Rana Sangram Singh, commonly known as Rana Sanga, was a prominent Rajput ruler and leader from the Mewar region, ruling from 1508 to 1528 CE. His bravery, political acumen, and unwavering resistance to the Mughal invaders have etched his name in the annals of Indian history. As a scion of the Sisodiya clan of Rajputs, Sanga carried on the legacy of a proud and martial dynasty that opposed foreign invasions and fought valiantly to protect its territories.
Early Life and Accession to the Throne
Sangram Singh was born on April 12, 1484, to Rana Raimal, the ruler of Mewar, in the Malwa region of Rajasthan, India. Belonging to the renowned Sisodiya clan of Rajputs, his lineage carried a long history of warriors and rulers committed to safeguarding the Rajput pride. Rana Sanga had several brothers, which resulted in a fierce power struggle following their father’s death.
After the death of Rana Raimal, Sanga had to contend with his brothers to ascend the throne. Despite the fierce contestation, Rana Sanga emerged victorious and succeeded his father in 1508 CE, becoming the ruler of Mewar. This power struggle was a sign of the challenges that lay ahead for him in consolidating his reign and defending Mewar from external threats.
Establishing Power in Mewar
Upon assuming the throne, Rana Sanga's primary focus was to secure Mewar’s internal stability and external territories. His stronghold was Chittor, the capital of Mewar, which he reinforced both militarily and administratively. Once his position in Mewar was secured, Sanga’s ambitions grew, and he sought to extend his kingdom beyond its borders.
One of the key elements of his reign was his continuous battle with the Muslim sultanates in northern India. The Rajputs, under his leadership, resisted the non-Indian Muslim dynasties that sought to expand their control over the Indian subcontinent.
Conquest of Malwa
The troubled kingdom of Malwa, which was then under the rule of Mehmod Khilji, presented a tempting target for expansion. The internal conflicts in Malwa provided an opportunity for Sanga to intervene. Khilji, who was embroiled in his own struggles, sought assistance from both Sultan Ibrahim Lodi of Delhi and Bahadur Shah of Gujarat. However, Khilji’s Rajput wazir, Medini Rai, turned to Sanga for support.
Rana Sanga responded, and the ensuing conflict culminated in the Battle of Gagron. In a series of fierce engagements, Sanga’s forces decisively defeated Khilji and his allies. Despite his victory, Rana Sanga showed magnanimity by freeing Khilji after taking his sons as hostages. Through this victory, Sanga solidified his control over Malwa, emerging as one of the most powerful rulers in the region.
Rising Power and Conflict with Lodi
Following his conquest of Malwa, Rana Sanga’s ambitions continued to grow. He now turned his attention to north-eastern Rajasthan, which was under the control of Ibrahim Lodi, the Sultan of Delhi. Rana Sanga invaded the region and captured several key areas, including the strategically important fort of Ranthambore.
Ibrahim Lodi, alarmed by Sanga’s rising power, retaliated and launched an invasion of Mewar. What followed was the Battle of Khatoli near Gwalior, where Sanga’s forces met Lodi’s troops in fierce combat. Though Sanga suffered serious injuries during this battle, losing his left arm and becoming crippled in one leg, he emerged victorious. His forces inflicted a crushing defeat on Lodi, humiliating the Delhi Sultanate.
Lodi, unwilling to accept his defeat, engaged in further battles against Sanga. The subsequent Battle of Dholpur was another major confrontation, and once again, Sanga’s forces triumphed. After a series of successful campaigns, Rana Sanga had expanded his kingdom and established control over a significant portion of present-day Rajasthan. His victories not only showcased his military prowess but also solidified his reputation as a formidable ruler.
Ambitions for Delhi
With his stature as one of the most powerful rulers in northern India firmly established, Rana Sanga set his sights even higher. He dreamed of capturing Delhi and extending his control over the entire Indian subcontinent. Sanga had become a principal player in the power struggles of the time, and his ambition was to challenge the most powerful dynasty of the era—the Mughals.
The Battle of Khanwa: Clash with Babur
The decisive moment in Rana Sanga’s career came in 1527 when he faced the Mughal invader, Babur, in the Battle of Khanwa near Fatehpur Sikri. Sanga had formed a grand alliance of Rajput forces and other rulers, including Raja Hasan Khan Mewati, Mehmud Lodi, and Raja Medini Rai of Alwar. Together, they sought to halt Babur’s advance into India.
The battle that ensued was one of the bloodiest and most significant of the period. Babur’s forces, which were well-equipped and experienced in the use of gunpowder and artillery, proved to be a formidable opponent. At a critical juncture in the battle, one of Sanga’s allies, Silhadi, betrayed him, weakening the Rajput forces. Despite this, Sanga fought valiantly but was ultimately wounded and knocked unconscious.
Believing that their leader was dead, the Rajput soldiers fled in disarray, leaving Babur’s forces to claim victory. The Battle of Khanwa marked a turning point in Indian history, as Babur’s victory paved the way for the establishment of the Mughal Empire in India.
Sanga’s Attempt to Rebuild and His Mysterious Death
After the battle, Rana Sanga’s loyal followers rescued him and took him to safety. Though severely wounded, he survived and vowed to avenge his defeat and reclaim his lost territories. He began to plan another campaign against the Mughals, but this time, his nobles did not support him. Some historians suggest that these nobles, fearing another costly war, conspired against Sanga and poisoned him. On January 30, 1528, Rana Sanga died under mysterious circumstances, marking the end of a heroic chapter in Rajput history.
Major Battles and Military Achievements
Throughout his life, Rana Sanga fought several major battles that shaped the course of Indian history. His early triumphs against Ibrahim Lodi in the Battle of Khatoli and the Battle of Dholpur solidified his position as a military leader and expanded his kingdom. Despite suffering severe injuries in these battles, his indomitable spirit and resilience made him a symbol of Rajput courage.
His most significant battle, however, was the Battle of Khanwa against Babur. Although this battle ended in defeat, it was a defining moment that demonstrated Sanga’s leadership and his determination to resist foreign invaders, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Legacy and Personal Life
Rana Sanga was not only a warrior but also a patron of art, culture, and diplomacy. He married Rani Karnavati and had several children, including Bhoj Raj, Ratan Singh II, Vikramaditya Singh, and Udai Singh II. His descendants continued to play a crucial role in the history of Mewar, with his son Udai Singh II founding the city of Udaipur.
Sanga’s legacy as a brave and honorable ruler continues to inspire pride among the Rajputs. His defiance against the powerful Mughals and other Muslim dynasties has cemented his status as one of the greatest heroes in Indian history.
Facts about Rana Sanga
- Rana Sanga was a lover of music and poetry, often composing verses himself.
- He was also a skilled diplomat, forging alliances with various Rajput clans and other regional rulers.
- His appreciation for art and culture led to the flourishing of painting, music, and scholarship during his reign.
- Sanga was credited with the construction of beautiful temples and palaces, contributing to the architectural heritage of Mewar.
In conclusion, Rana Sanga stands as a legendary figure who embodied the Rajput spirit of resistance, valor, and loyalty. Despite the challenges he faced, including betrayal and defeat, his reign remains a testament to the courage and determination of the Rajput warriors in defending their homeland.
