Indian history boasts of many brave warriors whose courage and heroism are an inspiration for us. However, there are some legends not much heard of. One such warrior is the valiant queen of Gond-Rani Durgavati. An heiress to the powerful Chandela kingdom ,she challenged gender-specific norms and displayed remarkable mental fortitude to battle against the might of the Mughal Emperor, Akbar and other invaders as many as 51 times over the course of her reign.
Early life:
Rani Durgavati was born on October 5, 1524 in the family of famous Rajput Chandel Emperor Keerat Rai. She was born at the fort of Kalanjar (Banda,UP).Her family claimed descent from the Chandella rulers, who had built the temples at Khajuraho and repulsed the invasions of Mahmud of Ghazni. But by the 16th century CE, Chandella power had declined and areas around Kalanjar was all that remained of the original Chandella kingdom.
At the age of 18 in 1542 CE, Rani Durgavati got married to Dalpat Shah, the eldest son of King Sangram Shah of the Gond Dynasty. The Gonds were a tribe which settled in the Gondwana (eastern Madhya Pradesh) region around the 13th century CE and rose to power eventually. 3 years later, she gave birth to a son and named him Vir Narayan.Sadly, in the year 1550, her husband passed away, hence the Queen became a Regent and took control over Gondwana, ruling the kingdom
Qualities of a warrior and strategist:
Rani Durgavati shifted her capital from Singaurgarh fort to Chauragarh around 250 miles away, near Panchmarhi in Madhya Pradesh. It was a fort of strategic importance situated on the Satpura hill range.From an early age, she was trained in horse riding, hunting, and usage of weapons. She was a skilled hunter, archer, and markswoman, who took pleasure in going on expeditions.
Her expertise is well mentioned In Akbarnama,
Quote “SHE WAS A GOOD SHOT WITH GUN AND ARROW, AND CONTINUALLY WENT HUNTING.”
Rani expanded her territory and accomplished the political unification of Gondwana, also called Garha-Katanga. Her large well equipped army is said to have consisted of 20,000 cavalry and 1,000 war elephants besides a good number of foot soldiers. In 1556 CE, when Baz Bahadur, the Sultan of Malwa attacked the kingdom of Rani Durgavati she successfully repulsed the attack, inflicting heavy losses to his army.
Battle with the Mughals:
In 1562, Mughal emperor Akbar defeated Baz Bahadur, and took control over the Malwa region.In a lure to extend his reach in India, he decided to attack Rani’s kingdom.
The attack was led by Mughal General Asaf Khan. To fight a defensive battle, she went to Narrai (Jabalpur) between a hilly range on one side and two rivers Gaur and Narmada on the other side. It was an unequal battle with trained soldiers and modern weapons in multitude on one side and a few untrained soldiers with old weapons on the other side. However, with her fierce counter attack,she was able to chase them out of the valley.
Choosing death to dishonour:
As a part of her strategy, Rani wanted to attack the Mughal army in the night, but her suggestion was not approved by her lieutenants . By next morning Asaf khan attacked again, this time with heavier artillery. Rani rode on her elephant Sarman and came for the battle. Her son Vir Narayan also took part in this battle. He forced Mughal army to move back three times but at last he got wounded and had to retire to a safe place.
Quote “Better to die with dignity than live without self-respect. I have served my motherland for a long time, and at a time like this, I won’t let it be stained. There is no option but to fight.”
– Rani Durgavati
In the course of battle Rani also got injured near her ear with an arrow. Another arrow pierced her neck and she lost her consciousness. On regaining consciousness she perceived that defeat was imminent. Her Mahout advised her to leave the battlefield but she refused and took out her dagger and killed herself.
Her martyrdom day (24th June 1564) is commemorated as “Balidan Diwas”.
Glory and Legacy:
Rani Durgavati passed away physically, but her spirit can still be felt in the city of Jabalpur and other parts of Gondwana.
Rani Durgavati passed away physically, but her spirit can still be felt in the city of Jabalpur and other parts of Gondwana.
- Rani Durgavati Fort (Jabalpur)-Known as the Madan Mahal Fort, this fort is believed to be used as a watch- tower by Rani Durgavati, this is one of the smallest forts of India.The ruins still speak greatly of the Queens valour and bravery.
2. As a token of commemoration, the M.P. Government , in 1983, changed the name of the University of Jabalpur to “Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya”(R.D.V.V)
3.The Indian Government started a train between Jabalpur and Jammu Tawi known as the “Durgavati Express”
4.A postal stamp was issued by the Indian Government to commemorate her martyrdom on 24th June, 1988.
5.Rani Durgavati Museum in Jabalpur was built in 1976 in her loving memory, which houses her statue riding her horse.
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