Mewari is one of the major dialects (A language which is only spoken, not written) of the Rajasthani language. Although, in modern times some written forms of the language are available in the Mewar region such as the Mewari dictionary by Nirmaan society. Along with Mewari, Rajasthani language includes some other dialects too such as Marwari, Malvi, Dhundhari, Harauti, Mewati, Shekhawati, Wagri, Bagdi, Dhatki, Godwari, Gujari, Gurgula, Goaria, and Lambadi.
The name of the language is taken from the region it belongs to which is Mewar. In the present day, the region of Mewar includes districts of Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Udaipur, Pirawa Tehsil of Jhalawar District of Rajasthan, Neemuch, and Mandsaur of Madhya Pradesh and some parts of Gujarat.
Source: 121 Clicks
Mewari is the second largest language in Rajasthan and plays a vital role in Rajasthani literature. It is spoken by five million speakers in Rajasthan. However, the existence of the language is getting diminished as Hindi and English is taking over it in Rajasthan.
Origin of Mewari language
All the Rajasthani languages belong to the Western Indo-Aryan language family. The origin of the language is not specifically known but it is said that the earliest use was found in the late 19th century (1865 – 1936) in a book by Rudyard Kipling. As for the Rajasthani language, the rich tradition of the literature of it ages approx. 1500 years ago.
In 779 AD, Udhyotan Suri wrote Kuvalaya Mala partly in Prakrit and partly in Aprabransh. Apart from that, Maru Gurjar or Maruwani (1100-1500 AD) was spoken by Gurjars in Gujarat and Rajasthan. Some texts of this era also display some Gujarati characteristic features. It had three genders as the Gujarati language does today. It was during the medieval period, the literary language split away from Gujarati.
Source: The Indian Wire
By around 1300 CE, a fairly standardized form of the language emerged. The language which was known as Old Gujarati was called as Old Western Rajasthani preferred by some scholars.
Official status of the language
Rajasthani language wasn’t recognized by the national and international authorities before 1873. In the same year, westerners like Samuel H. Kellogg considered the dialects of Rajasthani language as a subgroup of western Hindi. Samuel possessed enough knowledge about the Indian languages. He revised the Hindi translation of the Bible and wrote the book ‘Hindi Vyaakran’ which was a well-received grammar book.
Samuel H. Kellogg | Source: RevolvyGeorge Abraham Grierson | Source: Wikipedia
After that, in 1908, George Abraham Grierson, who was an Irish British administrator and linguist in British India, considered the dialects jointly under the name of Rajasthani.
In today’s date, Sahitya Akademi and University Grants Commission has recognized Rajasthani as a distinct language and is taught in both Jodhpur’s Jai Narain Vyas University and Udaipur’s Mohanlal Sukhadiya University. The state Board of Secondary Education has included Rajasthani in its course of studies and it has been an optional subject since 1973.
Three tenses – Present tense, past tense and future tense
Four Moods
In India, Rajasthani is written in the Devanagari script, a segmental writing system which is written from left to right. Earlier, the Mahajani script or Muriya script was used to write Rajasthani. In Pakistan where Rajasthani is considered as a Minor language, a variant of Sindhi script is used to write Rajasthani dialects.
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Maharana Pratap had 11 wives from which Maharani Ajabde Punwar was his favorite. With those 11 wives, he had 17 sons and 5 daughters. (Though various historical records vary the number of wives and daughters)
He stood at a magnificent height of 7 feet and 5 inches.
Source: Wikipedia
At the battlefield, he used to carry a weight of around 360 kg which included a spear weighing 80 kg, two swords weighing 208 kg and his armor was around 72 kg heavy. His own weight was more than 110 kg.
Source: bobhata
He was the eldest son of Maharana Udai Singh amongst his other 32 children. Also his father – Maharana Udai Singh was the founder of Udaipur.
Rani Dheer Bai, the stepmother of Maharana Pratap initially wanted Kunwar Jagmal Singh to become the king of Mewar after Udai Singh was defeated by Mughal emperor Akbar. But after a long debate and conflict the court found Kunwar Jagmal to be unfit for the position and so Maharana Pratap was made the ruler.
Kunwar Jagmal Singh later served the Mughal emperor Akbar along with his two brothers Shakti Singh and Sagar Singh.
It is been said that in the battle of Haldighati, Maharana Pratap sliced one of the Mughal opponent Behlol Khan into two along with his horse into two.
Source: Quora
During a battle, Jhala Maan who had a close resemblance to Maharana Pratap wore the crown of Maharana Pratap and the Mughals attacked Jhala Maan misunderstanding him to be Maharana Pratap and in that battle, Jhala Maan was killed. Jhala Maan was the one himself who advised Pratap to leave the battlefield.
It was Akbar’s dream to capture Maharana Pratap but he couldn’t succeed in his lifetime. Even after all the Rajput dynasties which included Gogunda, and Bundi had surrendered to Akbar, Pratap never bowed to Akbar.
It was his dream to free Chittor and so he made a pledge that he would eat in a leaf plate and sleep on a bed of straws until he doesn’t win Chittor back. Even today some Rajputs place a leaf under their plate and straw under their bed in the honor of the legendary Maharana Pratap.
Source: Tavamithram
When he was struggling in the jungle, he had nothing to eat and he had rotis made from grass and one time the cat stole even the grass roti made for his daughter. Then he thought to surrender in front of Akbar and wrote a letter to him regarding the same. Akbar was very happy reading the letter and gave it to the Prithviraj who was the Rajput poet and warrior. In a poetic way, he said in his letter to Pratap to not quit or accept defeat from Akbar.
We all know about Chetak, the loyal horse of Maharana Pratap who sacrificed his life while saving his master after rescuing from the battle. But Maharana Pratap owned an elephant too who is said to have crushed the Mughal army in a battle. After Ramprasad, the elephant killed two war elephants, Akbar ordered his force to capture Ramprasad at any cost and for the same 7 war elephants were sent to catch Ramprasad. But its loyalty always belonged to his master, Maharana Pratap and so he didn’t eat anything nor drank any water and on the 18th day after his imprisonment, he died.
Source: Quora
Once Kunwar Amar Singh launched an attack on the camp of Abdur Rahim Khankhana who was the general of the Mughal army and took away his wives and women as trophy hostages. When Pratap came to know about his deed, he rebuked him and ordered to release all the women. Abdur was very thankful of the act of Maharana and pledged not to raise a single weapon against Mewar from then onwards. Abdur Rahim Khankhana is none other than the Rahim whose dohe and poems we have been reciting since our childhood.
Source: Free Press Journal
He survived n number of battles in his lifetime but died of an injury from the hunting accident while tightening the string of a bow with an arrow. The news of Maharana’s death made even Akbar cry.
Source: Zee News
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आज हरियाली तीज के मौके पर हम आपको इसी के कुछ पहलुओं से अवगत करवाने वाले है। हरियाली तीज का त्यौहार प्रतिवर्ष श्रावण के महीने की शुरुवात में मनाया जाता। देवी पार्वती को समर्पित, तीज का त्यौहार देवी पार्वती और भगवान शिव के मिलन की स्मृति में मनाया जाता है। सावन का महीना और भगवान शिव और देवी पार्वती का पवित्र रिवायत इस त्यौहार का आधार है।
apkisaheli.com
हरियाली तीज का इतिहास
हरियाली तीज का त्यौहार देवी पार्वती का भगवान शिव के प्रति अनंत निष्ठा व प्रेम का प्रतीक है। इस दिन भगवान शिव और देवी पार्वती, हज़ारों सालों के बाद, फिर से, एक हो गए थे। इस त्यौहार के रीति- रिवाज और परंपरा भी प्रेम और निष्ठा के अद्भुत संगम का आधार है। इसका का कुछ विवरण मेवाड़ के इतिहास की प्रसिद्ध किताब, महामहोपाध्याय कविराज श्यामलदास (महाराणा सज्जन सिंह जी के आश्रित कवि) द्वारा रचित “वीर विनोद” में भी मिल जाता है। किताब का अंश कुछ इस प्रकार है- “श्रावण शुक्ल 3 को तीज का त्यौहार मनाया जाता है। इस त्यौहार को राजपूताना में राजा व प्रजा सब मानते है, और महाराणा जगनिवास महल में पधार कर गोठ जीमते है और रंगीन रस्सों के झूलो पर औरते झूलती और गायन करती है। शाम के वक़्त महाराणा जुलुस के साथ नाव सवार हो कर राग रंग के किनारे पर पहुंचते है। यदि इच्छा हो तो वह से हाथी या घोड़े पर सवार हो कर सीधे महलो में पधार जाते है। पश्चात, जगनिवास महल और बाड़ी महल में वैसी ही तैयारियाँ होती है जैसी गणगौर के उत्सव में बयान की गयी है।”
News Nation
हरियाली तीज का महत्व
सावन का महीना त्यौहार मनाने योग्य ही तो है क्योंकि वर्षा का आगमन जो होता है भूमि पर। इस दिन, सभी वर्ग की औरते लहरिए-बांधनी साड़ी पहने, गेहेनो और मेहँदी से सज कर देवी पार्वती के दर्शन हेतु जाती है और बाघों में झूले लगाए जाते है। “सावन के झूले” का प्रसंग काफी प्रसिद्ध है। तीज का त्यौहार झूलो के बिना अधूरा सा लगता है और इनकी सजावट भी कुछ राजस्थानी ढंग से की जाती है। चमकीले लाल-पीले-हरे रंग के घाघरा- चोली पहने सभी विवाहित महिलाएँ इन झूलो का आनंद लेती है और साथ ही साथ देवी पार्वती की भक्ति से सराबोर लोक गीत गाती है इसी आशा में की देवी पार्वती सदैव उन पर अपनी कृपा बनाए रखेंगी। सावन के गीत गाने की परंपरा भी काफी प्रचलित है। मेहँदी भी काफी प्रचलित और मान्य परंपराओं में से एक है। मेहँदी और चूडियो से सजे हाथ, तीज के पर्व की शोभा में चार चाँद लगा देते है।तीज के त्यौहार पर घेवर का राजस्थान में एक अलग महत्व है। यह पारंपरिक मिठाई मैदा, चीनी और अलग-अलग ड्राई फ्रूट्स सब मिलकर बनी होती है साथ ही साथ इसके ऊपर केसर का छितराव और चाँदी का वर्क चढ़ा होता है। इस मिठाई की आपको दस के आस-पास वैरायटी देखने को मिल जाएगी जिनमें केसर घेवर, पनीर घेवर, मलाई घेवर बहुत प्रसिद्ध है। मिठाई पर घी की मोटी परत होने के बावजूद यह खाने में बेहद सुपाच्य मानी जाती है। तीज पर घेवर को शादीशुदा लड़की को देने का भी परंपरा है। सावन मैं घेवर बनाना उत्तम क्यों रहता है, इसके पीछे कारण यह है की यह सावन की नमी भरे वातावरण को पूर्ण रूप से सोख लेता है जिससे इसका स्वाद बना रहता है। ऐसा माना जाता है कि यह मिठाई वाजिद अली शाह द्वारा जयपुर लाई गई थी। इतने सालों के बाद आज भी घेवर राजस्थान के कई भागों में मिल जाता है।
सावन, हरियाली, लहेरिये, झूले, मेहँदी, घेवर, मालपुए यह सभी इस पर्व के पर्याय है और संस्कृति व श्रद्धा से परिपूर्ण यह पर्व आज भी उसी हर्षोउल्लास से मनाया जाता है और आशा यही है की इसकी गरिमा सदैव यूही बनी रहे।
Nirmaan Society from Chittorgarh with the support of MMCF took a great initiative to preserve and promote the mother tongue of Mewar. A brand new Mewari word dictionary has been launched by Nirmaan Society. This is the first Mewari dictionary ever. This dictionary will help tourists as well as locals to understand the roots of the language and understand the culture of Mewar.
Nowadays, people of Mewar has forgotten about Mewari completely. Instead of that, they prefer Hindi or English. It’s not that using a certain language is wrong but one should know the regional language of the place they belong to.
Source: Eternal Mewar
This dictionary consists of Mewari songs, Mewari alphabets, a map of Mewar, process of using Mewari dictionary, abbreviations and word meanings. Most of the words gathered in the dictionary are taken from a village near Khapan tehsil. The words used in it has got checked by people from various areas in Mewar.
The Mewari dictionary is equipped with approx. 6406 words of Mewari language. Not just this but every Mewari word is combined with its English and Hindi meaning, its pronunciation, grammar related to it and the sentence constructed from the particular word in Mewari.
This Mewari dictionary has two editions one of which was published in April 2017 and the second edition was published in January 2018. The launching of the second edition of the Mewari dictionary was attended by respected Arvind Singh Mewar.
This is a beautiful initiative taken to preserve the beautiful diminishing Mewari language. It will help all the people who are interested in the culture of Mewar and its language and through this, the culture and language of Mewar would be eternal forever. Find the soft copy of the dictionary here – https://bit.ly/2mmvQZk.
If you have any feedback regarding the article or if you think we have missed something, feel free to share it with us in the comment section below or you can also write to me at juhee@udaipurblog.com.
Today is International Day against drug abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the whole of the nation is talking about it. Let us have a close look at its adverse effects on our people.
On International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, let us commit ourselves to fighting this problem collectively as it is crippling our society. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act was enacted in 1985 to tackle drug abuse. pic.twitter.com/LKz7ld8OFL
The celebration of International Day against drug abuse has a special significance in Udaipur. Opium is grown in parts of Mewar and neighboring state of Madhya Pradesh. It is reported that its products are easily available in Lake city and are bought at an extremely high price. By foreign tourists, especially in the areas close to Lake Pichola. Those engaged in this business fall victims to addiction and in turn when they do not have adequate money to buy drugs, they are involved in undesirable activities.
With its determination to strengthen action and co-operation to achieve the goal of a world society free of drug abuse, the UNO General Assembly decided to observe June 26 as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by a resolution of 7 December 1989. The resolution recommended further action with regard to the report and conclusions of the 1987 International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The end of the first century of drug control coincided with the closing of the General Assembly Special Session on Drugs. These anniversaries stimulated reflecting on the effectiveness and limitations of the drug policy. The review resulted in the reaffirmation that illicit drugs continue to pose a health danger to humanity. That is why drugs are and should remain controlled. With this sanction in mind, member states confirmed unequivocal support for the UN Conventions that have established the world drug control system.
President, Shri #RamNathKovind addressing at the presentation of the National Awards for Outstanding Services in the field of Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drugs) Abuse, on the occasion of the ‘International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’, in New Delhi pic.twitter.com/rJJ6KTFUAk
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) June 26, 2018
Mewar and Opium
Former Professor and Dean, MLSU Dr. P.S. Ranawat says that Mewar was an important grower and exporter of opium, mainly to China. It was consumed mainly for its medicinal effects. Maharana Fateh Singh banned its uncontrolled cultivation and consumption in Mewar through his order of 1913 so as to curb the reappearance of the addiction of opium amongst the public. It is still grown under Union Govt. supervision and collected and distributed by the Narcotics Commissioner for medicinal use.
Source: THE HANS INDIA
According to Dr. Ashish Ameta, drinking may cause cancer of the mouth, throat, and food pipe and mental disorders. It may adversely affect heartbeat, blood pressure and muscles of the heart. Ulcers in the stomach may result in death, these are some other ill effects of consumption of wine. Lungs and the respiratory system are likely to suffer as a result of drinking and smoking. The indirect effect on kidney may cause excessive urination. Other ill effects of drinking include insomnia, increase in weight and weakening of muscles. In males, the sperm count goes down whereas in females there is a danger of breast cancer.
So, in the opinion of Ameta, one has to keep away from drinking to be free from all these problems. He adds that as per the report of Alcohol and Drug Information Centre, out of 1,38,000 deaths due to road accidents, 40% are caused by drivers who are drunk. Drinking might make a man violent that might result in serious crimes.
According to eminent psychiatrist Dr. D.M. Mathur, the family of the addict can play an important role in preventing and curing addiction. The common symptoms to be observed include a sudden change in behavior such as frequent changes in mood, irritation etc. Keeping away from one’s family and friends, carelessness about one’s appearance, losing interest in activities such as hobbies, games and other things, change in sleeping habits- waking at night and sleeping during the day, redness in eyes, and frequent bouts of cold and cough. Mathur feels that early detection of the malady, prevention, and proactive measures can save a lot of suffering of the addicted person as well as his family.
Dr. P.C. Jain who has been running a free Nasha Nivaran Kendra for over two decades feels that addiction can be easily cured if the person is determined to give up his habit and takes regular treatment. He should tell his family, friends, and neighbors that he has decided to get rid of the habit. He should give up the company of those who are addicts and encourage others to do so. It is advisable not to keep drinks or drug at home. Physical exercise, yoga, mental rest and meditation help a lot. Keeping a diary and noting in it whenever one deviates from one’s promise not to take drugs helps a lot. Rewarding oneself for not taking drugs for quite some time is also useful. It is better to keep oneself busy so that there is no time to think about the addiction. To keep reminding oneself about the fate of the family in case one passes away due to the addiction is yet another effective measure to keep away from this deadly habit.
On this ‘International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’, let’s come together and show our determination to fight against Drug abuse and Drug trafficking. We should spread awareness to get rid and save our younger generations from this menace. #WorldDrugDay
The concerted efforts of the govt. and several other agencies in Lake City to root out various forms of addiction, it seems, would go a long way in creating a healthy atmosphere.
Chavand, Rajasthan is a place that holds a significant position in the lives of every citizen of Mewar. It was the last capital of Mewar in the reign of Maharana Pratap but that’s not just it. Along with being the third and last capital of Mewar in the legendary Maharana Pratap’s reign, it was also the place where he took his last breath.
It is the same place where during one of his hunting expedition, Maharana Pratap took out his bow and pulled its cord with a great strength. As a result, one of his intestines got strained. Pratap tried to struggle with the pain during his treatment in Chavand but it was so much that he couldn’t bear it anymore and at the age of 57, he passed away on January 29, 1597. It is said that when Akbar (his then enemy) heard the news of Pratap’s death, he shed tears of sorrow.
Picture by: Pushkar Sharma
Chavand is a historical place located in Sarada tehsil at a distance of approx. 45 km from Udaipur. The story of Chawand is dated back in the year 1585 CE. Maharana Pratap retired in the hills of Aravali after the battle of Haldighati in order to continue his venture to defeat the ferocious Mughals and strengthen his army. During his time there, he captured the area of Chavand from the Rathores. He then established his new capital in Chavand in 1585 CE.
It is believed that Pratap built somewhere around 16 hideouts to protect and camouflage his army from the enemies in the radius of 10 km in Chavand which included the armory, secret palaces, temples, and buildings for his soldiers and Bhils (who were the part of his army back then).
Picture by: Tanuj Rawal
Chavand in the present
With time, Chavand has grown beautifully and constructed in such a way that it attracts a lot of people from the cities nearby. One reason for that is even after such a long time, the history and the story of the legends who used to live there once upon a time are alive. People at any point in time coming from different parts of the country can feel the walls and sight of the place. There are different elements that capture the eyes of the tourists and remains the center of attraction of the place.
From the several temples Maharana Pratap built during his time in Chavand, one temple was Chamunda Devi temple. The temple still exists in the village in a perfect condition and Chamunda Devi is worshipped as a local deity by the people residing in the village.
Near Chavand, there is a natural Lake named Lake Khejad in the mid of which a beautiful Cenotaph was made by Maharana Bhupal Singh to commemorate the legend of Mewar, Maharana Pratap. It is now under the control of Rajasthan tourism. The site of the Cenotaph provides basic facts and the history of Mewar and its rulers. The board outside the cenotaph displays names of all the rulers who played a substantial role in the battle of Haldighati and accompanied Maharana Pratap in fighting against powerful Mughal forces.
Picture by: Gaurav Soni
At a distance of 2 km towards Chavand from Lake Khejad, you will reach an ancient Chavand palace on the top of the hill. Although, the palace is now in ruins when it was at its best it was a three storied building. The ruin of the palace overlooks the entire town of Chavand.
Picture by: Pushkar Sharma
Apart from that, there is a memorial of Maharana Pratap in Chavand where a statue of him stands at the top and below are the statues of his associates namely Bhilu Rana, Rana Punja, Hakim Khan Sur, Jala Man and Daanveer Bhamashah. The monument and the entire place is the pilgrimage for all the people from Mewar and the people who admire the great Maharana Pratap. There is a lot to learn from the journey of Pratap. That no matter how great or powerful your enemy is, you should bravely face all the struggles and problems of your life.
Located on a high hill on the west of Chetak Magri between Khamnore and Balicha village on the border of Udaipur and Rajsamand district is the splendid Maharana Pratap Museum. It covers an area of about 15000 sq. meters and is about 40 km from Udaipur. Situated near Chetak Smarak built in the memory of Pratap’s faithful steed Chetak, the area used to be deserted. Impelled by a stray remark that this place near Haldighati where the famous battle between Maharana Pratap and Raja Man Singh was fought deserved a museum. Mohan Shrimali who belongs to Balicha village took up the stupendous task of building a museum to showcase the life and achievements of legend Maharana Pratap. In this project, Shrimali got the support and guidance of the great freedom fighter and member of the constituent assembly, Balwant Singh Mehta. He resighted from his well-paid govt. job sold his parental farmland and pucca house and took a loan to complete his dream two crore project in 12 years. The museum was inaugurated by the erstwhile governor of Rajasthan Anshuman Singh on 19th January 2003 in the presence of other dignitaries.
Source: Tripadvisor
The museum displays in the form of attractive models, pictures are tableau of the royal emblem of Mewar, the sacrifice of Panna Dhai, Mahara Pratap discussing his strategies with his ministers and chiefs, Pratap’s union with his horse Chetak, scenes of Pratap’s life in the jungle, eating bread made of grass, the vow taken by Gadia Lohars not to live in houses, scenes of Chittorgarh and other events related to Pratap’s life. The models some of which are made from fiber are operated by electricity and become lively by the accompanying music, sound and light effects. Also highlighted are those persons who were associated with the battle of Haldighati. Mansingh Jhala, Hakim Khan Soori, Ramshah Tanwar, Shalivahan Tansror, Pratap Singh Tanwar, Bhilu Rana Punja, Veer Pradhan Bhamashah, Veer Purohit Jagannath, Kalyan Podiyar, Mansingh Sajjawat (Delwarora), Tarachand Kavedia, Rana Sangha Chundawat, Bheemsingh Dodia, Ramdas Rathore, Mansingh Sonagora (Pali), Mahasahani Jagannath, Purohit Gopinath Rawal, Krishnadas Chundawat, Mehta Jaimalla, Barkat Jaisa Sauda, Barkat Kesav Sonda, Bhawani Singh Tanwar, Mehta Ratanchand Charan, Roma Sandhu, etc.
Source: yogoyo.com
Also on display are portraits of Meera Bai and Maharanas of Mewar dynasty including Maharana Kumbha Singh, Maharana Sangram Singh, Maharana Amar Singh and Maharana Udai Singh. Objects that are associated with our ancient culture such as Rahat that was used to draw water from wells Kolhu to extract oil, Chadas, Telki, Ghani, Rath, Bullock cart, Agriculture implements, musical instruments, dresses, utensils, locks, etc. are also there in the museum. Also on display are the traditional lifestyles of different castes and several kinds of weapons. There is also a huge library to which 6000 books have been added recently that is a treasure house of knowledge, especially for researchers. Films are screened in the 50 sealed theatre where it is proposed to double the capacity. Light and sound show is another attraction. Also showcased are rural industries and handicraft products such as the attractive Molela Terracotta items. A small artificial Lake also attracts the visitors.
Balicha area is famous for Cheti Gulab that flowers only once in a year in the month of Chaitra. It is said that the species was brought here by the army of Akbar and that is why the area is called Shahi Bagh. Not only is the process of making Gulab Sharbat, Gulab Jal and Gulkund displayed in the museum but villages have been trained to make a living out of it.
Source: hopping miles
No wonder the museum has not only been visited by big personalities such as President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Central Ministers like Jaipal Reddy, CP Joshi, Hansraj Bhardwaj, and several governors and Chief Justices of India but also highly praised by them. The number of visitors has now shot up to lakhs.
Mohan Shrimali founder of the museum
For his commendable efforts, Mohan Shrimali has been honored at national and state level by several government organizations.
To know about Pratap’s journey to Haldighati – click here.
कृष्णा कुमारी महाराणा भीम सिंह (1778-1828) की कई पुत्रियों में से एक, 16 वर्षीय पुत्री थी। महाराणा भीम सिंह उस समय के मेवाड़ क्षेत्र में उदयपुर रियासत के राजपूत शासक थे। उस समय, उन्हें एक महत्वपूर्ण राजनीतिक गठबंधन की आवश्यकता थी। इसे प्राप्त करने का एक तरीका शादी के माध्यम से था और राजकुमारी कृष्णा कुमारी युवा, सुंदर और उपलब्ध थी। इस प्रकार कृष्णा कुमारी की सगाई मारवाड़ की राजधानी जोधपुर के महाराजा भीम सिंह से हुई। हालांकि, जोधपुर के महाराजा की अचानक और असामयिक मौत के साथ, राजकुमारी की सगाई जयपुर के पड़ोसी और प्रतिद्वंद्वी साम्राज्य के महाराजा जगत सिंह से हुई।
महाराजा की मृत्यु के बाद जोधपुर में भीम सिंह के छोटे भाई, मान सिंह शासक बने। उस समय, मारवाड जयपुर में आश्रय ले रहा था। उन्होंने उदयपुर के महाराजा भीम सिंह को एक तंग संदेश भेजा, जिसमे उन्होंने उपहास दिया और कहा कि मारवार के घर से बेटी का अपने प्रतिद्वंद्वी जयपुर के महाराजा से विवाह किया जा रहा था, ये एक शर्म की बात होनी चाहिए।
Source: Eternal Mewar | Maharana Bhim Singh
मान सिंह ने अपमानित महसूस किया और असिन्द के आमिर खान, जो की किराए पर उपलब्ध एक पठान थे, उन्हें संपर्क किया (उनकी अपनी ताकत थी और वह अपनी सेवाओं के लिए भुगतान करने वाले किसी भी व्यक्ति के लिए उपलब्ध था। आखिरकार, अंग्रेजों ने उन्हें अपनी भावी गतिविधियों को समाप्त करने के लिए टोंक राज्य दिया।) सुन्दर कवच के साथ उसे रिश्वत देने के बाद, मान सिंह ने उन्हें उदयपुर भेजा और एक संदेश के साथ भेजा कि या तो कृष्णा कुमारी की शादी सिर्फ मान सिंह के साथ की जाए, या उसे मार डाला जाए। अमीर खान ने भी महाराणा को धमकी दी कि अगर प्रस्ताव स्वीकार नहीं किया गया था, तो वह खुद मेवाड़ को लूट लेंगे।
महाराणा भीम सिंह को लग गया था कि राजनीतिक रूप से सही और सुरक्षित केवल एक ही समाधान था जो था की उनकी बेटी मर जाए। बेहद निराशा और मजबूती के तहत, महाराणा भीम सिंह ने करजली के दौलत सिंह से राजकुमारी कृष्ण कुमारी को अपने डैगर से मारने के लिए कहा।
दौलत सिंह इस प्रस्ताव से इतने नाराज हो गए कि उन्होंने महाराणा को दंडित करते हुए कहा कि जो कोई भी इस तरह का अमानवीय आदेश देता है उसे अपनी जीभ काट लेनी चाहिए। जब कोई और तरीका नहीं मिला तब महाराणा भीम सिंह ने फैसला किया कि राजकुमारी जहर से मरनी चाहिए, और यह महीन कार्य महाराणा के कच्चेला (हरम) की महिलाओं पर छोड़ दिया गया था।
Source: DailyO | Princess Krishna Kumari
बहादुर छोटी राजकुमारी ने चुपचाप अपने भाग्य को स्वीकार कर लिया कि उसे उसे यही सही लगा की उसे अपने पिता के सम्मान को बचाने के लिए उसे मर जाना चाहिए । वह महल के पास एक निजी उद्यान में गई और प्रार्थनाओं के साथ खुद को तैयार किया। जब महिलाओं में से एक महिला, जो की उसकी चाची ही थी, ने उसे अपने पिता के नाम पर घातक विष दिया, राजकुमारी ने अपना सर झुकाया, अपने पिता के जीवन और समृद्धि के लिए एक और प्रार्थना की, और वह ज़हरीला विष पी लिया।
आश्चर्य की बात है, उस ज़हर का राजकुमारी पर कोई प्रभाव नहीं पड़ा। एक और ज़हरीला कप तैयार किया गया और राजकुमारी ने इसे भी पी लिया, फिर भी उसके शरीर ने जहर को खारिज कर दिया। इसी परिणाम के साथ तीसरी बार फिर इस काम की कोशिश की गई। ऐसा लग रहा था कि कोई जादुई ताकत युवा कुंवारी की रक्षा कर रहा थी।
अंत में, एक बहुत ही शक्तिशाली ओपियेट (अफीम युक्त) के साथ एक कप प्रस्तुत किया गया था। इस डरावने कार्य को ख़त्म करने की इच्छा रखते हुए, कृष्ण कुमारी ने इसे मुस्कान के साथ स्वीकार कर लिया, उसे पी लिया, और एक गहरी नींद में सो गई…जिससे वह कभी जाग नहीं पायी।
Source: Welcome to Rajasthan | City Palace
महाराणा भीम सिंह को इस कार्य के बाद राजनीतिक रूप से तो राहत मिल गई लेकिन व्यक्तिगत रूप से दुःखग्रस्त, उसके पिता ने कृष्णा के महल को एक मंदिर में बदल दिया, जिसे उन्होंने कृष्णा के साहस की याद में समर्पित कर दिया । कृष्णा महल आज भी उदयपुर के सिटी पैलेस में देखा जा सकता है जो की कृष्णा कुमारी के लिए एक स्मारक है, जहां उस बहादुर छोटी राजकुमारी को सम्मान दिया जा सकता है जो राजनीतिक परिस्थिति का शिकार बन गई।
कृष्णा कुमारी की कहानी रोमियो जूलिएट की तरह ऐतिहासिक नहीं बल्कि काफी दुखदायी है। हम रानी और राजकुमारियों की कहानी पढ़ते, सुनते और आजकल तो फिल्मों में भी देखते हुए बड़े हुए है लेकिन एक असली राजकुमारी को ऐसे कई संघर्षों का सामना करना पड़ता है।
“Many Indian capitals have greater claims of size or grandeur, many are wealthier by far, But none can boast a proud heritage. His Highness Maharana of Udaipur, direct descendant of the Sun God, a natural leader by birth and tradition of all the Indian princes of the Hindu faith…….and no city could be more lovely” -The Secrets of India ( Gaumont-British Picture Corporation Limited, 1934) Maharanas of Udaipur were indeed magnificent. Hereby we bring all about the Maharanas of Udaipur.
Eternal Mewar
Maharana Bhim Singh of Mewar (r. 1778-1828)
Maharana Bhim Singh Ji, Son of Maharana Ari Singh II, was the First Maharana of Udaipur and Twenty-Fifth Maharana of Mewar. He became King at a minor age of 10 years and during his minor years of age and even adulthood, he ruled under the inspection of his mother Rajmata Sardar Kunwar Jhali Ji. He inherited an unstable kingdom and it was the same during his reign. Marathas took off from the region, taking along all the riches and farmers too abandoned the region. Apparently, Maharana too was very broke to even get his sons married, which arguably were 32 in number. To deal with the financial mess, Maharana signed a treaty with Britishers which gave them full power over the kingdom. According to the treaty, a British agent will be appointed in the kingdom to see all the affairs with no interference of the King. It was a fortunate stroke of serendipity when Col. Tod was appointed as the British agent and during his time in Udaipur, kingdom experienced good returns on revenue. He believed that Maharana was rather slothful and least interested in ruling the kingdom effectively. Maharana died at an age of sixty in 1828.
Eternal Mewar
Maharana Jawan Singh of Mewar (r. 1828- 1838)
Maharana Jawan Singh Ji, son of Maharana Bhim Singh Ji, inherited a bankrupted kingdom and ruled for a very short time span of 10 years. The treaty signed by Maharana Bhim Singh Ji turned out to be insignificant as it did not serve the purpose. Maharana Jawan Singh Ji too tried hard to lift kingdom financially but failed and kingdom did not prosper significantly. At a young age of 17, Maharana died with no designated Heir.
Maharana Sardar Singh of Mewar (r. 1838-1842)
Due to the failure of the preceding king to choose an heir, Maharana Sardar Singh Ji, the successor of Maharana Sangram Singh Ji II, was chosen as the King. He then went on to rule Udaipur but he died only after 3 years of sitting on the throne and left behind obsolescent kingdom.
Eternal Mewar
Maharana Swaroop Singh of Mewar(r. 1842-1861)
Maharana Swaroop Singh Ji, younger brother of Maharana Sardar Singh Ji, was adopted and appointed the Heir as Maharana had no son. Swaroop Singh Ji inherited an unstable kingdom but brought about some reforms to get the state back on track. He introduced a new coinage, outlawed “Sati” tradition and brought some administrative reforms. He also gained the trust of Britishers by terminating rebellion in Nimbahera and Neemuch and providing the roof to British refugees. Kingdom started uplifting. He died soon after adopting Shambhu Singh as his appointed heir.
Eternal Mewar
Maharana Shambhu Singh of Mewar(r. 1861- 1874)
Maharana Shambhu Singh Ji, the successor of Maharana Sangram Singh Ji II, became a minor king of the comparatively progressive kingdom and when he attained full power, introduced various policies and reforms and the state blossomed. He got Military reassembled under his rule, formalized various policies to arrange administrative resources, institutionalized offices for temples and holy places and the first-ever school for girls was established in the state. “Sati Pratha” was on the path of termination as a legal practice and fines were introduced for practitioners. Infrastructure saw a surge this time as roads and railway tracks were constructed. He died at an early age of 27 years, leaving behind no heir.
Eternal Mewar
Maharana Sajjan Singh of Mewar(r. 1874- 1884)
Maharana Sajjan Singh Ji, the first cousin of Maharana Shambhu Singh Ji, inherited the kingdom after Shambhu Singh Ji’s death. Under his rule, true prosperity set its foot in the kingdom. Development of railway tracks, roads, and water supply took place, Schemes for afforestation, farming techniques, and irrigation were formalised, di-siltation of Lake Pichola was done post- floods in the region, the magnificent Sajjangarh Palace aka “monsoon palace” was built and Udaipur became the second city in India to have the Municipal Corporation after Bombay. Medical and educational institutions were developed, corruption was checked and guilty were executed. On the contrary, Maharana had a profound fondness for Art and Culture and he used to compose Dohas and Sawaiyas in Thumri, Folk, and Ghazal style. The book “Haqiqat Bahida” was the version of his daily journal. He had a short yet a remarkable reign period of a mere 10 years and these 10 years are written in Gold in the history of Udaipur.
Eternal Mewar
Maharana Fateh Singh of Mewar(r. 1884-1930)
Maharana Fateh Singh Ji, the descendant of the fourth son of Maharana Sangram Singh Ji II, was adopted by Maharana Sajjan Singh Ji as his appointed heir. He shaped and brought to life all his vision during his reign. He worked towards the path of the betterment of kingdom by modernizing and improving roads, railways, settlements, medical and educational facilities. He built the Majestic Shiv Niwas Palace, which is now a luxury hotel. Fateh Sagar Lake too came into existence after the extension of Dewali Lake when Connaught dam was built. He was a true Suryavanshi King, who did not believe in the graciousness of the “the Queen”. With an extraordinary life as “the Maharana”, he died at the age of 80 years.
Eternal Mewar
Maharana Bhopal Singh of Mewar (r. 1930-1955)
Maharana Bhopal Singh Ji, son of Maharana Fateh Singh Ji, became king when India was struggling for independence. He wholeheartedly supported the political and social modifications that were taking place in the country. He institutionalized schools and colleges in the kingdom, especially for girls and also took care of the natural beauty of Udaipur. He constructed Bhopal Singh Dam and several projects for afforestation in the Aravalli region. After independence, he merged the kingdom with the Rajasthan Union and was appointed as “Maharaj Pramukh” of it by Indian Government. Even though being physically inefficient, as he was paralyzed from the waist down, he was no less than any ruler in terms of greatness and courage. He adopted Bhagwat Singh as his appointed heir and died soon after.
Eternal Mewar Blog
Maharana Bhagwat Singh of Mewar(r. 1955-1984)
Maharana Bhagwat Singh Ji, the fourth son of Maharana Sangram Singh II, steered the kingdom according to the changing times as independent India was witnessing a number of transformations then. In 1970, Royal titles and grants were being abolished and Maharana became Mr. Bhagwat Singh Mewar. A true visionary who believed in the welfare, he decided to sell the royal forts and palaces in order to maintain them the way they were. Jag Niwas was converted into Lake Palace Hotel and other estates on the shore of Lake Pichola like Fateh Prakash and Jag Mandir too were sold off. He died in 1984 and thus was the last Maharana of Udaipur.
With the intellect and initial efforts of our Kings, Udaipur is now amongst the most beautiful cities in the world where people live in harmony with each other. Culturally, traditionally, naturally and in every aspect, a city could be, Udaipur is perfect!
Mewar and its lineage have been in light since ancient times for its greatness and grandeur. In classical India, it was said, that “The Maharana of Udaipur is the Sun of Hindutva.” Many ancient travelers visited our land and wrote about the glory and dignity of the state of Mewar. This time we bring you the excerpts (translated in English) from various ancient “Safarnamas” in which the visitors from faraway lands sang about the glory of Mewar.
Xuanzang– The traveler from China
About– He was a Buddhist monk, scholar, and traveler and visited India in 621 AD. He, in his book, mentioned about Vallabhi (presently a district in Gujarat) which was once the capital of ancestral kings of Udaipur. After the rampage and destruction in the city due to some battle, Mewar was properly formed.
Source: Pinterest
Excerpt– “The lifestyle of people is somewhat influenced by Malwa region. There are undoubtedly 100 millionaires. The precious goods from all over the world can be seen here. The current king is the nephew of King Shiladitya of Malwa. His name is Dhruv Pat, and he is cheerful and, a bit, hot-tempered man. He seems to be least interested in ruling the kingdom. Every year, he holds a congregation, and he distributes precious jewels and exquisite food for seven days. He adores all the saints and deities with three dresses and medicines or equally valuable jewelry made of all seven kinds of precious stones. The king finds kindness as the greatest and he truly respects all those who are regarded as highly intellectual in the kingdom. He also honors all the monks and priests who come from foreign lands.”
Sulaiman-Al-Tajir – The traveler from Iran
About– Sulaiman was Muslim merchant, traveler, and writer from Iran and used to write in the Arabic language. He visited India and China in 851 AD. His Arabian works were translated in French and English by a French writer, Eusebius Renaudat.
Source: WikiVisually
Excerpt– “People of India and China believe that there are four most powerful kings in the world. In descending order of their power, the four kings are:
1) The King of Arabia
2) The King of China
3) The King of Greece
4) Balhara (the King of Mewar)
The Balhara is quite famous in India. All the Kings in India rule independently and are under no other king but they believe him to be the greatest. They honour him greatly. Like the King of Arab, he too distributes the gratuity lavishly. He owns many elephants and horses and possesses a ludicrous amount of treasure. Many of these kings lived for many years and some even ruled more than 50 years. Such is his generosity that even though the state is surrounded by enemy states, Balhara never orders the attack”
*Balhara is not any king particularly but all the kings of the clan were referred as Balhara.
François Bernier– The traveler from Paris
About– Mr. Bernier was a French physician and traveler. For a brief period of time, he was the personal physician of Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. After Dara Shikoh’s death, he was appointed to the court of Emperor Aurangzeb where he served for 12 years. He stayed in India from 1652-1669. He wrote about his experiences in India in his book, “Travels in the Mughal Empire” and wrote the following excerpt about Mewar and its bounty.
Source: Alchetron
Excerpt– “There are more than 100 Kings who do not pay“Khiraj”. They are scattered all over the state with some being near and far from Agra and Delhi. Among them, 15-16 kings are unbelievably rich and strong, Especially, “Rana”, who was known as the “King of Kings” formerly and is known to be the descendant of King Porus*. If Rana, Jai Singh (King of Alwar) and Jaswant Singh (King of Marwar), join hands against Mughal Empire, they can be a huge threat to Mughal Empire because at a time, they possess, with them, the ability to take 20,000 soldiers to a battle. Nobody is as capable as these soldiers. They are known as “Sawaar-Rajput” (as in mounted on horses) and their warrior craftsmanship has been inherited from their warrior ancestors. The “Jagir” is given in the state at only one condition that whenever Times call (battle or a war), they should at once go wherever king orders them to.”
* In Col. Tod’s times, Sisodia Clan of Mewar claimed lineage from King Porus but these claims were based only on the fact that names of the descendants had supposed similarity with King Porus’s name.
Charles Umpherston Aitchison– Lieutenant Governor of Punjab from Scotland
About– Mr. Aitchison was born in 1832 in Edinburgh. In 1885 he took India’s first Civil Services Examinations and secured the fifth position. After several positions in and around Amritsar, he went on to become Lieutenant Governor of Punjab. He is also the founder of infamous Aitchison College, Lahore which was founded in 1886.
Source: Revolvy
Excerpt– “The Royal Clan of Udaipur is the most prestigious and supreme amongst all the Rich Rajputs of India. King of Udaipur is said to be the descendant of the Ayodhya’s Raja Ram. This Royal Clan was founded by Raja Kanaksen of Vallabhi in 144 AD. The Kings of Dungarpur and Pratapgarh emerged from this Clan. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who founded the power of Marathas, was the descendant of this clan. None was a dominion in India which could fight Muslims (Mughals) with such valor and bravery as this clan did. They took pride in the fact that they never married any of their daughters with a Muslim (Mughals) King and for quite some time, broke all the marriage-related affairs with those Rajput dominions who married off their daughters to Muslims (Mughals).”
John Malcolm– The Governor of Bombay from Scotland
About- Sir John Malcolm was born in 1769 in Eskdale, Scotland. He arrived at Madras in 1783 and was positioned as a regimental soldier in the Army of East India Company. He was appointed Governor of Bombay in 1827. He finally went back to Britain in 1831. In his memoir, “Central India,” he wrote the following excerpt related to Mewar.
Source: Wikpedia
Excerpt- He wrote about the King Of Malwa, Mahmood Khilji that “Khilji was captured by Rana Kumbha of Chittor and after some time he was mercy-released by him and his territories too were given back to him. Almost all the memoirs written till this time, have in them that how Rajput Kings used to have a huge victory over Muslim Kings again and again.”
Abul Fazl– The Author of Akbarnama
About- Shaikh Abu al-Fazal ibn Mubarak was the Prime Minister of Akbar and Author of the official written record of Akbar’s days as a Monarch. He was also amongst the nine gems of Akbar. The following excerpt is from Akbarnama.
Source: Baha’i Culture
Excerpt- “After Badshah’s Procession, even the Kings, who never served beneath any King, accepted to serve Akbar. But Rana Udai Singh, the oldest, the bravest and the one who built an empire through mountains, denied serving Badshah. As a result, Badshah had to capture the Fort of Chittorgarh.”
And so there might be very few Arabic, Persian, Urdu and Hindi books of Indian History which does not have in them the Greatness of Ranas of Udaipur written. There are numerous reasons as to why their greatness is so much celebrated. Firstly, The Chandravanshi and Suryavanshi Kings were said to be “The Greatest” in ancient India, especially the descendants of Raja Ramchandra and Royal Clan of Udaipur is said to be amongst the very first branches of this dynasty. And secondly, there are numerous accounts in history where this dynasty showcased its gallantry and valor by fighting Mughals bravely rather than surrender. Mewar and its Kings were, in a true sense, Royal because from generation to generation, each and every king brought nothing but prosperity and richness to Mewar.
