Mewar 11: Banishment of the Charans
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Mewar 11: Banishment of the Charans
Banishment of the Charans
There has always been a jealousy between the Mangtas, as they term all classes ' who extend the,' palm,' whether Brahmans, Yatis, Charans, or Bhats ; but since Hamir, the Charan influence had far eclipsed the rest. A Brahman astrologer predicted Kumbha's death through a Charan, and as the class had given other cause of offence, Kumbha banished the fraternity his dominions, resuming all their lands : a strong measure in those days, and which few would have had nerve to attempt or firmness to execute. The heir-apparent, Raemall, who was exiled to Idar for what his father deemed an impertinent curiosity,3 had attached one of these bards to his suite, whose ingenuity got the edict set aside, and his race restored to their lands and the prince's favour. Had they taken off the Brahman's head, they might have falsified the prediction which unhappily was too soon fulfilled.4 1 Jodha laid the foundation of his new capital in S. 1515 [a.d. 1459], ten years anterior to the event we are recording. 2 [See p. 268 above.] 3 He had observed that his father, ever since the victory over the king at Jhunjhunu, before he took a seat, thrice waved his sword in circles over his head, pronouncing at the same time some incantation. Inquiry into the meaning of this was the cause of his banishment. 4 During the rains of 1820, when the author was residing at Udaipur, the Rana fell ill.; his complaint was an intermittent (which for several years returned with the monsoon), at the same time that he was jaundiced with
Rana araemall, A.D. 1473-1508
Raemall succeeded in S. 1530 (A.d. 1474) by his own valour to the seat of Kumbha. He had fought and defeated the usurper, who on this occasion fied to the king of Delhi and offered him a daughter of Mewar. After his death in the manner described, the Delhi monarch, with Sahasmall [292] and Surajmall, sons of the parricide, invaded Mewar, encamp ing at Siarh, now Nathdwara. The chiefs were faithful to their legitimate prince, Raemall, and aided by his allies of Abu and Girnar, at the head of fifty-eight thousand horse and eleven thousand foot, he gave battle to the pretender and his imperial ally at Ghasa. The conflict was ferocious. ' The streams ran blood,' for the sons of the usurper were brave as lions ; but the king was so completely routed that he never again entered Mewar.
Raemall bestowed one daughter on Surji (Yadu), the chief of Girnar ; and another on the Deora, Jaimall of Sirohi, confirming his title to Abu as her dower. He sustained the warlike reputa tion of his predecessors, and carried on interminable strife with Ghiyasu-d-din of Malwa, whom he defeated in several pitched battles, to the success of which the valour of his nephews, whom he had pardoned, mainly contributed. In the last of these encounters the Khilji king sued for peace, renouncing the pre tensions he had formerly urged." 1 The dynasty of Lodi next enjoyed the imperial bauble, and with it Mewar had to contest her northern boundary.
The Sons of Rana Raemall
Raemall had three sons, celebrated bile. An intriguing Brahman, who managed the estates of the Rana's eldest sister, held also the twofold office of physician and astrologer to the Rana. He had predicted that year as one of evil in his horoscope, and was about to verify the prophecy, since, instead of the active medicines requisite, he was admijiistering the Haft dhat, or ' seven metals,' compounded. Having a most sincere regard for the Rana's welfare, the author seized the opportunity of a full court being assembled on the distribution of swords and coco-nuts preparatory to the military festival, to ask a personal favour. The Rana, smillng, said that it was granted, when he was entreated to leave off the poison he was taking. He did so ; the amendment was soon visible, and, aided by the medicines of Dr. Duncan, which he readily took, his complaint was speedily cured. The ' man of fate and physic ' lost half his estates, which he had obtained through intrigue. He was succeeded by Amra the bard, who is not hkely to ransack the pharmacopoeia for such poisonous ingredients ; his ordinary prescription being the ' amrit.'
1 [Ferishta does not mention these campaigns (iv. 236 ff.), and Ghiyasu-d dln (a.d. 1469-99) is said to have spent his life in luxury and never to have left his palace {BG, i. Part i. 362 ff.).] in the annals of Rajasthan : Sanga, the competitor of Babiir, Prithiraj, the Rolando of his age, and Jaimall, Unhappily for the country and their father's repose, fraternal affection was discarded for deadly hate, and their feuds and dissensions were a source of constant alarm. Had discord not disunited them, the reign of Raemall would have equalled any of his predecessors. As it was, it presented a striking contrast to them : his two elder sons banished ; the first, Sanga, self-exiled from perpetual fear of his life, and Prithiraj, the second, from his turbulence ; while the youngest, Jaimall, was slain through his intemperance. A sketch of these feuds will present a good picture of the Rajput character, and their mode of life when their arms were not required against their country's foes.
Sanga 1 and Prithiraj were the offspring of the .Jhali queen ; Jaimall was by another mother. What moral influence the name he bore had on Prithiraj we can surmise only from his actions, which would stand comparison with those of his prototype [293] the Chauhan of Delhi, and are yet the delight of the Sesodia. When they assemble at the feast after a day's sport, or in a sultry evening spread the carpet on the terrace to inhale the leaf or take a cup of kusumbha,2 a tale of Prithiraj recited by the bard is the highest treat they can enjoy. Sanga, the heir-apparent, was a contrast to his brother. Equally brave, his courage was tempered by reflection ; while Prithiraj burned with a perpetual thirst for action, and often observed " that fate must have intended him to rule Mewar." The three brothers, with their uncle, Surajmall, were one day discussing these topics, when Sanga observed that, though heir to ' the ten thousand towns ' of Mewar, he would waive his claims, and trust them, as did the Roman brothers, to the omen which should be given by the priestess of Charani Devi at Nahra Magra,3 the ' Tiger's Mount.' They repaired to her abode. Prithiraj and Jaimall entered first, and seated themselves on a pallet : Sanga followed and took possession of the panther hide of the prophetess ; his uncle, Surajmall, with one knee resting thereon. Scarcely had Prithiraj disclosed their errand, when the sibyl pointed to the panther-hide 4 as the decisive omen 1 His name classically is Sangram Singh, ' the Hon of war.' 2 [Infusion of opium.] 3 About ten miles east of Udaipur. 4 Singhasan is the ancient term for the Hindu throne, signifying ' the of sovereignty to Sanga, with a portion to his uncle. They re ceived the decree as did the twins of Rome. Prithiraj drew his sword and would have falsified the omen, had not Surajmall stepped in and received the blow destined for Sanga, while the prophetess fled from their fury. Surajmall and Prithiraj were exliausted with wounds, and Sanga fled with five sword-cuts and an arrow in His eye, which destroyed the sight for ever. He made for the sanctuary of Chaturbhuja, and passing Sivanti, took refuge with Bida (Udawat), who was accoutred for a journey, his steed standing by him. Scarcely had he assisted the wounded heir of Mewar to alight when Jaimall gaUoped up in pursuit. The Rathor guarded the sanctuary, and gave up his life in defence of his guest, who meanwhile escaped.
Retirement of Sanga
Prithiraj recovered from his wounds ; and Sanga, aware of his implacable enmity, had recourse to many expedients to avoid discovery. He, who at a future period leagued a hundred thousand men against the descendant of Timur, was compelled to associate with goat-herds, expelled the peasant's abode as too stupid [294] to tend his cattle, and, precisely like our Alfred the Great, having in charge some cakes of flour, was re proached with being more desirous of eating than tending them. A few faithful Rajputs found him in this state, and, providing him with arms and a horse, they took service with Rao Karamchand, Pramar, chief of Srinagar,"1 and with him ' ran the country.' After one of these raids, Sanga one day alighted under a banian tree, and placing his dagger under his head, reposed, while two of his faithful Rajputs, whose names are preserved,2 prepared his rcfjast, their steeds grazing by them. A ray of the sun penetrating the foliage, fell on Sanga's face, and discovered a snake, which, feeling the warmth, had uncoiled itself and was rearing its crest over the head of the exile : 3 a bird of omen 4 had perched itself lion-seat.' Charans, bards, who are all Maharajas, ' great princes,' by courtesy, have their seats of the hide of the lion, tiger, panther, or black antelope. 1 Nearly ten miles south-east of Ajmer. 2 Jai Singh Baleo and Jaimu Sindhal. 3 [A common folk-tale, told of Malhar Rao Holkar and many other princes (Crooke, Popular Religion Northern India, ii. 142 ; Malcolm, Memoir of Central India, 2nd ed. i. 143 f. ; E. S. Hartland, Ritual and Belief, 323 f.).] 4 Called the devi, about the size of the wagtail, and like it, black and white. on the crested serpent, and was chattering aloud. A goat-herd named Maru, ' versed in the language of birds,' passed at the moment Sanga awoke. The prince repelled the proffered homage of the goat-herd, who, however, had intimated to the Pramara chief that he was served by ' royalty.' 1 The Pramara kept the secret, and gave Sanga a daughter to wife, and protection till the tragical end of his brother called him to the throne.
' The Adventures of Prithiraj
When the Rana heard of the quarrel which had nearly deprived him of his heir, he banished Prithiraj, telling him that he might live on his bravery and main tain himself with strife. With but five horse 2 Prithiraj quitted the paternal abode, and made for Bali in Godwar. These dis sensions following the disastrous conclusion of the last reign, paralysed the country, and the wild tribes of the west and the mountaineers of the Aravalli so little respected the garrison of Nadol (the chief town of Godwar), that they carried their depreda tions to the plains. Prithiraj halted at Nadol, and having to procure some necessaries pledged a ring to the merchant who had sold it to him ; the merchant recognized the prince, and learning the cause of his disguise, proffered his services in the scheme which the prince had in view for the restoration of order in God war, being determined to evince to his father that he had resources independent of birth. The Minas were the aboriginal proprietors of all these regions ; the Rajputs were interlopers and conquerors. A Rawat of this tribe had regained their ancient haunts, and held his petty court at the [295] town of Narlai in the plains, and was even served by Rajputs. By the advice of Ojha, the merchant, Prithiraj enlisted himself and his band among the adherents of the Mina. On the Aheria, or ' hunter's festival,' the vassals have leave to rejoin their famUies. Prithiraj, who had also obtained leave, rapidly retraced his steps, and despatching his Rajputs to dislodge the Mina, awaited the result in ambush at the gate of the town. In a short time the Mina appeared on horseback, and in full flight to the mountains for security. Prithiraj pm-sued, overtook, and transfixed him with his lance to a kesula tree, and setting fire to the village, he slew the Minas as they sought to escape the flames. Other towns shared the same fate, and all the 1 Chhatrdhari. 2 The names of his followers were, Jasa Sindhal, Sangam (Dahhi), Abha, Jaiia, and a Badel Rathor. province of Godwar, with the exception of Desuri, a stronghold of the Madrecha Chauhans, fell into his power. At this time Sada Solanki, whose ancestor had escaped the destruction of Patan and found refuge in these mountainous tracts, held Sodh garh. He had espoused a daughter of the Madrecha, but the grant of Desuri and its lands 1 in perpetuity easUy gained him to the cause of Prithiraj .
Prithiraj having thus restored order in Godwar, and appointed Ojha and the Solanki to the government thereof, regained the confidence of his father ; and his brother Jaimall being slain at this time, accelerated his forgiveness and recall. Ere he rejoins Raemall we will relate the manner of this event. Jaimall was desirous to obtain the hand of Tara Bai, daughter of Rao Surthan,2 who had been expelled Toda by the Pathans. The price of her hand was the recovery of this domain : but Jaimall, willing to anticipate the reward, and rudely attempting access to the fair, was slain by the indignant father. The quibbling remark of the bard upon this event is that " Tara was not the star (tara) of his destiny." At the period of this occurrence Sanga was in conceal ment, Prithiraj banished, and Jaimall consequently looked to as the heir of Mewar. The Rana, when incited to revenge, replied with a magnanimity which deserves to be recorded, " that he who had thus dared to insult the honour of a [296] father, and that father in distress, richly merited his fate " ; and in proof of his disavowal of such a son he conferred on the Solanki the district of Radnor.
Prithiraj recalled
This event led to the recall of Prithiraj, who eagerly took up the gage disgraced by his brother. The adventure was akin to his taste. The exploit which won the hand of the fair Amazon, who, equipped with bow and quiver, subsequently accompanied him in many perilous enterprises, will be elsewhere related.
1 The grant in the preamble denounces a curse on any of Prithiraj's descendants who should resume it. I have often conversed with this descendant, who held Sodhgarh and its lands, which were never resumed by the princes of Chitor, though they reverted to Marwar. The chief still honours the Rana, and many lives have been sacrificed to maintain his claims, and with any prospect of success he would not hesitate to offer his own. 2 This is a genuine Hindu name, ' the Hero's refuge,' from sur, ' a warrior,' and thari, ' an abode.' Surajmall (the uncle), who had fomented these quarrels, re solved not to belie the prophetess if a crown lay in his path. The claims acquired from his parricidal parent were revived when Mewar had no sons to look to, Prithiraj on his return renewed the feud with Surajmall, whose ' vaulting ambition ' persuaded him that the crown was his destiny, and he plunged deep into treason to obtain it. He joined as partner in his schemes Sarang deo, another descendant of Lakha Rana, and both repaired to Muzaffar, the sultan of Malwa.1 With his aid they assailed the southern frontier, and rapidly possessed themselves of Sadri, Bataro, and a wide tract extending from Nai to Nimach, attempt ing even Chi tor. With the few troops at hand Raemall descended to punisii the rebels, who met the attack on the river Gambhir.2 The Rana, fighting like a common soldier, had received two-and twenty wounds, and was nearly falling through faintness, when Prithiraj joined him with one thousand fresh horse, and reanimated the battle. He selected his uncle Surajmall, whom he soon covered with wounds. Many had fallen on both sides, but neither party would yield ; when worn out they mutually retired from the field, and bivouacked in sight of each other.
Interview between Prithiraj and Surajmall
It will show the manners and feelings so peculiar to the Rajput, to describe the unique in the details of strife, perhaps, since the origin of man. It is taken from a HIS. of the Jhala chief who succeeded Surajmall in Sadri. Prithiraj visited his uncle, whom he found in a small tent reclining on a pallet, having just had ' the barber ' (nai) to sew up his wounds. He rose, and met his nephew with the customary respect, as if nothing unusual had occurred ; but the exertion caused some of the wounds to open afresh, when the following dialogue ensued :
Prithiraj,___" Well, uncle, how are your wounds ? " Surajmall,__" Quite healed, my child, since I have the pleasure of seeing you " [297].
Prithiraj__" But, uncle (kaka), I have not yet seen the Diwanji. 3 I first ran to see you, and I am very hungry ; have you anything to eat ? " 1 [There is an error here : there was no contemporary Sultan of Malwa of this name.] 2 Near Chitor. 3 ' Regent ' ; the title the Rana is most famiharly known by. Dinner was soon served, and the extraordinary pair sat down and ' ate off the same platter ' ; 1 nor did Prithiraj hesitate to eat the pan,"2 presented on his taking leave. Prithiraj,___" You and I will end our battle in the morning, uncle," Surajmall.____" Very well, child ; come early ! "
They met ; but Sarangdeo bore the brunt of the conflict, re ceiving thirty -five wounds. During "four gharis ' swords and lances were plied, and every tribe of Rajput lost numbers that day " ; but the rebels were defeated and fled to Sadri, and Prithiraj returned in triumph, though with seven woimds, to Chitor. The rebels, however, did not relinquish their designs, and many personal encounters took place between the uncle and nephew : the latter saying he would not let him retain " as much land of Mewar as would cover a needle's point " ; and Suja 4 retorting, that he would allow his nephew to redeem only as much " as would suffice to lie upon." But Prithiraj gave them no rest, piu-suing them from place to place. In the wilds of Batara they formed a stockaded retreat of the dhao tree, 5 which abounds in these forests. Within this shelter, horses and men were intermingled : Suja and his coadjutor communing by the night-fire in their desperate plight, when their cogitations were checked by the rush and neigh of horses. Scarcely had the pretender exclaimed " This must be my nephew ! " when Prithiraj dashed his steed through the barricade and entered with his troops. All was confusion, and the sword showered its blows indiscrimin ately. The young prince reached his uncle, and dealt him a blow which would have levelled him, but for the support of Sarangdeo, who upbraided him, adding that " a buffet now was more than a score of wovmds in former days " : to which Suja rejoined, " only when dealt by my nephew's hand." Suja demanded a parley ; and calling on the prince to stop the combat, he continued : " If my children are Rajputs, they will run the [298] country to find support ; but if you are slain, what 1 Thali, ' a brass platter.' This is the highest mark of confidence and friendship. 2 This compound of the betel or areca-nut, cloves, mace, Terra japonica, and prepared lime, is always taken after meals, and has not unfrequently been a medium for administering poison. 3 Hours of twenty-two minutes each. 4 Famihar contraction of Surajmall. 5 [A7iogeissus laiifolia.] will become of Chitor ? My face will be blackened, and my name everlastingly reprobated."
The sword was sheathed, and as the uncle and nephew em braced, the latter asked the former, " What were you about, uncle, when I came ?’" Only talking nonsense, chUd, after dinner." " But with me over your head, uncle, as a foe how
" What could I do ? you had left me no resource, and I must have some place to rest my head ! " There was a small temple near the stockade, to which in the morning Prithiraj requested his uncle to accompany him to sacrifice to Kali, 1 but the blow of the preceding night prevented him. Sarangdeo was his proxy. One buffalo had fallen, and a goat was about to foUow, when the prince turned his sword on Sarangdeo. The combat was desperate ; but Prithiraj was the victor, and the head of the traitor was placed as an offering on the altar of Time. The Gaunda 2 was plundered, the town of Batara recovered, and Surajmall fled to Sadri, where he only stopped to fulfil his threat, " that if he could not retain its lands he would make them over to those stronger than the king " ; 3 and having distributed them amongst Brahmans and bards, he finally abandoned Mewar. Passing through the wilds of Kan thal,4 he had an omen which recalled the Charani's prediction : "a wolf endeavouring in vain to carry off a kid defended by maternal affection." This was interpreted as ' strong groimd for a dwelling.' He halted, subdued the aboriginal tribes, and on this spot erected the town and stronghold of Deolia, becoming lord of a thousand villages, which have descended to his offspring, who now enjoy them under British protection. Such was the origin of Partabgarh DeoUa.5
1 The Hindu Proserpine, or CaUigenia. Is this Grecian handmaid of Hecate also Hindu, ' born of time ' {Kali-janama) ? [Ka\\:7e;'tia, ' bearer of fair offspring,' has, of course, no connexion with KaU.] 2 Gaunda, or Gaimra, is the name of such temporary places of refuge ; the origin of towns bearing this name. 3 Such grants are irresumable, under the penalty of sixty thousand years in hell. This fine district is eaten up by these mendicant Brahmans. One town alone, containing 52,000 bighas (about 15,000 acres) of rich land, is thus lost } and by such follies Mewar has gradually sunk to her present extreme poverty. 4 [Kauthal, in Partabgarh State, is the boundary [Kantha) between Mewar on the north, Bagar on the west, and Malwa on the east and south.] 5 [The statement in the text that Surajmall, son of Uda, retired to
Prithiraj poisoned: Death of Rana Raemall
Prithiraj was poisoned by his brother-in-law, of Abu, whom he had punished for maltreating his sister, and afterwards confided in. His death was soon followed by that of Rana Raemall, who, though not equal to his predecessors, was greatly respected, and maintained the dignity of his station amidst no ordinary calamities [299].1
