Answer :- The Mughal–Rajput relations established under the Rajput policy of Akbar (1556–1605) were not only a matter of power struggle, but also symbolized a complex coordination of policy, self-esteem, and diplomacy. While, on one hand, Akbar attempted to bring stability to the empire through his coordinated and liberal Rajput policy, on the other hand, the Sisodia rulers of Mewar considered the protection of their independence, identity, and traditions as paramount. As a result, the relations between Akbar and Mewar were not limited to conflict, but evolved into a struggle between imperial expansion and self-respect.
Akbar and Mewar Relations
Akbar and Rana Udai Singh (1537–1572 AD)
In October 1567, Akbar attacked Chittor. On the advice of his chiefs, Udai Singh entrusted the responsibility of defending the fort to his two generals, Jaimal and Fatta, and retreated to the hills of Girwa. During the defense of the fort, Jaimal and Fatta displayed exceptional bravery. In 1568, the third Saka of Mewar took place. Akbar was deeply impressed by their heroism and installed stone statues of Jaimal and Fatta outside the Agra Fort.
Akbar and Maharana Pratap (1572–1597 AD)
In 1572, the chiefs of Mewar placed Pratap on the throne in place of Jagmal. At that time, Delhi was ruled by the Mughal emperor Akbar. Pratap had two choices before him:
Either to accept Akbar’s suzerainty and live a comfortable life,
or to maintain his independence and uphold the honour of his land.
By choosing the second option, he had to endure great hardships. Nevertheless, Pratap chose the path of struggle. In preparation, he first organized Mewar and formed a group of loyal nobles who were always ready to defend the state. He shifted his base from Gogunda to Kumbhalgarh to better manage the war and avoid direct Mughal pressure.
Akbar was determined to subjugate Mewar and attempted reconciliation. Between 1572 and 1576, he sent four diplomatic missions led by Jalal Khan, Man Singh, Bhagwan Das, and Todar Mal, respectively. However, Maharana Pratap showed no interest in a treaty, leading to Mughal military action.
In early 1576, Akbar reached Ajmer to prepare for the Mewar campaign and entrusted its command to Man Singh. On 18 June 1576, the famous Battle of Haldighati was fought near Khamnor between the Mughal army and Maharana Pratap. The Mughal forces were led by Man Singh of Amer, while Pratap’s army included Krishnadas Chundawat (Salumbar), Ramshah Tomar (Gwalior), Hakim Khan Sur, and Poonja Bhil.
When Pratap’s life was in danger, Jhala Binda wore Pratap’s crown, fought bravely, and enabled Pratap to escape from the battlefield. The battle remained inconclusive. After Haldighati, Maharana Pratap continued guerrilla warfare from the hills to harass the Mughal forces.
Between 1576 and 1585, Akbar sent several expeditions to capture Mewar but achieved limited success. Two important events occurred during this period. In 1580, Amar Singh, the son of Maharana Pratap, attacked the Mughal camp at Sherpur and captured the women of Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan’s family. On learning of this, Pratap ordered that the women be safely escorted back, demonstrating the Indian tradition of respecting women.
In 1582, during the attack on the Mughal outpost of Dewair, Kunwar Amar Singh killed the Mughal officer Sultan Khan with a single spear strike. After the victory at Dewair, Pratap regained control over this mountainous region. This was a major success for the Mewar army, which led Colonel Tod to describe Dewair as the “Marathon of Mewar.”
After 1585, Akbar could not send further expeditions against Mewar. Between 1585 and 1597, Maharana Pratap regained control over most of his kingdom, except Chittor and Mandalgarh. He established Chavand as his capital and restored administrative order in the state.
Akbar and Rana Amar Singh (1597–1620 AD)
Amar Singh became the ruler of Mewar in 1597. During his reign, he continued to face Mughal invasions.
The relationship between Akbar and the rulers of Mewar was not limited to warfare (such as the Battle of Haldighati), but stands in Indian history as a long and inspiring saga of imperial ambition versus self-respect. Ultimately, the treaty between Amar Singh and Jahangir on 5 February 1615 brought a practical end to this prolonged struggle.
