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

Introduction

Akbar's Policy Towards the Rajputs

• Akbar, the first Mughal emperor, had a carefully planned approach towards the Rajputs, influenced by various factors. He saw the traditional enmity between Rajput states as a potential advantage for Mughal expansion.
• The Rajputs were known for their bravery, personal qualities like honesty and chivalry, making them preferable allies compared to foreign levies, who were often disloyal and ruthless. Akbar recognized the need for Rajput support to strengthen his empire.
• Akbar believed that subduing or winning over the Rajputs was essential for building a solid foundation for his empire. Their cooperation was crucial for political and social integration, helping to shift the perception of his rule from foreign to national.
• Born under a Rajput roof, Akbar felt a natural affinity towards them. His upbringing and the influence of his tutors made him inclined towards Hinduism, as the majority of Rajputs were Hindus.
• While aiming for conciliation, Akbar wanted to showcase his military strength. Rajput states that submitted to him were treated generously, while those that resisted faced defeat. Defeated rulers were treated with respect, allowed to keep their territories, and given autonomy.
• Akbar invited Rajputs to participate in the imperial government and military, offering them high ranks and positions based on their abilities. His policy, though ambitious, was humane and aimed at allegiance rather than annexation.
• Rajput rulers were expected to pay tribute, surrender their foreign policy, provide military service, and consider themselves part of the empire. Akbar treated them equally, offering them opportunities within the empire.
• Most Rajput rulers pledged allegiance to Akbar, except for Rana Pratap Singh of Mewar, who sought regional independence. Akbar sought matrimonial alliances with Rajputs to strengthen ties, a practice not unique to him but used throughout history.
• Akbar’s policy marked a new era in Indian politics, securing the loyalty of Rajput stalwarts for future Mughal emperors. His approach was not entirely new but continued the practices of his predecessors.
• Despite the criticisms regarding the nature of these alliances, historical evidence suggests that they were not enforced ruthlessly. Rajputs had the freedom to accept or decline such alliances.
• Most Rajput rulers, except for Mewar, submitted to Akbar. Raja Bharmal of Amber was the first to acknowledge Akbar’s suzerainty, offering his daughter in marriage, which strengthened the alliance and led to the birth of the future Mughal emperor, Jahangir.
• Akbar’s relationships with the Rajputs were complex, marked by both submission and alliances, shaping the future of the Mughal Empire.

Evolution of Akbar’s Rajput Policy

• Akbar aimed to befriend the Rajputs while also wanting to bring them under his control.

Merta

Background:

• Merta was under the control of Jai Mal, who was a vassal of Rana Udai Singh of Mewar.
• In 1562 CE, Merta faced an attack led by Mirza Sharafuddin, a Mughal officer serving under Akbar.

Siege of Merta:

• Jai Mal abandoned the fort during the Mughal attack.
• The fort was then defended by Rajput warriors under the leadership of Dev Das.

Outcome:

• Despite their efforts, the Rajputs were defeated.
• The fort fell into Mughal hands, marking a significant victory for Akbar's forces in 1562 CE.

Mewar

Mewar and Its Significance:

• Mewar was bordered by the kingdoms of Jaipur and Ajmer to the north, Pratapgarh and Dungarpur to the south, Kotah and Bundi to the east, and Marwar to the west.
• Rich in natural resources, Mewar was inhabited by hardy mountaineers known for their bravery in battle.
• The ruling Sisodia family was highly respected among the Rajput rulers of Rajasthan, with the Rana of Mewar being a leader of Rajput chivalry.
• After the death of Rana Sangram Singh, Mewar faced a decline in power and prestige, and Rana Udai Singh worked to restore its former glory.

Akbar's Interest in Mewar:

• Mewar was economically and politically important due to its control over trade routes and key fortresses like Chitor and Ranthambhor.
• Conquering Mewar was part of Akbar's larger plan for the unification of Northern India.

The Siege of Chitor:

• Akbar besieged the fort of Chitor in 1567 CE. Rana Udai Singh left for safety, entrusting the fort's defense to Jai Mal and Fatta.
• After a prolonged siege, Jai Mal was wounded, leading to Rajput despair. The women of the fort committed jauhar, and the remaining defenders fought to the death.
• Akbar, angered by the Rajput resistance, ordered a massacre upon entering the fort. Later, he honored Jai Mal and Fatta by erecting their statues in Agra.

Rana Udai Singh and His Legacy:

• Colonel Tod criticized Udai Singh as weak, but modern historians believe he acted for the safety of his family and never submitted to Akbar.
• After Udai Singh's death in 1572 CE, his son Rana Pratap Singh aimed to recapture Chitor.

The Battle of Haldighati:

• In 1576 CE, Akbar sent Man Singh and Asaf Khan to attack Mewar. Rana Pratap fought valiantly in the Battle of Haldighati on June 18, 1576 CE.
• Despite being outnumbered, Pratap's fierce attack made the Mughal army desperate.
• During the battle, a noble named Bida Jhala wore the Rana's crown, confusing the Mughal army and allowing Rana Pratap to escape.

Aftermath and Legacy:

• Although the Rajputs were defeated, the Mughal forces were exhausted and could not pursue Rana Pratap effectively.
• Despite the ravaging of Mewar, Rana Pratap continued to resist Akbar's rule and reclaimed significant territory before his death in 1597 CE.
• Rana Pratap's struggle against Akbar is celebrated as a heroic chapter in Indian history.

Ranthambhor

Ruler of Ranthambhor and Akbar's Conquest:

• The ruler of Ranthambhor,Raja Surjan Rai, was a Rajput from Bundi and a vassal of Mewar.
• In 1569 CE, Akbar's army attacked the fort of Ranthambhor after a siege lasting one and a half months.
• Raja Surjan Rai eventually surrendered, accepted Akbar's suzerainty, and entered imperial service.
• Following his surrender, he was appointed as governor of the Benares province and the fort of Chunar.

Kalinjar

Background of the Battle of Kalinjar (1569 CE):

• Kalinjar was under the rule of Raja Ram Chand from Rewa.
• In August 1569 CE, Akbar sent his army to attack Kalinjar.
• Raja Ram Chand, having heard about the defeats of Chitor and Ranthambhor, decided to surrender without putting up a fight.

Marwar

Akbar's Conquest of Rajasthan and Rajput Relations:

• Demoralization of Rajput Rulers: The surrender of Chitor and Ranthambhor demoralized the Rajput rulers, making them more susceptible to Akbar's rule.
• Conciliatory Policy: Akbar's conciliatory approach led to the acceptance of his suzerainty by the Rajputs, resulting in minimal resistance from other rulers.
• Submission of Rajasthan: By 1570 CE, the rulers of Jodhpur,Bikaner, and Jaisalmer accepted Akbar's suzerainty, with most of Rajasthan submitting to him, except for Mewar and a few tributary states.
• (i) Types of Rajputs Encountered by Akbar:
  • Submissive Rajputs: Some Rajputs, like the ruler of Amber, easily submitted to Akbar and were integrated into the Mughal system.
  • Resistant Rajputs: Others, like those from Ranthambhor, put up a fight but eventually came to an honorable settlement.
  • Defiant Rajputs: Some, like the Rana of Mewar, refused to assimilate and continued to resist fiercely.
• Spirit of Compromise: The first two groups demonstrated a spirit of compromise and assimilation, which was vital for Akbar's vision of a united nation.
• Strength of Defiance: The defiance of the Rana of Mewar, with his pride and courage, contributed to the strength and nobility of the national character, even in resistance.

Results of Akbar’s Rajput Policy

Akbar’s Rajput Policy: A Balanced Approach:

• Historians, both from Akbar's time and later periods, generally praise his Rajput policy.
• Critics like Badauni in the past and Qureshi in modern times argue that this policy contributed to the Mughal decline.
• However, these critiques are seen as biased.
• The Rajput policy was advantageous for both the Mughal Empire and the Rajputs for over a century.
• The friendship and cooperation of the Rajputs provided essential security and stability to Mughal rule.
• Rajputs played a significant role in economic prosperity and cultural renaissance through their active participation in government, fostering a blend of Hindu and Muslim cultures.
• The policy ensured peace for the Rajputs, granting them internal autonomy, religious freedom, the right to celebrate their festivals, and the assurance of hereditary claims to their lands.
• Overall, the Rajput policy proved to be successful, benefiting both the Mughal Empire and the Rajputs.

Summary

Akbar's Rajput Policy: Key Points:

• Akbar was the first Mughal emperor to have a strategic approach towards the Rajputs.
• His Rajput policy was influenced by various factors, including his admiration for Rajput chivalry, loyalty, bravery, and combat skills.
• Akbar understood that for his empire to be stable, he needed either to conquer or win over the Rajputs.
• The political and social integration of the empire required Rajput cooperation, which Akbar recognized.
• His family background and the teachings of his mentors, particularly Abdul Latif, made him favorable towards the Rajputs.
• Rajput states that accepted Akbar's rule were treated with generosity, while those that resisted faced defeat and the capture of their strongholds.
• Defeated rulers who submitted were treated with respect, allowed to keep their territories, and had their family honor upheld.
• Rajputs were invited to participate in the imperial administration and military campaigns, with promotions based on their capabilities and status.
• Many Rajput leaders pledged loyalty to the Mughal emperor.
• Akbar aimed to create marriage alliances with Rajputs to foster closer ties and promote the Indianization of the Mughals.
• Most Rajput rulers, except for Mewar, acknowledged Akbar's authority.
• Raja Bharmal of Amber was the first Rajput to accept Akbar's suzerainty and offered his daughter in marriage to the emperor.
• Rana Pratap of Mewar resisted Akbar's rule and famously defeated Akbar's forces in the Battle of Haldighati.
• Akbar's campaigns included the capture of Merta, the siege of Chitor, and victories over the rulers of Ranthambhor and Kalinjar.
• By 1570, the rulers of Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer had accepted Akbar's suzerainty.
• Overall, Akbar's Rajput policy was a great success, leading to greater integration and cooperation between the Mughals and Rajputs.