Medieval History of Jharkhand | Jharkhand State (JPSC) PSC: Preparation - JPSC (Jharkhand) PDF Download

 Page 1


MEDIEVAL PERIOD
Different areas of Jharkhand were ruled by different rulers in the pre-medieval
period. Chotanagpur was under Nagbanshi, Nagvanshis ruled over Chotanagpur
plateau in India for close to two thousand years, from the Ist century to 1951
when the Zamindari was abolished. This would put the Nagvanshis among the
top dynasties that ruled the longest in the world. Singh dynasty ruled over the
Singhbhum area and Rakshels controlled Palamu. There was no external
interference in the small rulers of Jharkhand.
Khawas Khan was the military chief of Sher Shah who headed reached a
military campaign against a ruler named Maharath Chero. At last Maharath Chero
surrendered before him. It is said that the white elephant named Shyam Sunder
was produced before Sher Shah at the spoil of the war.
Muslims inroaded into Jharkhand, because of the occasional passage of
troops on their way to various military expeditions. In ‘Akbarnama’ reign of
Chhotanagpur is described as Jharkhand (Jangal Pradesh). The Jharkhand region
was famous for its diamonds. Akbar was informed of a rebel Afghan Sardar
Junaid Kararani, was taking shelter in Chotanagpur. Besides, the emperor also
got information of diamonds being found in this area. Consequently, Akbar
ordered Shahbaj Khan Turbani to attack Kokhra (the then seat of Nagvanshi
kings and capital of Chotanagpur). At that time Raja Madhu Singh, the 42nd
Nagvanshi king was ruling at Kokhra. Consequently, Kokhra was sub-dued by
the armies of Akbar and a sum of rupees six thousand was fixed as its annual
revenues payable to the Mughals. The impeading Mughal invasion of Kokhra
could not take place before 1585. As the immediate reason of Mughal invasion
on the Nagvanshi Kingdom had been the lack of respect to the Mughal emperor.
Abul Fazi had Sald that the Nagraneshr ruler thought that the Mughals could
not cross the mountain very easily.
Till the reign of Akbar, Chotanagpur had not come under the suzerainty of
the Mughals and the Nagvanshi rulers had been ruling over this reign as
independent rulers.
In the 30th year of Akbar reign, Shahbaz Khan Kambu dispatched a force
against the Nagvanshi ruler. The Mughal army ran over the country and plundered
its wealth. The Mughals obtained a rich booty. The Kokhra rulers became a
tributary under the Mughal government. Thus, Madhukaran Shah became the
Malguzar of the Mughals. The defeat of the Kokhra ruler strengthened the
position of Ramgarh ruler who assumed independent status in1592. Madhukaran
Shah or Madhu Singh participated in the Mughal expedition against Qutlagh
Khan of Orrisa.
He played a memorable role in the fight against the Afghans of Orrisa. Thus,
by the end of 16th century the area of Kokhra was brought under Mughal and
an annul tribute was fixed.
Page 2


MEDIEVAL PERIOD
Different areas of Jharkhand were ruled by different rulers in the pre-medieval
period. Chotanagpur was under Nagbanshi, Nagvanshis ruled over Chotanagpur
plateau in India for close to two thousand years, from the Ist century to 1951
when the Zamindari was abolished. This would put the Nagvanshis among the
top dynasties that ruled the longest in the world. Singh dynasty ruled over the
Singhbhum area and Rakshels controlled Palamu. There was no external
interference in the small rulers of Jharkhand.
Khawas Khan was the military chief of Sher Shah who headed reached a
military campaign against a ruler named Maharath Chero. At last Maharath Chero
surrendered before him. It is said that the white elephant named Shyam Sunder
was produced before Sher Shah at the spoil of the war.
Muslims inroaded into Jharkhand, because of the occasional passage of
troops on their way to various military expeditions. In ‘Akbarnama’ reign of
Chhotanagpur is described as Jharkhand (Jangal Pradesh). The Jharkhand region
was famous for its diamonds. Akbar was informed of a rebel Afghan Sardar
Junaid Kararani, was taking shelter in Chotanagpur. Besides, the emperor also
got information of diamonds being found in this area. Consequently, Akbar
ordered Shahbaj Khan Turbani to attack Kokhra (the then seat of Nagvanshi
kings and capital of Chotanagpur). At that time Raja Madhu Singh, the 42nd
Nagvanshi king was ruling at Kokhra. Consequently, Kokhra was sub-dued by
the armies of Akbar and a sum of rupees six thousand was fixed as its annual
revenues payable to the Mughals. The impeading Mughal invasion of Kokhra
could not take place before 1585. As the immediate reason of Mughal invasion
on the Nagvanshi Kingdom had been the lack of respect to the Mughal emperor.
Abul Fazi had Sald that the Nagraneshr ruler thought that the Mughals could
not cross the mountain very easily.
Till the reign of Akbar, Chotanagpur had not come under the suzerainty of
the Mughals and the Nagvanshi rulers had been ruling over this reign as
independent rulers.
In the 30th year of Akbar reign, Shahbaz Khan Kambu dispatched a force
against the Nagvanshi ruler. The Mughal army ran over the country and plundered
its wealth. The Mughals obtained a rich booty. The Kokhra rulers became a
tributary under the Mughal government. Thus, Madhukaran Shah became the
Malguzar of the Mughals. The defeat of the Kokhra ruler strengthened the
position of Ramgarh ruler who assumed independent status in1592. Madhukaran
Shah or Madhu Singh participated in the Mughal expedition against Qutlagh
Khan of Orrisa.
He played a memorable role in the fight against the Afghans of Orrisa. Thus,
by the end of 16th century the area of Kokhra was brought under Mughal and
an annul tribute was fixed.
Madhukaran Shah was succeeded by Durjan Sal. By the advent of the reign
of Jahangir, Nagavanshi Raja Durjan Sal had come to power in Chotanagpur. He
refused to pay the rent fixed by the emperor. Akbar, Jahangir ordered Ibrahim
Khan (governor of Bihar) to attack Kokhra. The details of this invasion are
mentioned in Jahangir’s memoirce, Tuzk-e-Jahangiri. There was also another
reason behind the invasion. This was the acquisition of the diamond found in
the bed of the river Sankh in the region. Due to its diamonds Chotanagpur was
also known as Heera Nagpur, and its Raja Durjan Sal, being an expert of diamonds,
was known as Heera Raja among the people. Thus to subdue the Raja of
Chotanagpur and to acquire valuable diamonds, Jahangir decided to invade
Chotanagpur. On getting orders from the emperor, Ibrahim Khan marched against
Kokhra in 1615 A.D. He entered the Nagvanshi territories easily with the help of
his guides. The Nagvanshi Raja Durjan Sal found himself beleaguered himself
within the hills and vales. He fled and was at last found in a cave with some of
his family members. He was arrested and all diamonds which were in the
possession of Durjan Sal and his family were captured by Ibrahim Khan. Twenty
four elephants also fell into the hands of Ibraham Khan. After this, Kokhra was
subdued and the diamonds found there were sent to the imperial court. After his
defeat and arrest, Durjan Sal offered as ransom jewels, gold and silver to the
value of crores of rupees, but Ibrahim Khan did not release him and took him
as a captive to Patna. From there he was sent to the Imperial court and
subsequently, imprisoned in the fort of Gwalior.
According to Nagvanshi traditions and Col. Dalton, Raja Durjan Sal’s
confinement lasted twelve years. Ultimately, the very diamond which had caused
the misfortune of Durjan Sal secured him his release and former prosperity. It so
happened that from some place, two very large diamonds were brought to
Emperor Jahangir’s court. A doubt arose in the mind of the emperor over the
genuineness of one of them. As no one in the court was able to confirm or relieve
his suspicion the Heera Raja and brought to the Imperial court from his
incarceration. When the two diamonds were brought before him, he without any
hesitation pointed out the fake one. To prove it to the court and the emperor,
he requested two rams to to be brought to the court. He then tied the two
diamonds on the horns of the two rams and made them fight each other. As a
result of the fight, the fake diamond-shattered but there was no scratch on or
the pure one. The emperor was so impressed and pleased with Durjan Sal that
he not only released him but also restored the prosperity taken from him in
addition to his kingdom. The generous Durjan Sal further begged the emperor
to release the other Rajas who had been his companions in prison and his prayer
was granted. Being pleased with Durjan Sal, Jahangir conferred the title of ‘Shah’
on the Kokhra ruler. On his return to Chotanagpur, Durjan Sal assumed the title
of Maharaja and changed his surname. Most probably from that time ‘Shah’ was
added with the names of the Nagbanshi kings. The reign of Durjan Sal lasted
for about thirteen years. He died in 1639 or 1640 A.D.
Page 3


MEDIEVAL PERIOD
Different areas of Jharkhand were ruled by different rulers in the pre-medieval
period. Chotanagpur was under Nagbanshi, Nagvanshis ruled over Chotanagpur
plateau in India for close to two thousand years, from the Ist century to 1951
when the Zamindari was abolished. This would put the Nagvanshis among the
top dynasties that ruled the longest in the world. Singh dynasty ruled over the
Singhbhum area and Rakshels controlled Palamu. There was no external
interference in the small rulers of Jharkhand.
Khawas Khan was the military chief of Sher Shah who headed reached a
military campaign against a ruler named Maharath Chero. At last Maharath Chero
surrendered before him. It is said that the white elephant named Shyam Sunder
was produced before Sher Shah at the spoil of the war.
Muslims inroaded into Jharkhand, because of the occasional passage of
troops on their way to various military expeditions. In ‘Akbarnama’ reign of
Chhotanagpur is described as Jharkhand (Jangal Pradesh). The Jharkhand region
was famous for its diamonds. Akbar was informed of a rebel Afghan Sardar
Junaid Kararani, was taking shelter in Chotanagpur. Besides, the emperor also
got information of diamonds being found in this area. Consequently, Akbar
ordered Shahbaj Khan Turbani to attack Kokhra (the then seat of Nagvanshi
kings and capital of Chotanagpur). At that time Raja Madhu Singh, the 42nd
Nagvanshi king was ruling at Kokhra. Consequently, Kokhra was sub-dued by
the armies of Akbar and a sum of rupees six thousand was fixed as its annual
revenues payable to the Mughals. The impeading Mughal invasion of Kokhra
could not take place before 1585. As the immediate reason of Mughal invasion
on the Nagvanshi Kingdom had been the lack of respect to the Mughal emperor.
Abul Fazi had Sald that the Nagraneshr ruler thought that the Mughals could
not cross the mountain very easily.
Till the reign of Akbar, Chotanagpur had not come under the suzerainty of
the Mughals and the Nagvanshi rulers had been ruling over this reign as
independent rulers.
In the 30th year of Akbar reign, Shahbaz Khan Kambu dispatched a force
against the Nagvanshi ruler. The Mughal army ran over the country and plundered
its wealth. The Mughals obtained a rich booty. The Kokhra rulers became a
tributary under the Mughal government. Thus, Madhukaran Shah became the
Malguzar of the Mughals. The defeat of the Kokhra ruler strengthened the
position of Ramgarh ruler who assumed independent status in1592. Madhukaran
Shah or Madhu Singh participated in the Mughal expedition against Qutlagh
Khan of Orrisa.
He played a memorable role in the fight against the Afghans of Orrisa. Thus,
by the end of 16th century the area of Kokhra was brought under Mughal and
an annul tribute was fixed.
Madhukaran Shah was succeeded by Durjan Sal. By the advent of the reign
of Jahangir, Nagavanshi Raja Durjan Sal had come to power in Chotanagpur. He
refused to pay the rent fixed by the emperor. Akbar, Jahangir ordered Ibrahim
Khan (governor of Bihar) to attack Kokhra. The details of this invasion are
mentioned in Jahangir’s memoirce, Tuzk-e-Jahangiri. There was also another
reason behind the invasion. This was the acquisition of the diamond found in
the bed of the river Sankh in the region. Due to its diamonds Chotanagpur was
also known as Heera Nagpur, and its Raja Durjan Sal, being an expert of diamonds,
was known as Heera Raja among the people. Thus to subdue the Raja of
Chotanagpur and to acquire valuable diamonds, Jahangir decided to invade
Chotanagpur. On getting orders from the emperor, Ibrahim Khan marched against
Kokhra in 1615 A.D. He entered the Nagvanshi territories easily with the help of
his guides. The Nagvanshi Raja Durjan Sal found himself beleaguered himself
within the hills and vales. He fled and was at last found in a cave with some of
his family members. He was arrested and all diamonds which were in the
possession of Durjan Sal and his family were captured by Ibrahim Khan. Twenty
four elephants also fell into the hands of Ibraham Khan. After this, Kokhra was
subdued and the diamonds found there were sent to the imperial court. After his
defeat and arrest, Durjan Sal offered as ransom jewels, gold and silver to the
value of crores of rupees, but Ibrahim Khan did not release him and took him
as a captive to Patna. From there he was sent to the Imperial court and
subsequently, imprisoned in the fort of Gwalior.
According to Nagvanshi traditions and Col. Dalton, Raja Durjan Sal’s
confinement lasted twelve years. Ultimately, the very diamond which had caused
the misfortune of Durjan Sal secured him his release and former prosperity. It so
happened that from some place, two very large diamonds were brought to
Emperor Jahangir’s court. A doubt arose in the mind of the emperor over the
genuineness of one of them. As no one in the court was able to confirm or relieve
his suspicion the Heera Raja and brought to the Imperial court from his
incarceration. When the two diamonds were brought before him, he without any
hesitation pointed out the fake one. To prove it to the court and the emperor,
he requested two rams to to be brought to the court. He then tied the two
diamonds on the horns of the two rams and made them fight each other. As a
result of the fight, the fake diamond-shattered but there was no scratch on or
the pure one. The emperor was so impressed and pleased with Durjan Sal that
he not only released him but also restored the prosperity taken from him in
addition to his kingdom. The generous Durjan Sal further begged the emperor
to release the other Rajas who had been his companions in prison and his prayer
was granted. Being pleased with Durjan Sal, Jahangir conferred the title of ‘Shah’
on the Kokhra ruler. On his return to Chotanagpur, Durjan Sal assumed the title
of Maharaja and changed his surname. Most probably from that time ‘Shah’ was
added with the names of the Nagbanshi kings. The reign of Durjan Sal lasted
for about thirteen years. He died in 1639 or 1640 A.D.
Durjan Sal’s absence from Kokra had resulted in the capture of Nagbanshi
throne by one of his relatives. Durjan Sal was compelled to fight for regaining
his lost position. Fortunately he was helped by some of the rulers who accompanied
him from the Gwalior prison. In this feud Durjan became victorious but the
internal strife of the Nagbanshi family compelled some of the members to migrate
to distant places. Meanwhile Durjan Sal transferred his capital from Kokra to
Doisa because of strategic consideration. The selection of Doisa was made
because it was surrounded on three sides by lofty hillocks and on the fourth side
by the river South Koel. Durjan Sal constructed a beautiful place called
Navratangarh. Originally the palace was five-storied structure. But at nresent it
still exists in a dilapidated condition.
l In 1589 A.D. Mughal couldn’t make much headway against Cheros.
Man Singh assumed the charge of Governorship or tee province of Bitar in
the same year. Man Singh marched against Cheros. The ruler at that time was
Bhagwat Rai. The Cheros made an abortive attempt to block the passage but
Man Singh forced his way killing hundreds of soldiers and took many Cheros
fighters as prisoners. He returned to Patna along with huge booty. Nothing is
known about subsequent history of the Cheros till Akbar’s death in 1605 A.D.
It seems that the Palamu was left in possession of the Chero ruler Bhagwat Rai
but the Mughal troops continued to be stationed there.
There was a confusion regarding the death of Akbar. The Cheros of Palamu
took advantage of the confusion and reasserted their independence and drove
out the Mughal army from Palamu. Meanwhile Anant Rai had succeeded Bhagwat
Rai. According to Mirza Nathan, Anant Rai was the Chero ruler at Palamu during
the early years of Jahangir reign. In the second year of Jahangir reign, Afzal Khan
was appointed the Governor of Bihar. Afzal was the son of Abul Faz1. Iradat
Khan was appointed as a Diwan in 1607. Jahangir ordered an expedition against
Anant Rai but it failed because of the sudden death of Afzal Khan. Anant Rai
ruled for 31 years from 1630 to 1661 but this is not supported by the details given
by Mohammedan historians. Sabhal Rai as the Chero ruler succeeded him. Sabhal
Rai proved to be very powerful rule of Palamu. His rule extended up to Chauparan.
He also started creating problems for the Mughal.
Thus, Jahangir orded to campain against Sabhal Rai, finally he wascaptured
and taken as prisonor to Delhi.
After the death of Sabhal Rai, Pratap Rai became the Chero ruler of Palamu.
Pratap Rai was contemporary of Shah Jahan. He was a powerful chief but the
middle of reign was plagued by large scale by Mughal invasions. As a result the
relations between the Mughal and the Chero of Palamu continued to be hostile
even during the early years of Pratap Rai’s reign. Palamu was given out as a
Jagir to the Governor of Patna in 1632 A.D. in return for annual payment of one
lac thirty six thousand. The Governor of Bihar tried to squeeze more money from
Pratap because of the high annual payment fixed for his new Jagir (Palamu).
Page 4


MEDIEVAL PERIOD
Different areas of Jharkhand were ruled by different rulers in the pre-medieval
period. Chotanagpur was under Nagbanshi, Nagvanshis ruled over Chotanagpur
plateau in India for close to two thousand years, from the Ist century to 1951
when the Zamindari was abolished. This would put the Nagvanshis among the
top dynasties that ruled the longest in the world. Singh dynasty ruled over the
Singhbhum area and Rakshels controlled Palamu. There was no external
interference in the small rulers of Jharkhand.
Khawas Khan was the military chief of Sher Shah who headed reached a
military campaign against a ruler named Maharath Chero. At last Maharath Chero
surrendered before him. It is said that the white elephant named Shyam Sunder
was produced before Sher Shah at the spoil of the war.
Muslims inroaded into Jharkhand, because of the occasional passage of
troops on their way to various military expeditions. In ‘Akbarnama’ reign of
Chhotanagpur is described as Jharkhand (Jangal Pradesh). The Jharkhand region
was famous for its diamonds. Akbar was informed of a rebel Afghan Sardar
Junaid Kararani, was taking shelter in Chotanagpur. Besides, the emperor also
got information of diamonds being found in this area. Consequently, Akbar
ordered Shahbaj Khan Turbani to attack Kokhra (the then seat of Nagvanshi
kings and capital of Chotanagpur). At that time Raja Madhu Singh, the 42nd
Nagvanshi king was ruling at Kokhra. Consequently, Kokhra was sub-dued by
the armies of Akbar and a sum of rupees six thousand was fixed as its annual
revenues payable to the Mughals. The impeading Mughal invasion of Kokhra
could not take place before 1585. As the immediate reason of Mughal invasion
on the Nagvanshi Kingdom had been the lack of respect to the Mughal emperor.
Abul Fazi had Sald that the Nagraneshr ruler thought that the Mughals could
not cross the mountain very easily.
Till the reign of Akbar, Chotanagpur had not come under the suzerainty of
the Mughals and the Nagvanshi rulers had been ruling over this reign as
independent rulers.
In the 30th year of Akbar reign, Shahbaz Khan Kambu dispatched a force
against the Nagvanshi ruler. The Mughal army ran over the country and plundered
its wealth. The Mughals obtained a rich booty. The Kokhra rulers became a
tributary under the Mughal government. Thus, Madhukaran Shah became the
Malguzar of the Mughals. The defeat of the Kokhra ruler strengthened the
position of Ramgarh ruler who assumed independent status in1592. Madhukaran
Shah or Madhu Singh participated in the Mughal expedition against Qutlagh
Khan of Orrisa.
He played a memorable role in the fight against the Afghans of Orrisa. Thus,
by the end of 16th century the area of Kokhra was brought under Mughal and
an annul tribute was fixed.
Madhukaran Shah was succeeded by Durjan Sal. By the advent of the reign
of Jahangir, Nagavanshi Raja Durjan Sal had come to power in Chotanagpur. He
refused to pay the rent fixed by the emperor. Akbar, Jahangir ordered Ibrahim
Khan (governor of Bihar) to attack Kokhra. The details of this invasion are
mentioned in Jahangir’s memoirce, Tuzk-e-Jahangiri. There was also another
reason behind the invasion. This was the acquisition of the diamond found in
the bed of the river Sankh in the region. Due to its diamonds Chotanagpur was
also known as Heera Nagpur, and its Raja Durjan Sal, being an expert of diamonds,
was known as Heera Raja among the people. Thus to subdue the Raja of
Chotanagpur and to acquire valuable diamonds, Jahangir decided to invade
Chotanagpur. On getting orders from the emperor, Ibrahim Khan marched against
Kokhra in 1615 A.D. He entered the Nagvanshi territories easily with the help of
his guides. The Nagvanshi Raja Durjan Sal found himself beleaguered himself
within the hills and vales. He fled and was at last found in a cave with some of
his family members. He was arrested and all diamonds which were in the
possession of Durjan Sal and his family were captured by Ibrahim Khan. Twenty
four elephants also fell into the hands of Ibraham Khan. After this, Kokhra was
subdued and the diamonds found there were sent to the imperial court. After his
defeat and arrest, Durjan Sal offered as ransom jewels, gold and silver to the
value of crores of rupees, but Ibrahim Khan did not release him and took him
as a captive to Patna. From there he was sent to the Imperial court and
subsequently, imprisoned in the fort of Gwalior.
According to Nagvanshi traditions and Col. Dalton, Raja Durjan Sal’s
confinement lasted twelve years. Ultimately, the very diamond which had caused
the misfortune of Durjan Sal secured him his release and former prosperity. It so
happened that from some place, two very large diamonds were brought to
Emperor Jahangir’s court. A doubt arose in the mind of the emperor over the
genuineness of one of them. As no one in the court was able to confirm or relieve
his suspicion the Heera Raja and brought to the Imperial court from his
incarceration. When the two diamonds were brought before him, he without any
hesitation pointed out the fake one. To prove it to the court and the emperor,
he requested two rams to to be brought to the court. He then tied the two
diamonds on the horns of the two rams and made them fight each other. As a
result of the fight, the fake diamond-shattered but there was no scratch on or
the pure one. The emperor was so impressed and pleased with Durjan Sal that
he not only released him but also restored the prosperity taken from him in
addition to his kingdom. The generous Durjan Sal further begged the emperor
to release the other Rajas who had been his companions in prison and his prayer
was granted. Being pleased with Durjan Sal, Jahangir conferred the title of ‘Shah’
on the Kokhra ruler. On his return to Chotanagpur, Durjan Sal assumed the title
of Maharaja and changed his surname. Most probably from that time ‘Shah’ was
added with the names of the Nagbanshi kings. The reign of Durjan Sal lasted
for about thirteen years. He died in 1639 or 1640 A.D.
Durjan Sal’s absence from Kokra had resulted in the capture of Nagbanshi
throne by one of his relatives. Durjan Sal was compelled to fight for regaining
his lost position. Fortunately he was helped by some of the rulers who accompanied
him from the Gwalior prison. In this feud Durjan became victorious but the
internal strife of the Nagbanshi family compelled some of the members to migrate
to distant places. Meanwhile Durjan Sal transferred his capital from Kokra to
Doisa because of strategic consideration. The selection of Doisa was made
because it was surrounded on three sides by lofty hillocks and on the fourth side
by the river South Koel. Durjan Sal constructed a beautiful place called
Navratangarh. Originally the palace was five-storied structure. But at nresent it
still exists in a dilapidated condition.
l In 1589 A.D. Mughal couldn’t make much headway against Cheros.
Man Singh assumed the charge of Governorship or tee province of Bitar in
the same year. Man Singh marched against Cheros. The ruler at that time was
Bhagwat Rai. The Cheros made an abortive attempt to block the passage but
Man Singh forced his way killing hundreds of soldiers and took many Cheros
fighters as prisoners. He returned to Patna along with huge booty. Nothing is
known about subsequent history of the Cheros till Akbar’s death in 1605 A.D.
It seems that the Palamu was left in possession of the Chero ruler Bhagwat Rai
but the Mughal troops continued to be stationed there.
There was a confusion regarding the death of Akbar. The Cheros of Palamu
took advantage of the confusion and reasserted their independence and drove
out the Mughal army from Palamu. Meanwhile Anant Rai had succeeded Bhagwat
Rai. According to Mirza Nathan, Anant Rai was the Chero ruler at Palamu during
the early years of Jahangir reign. In the second year of Jahangir reign, Afzal Khan
was appointed the Governor of Bihar. Afzal was the son of Abul Faz1. Iradat
Khan was appointed as a Diwan in 1607. Jahangir ordered an expedition against
Anant Rai but it failed because of the sudden death of Afzal Khan. Anant Rai
ruled for 31 years from 1630 to 1661 but this is not supported by the details given
by Mohammedan historians. Sabhal Rai as the Chero ruler succeeded him. Sabhal
Rai proved to be very powerful rule of Palamu. His rule extended up to Chauparan.
He also started creating problems for the Mughal.
Thus, Jahangir orded to campain against Sabhal Rai, finally he wascaptured
and taken as prisonor to Delhi.
After the death of Sabhal Rai, Pratap Rai became the Chero ruler of Palamu.
Pratap Rai was contemporary of Shah Jahan. He was a powerful chief but the
middle of reign was plagued by large scale by Mughal invasions. As a result the
relations between the Mughal and the Chero of Palamu continued to be hostile
even during the early years of Pratap Rai’s reign. Palamu was given out as a
Jagir to the Governor of Patna in 1632 A.D. in return for annual payment of one
lac thirty six thousand. The Governor of Bihar tried to squeeze more money from
Pratap because of the high annual payment fixed for his new Jagir (Palamu).
Pratap Rai found the difficuly to meet the rising demand of the Mughals and
consequently withheld the payment of customary tribute. Abdula Khan, who was
the Governor of Bihar at that time, could not pay attention towards Palamu
because of his other preoccupations. This made Pratap Rai more arrogant.
Meanwhile Shayista Khan became the Governor of Bihar. When he reported
the matter to the emperor, Shah Jahan ordered him to attack Pratap Rai. Shayista
Khan marched from Patna on October 12, 1641. It appears that the Mughal
governor approached Palamu through Manatu Ghat and captured the same after
wars. The Mughal army entered Aru on January 26, 1642 and proceeded towards
the Palamu fort. Shayista reached Baoli Cherwan. The Mughal army surrounded
Palamu fort. As a result Pratap Rai offered to compromise and surrendered.
Shayista Khan accepted the proposal and after receiving the Peshkash of Rupees
eighty thousand, he returned to Patna on Feb 12, 1642.
In the meantime, Shayista Khan was replaced by Itiqad Khan and was
transferred to Allahabad. During this period Pratap Rai again became defiant and
failed to pay tribute to the Mughals and he started giving shelter to the opponents
of the Mughals. Pratap Rai also lost the affection of the people and offended
his chiefs. Two of his uncles, Dariya Rai and Tez Rai allied with Itiqad Khan. Both
of them imprisoned Pratap Rai with the help of Itiqad. Tez Rai became the ruler
of Palamu but he refused to handover Pratap Rai to the Mughals on various
excuses.
Tez Rai’s elder brother Dariya Rai, became dissatisfied with his younger
brother. He conspired with itiqad Khan. Accordingly Itiqad Khan sent Zabardast
Khan to attack the Palamu fort. Tez Rai dispatched a force under Madan Singh
Thakurai. The Cheros suffered many setbacks. Tez Rai left the Palamu fort with
a hunting party. During his absence Surat Singh and Sahbal Singh, the sons of
Madan Sing Thakuria, came out openly in favour of Pratap Rai. They released
Pratap Rai and put the Palamu fort in his possession. Tez Rai hid himself in the
forest of Palamu.
In the second phase, Pratap Rai realized the futility of fighting with Mughals.
He proposed to accept the sovereignty of Mughals. Zabardast Khan replied to
his proposal by asking him to go to Patna. He wanted a guarantee of his safety
and security. At last Zabardast Khan departed from Palamu accompanied by
Pratap Rai on November 19, 1643. Pratap Rai presented an elephant and agreed
to pay a tribute of rupees one lac to the Mughal emperor. Shah Jahan gave him
Palamu at a rental of one crore of dams and the rank of a Mansabdar of one
thousand. Pratap Rai remained loyal to Mughals up to the year 1647. Nothing
is known about his activities afer this. Bhupal Rai succeeded Pratap Rai who
ruled only for few months. Later Medini Rai became the ruler and continued for
a long period. He took full advantage of the confusion in the Mughal fort
towards the end of Shah Jahan’s reign. Medini Rai paid attention on the welfare
of Palamu.
Page 5


MEDIEVAL PERIOD
Different areas of Jharkhand were ruled by different rulers in the pre-medieval
period. Chotanagpur was under Nagbanshi, Nagvanshis ruled over Chotanagpur
plateau in India for close to two thousand years, from the Ist century to 1951
when the Zamindari was abolished. This would put the Nagvanshis among the
top dynasties that ruled the longest in the world. Singh dynasty ruled over the
Singhbhum area and Rakshels controlled Palamu. There was no external
interference in the small rulers of Jharkhand.
Khawas Khan was the military chief of Sher Shah who headed reached a
military campaign against a ruler named Maharath Chero. At last Maharath Chero
surrendered before him. It is said that the white elephant named Shyam Sunder
was produced before Sher Shah at the spoil of the war.
Muslims inroaded into Jharkhand, because of the occasional passage of
troops on their way to various military expeditions. In ‘Akbarnama’ reign of
Chhotanagpur is described as Jharkhand (Jangal Pradesh). The Jharkhand region
was famous for its diamonds. Akbar was informed of a rebel Afghan Sardar
Junaid Kararani, was taking shelter in Chotanagpur. Besides, the emperor also
got information of diamonds being found in this area. Consequently, Akbar
ordered Shahbaj Khan Turbani to attack Kokhra (the then seat of Nagvanshi
kings and capital of Chotanagpur). At that time Raja Madhu Singh, the 42nd
Nagvanshi king was ruling at Kokhra. Consequently, Kokhra was sub-dued by
the armies of Akbar and a sum of rupees six thousand was fixed as its annual
revenues payable to the Mughals. The impeading Mughal invasion of Kokhra
could not take place before 1585. As the immediate reason of Mughal invasion
on the Nagvanshi Kingdom had been the lack of respect to the Mughal emperor.
Abul Fazi had Sald that the Nagraneshr ruler thought that the Mughals could
not cross the mountain very easily.
Till the reign of Akbar, Chotanagpur had not come under the suzerainty of
the Mughals and the Nagvanshi rulers had been ruling over this reign as
independent rulers.
In the 30th year of Akbar reign, Shahbaz Khan Kambu dispatched a force
against the Nagvanshi ruler. The Mughal army ran over the country and plundered
its wealth. The Mughals obtained a rich booty. The Kokhra rulers became a
tributary under the Mughal government. Thus, Madhukaran Shah became the
Malguzar of the Mughals. The defeat of the Kokhra ruler strengthened the
position of Ramgarh ruler who assumed independent status in1592. Madhukaran
Shah or Madhu Singh participated in the Mughal expedition against Qutlagh
Khan of Orrisa.
He played a memorable role in the fight against the Afghans of Orrisa. Thus,
by the end of 16th century the area of Kokhra was brought under Mughal and
an annul tribute was fixed.
Madhukaran Shah was succeeded by Durjan Sal. By the advent of the reign
of Jahangir, Nagavanshi Raja Durjan Sal had come to power in Chotanagpur. He
refused to pay the rent fixed by the emperor. Akbar, Jahangir ordered Ibrahim
Khan (governor of Bihar) to attack Kokhra. The details of this invasion are
mentioned in Jahangir’s memoirce, Tuzk-e-Jahangiri. There was also another
reason behind the invasion. This was the acquisition of the diamond found in
the bed of the river Sankh in the region. Due to its diamonds Chotanagpur was
also known as Heera Nagpur, and its Raja Durjan Sal, being an expert of diamonds,
was known as Heera Raja among the people. Thus to subdue the Raja of
Chotanagpur and to acquire valuable diamonds, Jahangir decided to invade
Chotanagpur. On getting orders from the emperor, Ibrahim Khan marched against
Kokhra in 1615 A.D. He entered the Nagvanshi territories easily with the help of
his guides. The Nagvanshi Raja Durjan Sal found himself beleaguered himself
within the hills and vales. He fled and was at last found in a cave with some of
his family members. He was arrested and all diamonds which were in the
possession of Durjan Sal and his family were captured by Ibrahim Khan. Twenty
four elephants also fell into the hands of Ibraham Khan. After this, Kokhra was
subdued and the diamonds found there were sent to the imperial court. After his
defeat and arrest, Durjan Sal offered as ransom jewels, gold and silver to the
value of crores of rupees, but Ibrahim Khan did not release him and took him
as a captive to Patna. From there he was sent to the Imperial court and
subsequently, imprisoned in the fort of Gwalior.
According to Nagvanshi traditions and Col. Dalton, Raja Durjan Sal’s
confinement lasted twelve years. Ultimately, the very diamond which had caused
the misfortune of Durjan Sal secured him his release and former prosperity. It so
happened that from some place, two very large diamonds were brought to
Emperor Jahangir’s court. A doubt arose in the mind of the emperor over the
genuineness of one of them. As no one in the court was able to confirm or relieve
his suspicion the Heera Raja and brought to the Imperial court from his
incarceration. When the two diamonds were brought before him, he without any
hesitation pointed out the fake one. To prove it to the court and the emperor,
he requested two rams to to be brought to the court. He then tied the two
diamonds on the horns of the two rams and made them fight each other. As a
result of the fight, the fake diamond-shattered but there was no scratch on or
the pure one. The emperor was so impressed and pleased with Durjan Sal that
he not only released him but also restored the prosperity taken from him in
addition to his kingdom. The generous Durjan Sal further begged the emperor
to release the other Rajas who had been his companions in prison and his prayer
was granted. Being pleased with Durjan Sal, Jahangir conferred the title of ‘Shah’
on the Kokhra ruler. On his return to Chotanagpur, Durjan Sal assumed the title
of Maharaja and changed his surname. Most probably from that time ‘Shah’ was
added with the names of the Nagbanshi kings. The reign of Durjan Sal lasted
for about thirteen years. He died in 1639 or 1640 A.D.
Durjan Sal’s absence from Kokra had resulted in the capture of Nagbanshi
throne by one of his relatives. Durjan Sal was compelled to fight for regaining
his lost position. Fortunately he was helped by some of the rulers who accompanied
him from the Gwalior prison. In this feud Durjan became victorious but the
internal strife of the Nagbanshi family compelled some of the members to migrate
to distant places. Meanwhile Durjan Sal transferred his capital from Kokra to
Doisa because of strategic consideration. The selection of Doisa was made
because it was surrounded on three sides by lofty hillocks and on the fourth side
by the river South Koel. Durjan Sal constructed a beautiful place called
Navratangarh. Originally the palace was five-storied structure. But at nresent it
still exists in a dilapidated condition.
l In 1589 A.D. Mughal couldn’t make much headway against Cheros.
Man Singh assumed the charge of Governorship or tee province of Bitar in
the same year. Man Singh marched against Cheros. The ruler at that time was
Bhagwat Rai. The Cheros made an abortive attempt to block the passage but
Man Singh forced his way killing hundreds of soldiers and took many Cheros
fighters as prisoners. He returned to Patna along with huge booty. Nothing is
known about subsequent history of the Cheros till Akbar’s death in 1605 A.D.
It seems that the Palamu was left in possession of the Chero ruler Bhagwat Rai
but the Mughal troops continued to be stationed there.
There was a confusion regarding the death of Akbar. The Cheros of Palamu
took advantage of the confusion and reasserted their independence and drove
out the Mughal army from Palamu. Meanwhile Anant Rai had succeeded Bhagwat
Rai. According to Mirza Nathan, Anant Rai was the Chero ruler at Palamu during
the early years of Jahangir reign. In the second year of Jahangir reign, Afzal Khan
was appointed the Governor of Bihar. Afzal was the son of Abul Faz1. Iradat
Khan was appointed as a Diwan in 1607. Jahangir ordered an expedition against
Anant Rai but it failed because of the sudden death of Afzal Khan. Anant Rai
ruled for 31 years from 1630 to 1661 but this is not supported by the details given
by Mohammedan historians. Sabhal Rai as the Chero ruler succeeded him. Sabhal
Rai proved to be very powerful rule of Palamu. His rule extended up to Chauparan.
He also started creating problems for the Mughal.
Thus, Jahangir orded to campain against Sabhal Rai, finally he wascaptured
and taken as prisonor to Delhi.
After the death of Sabhal Rai, Pratap Rai became the Chero ruler of Palamu.
Pratap Rai was contemporary of Shah Jahan. He was a powerful chief but the
middle of reign was plagued by large scale by Mughal invasions. As a result the
relations between the Mughal and the Chero of Palamu continued to be hostile
even during the early years of Pratap Rai’s reign. Palamu was given out as a
Jagir to the Governor of Patna in 1632 A.D. in return for annual payment of one
lac thirty six thousand. The Governor of Bihar tried to squeeze more money from
Pratap because of the high annual payment fixed for his new Jagir (Palamu).
Pratap Rai found the difficuly to meet the rising demand of the Mughals and
consequently withheld the payment of customary tribute. Abdula Khan, who was
the Governor of Bihar at that time, could not pay attention towards Palamu
because of his other preoccupations. This made Pratap Rai more arrogant.
Meanwhile Shayista Khan became the Governor of Bihar. When he reported
the matter to the emperor, Shah Jahan ordered him to attack Pratap Rai. Shayista
Khan marched from Patna on October 12, 1641. It appears that the Mughal
governor approached Palamu through Manatu Ghat and captured the same after
wars. The Mughal army entered Aru on January 26, 1642 and proceeded towards
the Palamu fort. Shayista reached Baoli Cherwan. The Mughal army surrounded
Palamu fort. As a result Pratap Rai offered to compromise and surrendered.
Shayista Khan accepted the proposal and after receiving the Peshkash of Rupees
eighty thousand, he returned to Patna on Feb 12, 1642.
In the meantime, Shayista Khan was replaced by Itiqad Khan and was
transferred to Allahabad. During this period Pratap Rai again became defiant and
failed to pay tribute to the Mughals and he started giving shelter to the opponents
of the Mughals. Pratap Rai also lost the affection of the people and offended
his chiefs. Two of his uncles, Dariya Rai and Tez Rai allied with Itiqad Khan. Both
of them imprisoned Pratap Rai with the help of Itiqad. Tez Rai became the ruler
of Palamu but he refused to handover Pratap Rai to the Mughals on various
excuses.
Tez Rai’s elder brother Dariya Rai, became dissatisfied with his younger
brother. He conspired with itiqad Khan. Accordingly Itiqad Khan sent Zabardast
Khan to attack the Palamu fort. Tez Rai dispatched a force under Madan Singh
Thakurai. The Cheros suffered many setbacks. Tez Rai left the Palamu fort with
a hunting party. During his absence Surat Singh and Sahbal Singh, the sons of
Madan Sing Thakuria, came out openly in favour of Pratap Rai. They released
Pratap Rai and put the Palamu fort in his possession. Tez Rai hid himself in the
forest of Palamu.
In the second phase, Pratap Rai realized the futility of fighting with Mughals.
He proposed to accept the sovereignty of Mughals. Zabardast Khan replied to
his proposal by asking him to go to Patna. He wanted a guarantee of his safety
and security. At last Zabardast Khan departed from Palamu accompanied by
Pratap Rai on November 19, 1643. Pratap Rai presented an elephant and agreed
to pay a tribute of rupees one lac to the Mughal emperor. Shah Jahan gave him
Palamu at a rental of one crore of dams and the rank of a Mansabdar of one
thousand. Pratap Rai remained loyal to Mughals up to the year 1647. Nothing
is known about his activities afer this. Bhupal Rai succeeded Pratap Rai who
ruled only for few months. Later Medini Rai became the ruler and continued for
a long period. He took full advantage of the confusion in the Mughal fort
towards the end of Shah Jahan’s reign. Medini Rai paid attention on the welfare
of Palamu.
There is no information about the relations of Mughals with Singhbhum,
Manbhum and Hazaribagh but this is certain that Mughals were able to capture
the Kunda fort.
But they could not overcome Chai, Champa, Kharagdiha, and Ramgarh.
Undoubtedly Ramgarh enjoyed a permanent place in the area. Ultimately it fell
under the influence of the Mughals. The ruler of Ramgarh was required to assist
the Mughals in accordance with needs. During Shah Jahan reign, the capital of
Ramgarh was Badam, which was later shifted to Ramgarh. The rulers of Singhbhum
maintained cordial relations with Mughals because they used to pay annual
tribute to the Mughal emperors.
Kokhra was ruled by Raghunath Shah during the reign of Aurangzeb.
Raghunath Shah was a God fearing man and was highly religious and charitable.
A number of temples such as one in Doisa and Jagannath temple in Ranchi are
build by him.
He also built the Madan Mohan temple in Borea village in Kanke. It was
completed in 1682 A.D. at a total cost of ` 14001. The temple also has an
inscription containing several informations. In 1685 Raghunath constructed a
temple of Ram and Sita at Chutia in Ranchi town. Raghunatlfis, reign was marred
by the invasion of Medini Rai, the Chero ruler of Palamu. He ransacked Doisa
and carried away a huge booty. The plunder included a big gate, which Medini
Rai installed in the new Palamu fort. The gate is still known as the Nagpuri Gate.'
In about 1690 A.D. his reign came to an end. He was succeeded by Ram
Shah who ruled for 25 years.
It appears that Ram Shah maintained friendly relations with the Mughals,
particularly Aurangzeb. At this time certain portion of Kokra were included in
Orissa. The revenue of this portion was paid to Aurangzeb through the Mughal
revenue officers of Orissa. In 1692 A.D., Ram Shah paid to the Mughal total
revenue worth ` 9705. But Ram Shah had followed aggressive policy towards
Singhbhum. He invaded Singhbhum and destroyed Jayantgarh.
After sometime both the rulers entered into conciliation and established
matrimonial relations. Two of the sisters of Ram Shah were married to Jagannath
Singh. It was at this period that Singhbhum was renamed Porhat.
There was a great confusion in the Mughal camp in Palamu, therefore,
Medini Rai took the full advantage of it. Aurangzeb did not like this He ordered
Daud Khan, the governor of Bihar to invade Palamu. The emperor also ordered
the Jagirdar of Bihar to assist Daud Khan. Daud Khan took position of Kothi
without any opposition in 1660 A.D. On June 3, 1660, Daud Khan also captured
the Kunda fort and razed it to the ground. Surwar Rai murdered the chief of
Kunda, Chun Rai.
In the mean time, Charu ruler of Palamu offered Daud Khan tribute and
requested him to return Patna. But Daud Khan rejected his offer. However,
Aurangzeb had ordered the Charu ruler in order to embrace Islam. Finally, in the