Rajput Policy of Akbar | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

Rajputs and the Mughal Empire:

• The Mughal policy towards the Rajputs played a significant role in the expansion and consolidation of the Mughal Empire, primarily serving the political needs of the empire.
• The alliance between the Mughals and the Rajputs was influenced by various factors, including the struggle for supremacy, socio-cultural elements, and the geo-strategic context, rather than merely the personal beliefs of individual rulers.
• Under Akbar, the policy of seeking a special relationship with the Rajputs became a defining feature of Mughal rule, although this relationship experienced strains in later periods.
• During the Sultanate period, the relationship between local rulers and central authority faced many challenges. The Turkish rulers aimed to diminish the power and influence of local rulers, many of whom were Rajputs, demanding formal submission, military assistance, and payment of Peshkash.
• Alauddin Khalji was the first ruler to actively ally with an autonomous raja, Ram Deo of Deogir, inviting him to Delhi, returning his kingdom, and granting him additional territories, solidifying friendly relations between Afghans and Hindu rajas.
• Babur's conflict with Rana Sanga was politically motivated rather than religious, despite Babur framing it as Jihad. Relations between the Mughals and Rajputs during Babur's time were driven by political needs.
• Humayun's approach towards Rajasthan was defensive, focusing on conciliation with zamindars and forming matrimonial alliances to win their support. He recognized the importance of Rajputs and Afghans for Mughal rule in India.
• Humayun's efforts to establish special relations with the Rajputs were part of a broader strategy towards indigenous ruling sections, influenced by advice from Shah Tahmasp of Iran.
• The Mughal desire to conciliate zamindars and the Rajputs' reputation for loyalty and service formed the basis of their alliance, although relations during Babur and Humayun were hindered by the Afghan problem.

Akbar’s Rajput Policy 

Akbar's Alliance with the Rajputs:

• Initially a political coalition, it evolved into a means of fostering closer relations between Hindus and Muslims.
• Laid the groundwork for a broad,liberal, and tolerant policy towards all, regardless of faith.

Phases of Akbar's Policy:

• First Phase: Akbar largely continued the policies of the Delhi Sultans.
• Second Phase: Efforts to strengthen the alliance with the Rajputs while retaining some elements of the previous policy.
• Third Phase: Marked a significant break from Muslim orthodoxy.

The First Phase (till 1572)

• In 1557, Akbar was impressed by the Rajputs when they helped him during a dangerous situation while riding an out-of-control elephant.
• During the first phase of their relationship, lasting until about 1572, Rajput rajas who submitted to Akbar were seen as loyal allies, expected to provide military service within their regions but not beyond.
• Raja Bhara Mal and his son Bhagwant Das supported Akbar during the Uzbek rebellions, but there is no evidence of them participating in military operations.
• Man Singh was also present in the Imperial camp during the siege of Chittor, but not actively involved.

Rajputs in Military Campaigns:

• Inside Rajasthan, during the Mughal siege of Merta in 1562, a Kachhawaha contingent fought alongside the Mughals.
• When the Mughals besieged Jodhpur in 1563, Ram Rai, the elder brother of Chandrasen, actively supported them.

Matrimonial Alliances:

• In a feudal society, personal relationships were vital for ensuring loyalty. Marriages between royal families served as both a bond and a sign of submission.
• After marrying Bhara Mal's daughter, Akbar strengthened his ties with the family. Bhagwant Das was often with Akbar during the Uzbek rebellions and was given important responsibilities, such as guarding the Imperial camp.
• Akbar felt a deep connection with the Kachhawaha ruling house, especially after the birth of his son Salim with a Kachhawahi princess in 1569.
• In 1572, Akbar trusted Bhara Mal with the capital, Agra, during his campaign in Gujarat.

Submissions and Marriages:

• When Akbar was in Nagor in 1570, Rai Kalyan Mal of Bikaner and his son Rai Singh presented themselves to Akbar, and Kalyan Mal's daughter was married to the Emperor.
• Rawal Har Rai of Jaisalmer also submitted and offered one of his daughters in marriage to Akbar.
• Chandrasen of Jodhpur also submitted to Akbar and offered one of his daughters in marriage. However, due to opposition from his brothers, Jodhpur, which had been under Imperial control since 1563, was not restored to him.
• This led to a prolonged conflict with Chandrasen, during which the kingdom remained under Imperial control.

Matrimonial Relations Misconceptions:

• There are misconceptions about Akbar's policy of establishing matrimonial relations with Rajput rajas. These marriages were political compromises and did not imply conversion to Islam or a break with Hindu traditions.
• These alliances were not aimed at countering rebellious elements or using Rajputs for military gains. The marriages were not forced upon the Rajputs but were seen as beneficial by the rajas.
• Akbar did not treat these alliances as tests of loyalty. For example, no matrimonial relations were established with the Hadas of Ranthambhor.

Matrimonial Alliances in History:

• Matrimonial alliances were not unique to Akbar's time. In the past, subordinate rajas were required to send daughters to the Imperial household.
• Examples of marriages between Muslim and Hindu ruling houses before Akbar include Alauddin Khalji's marriage to a daughter of Ram Deo and Firuz Shah Bahmani's marriage to a daughter of Deo Ray of Vijaynagar.
• Marriages between Rajput rajas and other Muslim rulers were also recorded, often due to special circumstances like invasions or seeking help against enemies.

Personal Fidelity and Allegiance:

• During Akbar's time, personal fidelity became important. Akbar sought to establish close relationships with chieftains who submitted to him personally, believing that personal relationships would ensure political allegiance.
• Despite Akbar's liberal measures, such as forbidding the enslavement of women and children from rebellious villages and abolishing jizyah in 1564, these did not create complete peace between the Mughals and Rajputs.
• For example, during the war of Chittor, the Rajputs resisted strongly despite the presence of Bhagwant Singh with Akbar.
• Akbar framed the conflict as a religious struggle, portraying the martyrs as ghazis to inspire his soldiers.
• In this initial phase, Akbar's attitude towards the Rajputs softened. Rajputs like Rao Dalpat Rai were accepted into Imperial service and given jagirs.
• Marriage alliances also contributed to this softening of relations. A few Rajputs became close confidants of Akbar, and during the Gujarat campaign, Agra was placed under Bhara Mal's charge.
• However, Akbar's religious beliefs, public policies, and attitude towards Rajputs developed along separate lines and only coincided later.

The Second Phase (From 1572-1578)

Akbar's Rajput Policy (Second Phase):

• Akbar aimed to strengthen and expand alliances with the Rajputs while retaining certain aspects of earlier policies.
• The second phase of Akbar's Rajput policy began around his campaign in Gujarat in 1572.
• The Gujarat expedition marked a significant turning point in Mughal-Rajput relations, with the Rajputs being systematically enlisted as soldiers and receiving fixed salaries for the first time.
• During this period, Rajputs not only remained loyal allies but also emerged as a crucial military force for the empire.
• Man Singh was initially tasked with leading a well-equipped army to pursue Sher Khan Fuladi and his sons, earning praise from Akbar.
• Akbar extended favor not only to the Kachhawahas but also to other Rajput clans who fought on behalf of the Mughal state.
• Before the Gujarat campaign, Akbar assigned Rai Rai Singh of Bikaner to oversee Jodhpur and Sirohi, ensuring protection against incursions from the Rana and keeping the road to Gujarat open.
• In 1576, Man Singh was appointed to lead the Mughal army against Rana Pratap, marking the first time Rajputs were deployed outside Rajasthan for significant assignments.
• During the Gujarat insurrection of the Mirzas, Akbar heavily relied on Rajput leaders like Man Singh and Bhagwant Singh.
• The Rana of Mewar resisted personal submission and sought to regain Chittor, while Akbar insisted on the principle of personal homage.
• By the end of this phase, Akbar's Rajput policy had not alienated the Muslim orthodox elements or threatened the Muslim character of the state.

The Third Phase (From 1578)

Akbar and the Rajputs: A New Era of Alliance (1578 Onwards):

In 1578, Raja Bhagwant Das and Man Singh joined Akbar's imperial camp, marking a significant phase in Akbar's relationship with the Rajputs. This period was characterized by a shift in Akbar's approach, including his break with orthodox clergy and the reimposition of jiziya for political purposes.

Key Developments:

• Rajputs as Partners: Rajputs became crucial allies, helping Akbar strengthen his rule against other nobles, especially Turani nobles.
• Military and Administrative Roles: Rajputs, trusted for their loyalty, were employed in military campaigns and administrative tasks. For example, Bhagwant Das was made governor of Lahore, and Man Singh became commander of the Indus region.
• Marriage Alliances: Akbar forged closer ties with Rajput ruling houses through marriage. His sons Salim and Daniyal married into prominent Rajput families, ensuring continued cooperation with the Rajputs.
• Administrative Appointments: Akbar appointed loyal Muslim and Hindu nobles, including Rajputs, to key administrative positions. Notable examples include Raja Birbal and Raja Todar Mal.
• Strategic Governance: Rajputs were appointed as joint-governors of important provinces, with figures like Man Singh and Bhagwant Das overseeing regions like Kabul and Lahore.

Stability and Partnership:

• By 1585-86, Akbar's Rajput policy had matured, establishing a stable partnership where Rajputs were not only allies but also integral to governance.
• The concept of Mughal Paramountcy emerged, with Akbar controlling succession in Rajput states and promoting mixed ethnic contingents among nobles.
• Despite challenges, the alliance with Rajputs became a cornerstone of Akbar's administration, demonstrating their transition from warriors to key partners in the Mughal Empire.

The Mughal-Rajput alliance was mutually beneficial 

Alliance with Rajputs and Mughal Empire:

• The alliance with the Rajputs provided the Mughals with the bravest warriors in India, crucial for the consolidation and expansion of the Mughal Empire.
• Service in the Mughal Empire allowed Rajput rajas to hold important administrative posts in far-off regions, enhancing their prestige and social status.
• Rajputs were financially rewarded for their service, receiving jagirs outside Rajasthan based on their mansabs, in addition to their holdings in Rajasthan.
• The Kachhawahas were granted jagirs in Gujarat, then in Punjab, and later in Bihar and Bengal, providing them with a valuable source of additional income.
• watan jagirs, which were non-transferable during a ruler's lifetime but increased with their mansab.
• Rajput rajas who entered into alliances with the Mughals were regarded as distinguished among other zamindars.

Pax Mughalica

The Mughal Concept of Paramountcy:

• The Mughal concept of paramountcy brought peace to the country, establishing pax Mughalica(Mughal peace) that facilitated peaceful development.
• It allowed Rajas to operate in distant areas without worrying about internal conflicts.
• Regulation of inter-state disputes and conflicts among Rajput rajas and sardars was a key aspect of this system.
• No subordinate Raja could expand their territory without the Mughal emperor's consent.
• The Mughal policy of conferring honor weakened the aristocracy by encouraging the middle and lower strata to assert independence from the nobility.
• The Mughals enlisted minor feudatories of Rajput rajas in Imperial service, further diminishing the power of the aristocracy.

Mughal Paramountcy and Rajput Relations:

• Mughal Paramountcy ensured that Rajput rajas refrained from raiding each other’s territories and resolving disputes through war, addressing traditional territorial conflicts among Rajput states.
• The concept also involved controlling succession to the throne in Rajput states, as there was no tradition of primogeniture(eldest son succeeding) among Hindus or Muslims.
• Tulsi Das, a Hindi poet during Akbar’s era, emphasized the right of tika(choosing a successor) over primogeniture, though this often led to civil wars.
• The Mughal emperor asserted the right to approve succession, preventing disputes. For example, Akbar appointed Rao Ram as the ruler of Marwar instead of the deceased Rao Maldeo’s nominee, Chandrasen.
• Succession was ultimately a matter of Imperial grace, not right. Controlling succession was challenging and depended on the strength of the Mughal ruler.
• Akbar declared that the grant of tika was the Mughal Emperor’s prerogative, not a right, preventing conflicts and civil wars through Mughal intervention.
• Regulating succession could lead to conflicts, especially under a suspect Mughal ruler, but Mughal intervention often resolved issues without civil wars.

Concept of Watan Jagir 

Rajput Jagir System under the Mughal Empire:

• When a Rajput raja joined the Imperial service, he received a jagir based on his mansab, which included mahals or tappas where his clan members lived.
• The mahals were part of one or more parganas and included a fort or garhi where the raja lived with his family. This area was the raja's true watan, although sometimes the term referred to the entire tract held by the raja and his clansmen.
• Jahangir referred to this area as riyasat. The term watan jagir became common only towards the end of Akbar's reign.
• Watan jagirs were not transferable except in cases of rebellion or similar circumstances. These jagirs were granted for life within Rajasthan.
• Outside Rajasthan,jagirs were transferable.
• The term watan jagir is not mentioned by Abul Fazl or other contemporary historians.
• The first mention of this term is found in a farman from Akbar to Raja Rai Singh of Bikaner.
• Rajput chronicles used the word utan, which may be a variation of watan.

How was it a step towards the evolution of a stable and centralized state structure: 

Change in Rajasthan's State Structure and the Concept of Watan Jagir:

• During Jahangir's reign, the watan jagir concept had become well-established, replacing the older bhaibant system.
• Areas held by clan members and other clans were brought under the raja's control, allowing for greater consolidation of power.
• Watan jagirs enabled rajas to strengthen their position against pattayats, contributing to the development of a more stable and centralized state structure.
• Upon the death of a raja, the parganas he controlled as watan jagir were not automatically inherited by his successor.
• The successor was allocated a few parganas based on his mansab, which was typically lower than that of his predecessor, leading to a partition of jagir rights within a pargana.
• This system was a way for the Mughals to exercise control over the Rajput rajas.
• Rather than fostering divisions among the Rajputs, the Mughals exploited existing clan and personal holdings dissensions for their advantage, such as transferring disputed parganas between rajas.
• Rajput rajas were granted jagirs outside their watan, often in neighboring subas or areas where they served. These jagirs were typically located in either productive regions or zortalab(rebellious) areas.
• Within their principalities, the Rajput rajas enjoyed a degree of autonomy, though they were prohibited from imposing certain taxes like rahdari(road tax).
• The Mughals were particularly interested in preventing the levying of rahdari to safeguard trade along crucial routes across Rajasthan to the sea-ports.
• While the Mughals aimed to introduce their revenue measurement system (zabt) to Rajasthan, they faced challenges as the Rajputs preferred their own system of rekh, which differed from the Mughal assessment of jama.

Relations with Mewar 

Akbar's Relations with Rajasthan:

• Akbar successfully managed to establish relations with almost all the states of Rajasthan, except for Mewar.
• Mewar, due to its large size and rugged, wooded terrain, was well-positioned to resist Mughal dominance, setting it apart from other Rajput states.
• Mewar was aware of its status as the foremost state in Rajasthan and its role as the leader among the Rajput states. This prominence made it the first to feel the force of the Mughal Empire at Chittor.
• After the Mughal conquest of Gujarat, securing communications through Mewar became increasingly important for the Mughal Empire.
• In 1572, when Maharana Pratap ascended the throne of Mewar, Akbar sent several diplomatic missions to address ongoing issues with the Rana.
• The first mission was led by Jalal Khan Qurchi, a trusted associate of Akbar.
• This was followed by a visit from Raja Man Singh, who was received courteously by the Rana. However, Man Singh's visit did not result in any diplomatic progress, as the Rana refused to attend Akbar's court.
• Raja Bhagwant Das' visit was more successful. The Rana accepted the robe sent by Akbar, and the Rana's son,Amar Singh, accompanied Bhagwant Das to the Mughal capital.
• Despite this, no agreement could be reached because the Rana would not submit personally to Akbar, and there were likely disputes regarding Chittor.
• A final attempt by Todar Mal also failed to resolve the differences.
• With negotiations broken down, war between Mewar and the Mughals seemed inevitable. However, Akbar first focused on the conquest of Bihar and Bengal.
• During this time, he established a new administrative system and sought to unify the diverse sects within Islam and, eventually, all religions.
• Akbar also dealt with unrest in Marwar caused by Chandrasen from his base at Siwana. Chandrasen was pursued relentlessly until he found refuge in Mewar, and the stronghold of Siwana was captured in 1575.
• Afterward, Akbar turned his attention to Mewar.
• In early 1576, Akbar moved to Ajmer and assigned Raja Man Singh to lead a campaign against Rana Pratap with a force of 5,000, including Mughal and Rajput warriors.
• Anticipating this move, the Rana devastated the region up to Chittor to deny the Mughal forces food and fodder. He also fortified the passes leading to the hills.
• The Rana advanced with a force of 3,000 from his capital at Kumbhalgarh and positioned himself near Haldighati, at the entrance to the defile leading to Kumbhalgarh.
• Alongside a contingent of Afghans under Hakim Khan Sur, the Rana also had a small group of Bhils, whose support proved invaluable in the subsequent days.

The battle of Haldighati (18 Feb. 1576)

Battle of Haldighati (1576):

• The battle was fought in a traditional manner, with cavalrymen and elephants on both sides. The Mughals struggled to transport heavy artillery due to the rough terrain, relying only on light artillery.
• The Rana (Rajput leader) did not use firearms, possibly due to a disdain for them or a lack of resources to obtain them.
• In the traditional combat setting, the Rajputs had the upper hand. Their fierce attacks initially overwhelmed the Mughal forces, causing the Mughal left and right wings to falter and putting significant pressure on the center until reinforcements arrived and a rumor of Akbar’s presence shifted the momentum.
• The Rajputs’ bravery, the heat of the day, and the fear of ambush in the hills prevented them from pursuing the Mughals, allowing the Rana to retreat into the hills to continue the fight.
• The battle did not resolve the stalemate, with the Rana mainly supported by his subordinates, including Ram Shah, an ex-ruler of Gwalior, and an Afghan contingent led by Hakim Sur.
• The Mughal forces were commanded by Kr. Man Singh.
• The battle of Haldighati cannot be seen purely as a conflict between Hindus and Muslims, nor as a fight for Rajput independence, as many Rajputs had already aligned with the Mughals. It was more an assertion of local independence.
• During the 16th century, strong sentiments of local and regional patriotism in India were often reinforced by appeals to tradition and custom. However, without a dominant regional or national power, Rajasthan faced constant internal conflicts.
• Akbar followed the battle by returning to Ajmer and personally leading the campaign against Rana Pratap, capturing Goganda,Udaipur, and Kumbhalmir, which forced the Rana deeper into the mountains of south Mewar.
• Mughal pressure was also applied to the Afghan chief of Jalor and the Rajput chiefs of Idar,Sirohi,Banswara,Dungapur, and Bundi. These states, bordering Mewar with Gujarat and Malwa, traditionally recognized the supremacy of the dominant regional power despite strong ties with Mewar.
• As a result, Rana Pratap was isolated. Despite his continued valiant efforts against the superior Mughal forces, he became marginalized in Rajput affairs.
• Mughal pressure on Mewar lessened after 1579 due to rebellions in Bengal and Bihar, and Mirza Hakim’s incursions into Punjab.
• In 1585, Akbar moved to Lahore, remaining there for twelve years, overseeing the situation in the north-west, with no expeditions against Rana Pratap during this time.
• Rana Pratap took advantage of this period to recover many territories, including Kumbhalgarh and areas near Chittor, though he could not reclaim Chittor itself. He established a new capital at Chavand, near modern Dungarpur.
• Rana Pratap died in 1597 at the age of 51 due to an internal injury sustained while drawing a stiff bow. It is uncertain if a more lenient approach from Akbar, allowing the Rana to avoid personal submission, could have reduced the bloodshed and suffering during this period.
• By the time of Rana Pratap’s death, the Mughal empire had become consolidated and under strict centralized control, with the Rajputs firmly established as allies and partners within the kingdom.
• Akbar might have adopted a more flexible stance on personal submission, but he maintained the policy of insisting on personal submission in cases like Kashmir and Sindh, leading to military actions when rulers refused.
• Rana Pratap was succeeded by his son Amar Singh, who faced a series of expeditions from Akbar between 1598 and 1605.
• Prince Salim led campaigns against the Rana in 1599 and 1603, but with little success.

During Jahangir

After becoming emperor, Jahangir took a more active approach to the situation in Mewar.

• Prince Parvez, Mahabat Khan, and Abdullah Khan led several campaigns against the Rana of Mewar, but were unsuccessful.
• In 1613, Jahangir personally arrived in Ajmer to oversee the campaign, appointing Prince Khurram to lead a large army into Mewar.
• The continuous pressure from the Mughal forces, along with heavy losses among the Rajputs, depopulation, and agricultural destruction, eventually forced the Mewar sardars to seek peace.
• Jahangir’s diplomatic approach facilitated negotiations, and he sent a gracious farman to the Rana through Prince Khurram.
• The Rana, aiming to maintain his prestige, agreed to meet Khurram and sent his son, Karan Singh, to negotiate with Jahangir.
• Unlike Akbar, Jahangir did not demand the Rana’s personal submission, allowing Karan Singh to be received with honor and granted significant gifts and a mansab.
• Jahangir restored Mewar’s territories, including Chittor, to the Rana and reestablished his authority over nearby principalities.
• He exempted the Rana from personal service at the Mughal Court but required that a male relative serve the Emperor.
• Jahangir also avoided insisting on a marital alliance with the Rana, maintaining this practice throughout Mughal rule.
• The only condition imposed was the non-repair of Chittor fort walls, symbolizing Mughal victory and authority.
• Jahangir continued Akbar’s policy of forming personal ties with Rajput rajas through marriages, especially while Mewar was still resisting Mughal control.
• Once Mewar submitted and relations stabilized, such matrimonial alliances became less common.