salute the brave women of Rajputana, like Ranisa Charumati, who put their self-respect above all and are remembered for time immemorial.
