Indian Antiquary Vol 62

Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple, Charles E A W Oldham, S Krishnaswami Aiyangar, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarka
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 39

FEBRUARY, 1933 ]
RAO CHANDRASEN. A FORGOTTEN HERO OF RAJPUTANA
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endangered, sent more men under Shahbaz Khan to stamp out the anarchy in these parts. This new general, on reaching Devkůr, saw that the imperial army besieging the fortress was in difficulties. He, therefore, advanced and attacked the fort. This reinforcement greatly added to the strength of the imperial army and the handful of fatigued retainers of prince Kalla could not withstand its attacks for long. The fortress was captured and Shahbâz Khân left some troops in it under the Saiyids of Barha, while he himself proceeded to Siwana. On his way he fell in with some Rathor warriors stationed in the fortress of Danâra, 26 to whom he sent proposals for submission with an offer of imperial service. But these brave Rathors, preferring death to loss of independence, engaged the great Mughal army in a furious battle till every one of them had fallen on the field. The Mughals took possession of the fortress and went on to besiege Siw&na. There they relieved and sent back the old army, in accordance with the emperor's instructions. The new general, after some days of strenuous effort, perceived that it would be very difficult to take the fort by fighting in the open with the brave Råthors. He, therefore, had recourse to stratagem, and cut off all supplies for the garrison. Seeing further defence impossible, the commander proposed to evacuate the fort on condition of being allowed to retire peacefully. Shahbaz Khan wel comed the proposal as he foresaw only loss in pressing the siege further. Thus, after prolonged and severe fighting, the fort of Siwana came into the possession of Akbar in 1633 v.s. (984 A.H.) and the surviving Rathor defenders retired to the hills of Piplun, where the Rio resided. But still they continued to attack the Mughal army whenever possible.
The same year, in the month of Kârtika (October November 1576 A.D.), Råval Hansraj of Jaisalmer seeing the Râo engaged with the imperial army, invaded Pokaran, which was defended by Pañcholi Anand Râm, who commanded in behalf of the R&o, for about four months. In the end, no advantage being gained by either side, a treaty was concluded by which the Raval was to advance a loan of one lakh of phadias (Rs. 12,300) to the Rao, and the Rio was to hand over the district of Pokaran to the Raval on condition of returning it on the repayment of the loan. Rao Chandrasen, being engaged in war with the Mughals, was in need of money and, therefore, welcomed the treaty.
As the imperial army pursued the Rao even to his mountain fastness of Piplun, he, after fighting for a time, was obliged to retire towards Sirohi,27 Dungarpur28 and Bangwârå.
Later on, when Sojat also fell into the hands of the Mughals on the death of Kalla on the field of battle, Kumpávat Sådůl, son of Maheshdås, Jetavat Askaran, son of Devidas, and other sardars of Marwar went over to the Rio and requested him to return and protect his native land. Accordingly he set out for Marwap via Mewâ; and, routing the imperial post at Sarwar, took possession of the district in 1636 v.8. (1579 A.D.). Later he overran the adjacent districts of Ajmer also.29 At this the emperor sent an army against him under Payanda Muhammad Khan and others. The Rao, after fighting for some time against these
26 At present there is no fortress at Dandra, 27 Ráo Chandrasen is said to have stayed here for about a year and a half.
38 It is said that though Rio Chandrasen, owing to the dissension between the Raval and his son, had acquired possession of Dungarpur fort, he was obliged to vacate it on the arrival of the imperial army.
29 In 988 A... (1637 v.8.1580 A.D.) it was reported that Rao Chandrasen (son of Maldova), in spite of his (formerly) attending the imperial court, had rebelled; but being afraid of the imperial army he had awaited an opportunity in his hiding place, and now, finding a chance, bad begun to plunder the district of Ajmer. (Akbardmd, III, p. 318.)
But Rao Chandrasen had only once met Akbar at Nagaur in 1627 va. (1570 A.D.). A subsequent inter view with Akbar is neither mentioned in any of the Persian Chronicles, nor in the khudts. This statement, therefore, must allude to his meeting with the emperor in 1627 v...