IRJMSH Vol 6 Issue 1 [Year 2015] ISSN 2277 – 9809 (0nline) 2348–9359 (Print)

Origin Of Kachcwaha In Dhundhar Region of Rajasthan

Mayurakshi kumar
Email- kumar.mayurakshi1@gmail.com
The area of Jaipur was formally known as Dhundhar and later on as Amber. These changes in the
nomenclature were also followed by certain drastic changes in the regimes and the politico-
economic setup, which will be studied ahead.

In the Medieval period the nomenclature of the territory now comprising the districts of
Jaipur and Alwar was Dhundhar, which later came to be known as Amber Raj or the Jaipur state.
There is debate regarding the territory of Dhundhar amongst the historians. Dr. J.P. Stration1
comments that the word dhund is desert waste land. He further says that the term Dhundhar may
have been derived from demon king Dhundhu. In his work Col. Tod propounded that Dhundhar
is the area around a celebrated sacrificial Dhundha i.e. mound on the western frontier near Kalik
– Jobner. Nainsi in his Khayat also makes reference of the Dhundhar region. For Dhundhar he
says- “Chawade- chaalDhundhhadkahije, tinshe, melgaon 1440.”2This very settlement was
established by the Meena Raja Alan Singh (He was from Chanda clan of Meenas), as far back as
967 AD. Around 1037 AD, it was conquered by the Kachchwaha clan of Rajputs. According to
some local tradition, the story of the conquest of Amber from the Meenas is that the Meena Raja
Ralun Singh also known as Alan Singh Chanda-I of Khogong kind-heartedly adopted a stranded
Rajput mother and her child who sought refuge in his realm. Later, the Meena king sent the
child, Dhola Rae, to Delhi to represent the Meena kingdom. The Rajput, in gratitude for these
favors, returned with Rajput conspirers and massacred the weaponless Meenas on Diwali while
performing rituals i.e. PitraTrapan, it is customary in Meenas to be weaponless at the time of
PitraTrapan. He then subjugated the SihraGotra of Meenas much later on in area known as
JamwaRamgarh near Jaipur, and transferred his capital thence. Becoming the son-in-law of the
prince of Ajmer, he died when battling 11,000 Meenas, most of whom he slew. His son Maida
Sihra l Rao "made a conquest of Amber from the SoosawutMeenas" whose chief was the head of
the Meena confederation. He subdued the NandlaMeenas, annexing the Gatoor-Gatti district.
Hoondeo succeeded to the throne and "continued the warfare against the Meenas". Koontal, his
successor, fought the Meenas "in which the Meenas were defeated, with great slaughter, which
secured his rule throughout Dhoondar".3

1
Dr. J.P. Stration, The Jaipur- Amber Family and State in 1885 A.D.
2
MuhantoNainsi, NainsiriKhayat, vol. ii, Jodhpur, Rajasthan Oriental Research Institute, 2003, p 87.
3
V. S. Bhatnagar, Life and Times of Sawai Jai Singh 1688-1743, Jodhpur, Impex India, 1974, p.3.

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The Meenas were the original builders of Amber, a town they consecrated to Amba, the
Mother Goddess, whom they knew as "Gatta Rani" or "Queen of the Pass" 4. The Meenas being
fierce and renowned warriors nonetheless became great allies of the Rajputs. Much of the present
structure known, as Amber Fort is actually the palace built by the great conqueror Raja Man
Singh I who ruled from 1590 - 1614 AD. The old and original fort of Amber dating from earlier
Rajas or the Meena period is known as Jaigarhfortis actually the main defensive structure, rather
than the palace itself, although the two structures are interconnected by series of encompassing
fortifications.

The history the origin of Rajputs is a highly fancied and debated subject. B.D.
Chattopadhyaya, in his famous work on the Rajput origins, laboriously tries to grapple with this
issue.5 He sketches a very complex picture of emergence of the Rajputs and the subsequent
establishment of principalities by them. Satish Chandra while studying the nature of state
formation in Rajasthan, opines that, one should stay away from the debate whether the system
was „feudal‟ or else „clan-based‟ and instead study the process of change from the twelfth
century onwards6. While emphasizing upon the authority of Nainsi‟sKhyat and Vigat as being the
two earliest sources on state system, he propounds that Rajputs, emerged on the lands formally
occupied by tribes like Minas, Mers, Bhils and others. Their emergence was majorly the result of
displacing the tribes and conquering their abandoned lands. B. D. Chattopadhyayafurther states
that the Rajputs not only supplanted the tribal system with a clan-based system but also
introduced new patterns of agriculture, there by leading to many broad transformations. The state
even though didn‟t directly participate in the production activities but rather created conditions
which were conducive for masses, especially the low rung classes to take up agricultural
activities. Classes like the Jatsmigrated from the neighboring areas to be a part of these new
regimes and overtime were absorbed within the system. Thereafter, the Rajputs ushered in a
process of authoritative rule, where at the local level by appointing a body of feudatory chiefs,
they established system of checks and balances. There were several numbers of officials and this
may be in fact termed as „sub-infeudation‟. There were several officials‟ like- vaderas,
chaudharies, and patelsetc and each one of them with passage of time managed to carve out a
distinguished identity for themselves. Thus, while at the local level a highly feudal system was
established, the higher level was based on the systems like bhai-bantwhereinthe clan and kinly
ties were given superior weight-age. Such a system made the state a chieftain of sub-clans. But
while understanding the Rajput state system one should not overlook the feuds that cropped out
of these very clan relationships.

4
Tod, Vol. II, p. 282.
5
B. D. Chattopadhyaya, “The Emergence of Rajputs as Historical Process in Early Medieval Rajasthan”,
e.d.KarineSchomer, Lodrick and others, The Idea of Rajasthan- Exploration in Regional Identity‟, New Delhi,
Manohar Publication, 2001, p.155.
6
Satish Chandra, “The Rise of State and its Evolution in Rajasthan- The Case of Jodhpur”, State Pluralism and
Indian Historical Tradition, New Delhi, OUP, 2008, p. 237.

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It may be tentatively stated that the Rajput state systems represented the cross- breeding
of both the feudal and kinship elements and one should desist from categorizing it in one single
form. Also, it should be stated here that overtly the Rajput principalities appeared to be a uniform
body of clans but when we look inwardly it becomes clear that situation was not so homogenous.
Variation of opinions even amongst the clan groups, indirectly prepared the ground for the
evolution of several myths, especially with regards to the origin. B.D. Chattopadhyaya7, deftly
tires to deal with this very mystified history of the Rajputs by establishing a chart of origin i.e.
origin from sun, origin from moon, origin from fire, even origin from historical and mythological
personages. Chattopadhyaya postulates that this attachment with certain Supreme Being
provided legitimacy to rule not only over the sub-clans but also over the other clans too. When
we come to Kachchwaha ruling house, one finds that even the history of this clan was not
divorced from myths and this issue, which is extensively debated amongst the modern day
scholars, will be analyzed in the chapter ahead.

While talking about their hierarchy, the people from Kachchwaha clan try to trace their
ascendance from the „Kush‟, the son of Lord Ram. V.S. Bhargava in his work agrees upon this
myth, that a section of descendants of Kush established their castle at Rohtas on the river Son,
and further at Narwar under Raja Nal, and after that they migrated to Dhundhar. 8 In contrast,
another scholar V.S. Bhatnagar takes an opposite stand.9 Relying upon epigraphic records, he
opines that such a migration may not have taken place as these epigraphs directly talk of
founders of these branches as - kacchapaghata- vamsatilaka, or kacchapaghatanvaya- sarah-
kamala-martandaand do not give details of any previous relationships. Thus, according to him,
the question of origin of Kachchwahasfrom Kush does not arise. To reach an exact
understanding of the Kachchwaha clan it is necessary to look at some of works of that time. The
historical sources like KachchwahariKhyat (Vamshwali) and NainsiriKhyat, lead us to accept the
premise of westward expansion of Kachchwahas. The Kachchwaharivamshwali10, begins with
the following quote which talks of this migration.

यॊहीतास सं कारऩी, नयवय सं गवारय ।

धौस स कूयभ ववबू, आमा फपय आंफय ।।1।।

This migration subsequently resulted in the emergence of the two branches of

Kachchwahas i.e. one in Amber and other one in Gwalior. This can be established by looking at
two prominent historical sources of the time- Bardic Narrative of Amber and the Genealogical
table of Kachchwahas given by Nainsi. While the bardic account related to the origin of
Kachchwahas of Amber promulgates that the Dhundhar state was established in 966 A.D., by

7
B. D. Chattopadhyaya, “The Emergence of Rajputs…. P 156N p
8
V.S. Bhargava, Rise of the Kachchwaha in Dhundhar (JAIPUR), New Delhi, Shabd Sanchar, 1979.pp 3-4
9
V.S. Bhatnagar, Life and Times of Sawai Jai Singh-1688-1743, New Delhi, Impex India, 1974. Pp 1-12
10
KachhwahariVamshwali, Jodhpur, Rajasthan ShodhSansthan, Chupasni.

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DhulaRai son of SadaDeo or Sara Singh and thirty-third descendended from Raja Nal. The
Genealogical Tree of Nainsi11 talks of Dhola as the one twenty- second descendent of Nal.

While this Dhola established the Dhundhar state, another descendent of Raja Nal, i.e.
Lakshman, ruled over the Gwaliar region. This issue of migration is highly debatable and a
correct understanding can only be reached by engaging in correlative study of Bardic Narratives,
Khyats and Vamshawalis. The question of exact name of Dhundhar ruler also comes to fore, i.e.
whether it was DhulaDev or Dhola. A study of available sources proves that it‟s the latter
name.Dhola was also the famous heroic figure of the popular literature. The story of Dhola-Maru
even to this day circulates in almost every village of Rajasthan. Even J.N. Sarkar, talks of this
popular ballad, which celebrates the chequered love life of this king and his beloved Maru, the
princess of the western desert of Rajputana.

From the above passages it is clear that the origin of Kachchwahas was shrouded in
mystery, and one finds that even their rule of subsequent years has raised several controversies.
One of the controversies stems from the time period of Pajvan or Pradhyumana, the descendent
of Dhola. According to M.L. Sharma, he was contemporary of Prithvi Raj Chauhan of Ajmer. He
was not only an ally of the Chauhan ruler but was related to him having being married to a sister
or cousin of Prithvi Raj. He also took part in the first battle of Tarain and succumbed to wounds
sustained in the battle.12However, V.S. Bhatnagar disagrees with this. Basing his opinion on the
vamshawalis, he places Prajvan as contemporary of Prithvi Raj I and not Prithvi Raj III.
However, the fact that Chandra Bardai in his Prithvi Raj Raso, talks of the heroic feat of Pajvan,
one cannot over rule that this famous Kachchwaha ruler was indeed a contemporary of
PrithviRaj Chauhan. Pajvan due to his expansionist tendencies took the Kachchwaha regime to
newer heights. These umpteen numbers of controversies that surround the early years of
Kachchwaha rule, is a result of heavy dependence upon oral histories which to a great extent
exaggerated when reproduced in written form, a tradition which J.N. Sarkar says, was started by
Todd in his Annals and Antiquities.

Most of the modern Indian historians argue that the verifiable history of the
Kachchwahas starts in the sixteenth century and more so after the establishment of Mughal rule
in India. J.N Sarkar comments that, with the coming of the Mughal emperors and their highly
civilized court in the middle of the sixteenth century, Rajput history emerged from the delusive
mists of oral tradition and bardic exaggeration, into the clear light of authentic contemporary
records.13The Mughals, especially Akbar who was inclined towards establishing a centralized
empire, recognized the importance of Rajputs. Thus, Akbar forged alliances with the Rajputs.
The Mughals came to the door steps of Kachchwaha territory, during the regime of Raja Bharmal
and with this the upward swing in the fortunes of the Kachchwahas began. This relationship

11
MuhantoNainsi, NainsiriKhayat, vol, ii (Hindi translation- MuhantoNainsikiKhayat), translated by,
RamnarayanDuhad, RajasthaniGranthagar, Jodhpur, 2010. P55
12
M.L. Sharma, History of Jaipur State, pp. 24-25,
13
JadunathSarkar, History of Jaipur. p.14

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brought rich dividends, and this proximity was further boosted when as a part of „marriage
alliance‟, he married off his daughter to Akbar. Akbar‟s policy of alliance with the Rajputs,
which is considered as one of the main stays of Mughal power, is often seen in one-sided
manner. The alliance with the Rajputs not only provided legitimacy to Mughal rule in a
predominant Hindu country, it gave them loyal, dependable supporters who were prepared to
defend the Mughal cause not only within the country but beyond its borders, as in the case of
Balkh and Qandahar campaigns. Those individuals, particularly, some of the leading rajas,
benefitted by being awarded handsomejagirs inside and outside Rajasthan in lieu of Mansabs,
and were given important military and civil commands and positions, thus the Rajputs enjoyed a
position of honor in the Mughal hierarchy.

The growing relationship with the Mughals had an impact on the Rajput state system
and society. The Mughal institutional practices prepared the ground for certain transformation
even at the level of Rajput sovereignty. The way of life and culture of Kachchwahas of Amber
was both directly and indirectly influenced by the manners and etiquettes and court life of
Mughals. Norman P. Ziegler14, perceives the growing Mughal-Rajput alliance, from the angle of
the norms of loyalties. He also propounds that though truly the Mughal institutions impacted the
Rajput state systemyet one should not ignore the factors present within the Rajput society which
also played a role in shaping the various levels of polity and economy. Some of these prominent
traditions were the bhai-bant, i.e. clan ties and blood ties. The Mughal-Rajput relationship, the
relationship between an empire and component regional kingdom, represents a unique and
particular form of empire-regional kingdom integration.

After the beginning of Mughal- Kachchwaha ties in the reign of Bharmal, there was
increase in the fortunes of the Kachchwaha rulers, followed by extensive territorial frontiers.
Bharmal was succeeded by his son Bhagwan Das, but the subsequent regimes of „Raja Man
singh‟ and „Mirja Raja Jai singh‟, stands out. Amber state reached the pinnacle of its supremacy.
Under Man Singh the Kachchwaha state of Amber became a celebrated state, which commanded
20,000 cavalry and 10,000 infantry. Mirza Raja Jai Singh, was given the mansab of
7000/7000(out of which 5000 were du-aspa and sib-aspa), and was also made the subedar by
Aurangzeb, which did a great deal to the fortunes of Amber. Satish Chandra calls him as the
greatest diplomat of that period, more so because of his success in clinching the Treaty of
Purandar (1665), with Shivaji on the behalf of Mughal Emperor. From the time of Akbar to death
of Aurangzeb, the size of Kachchwaha territory, extended because the Mughal emperors granted
jagirs to nobles belonging to Kachchwaha clan.15 However, after showing some dramatic
expansion one sees a decline of the Amber state, especially under the Ram Singh, who was not
able to carry on the good work started by his father, Mirza Raja Jai Singh. Point to be noted here
is that, this dwindling of fortunes began in the last phase of Jai Singh-I itself, when Shivaji

14
Norman P. Ziegler, “Some Notes on Rajput Loyalties during the Mughal period”, (Ed.) MuzzafarAlam and Sanjay
Subramanyam, the Mughal State 1526-1750 (Themes in Indian History). pp. 168- 212
15
V.S. Bhargava, Rise of the Kachhwaha in Dhundhar (Jaipur). Pp25-64.

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dramatically escaped from Agra and Bijapur and the campaign failed. Subsequently, the image
of Mirza Raja Jai Singh and his Kachchwaha dynasty deteriorated in the eyes of the Mughal
Emperor. After this the situation became much grimmer and it was left up to Sawai Jai Singh, to
again uplift this very somewhat tarnished image of Kachchwahas.

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