Tuesday, October 18, 2022

RANKA RAJ - JHARKHAND





Ranka Raj, Jharkhand Founded by Raja Dusashan Shah in around 1560 AD. He belonged to chamar-gaur branch of Gaur rajputs, settled at Sheopur & served as commander in the imperial army.


Descendants of this family are called Surwar taking name from their settlement of Sausonpur.
He made several conquests and obtained from the Emperor some Khilat as a mark of honour and a grant of the talukas of Bagaha, Adulpura, and Pathalgarh, in the District of Mirzapur, and
also the whole of Kirat Pargana and of the Talukas of Dhandand and Tilothu in Sasseram Pargana.


His son, Rajah Sarangdhar, had a castle erected at Dhandand and was also in possession of the royal fortress of Rohtas.


He was succeeded by his son, Rajah Deo Sahi. It was during this time that the Chero Chief, Bhagwant Rai, sustained a defeat by a force despatched by Jahangir at Morang, Tirhut, and Bhojpur respectively, and then took refuge with the Rajput Chief, Deo Sahi, at fort of Dhandand.
Thakurai Puranmal, the younger brother of Rajah Deo Sahi, took Bhagwant Rai with himself and marched to Palamau, which was then ruled by the Raksels, the ancestor of the present Maharajah of Sirguja in the Contral Provinces.
Puranmal conquered Palamau and got Bhagwant Rai installed on the gadi in 1613. An agreement was entered between them, that henceforward it would rest only with the Thakurais to manage the country and to select a future Rajah of Palamau from among the descendants of Bhagwant Rai.

Accordingly the Thakurais of Ranka state continued to exercise the power of virtual king-makers until the British conquest. Ranka Royal family also made a huge donation in the bhoodan initiative of Vinoba bhave.

Courtesy His grandson Govardhan Singh

Raja Bahadur Giriwar Narayan Singh , C.B.E., Raja of Ranka(Garhwa Jharkhand) donated 111,101 acres of land to the Vinoba Bhave Bhoodan initiative which became the highest acreage of land given by any landlord or estate-owner in India .





Source: The Ruling Chiefs Nobles & Zamindars of India

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

MARATHON OF MEWAR - THE UNSUNG BATTLE OF MAHARANA PRATAP THE GREAT - IMMORTAL RAJPUTS


विजयादशमी शुभा भवतु।
श्रीमहाकाली महालक्ष्मी महासरस्वती च सर्वदा तुष्टा वरदाश्च सन्तु,
अविद्याया अधर्मस्य असत्यस्य अन्यायस्य नाशञ्च कुर्वन्तु ॥

          

विजयदशमी पर्व के दिन ही १५८२ ही महाराणा प्रताप और उनकी सेना ने दिवेर में लुटेरे मुग़ल सेना पर भयंकर आक्रमण कर उन्हें परास्त किया था। युद्ध में लुटेरे मुग़ल सेनापति और बहुत से लुटेरे मुग़ल मारे गए, जो बचे वो भाग गए।


नवरात्रि में महाराणा प्रताप अपनी सेना सहित कुलदेवी और हमीर के खड़ग की पूजा करते हुए।

हल्दीघाटी के बाद अक्टूबर १५८२ में दिवेर का युद्ध हुआ। इस युद्ध में मुगल सेना की अगुवाई अकबर का चाचा सुल्तान खां कर रहा था । इस दिन विजयादशमी थी और महाराणा ने अपनी नई संगठित सेना को दो हिस्सों में विभाजित करके युद्ध का बिगुल बजा दिया। एक टुकड़ी की कमान खुद महाराणा संभाल रहे थे , तो दूसरी टुकड़ी का नेतृत्व उनके पुत्र महाराज कुमार अमर सिंह कर रहे थे। तय रणनीति के तहत महाराणा प्रताप की सेना ने महाराज कुमार अमर सिंह के नेतृत्व में दिवेर के शाही थाने पर हमला किया। यह युद्ध इतना भीषण तरीके से लड़ा गया था कि महाराणा प्रताप के पुत्र महाराज कुमार अमर सिंह अमर सिंह ने मुगल सेनापति पर भाले का ऐसा वार किया कि भाला उसके शरीर और घोड़े को चीरता हुआ जमीन में जा धंसा और मुगल सेनापति मूर्ति की तरह एक जगह गड़ गया।


राज प्रशस्ति में दिवेर का युद्ध:


" गज पर बैठा सुल्तान खान, राणा ने गज पर प्रहार किया ।

चूर हुआ खुरसाणी अभिमान, जब गज कुम्भ का विध्वंस किया ।।



राणा प्रताप ने दिवेर के घाटे में हाथी पर बैठे बादशाह के काका सुल्तान  सेरिम का सामना किया। राणा के सोलंकी वीर ने हाथी के दोनों पाँव काट दिए और राणा ने पक्षी की भाँति झपट कर हाथी का मस्तक फोड़ दिया।



तब सेरिम घोड़े पर सवार हुआ, अमर सिंह ने भाले से ऐसा वार किया कि  भाला सेरिम के कवच और अश्व को भेद धरती में जा गड़ा।


अमरसिंह ने हाथ से भाले को खींचा, पर वह निकला नहीं। तब राणा प्रताप ने कहा लात देकर खींचो, तब अमरसिंह ने सेरिम पर लात रख क्रोध से भाला खींचा, तब जाकर भाला निकला।


दिवेर के बाद कोशीथल समेत 84 मुग़ल चौकियों से मुग़ल खदेड़ दिए गये।

राजस्थान के इतिहास १५८२ में दिवेर का युद्ध एक महत्वपूर्ण युद्ध माना जाता है, क्योंकि इस युद्ध में राणा प्रताप के खोये हुए राज्यों की पुनः प्राप्ती हुई, इसके पश्चात राणा प्रताप व मुगलो के बीच एक लम्बा संघर्ष युद्ध के रुप में घटित हुआ, जिसके कारण कर्नल जेम्स टाॅड ने इस युद्ध को "मेवाड़ का मैराथन" कहा है।

दिवेर के युद्ध ने मुगलों के मनोबल को बुरी तरह तोड़ दिया। दिवेर के युद्ध के बाद प्रताप ने गोगुंदा, कुम्भलगढ़, बस्सी, चावंड, जावर, मदारिया, मोही, माण्डलगढ़ जैसे महत्वपूर्ण ठिकानों पर कब्ज़ा कर लिया।


 Unsung Battle of Dewair MahaRana Pratap

Maharana Pratap was Hindu king of Mewar. He was titled as "Mewari Rana" and was notable for his military resistance against the expansionism of the Mughal Empire and was known for his participation in many Battles including the famous Battle of Haldighati and Battle of Dewair.


Maharana Pratap’s army of 22,000 soldiers met 2,00,000 soldiers of Akbar at Haldighat. Maharana Pratap and his soldiers exhibited great valour in this battle although he had to retreat but Akbar’s army was also not successful in defeating MahaRana Pratap and Haldi Ghati was not The End!

Akbar wanted to capture Pratap Alive. He kept pouring in Men and Money to Invade the Hilly parts of mewar and Capture pratap Alive, but to No avail. 


Maharana kept Fighting using Guerilla tactics and Inflicted Heavy losses on Mughal Forces.

After this historic battle of Haldighati that ended in a stalemate, Akbar changed his strategy and started sending his soldiers through Mewar's North-Western borders namely, Mandal, Madaria, Mohi and most importantly Dewair. Several garrisons were established in this region for exercising a better control.


Towards the South East of the small town of Pali in Rajasthan, lies Dewair, a village enclosed in the hills of Aravali and between the pages of history, the latter often of an untold nature. This however was not so till about four and a half centuries ago. Dewair was the gateway (read strategic) to the kingdom of Mewar and hence provided access to the supercluster of fortresses spread across the hills, valleys and ravines of the region and why just Mewar, Dewair due to its geographical location was an important access point to Marwar, Gujarat, and Malwa as well. The region's control was incomplete, and ineffective without the control over Dewair. About 2 kilometers south west of the village of Dewair, lies the topic of this buildup - the Battlefield called "Dewair ki Naal", loosely translated as the Horseshoe of Dewair, a local name of the Dewair Valley.


Dewair (दिवेर की नाळ) was important strategic hold which connects Mewar and Marwar, it was also used to check the northern route to Kumbhalgarh and Gogunda. It was then under Mughal control. The forces of Maharana and Mughals contended against each other, through both symmetric and asymmetrical warfare. Several Generals and Commanders of the Mughal forces were deployed in trying to control Maharana's rise but these efforts turned out to be futile. Maharana was utilizing this period to organize his forces, collecting rations, and getting the support of the rulers of Sirohi, Idar, Jalore among others.


It was Vijaya Dashmi of the year 1582, when it all came to its climactic conclusion. Under the ruse of a planted rumor that he had left Mewar, the Maharana with his army marched unnoticed through secret paths to Dewair and attacked the Mughal Garrisons unexpectedly with his son Amar Singh commanding a separate flank fighting beside him bravely.


Mughal army was led by sultan khan. He was sitting on an elephant. Pratap throw his spear towards the elephant. About the same time another warrior brithya solanki cut the legs of sultan Khan's elephant Sultan khan however was saved. He then quickly sat on the horse and resume his fight.


But kuwar amar singh thrust his spear with such a force that the  weapon stuck in the ground after piercing the coat. This battle was as we would say today a surgical strike led by Kunwar Amar Singh. Thus the battle ended with the victory of mewar's army. 


After the battle maharana asked his son amar singh to take out the spear from the sultan khan's body. He also offered him water. 


Maharana Pratap and his son Kunwar Amar Singh faced the Mughals with great valor at Dewair, Kunwar Amar Singh commanding a separate flank fighting beside him bravely. Mughal Commander sultan Sultan Khan was killed by a single stroke of spear by Kunwar Amar Singh in Devair Yuddh.


This the battle ended with the victory of maharana pratap. It resulted in the closing of 32 other mughal check points and a surrender of about 36000 soldiers of the mughal army. Such was the feat that when Colonel James Tod realised the bravery of the soldiers of Mewar, he  compared it to the Greece's Marathon and named it as "Marathon of Mewar". Such was the importance of this battle. After a number of failed attempts at conquest after their defeat at Dewair, including one that Akbar himself commanded, the Mughals never returned to Mewar in Maharana Pratap's lifetime.


MahaRana Ji after Dewair, allied with Rao Chandrasen Rathore of Jodhpur/Marwar to annex Dongarpur and Banswara states in December of 1578AD and regularly harassed Mughals in their own stronghold in Ajmer. He sent his subordiante Rai Singh Rathore to help the Chauhan ruler of Sirohi state, Surtan Singh in thrashing mughals in the Battle of Dattani in 1583 AD. He would have influence well outside of Mewar allying with Chauhans of Sirohi & Ranthambore, princes of Dongarpur, Rathores of Idar in Gujarat and Hadas of Bundi starting fresh revolts and attacks on Mughals.



Jalaluddin Akbar kept Pouring Men and Money till 1587.

But, all of that Was Useless Now. 

After 1587, Akbar decided to Give up his dream of Capturing Mewar, and Moved to Lahore in Order to concentrate on North West India.


Salute to Maharana Pratap, India's most fearless Rajput warrior, a master strategist and the one, who never compromised with his determination to defend his motherland & his self-respect.


A war memorial at Meva Ka Mathara, was erected later to commemorate the Historic victory of the Hindu Rajput king of Mewar.


The old memorial commemorating this victory of Mewar over the Mughals was built just above the road in Dewair ki Naal.


The new Victory Memorial with statue of Maharana Pratap is built near Chapli, north of Dewair ki Naal road. It is approachable from different road from Dewair village on NH-58 (old NH-8).






Monday, September 26, 2022

THOUGH THIS VALLEY BE FILLED


Teis coloured by the common air,
Its atmosphere with death is rife;
A moral pestilence is there,
Fevered-Exacting-False and vain;


Like a Disease, it lingers on,
To all that blest its first sweet reign,
And desperate with the long decay,
It's morning dew & light, are gone;


To be within itself entombed,
One treasured and unbroken dream;
A yet more desperate despair,
Seems ever what it once could seem,


And its Better far alone to dwell,
Dreaming above the Dearest Past,
And keeping in the silent cell,
Life's best illusions to the last.

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

MANI MANDIR PALACE - THE SYMBOL OF LOVE / IMMORTALIZED RAJPUTS

That happy souls, premitted, evercame
To soothe the mourner---her's was there with me


"Taj Mahal kya hoga! Wo to Rani ke naam, ek kabr hai. Ek premi ke liye, wo bhi das … uske liye to sirf Mandir chalega! "

[What is the Taj Mahal before this? That is a mausoleum of love, for a queen. For a beloved, and that too a maid … only the most sacred will do.]

Morbi [also called Morvi ] This beautiful city is located on the Bank Of Machchhu.It is 67 Kms away from the Rajkot and 245 Kms away from the Ahmedabad. Morbi was founded in the year of 1698. Morbi was the Capital of Rajput Jadeja‘s State. Untill 1947 Morbi was a princely state. .The prosperous city Morbi has much of the built heritage and town planning is attributed to the efficient administration of Sir Waghji, who came to the throne in 1879 and ruled till 1948. It's said once in Morbi there were rivers of Milk and Ghee (Butter) indicating the prosperous state of Morbi in its heydays and was among the strongest states of India. 



Sir Wagh Ji caught the pulse of time, rode on its wave, modernized his state. "Ben, pacchaas saal… Fifty years he was the father of this land. He made trams, roads, schools, reservoirs, bridges, ports. Worked endlessly for thier's. Our rulers today, these politicians … they are all beggars, begging for votes. Our Bapu, he was a maharaja!" acted as the Ruler, Manager, Patron and Policemen of the state with great authority, always keeping the citizens’ interests in mind. 


Mani Mandir Built by Thakur Saheb Sir Waghji to immortalize his love for a girl named Mani, [ Mani Ba Saheb] 

Bapu had four queens -- daughters of the Thakore Sahibs of Palitana, Sayla, Tharad, Chuda. Each queen brought with herself an agreement with her father's kingdom -- economic, political ties and a robust dowry. Palitana queen's dowry, however, included a special little jewel, a young maid named Mani.

No one knows how it happened. But, it happened. The maharaja, the king of kings, the Bapu of Morbi, fell in love with a dasi, a common woman. No clout. No agreements. No lineage. In the railway station, the cricket field, noisy roads, paan shops -- the story of his love is recounted with a factual ease: "Mani Bapu ke lover the. Ben, have you seen her temple? You must …"

Mani died young. She could never have a palace. He made her a temple. The world's only temple to a dasi, a lover.



Mani Mandir is one of the great examples of the Temple Architecture in India. Mani Mandir was also one of the hidden places for the King. To this date no one has been able to count the total number of cellars in this building! The Mani Mandir of Morbi is an excellent example of Art. Though Mani Mandir is not a temple but Palace Complex named after Her Highness Mani Ba Saheb. It's a large palace complex and within the palace complex are temples for the royal family. It's still a private property owned by present Her Highness Rajmata Vijay Kuverba and her 3 daughters.


Mani mandir is a stunning piece of temple architecture, situated in the courtyard of Wellingdon Secretariat, in Morbi, Gujarat. Built in 1935, this magnificent structure took shape in Jaipur stone, adorned with exquisitely carved elements-arches, brackets, jalis, chhatris and shikhara. The Radha-Krishna temple enshrines the images of Lakshmi Narayan, Goddess Kali, Lord Ram and Lord Shiva.


The Manimandir of Morbi reflects the wonderful mental capacity of Shah Jahan as he built his Taj Mahal. This manimandir was also built with such sharp and unusual emotions at work. The history says. It is a symbol of Love in the history of Saurashtra.The King of Morbi, Vaghji Thakur had built this manimandir in the memory of his beloved first wife Manibai, and is no less than a royal palace in its beauty of design and sculptures.


Mani Mandir stands as a testimony to the excellent dexterity of its master craftsmen and architects, who had conceived and materialized the structure at the turn of 20th century. it is an excellent piece of temple architecture and a palace belonging to the erstwhile princely state of Morbi is going to be renovated and converted into a first of its kind museum showcasing the socio-cultural heritage of the Saurashtra region.

Manimanidr : Picture by: Harish Gohil

Mani Mandir is a structure adorned with exquisitely carved arches, brackets, jalis, chhatris and shikhara.it is famous for its beautiful architecture, which is a harmonious blend of Rajput Architecture with Gothic, Saracenic, and Mughal styles.


At the centre of the temple complex, overlooking the river Machhu is the temple of Radha Krishna. A rectangular double-storied complex with over 130 rooms surrounds the temple. Waghji had completed the structure at a cost of Rs 30 lakh in 1922 and died the same year.


After the 2001 earthquake, unfortunately most of the mandir fell down but is back to its noble stature again. The building is a symbol of love that stands testimony to excellent workmanship:-

"Where echoes of a nameless love from a mythic past come as waves across time to make real the highest possibility of human union, again and again"



Sunday, August 14, 2022

JAM SATAJI VIBHAJI, KUNWAR AJAJI AND MAHERAMANJI HALA (JADEJA) - FORGOTTEN VALIANT OF HISTORIC BATTLE OF GUJRAT - BHUCHAR MORI - IMMORTAL RAJPUTS

Bhawanis Of Bhuchar Mori:

Rajputs believe in reflecting on history with action. Talwaar raas is a language the Rajput woman have revived to deliver this  feisty message that Rajput never fails performing their Aashray Dharma.

ભૂચર મોરી યુધ્ધ મેદાન, ધ્રોલ, જામનગર.


શુંગાર સજી તન બાળ તજી વિસંગી ને હાથ ધરી;
કેસરીયા રંગી ફોજાં જંગિ તિયા તરંગી સાથ કરી;
એકહિજ રંગી શિર કલંગી બિરથ ઉમંગી બાર પડી;
શક્તિ કર તાણી અશ્વ પલાણી રાજપૂતાણી રણે ચડી.

Fought with the Mughal Empire of Akbar to Save the ex. Sultan of Ahemedabad, Gujrat.. Muzzaffar Shah..!! They Lost war and became martyr because Nawab of Junagadh betrayed Valiant Jadejas of Jamnagar...!!


In 1572 Mughal emperor Akbar won Gujarat from Gujarat last Sultan Muzffarshah 3rd who fled but caught at Jotana near Kadi & sent in prison. In 1578 Gujarat ex-Sultan Muzffar escaped from Delhi Mughal jail & came Gujarat & hid in Rajpipala forest.He gathered army of his old chiefs In 1583 Gujarat ex-Sultan Muzffar attacked Mughal ruled Ahmedabad & won it from Mughal governor Itimadkhan. He also won Vadodara & Bharuch. In 1584 huge Mughal army under command of Gujarat new Mughal governor Mirza Abdurahimkhan/Mirzakhan defeated rebel ex-Sultan Muzffar. He fled Gujarat last ex-Sultan Muzffar had been roaming & wandering during 1584-1592 in Gujarat & Saurashtra. He was constantly chased by Mughal army. 

In 1592 wandering Gujarat ex-Sultan Muzffarshah tried to take refuge of Saurashtra rulers but all denied except Jamnagar ruler Jam Sataji. He was a very great warrior and defeated great Emperor Akbar of Delhi twice in the battle of Junagadh near 'Majevadi' village ground in v.s. 1633, Jam Sattaji defeated the Moghul Akbar’s army chasing Muzaffarshah-III who was defeated in a battle with moghul army. 3335 horses and 52 elephants of Moghul army were captured by Jam Sattaji’s Commander in chief Bhanji Dal. Keeping this insult in mind, Akbar attacked Jam Sattaji in v.s 1640 once again near 'Tamachan' village (at present near Und irrigation dam) and once again Akbar’s army was badly defeated. The very very furious Akbar dismssed suba of Ahmedabd and Aziz Koko was appointed as the new governor ‘subo’ of Ahmedabad, Gujrat and Jam Sattaji was attacked with a huge army of 90,000 soldiers. In this famous battle ‘Bhucharmori’, near Dhrol, Jam Sattaji was defeated, but akbar had to compromise with this famous king Jam Sattaji just one and half year later and again Jam Sattaji was the king of Nawanagar. Even in his famous book ”Akbarnaama”, Akbar wrote "Satta was very powerful and notorious keeping an army of 30,000". After defeating Akbar's army in v.s.1633, in battle of Majevadi, Junagadh, Jam Sattaji was given the title of ”Paschim Bharat ko Badshah” by local people and local poets etc.


In 1592 AD Jamnagar Jadeja ruler Jam Chhatrasalji/Sataji gave refuge to Gujarat last ex-Sultan Muzffarshah 3rd against mighty Mighal power.  Gujarat Mughal governor Mirza Aziz Kokaltash ordered Jamnagar ruler Jam Sataji to surrender Gujarat ex-Sultan Muzffar but he refused to do so In 1592 as per Kshatriy Dharm Jamnagar ruler Jam Sataji refused to hand over his refugee Gujarat last Sultan Muzffar to Mughal emperor Akbar.Mughal army of 100000 soldier under command of Gujarat governor Mirza Aziz Koka with Chief Saiyad Kasim & Navrozkhan invaded Jamnagar state.

In 1592 allied armies of Jamnagar ruler Jam Sataji,Junagadh ruler Dolatkhan Gori & Kathi Loma Khuman camped at Bhuchar Mori-Dhrol in defence.Though it was monsoon & rains Mughal army quickly arrived at Dhrol from Viramgam on Shravan Sud 6 of 1592.


Fierce battle began with Jamnagar Battle formation of Mughal army:

Right side-Saiyad Kasim,Navrozkhan,Gujarkhan;

Centre-Mirza Marhan;Left side-Muhamed Rafi;

In front-Mirza Anvar.

Jamnagar side chief Rajput Warriors: 

Army chief Jesa Wazir & Ruler Jam Sataji Jadeja,
Maheramanji Dungrani,
Nagado Wazir,
Dahyo Ladak and Bhanji Dal.


Bhuchar Mori is a big plain near Dhrol.First day of battle passed without result.Both armies fought bravely & thousands of soldiers killed. 

At end of 1st day on Shravan Vad 7 of 1592 CE at a crucial time, Junagadh ruler Daulatkhan Gori & Kathi Loma Khuman betrayed Jamnagar ruler. Dolatkhan Gori & Loma Khuman with their 24000 soldiers changed side & joined with Mughal army. It was big blow which turned balance of war.

On Janmashtami very fierced battle fought.


Jamnagar crown prince Ajaji came direct from his marriage ceremony with 500 friend.He was beheaded. 

Bhadreswar Kutch ruler Hala Maheramnji with his 14 sons became martyr.

1500 Naga Bava returning from Dwarka pilgrimage fought bravely in war.


On Janmashtami of 1592 CE. Mughal army won Bhuchar Mori battle which is the last large scale big battle in Saurashtra history.Jamnagar lost war. On last day of battle Jamnagar ruler Jam Sataji retreated Jamnnagar & shipped his family & women in Kutch bay.He went in Barda hills forest. Jam Sattaji just one and half year later and again Jam Sattaji was the king of Nawanagar. Even in his famous book ”Akbarnaama”, Jalaludin Akbar wrote "SattaJi was very powerful and notorious keeping an army of 30,000". After defeating Akbar's army in v.s.1633, in battle of Majevadi, Junagadh, Jam Sattaji was given the title of ”Paschim Bharat ko Badshah” by local people and local poets etc.


Aftermath of Battle


After victory,Mughal permitted bride Ladiba of beheaded crown prince Ajaji to be Sati. She sat in fire pyre with head of her husband in lap. 


Janmashtami festival had not been celebrated in Jamanagar state for 250 years in sad memory of the death of crown prince Ajaji & bride Ladiba.


In 1592 AD Gujarat Mughal governor Mirza Aziz Koka after defeating Jamnagar Jadeja ruler Jam Sataji entered Jamnagar & renamed it as Islamabad.Enemy of Mughal power & refugee last Gujarat Sultan Muzffarshah for whom Bhuchar Mori battle was fought was hidden in Barda forest.He fled to Arambhada-Dwarka in the shelter of Vadhel ruler Shiv Rana whose grandfather Bhimji was killed brutally by Muzaffar's great grandfather Mahmood Begada.Vadhel ruler shipped Gujarat last Sultan Muzaffar to Kutch but Kutch Jadeja ruler refused to give him shelter & handed over Gujarat last Sultan Muzffarshah to Mughal.When Gujarat last Sultan Muzaffarshah 3rd was taken to Delhi as a prisoner he committed suicide by cutting his throat with a razor on way near Dhrol.