PREFACE
No one can undertake with a light heart the preparation of a new edition of Colonel Tod’s great work, The Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan. But the leading part which the Rajputs have taken in the Great War, the summoning of one of their princes to a seat at the Imperial Conference, the certainty that as the result of the present cataclysm they will be entitled to a larger share in the administration of India, have contributed to the desire that this classical account of their history and sociology should be presented in a shape adapted to the use of the modern scholar and student of Indian history and antiquitiesIn the Introduction which follows I have endeavoured to estimate the merits and defects of Colonel Tod’s work. Here it is necessary only to state that though the book has been several times reprinted in India and once in this country, the obvious difficulties of such an undertaking have hitherto prevented any writer better qualified than myself from attempting to prepare an annotated edition. Irrespectively of the fact that this work was published a century ago, when the study of the history, antiquities, sociology, and geography of India had only recently started, the Author’s method led him to formulate theories on a wide range of subjects not directly connected with the Rajputs. In the light of our present knowledge some of these speculations have become obsolete, and it might have been possible, without impairing the value of the work as a Chronicle of the Rajputs, to have discarded from the text and notes much which no longer possesses value. But the work is a classic, and it deserves to be treated as such, and it was decided that any mutilation of the original text and notes would be inconsistent with the object of this series of reprints of classical works on Indian subjects.
In the Introduction which follows I have endeavoured to estimate the merits and defects of Colonel Tod’s work. Here it is necessary only to state that though the book has been several times reprinted in India and once in this country, the obvious difficulties of such an undertaking have hitherto prevented any writer better qualified than myself from attempting to prepare an annotated edition. Irrespectively of the fact that this work was published a century ago, when the study of the history, antiquities, sociology, and geography of India had only recently started, the Author’s method led him to formulate theories on a wide range of subjects not directly connected with the Rajputs. In the light of our present knowledge some of these speculations have become obsolete, and it might have been possible, without impairing the value of the work as a Chronicle of the Rajputs, to have discarded from the text and notes much which no longer possesses value. But the work is a classic, and it deserves to be treated as such, and it was decided that any mutilation of the original text and notes would be inconsistent with the object of this series of reprints of classical works on Indian subjects.
PREFACE BY THE EDITOR
INTRODUCTION BY THE EDITOR
BIBLIOGRAPHY.
AUTHOR’S INTRODUCTION
BOOK I
GEOGRAPHY OF RAJASTHAN OR RAJPUTANA
BOOK II
HISTORY OF THE RAJPUT TRIBES
CHAPTER 1
Genealogies of the Rajput princes-The Puranas-Connexion of the Rajputs with the Scythic tribes
CHAPTER 2
Genealogies continued-Fictions in the Puranas-Union of the regal and the priestly characters-Legends of the Puranas confirmed by the Greek historians
CHAPTER 3
Genealogies continued-Comparisons between the lists of Sir W. Jones, Mr. Bentley, Captain Wilford, and the Author- Synchronisms
CHAPTER 4
Foundations of States and Cities by the different tribes.
CHAPTER 5
The dynastics which succceded Rama and Krishna-The Pandava family-Periods of the different dynasties
CHAPTER 6
Gencalogical history of the Rajput tribes subsequent to Vikrama- ditya-Forcign races which entered India-Analogies be- tween the Seythians, the Rajputs, and the tribes of Sean- dinavia
CHAPTER 7
Catalogue of the Thirty-six Royal Races
CHAPTER 8
Reflections on the present political state of the Rajput tribes
BOOK III
SKETCH OF A FEUDAL SYSTEM IN RAJASTHAN
CHAPTER 1
Introduction – Existing condition of Rajasthan-General re- semblance between the ancient systems of Asia and Europe -Noble origin of the Rajput race-Rathors of Marwar Kachhwahas of Aniber-Sesodias of Mewar-Gradation of ranks-Revenues and rights of the Crown-Barar-Khar
CHAPTER 2
Legislative authority-Rozina-Military service-Inefficiency of this form of government
CHAPTER 3
Feudal lucidents-Duration of grants
CHAPTER 4
Rakhwali-Servitude-Basai-Gola and Das-Private feuds and composition-Rajput l’ardhans or Premiers.
CHAPTER 5
Adoption-Reflections upon the subjects treated.
BOOK IV
ANNALS OF MEWAR
CHAPTER 1
Origin of the Gubilot prinees of Mewar-Authorities-Kanaksen the founder of the present dynasty-His descent from Rama -He emigrates to Saurashtra-Valabhipura-Its saek and destruction by the Huns or Parthians.
CHAPTER 2
Birth of Goha-He acquires Idar-Derivation of the term “Guhilot”-Birth of Bappa-Early religion of the Guhilots- Bappa’s history-Oghana Panarwa-Bappa’s initiation into the worship of Siva-He gains possession of Chitor-Remark- able end of Bappa-Four epochs established, from the second to the eleventh century
CHAPTER 3
Alleged Persian extraction of the Ranas of Mewar-Authorities for it-Implied descent of the Ranas from a Christian princess of Byzantium-The Author’s reflections upon these points. 271
CHAPTER 4
Intervening sovereigns between Bappa and Samarsi-Bappa’s descendants Irruptions of the Arabians into India-Cata- logue of Hindu princes who defended Chitor
CHAPTER 5
Historical facts furnished by the bard Chand-Anangpal- Prithiraj Samarsi Overthrow of the Chauhan monarch by the Tatars-Posterity of Samarsi-Rahap-Changes in the title and the tribe of its prince-Successors of Rahap
CHAPTER 6
Rana Lakhamsi-Attack on Chitor by Alau-d-din-Treachery of Ala-Ruse of the Chitor chiefs to recover Bhimsi-Devotion of the Rana and his sons-Sack of Chitor by the Tatars-Its destruction-Rana Ajaisi-Hamir-He gains possession of Chitor-Renown and prosperity of Mewar-Klictsi-Lakha
CHAPTER 7
Delicacy of the Rajputs-The occasion of changing the rule of primogeniture in Mewar-Succession of the infant Mokalji, to the prejudice of Chonda, the rightful heir-Disorders in Mewar through the usurpations of the Rathors-Chonda expels them from Chitor and takes Mandor-Transactions between Mewar and Marwar-Reign of Mokalji-His assassination
Succession of Kumbha-He defeats and takes prisoner Mahmud of Malwa-Splendour of Kumblia’s reign-Assassinated by his son-The murderer dethroned by Raemall-Mewar in- vaded by the imperial forces-Raemall’s successes-Feuds of the family-Death of Raemall
CHAPTER 9
Accession of Rana Sanga-State of the Muhammadan power- Grandeur of Mewar Sanga’s victories-Invasions of India- Babur’s invasion-Defeats and kills the King of Delhi- Opposed by Sanga-Battle of Khanus-Defeat of Sanga-His death and character-Accession of Rana Ratna-His death -Rana Bikramajit-His character-Disgusts his nobles- Chitor invested by the King of Malwa-Storm of Chitor- Sakha or immolation of the females-Fall and plunder of Chitor-Humayun comes to its aid-He restores Chitor to Bikramajit, who is deposed by the nobles-Election of Banbir Bikramajit assassinated
CHAPTER 10
The bastard Danbir rules Mewar-Attempted assassination of the posthumous son of Sanga-Udai Singh’s escape and long concealment Acknowledged as Rana-The Dauna described -Udai Singh gains Chitor-Deposal of Banbir-Origin of the Bhonslas of Nagpur-Rana Udai Singh-His unworthi- ness-Humayun expelled the throne of India-Birth of Akbar -Humayun recovers his throne-His death-Accession of Akbar-Characters of Akbar and Udai Singh contrasted- Akbar besieges Chitor, which is abandoned by the Rana-Its defence Jaimall and Patta-Anecdotes of Rajput females -Sakha or Johar-General assault-Chitor taken-Massacre of the inhabitants-Udai Singh founds the new capital Udaipur-His death
CHAPTER 11
Accession of Partap-The Rajput princes unite with Akbar- Depressed condition of Partap-He prepares for war- Maldeo submits to Akbar-Partap denounces connexion with the Rajput princes-Raja Man of Amber-Prince Salim invades Mewar-Battle of Haldighat-Partap encounters Salim, is wounded, and saved by the Jhala chief-Assisted in his flight by his brother Sakta-Kumbhalmer taken by Akbar-Udaipur occupied by the Moguls-Partap cuts off Farid and his army-Partap’s family saved by the Bhils- The Khankhanan-Aggravated hardships of Partap-He negotiates with Akbar Prithiraj of Bikaner-The Khushroz described-Partap abandons Mewar-Departure for the Indus-Fidelity of his minister-Returns-Surprises the Moguls-Regains Kumbhalmer and Udaipur-His successes -His sickness and death
CHAPTER 12
Amra mounts the throne-Akbar’s death through an attempt to polson Raja Man-Amra disregards the promise given to his father-Conduct of the Salumbar chief-Amra defeats the Imperial armies-Sagarji installed as Rana in Chitor-Re- signs it to Amra-Fresh successes-Origin of the Saktawats The Emperor sends his son Parvez against the Rana, who is defeated-Mahabat Khan defeated-Sultan Khurram in- vades Mewar Amra’s despair and submission-Embassy from England-Amra abdicates the throne to his son- Amra’s seclusion-His death-Observations
CHAPTER 13
Rana Karan fortifies and embellishes Udaipur-The Ranas of Mewar exeused attendanee at court-Bhim commands the contingent of Mewar-Leagues with Sultan Khurram against Parvez Jahangir attacks the insurgents-Bhim slain- Khurram flies to Udaipur-His reception by the Rana- Death of Karan-Rana Jagat Singh succeeds-Death of Jahangir and accession of Khurram as Shah Jahan-Mewar enjoys profound peace-The island palaces erected by Jagat Singh-Repairs Chitor-His death-Rana Raj Singh -Deposal of Shah Jahan and accession of Aurangzeb Causes for attachment to the Hindus of Jahangir and Shah Jahan-Aurangzeb’s character; imposes the Jizya or eapitation tax on the Rajputs-Raj Singh abducts the in- tended wife of the emperor and prepares for war-Aurangzeb marches-The valley of Girwa-Prince Akbar surprised- Defeated-Blockaded in the mountains-Liberated by the heir of Mewar-Diler Khan defeated-Aurangzeb defeated hy the Rana and his Rathor allies-Aurangzeb quits the field-Prince Bhim invades Gujarat-The Rana’s minister ravages Malwa-United Rajputs defeat Azam and drive him from Chitor-Mewar freed from the Moguls-War earried into Marwar-Sesodias and Rathors defcat Sultan Akbar- Rajput stratagem-Design to depose Aurangzeb and elevate Akbar to the throne-Its failure-The Mogul makes over- tures to the Rana-Peace-Terms-The Rana dies of his wounds-Iis character, contrasted with that of Aurangzeb -Lake Rajsamund-Dreadful famine and pestilence
CHAPTER 14
Rana Jai Singh-Anecdote regarding him and his twin brother- The Rana and Prince Azam eonfer-Peace-Rupture-The Rana forms the Lake Jaisamund-Domestic hroils-Amra, the heir-apparent, whels-The Rann dies-Accession of Amra -His treaty with the heir of Aurangzeb-Reflections on the
events of this period-Imposition of the Jizya or capitation tax-Alienation of the Rajputs from the empire-Causes- Aurangzeb’s death-Contests for empire-Bahadur Shah, emperor-The Sikhs declare for independence-Triple alliance of the Rajput States of Mewar, Marwar, and Amber -They commence hostilities-Death of the Mogul Bahadur Shah Elevation of Farrukhsiyar-He marries the daughter of the Prince of Marwar-Origin of the British power in India -The Rana treats with the emperor-The Jats declare their independence-Rana Amra dies-His character
CHAPTER 15
Rana Sangran-Dismemberment of the Mogul Empire- Nizamu-l Mulk establishes the Haidarabad State-Murder of the Emperor Farrukhsiyar-Abrogation of the Jizya Muhammad Shah, Emperor of Delhi-Saadat Khan obtains Oudh-Repeal of the Jizya confirmed-Policy of Mewar- Rana Sangrani dies-Anecdotes regarding him-Rana Jagat Singh II. succeeds-Treaty of triple alliance with Marwar and Amber-The Mahrattas invade and gain footing in Malwa and Gujarat-Invasion of Nadir Shah-Sack of Delhi-Condition of Rajputana-Limits of Mewar-Rajput alliances-Bajirao invades Mewar-Obtains a cession of annual tribute-Contest to place Madho Singh on the throne of Amber-Battle of Rajmahall-The Rana defeated-He leagues with Malharrao Holkar-Isari Singh of Amber takes poison-The Rana dies-His character
CHAPTER 16
Rana Partap II.-Rana Raj Singh II.-Rana Arsi-Holkar in- vades Mewar, and levies contributions-Rebellion to depose the Rana-A Pretender set up by the rebel chiefs-Zalim Singh of Kotah-The Pretender unites with Sindhia-Their combined force attacked by the Rana, who is defeated- Sindhia invades Mewar and besieges Udaipur-Amra Chand made minister by the Rana-His noble conduct-Negotiates with Sindhia, who withdraws-Loss of territory to Mewar- Rebel chiefs return to their allegiance-Province of Godwar lost-Assassination of the Rana-Rana Hamir succeeds Contentions between the Queen Regent and Amra-His noble conduct, death, and character-Diminution of the Mewar territory
CHAPTER 17
Rana Bhim-Feud of Sheogarh-The Rana redeems the alien- ated lands-Ahalya Bai attacks the Rana’s army-Which is defeated-Chondawat rebellion-Assassination of the Minister Somji-The rebels seize on Chitor-Mahadaji Sindhia called in by the Rana-Invests Chitor-The rebels surrender acted by Ambaji, who assumes the title of Subalıdar, con- -Designs of Zalim Singh for power in Mewar-Counter- tested by Lakwa-Effects of these struggles-Zalim obtains Jahazpur-Holkar invades Mewar Confines the priests of Nathdwara-Heroic conduct of the Chief of Kotharia Lakwa dies-The Rana seizes the Mahiratta leaders Liberated by Zalim Singh-Holkar returns to Udaipur Imposes a heavy contribution-Sindhia’s invasion-Re- flections on their contest with the British-Ambaji projects the partition of Mewar-Frustrated-Rivalry for Krishna Kunwari, the Princess of Mewar, produces war throughout Rajasthan-Immolation of Krishna-Amir Khan and Ajit Singh-Their villainy-British Embassy to Sindhia’s Court at Udaipur-Ambaji is disgraced, and attempts suicide Amir Khan and Bapu Sindhia desolate Mewar The Rana forms a treaty with the British.
CHAPTER 18
Overthrow of the predatory system-Alliances with the Rajput States-Envoy appointed to Mewar-Arrives at Udaipur- Reception-Description of the Court-Political geography of Mewar -The Rana-His character-His ministers-Plans -Exiles recalled-Merchants invited-Bhilwara established -Assembly of the nobles Charter ratified; Resumptions of land; Anecdotes of the Chiefs of Arja, Badnor, Badesar, and Amet-Landed tenures in Mewar-Village rule-Free- hold (bapota) of Mewar-Bhumia, or allodial vassals: Character and privileges Great Register of Patents-Traditions exemplifying right in the soil-The Patel; his origin; character-Assessment of land-rents-General results