Mewar: from Bappa Rawal to Rana Sanga

The rulers of Mewar described themselves not as kings but as regents — dewans — of the deity Eklingji (Shiva), whose temple stands near Udaipur. It was a striking idea: the land belonged to the god, and the ruler governed on his behalf. The dynasty that held this belief ruled Mewar for well over a thousand years, making it one of the longest-ruling families in the world. Its history is full of sieges, sacrifices and legends — and it is one of the most heavily tested topics in RAS.

The Guhila founders

The dynasty traces itself to Guhil (or Guhadatta), a sixth-century chief; hence the name Guhila (or Gahlot). Some early inscriptions describe the founder as a Brahmin — a reminder of how fluid social categories were in this period (see our post on Rajput origins).

The most celebrated early ruler is Bappa Rawal (eighth century), traditionally credited with capturing Chittor and associated with the Eklingji temple at Kailashpuri near Nagda. Much of his story comes from later tradition, and historians debate his exact identity; some identify him with the ruler Kalbhoj.

Chittor, 1303

In 1303, Alauddin Khalji besieged Chittor, then ruled by Rawal Ratan Singh. After a long siege, the fort fell. The defenders performed saka (a final fight to the death) and the women jauhar (self-immolation to avoid capture). Alauddin placed the fort under his son Khizr Khan and renamed it Khizrabad.

The story of Rani Padmini — whose beauty is said to have drawn Alauddin to Chittor — is told most famously in Malik Muhammad Jayasi's Padmavat (1540), written more than two centuries after the siege. Historians generally regard the Padmini story as literary rather than documented history, though it has become central to Rajasthan's cultural memory.

Hammir and the Sisodias

In the early fourteenth century, Hammir of the Sisodia branch of the Guhilas recovered Chittor. From then on, Mewar's rulers were Sisodias and took the title Rana (or Maharana). Hammir is often described as the restorer of Mewar.

Rana Kumbha (1433–1468): builder and scholar

Rana Kumbha is one of the most remarkable rulers in Rajasthan's history — a successful general, a great builder and a serious scholar.

Kumbha was killed by his son Uda in 1468 — a tragic end to a brilliant reign.

Rana Sanga (1509–1528): the last great challenger

Rana Sangram Singh, known as Rana Sanga, made Mewar the strongest power in north India on the eve of the Mughal conquest. He is said to have carried the scars of many battles, including the loss of an eye and an arm.

After Khanwa, Sanga planned to renew the war but died in 1528 — by tradition, poisoned by nobles who opposed further fighting.

Chittor after Sanga

• 1535 — Bahadur Shah of Gujarat besieged and took Chittor; the second jauhar, led by Rani Karnavati, is associated with this siege.
• Udai Singh founded Udaipur (c. 1559) as a safer capital in the hills.
• 1567–68 — Akbar besieged Chittor; its defence was led by Jaimal and Patta; the fort fell, followed by a massacre and the third jauhar. According to later European travellers' accounts, Akbar honoured their courage with statues of Jaimal and Patta on stone elephants at Agra; who the figures actually represented is uncertain.

Why Mewar matters for RAS

Mewar produces questions every year — on rulers, battles, monuments, literature and the distinction between history and tradition. Build a timeline from Bappa Rawal to Udai Singh, and a table of Kumbha's works, and revise both often.

Practice

Prelims-style:

1. Mewar's rulers regarded themselves as regents of which deity?
2. Who wrote the Padmavat, and when?
3. Who designed Kumbhalgarh fort?
4. In which battle did Rana Sanga defeat Ibrahim Lodi?
5. Who led the defence of Chittor against Akbar in 1567–68?

Mains-style (50 words): Why is the Vijay Stambh significant?

Mains-style (100 words): Evaluate Rana Kumbha's contributions to Mewar's political and cultural life.