Amar Singh I

Amar Singh was the eldest son of Maharana Pratap. He was born in Chittor on 16 March 1559 to Maharana Pratap and Maharani Ajabde Punwar, the same year, when foundation of Udaipur was laid by his grandfather, Udai Singh II.[1]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.[2]

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.[3]

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.[4]

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 to subdue Amar Singh, and the Battle of Dewair took place, but due to Khusrau Mirza's rebellion Parvez had to stop.[5] Parviz was only the figurative commander in the battle, while in reality the de facto commander was Jahangir's brother-in-law, Asaf Khan.[6]

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:

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.[7]

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.[8]

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, 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.[9]
• It was also agreed that the Ranas of Mewar would not enter matrimonial relations with the Mughals.[9]
• Mewar would have to keep a contingent of 1500 horsemen in the Mughal service.[10]
• 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.[9]
• The Rana would be given a Mughal rank of 5000 zat and 5000 sowar.[11]
• 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.[12]

Later, when Amar Singh went to meet Jahangir at Ajmer, he was given a warm welcome by Mughal Emperor and the territories around Chittor along with the Chittor Fort were given back to Mewar, as goodwill gesture.[13] However, Udaipur remained the capital of Mewar State.[14]

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'.[2]

Amar Singh died on 26 January 1620 at Udaipur and was succeeded by his eldest son Karan Singh II.[1]

• Chundawat
• Shaktawat

• Nicoll, Fergus (2009), Shah Jahan, India: Penguin Books, ISBN 9780670083039
• Chandra, Satish (2006), Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals (1206–1526), 2, Har-Anand Publications
• Mathur, Pushpa Rani (1994), Costumes of the Rulers of Mewar: With Patterns and Construction Techniques, ISBN 9788170172932
• Srivastava, Ashirbadi Lal (1969), The Mughul Empire (1526–1803 A.D.)
• Thorpe (September 2010), The Pearson Guide To The Central Police Forces Examination, 2/E, ISBN 9788131729052

• HISTORY TALKS BY PARAM External link in |title= (help)