Rana Sanga: Biography, Reign, Wars, and Controversies

Why in News?

A Rajya Sabha MP’s controversial remarks on Rana Sanga have triggered strong reactions in Rajasthan.

Political leaders and historians have condemned the statement, highlighting Rana Sanga’s bravery and leadership.

Introduction to Maharana Sanga

Full Name : Maharana Sangram Singh, popularly known as Rana Sanga.

Era : One of the greatest Rajput rulers of the early 16th century.

Legacy : Known for his unmatched bravery, strategic military skills, and resistance against foreign invasions.

Birth and Family

Born : 12 April 1484, in the Sisodia dynasty of Mewar.

Father : Rana Raimal, ruler of Mewar, known for his valor.

Siblings : Three brothers – Prithviraj, Jaimal, and Sesha.

Struggle for the Throne:

• After Rana Raimal’s death, a succession conflict erupted.
• Prithviraj attempted to kill Sanga, leading to Sanga losing one eye and one arm.
• Despite betrayal, Rana Sanga emerged stronger and claimed the throne.

Personal Life

• Wife:Rani Karnavati, known for her wisdom and courage.
• Children:Four sons – Ratan Singh II, Uday Singh II, Bhoj Raj, and Vikramaditya Singh.
• Historical Mentions:Some accounts claim he had 22 wives.

Rise to Power

Early Challenges:Despite severe injuries, he united Rajput leaders while hiding in Ajmer.

Path to the Throne:

• Gained the trust of Rajput warriors and nobles.
• With support from Karamchand Panwar, defeated rivals and became the ruler in 1509.

Leadership & Political Skills

Diplomacy & Strategy:

• Successfully united Rajputana against external threats.
• Formed strategic alliances to counter the Delhi Sultanate and Gujarat Sultanate.

Vision : Aimed to establish Rajput dominance over North India.

Personality & Legacy

Warrior Spirit:

• Despite losing an eye, an arm, and a leg, he led from the front in battles.
• Had over 80 battle scars yet remained undefeated in spirit.

Governance :

• Ensured prosperity and security for his people.
• Maintained Rajputana’s honor and never surrendered to invaders.

Reign of Rana Sanga (1509–1528)

Achievements: Transformed Mewar into a powerful kingdom through military and diplomatic efforts.

Territorial Expansion:

• North:Extended up to the Sutlej River in Punjab.
• South:Conquered Malwa and reached the Narmada River.
• West:Pushed his rule up to the Indus River.
• East:Controlled Bayana, Bharatpur, and Gwalior.

Rajput Confederacy:

• Formed an alliance with 7 kings, 9 chieftains, and 104 nobles.
• Commanded a strong army of 80,000 cavalry, 500 war elephants, and 1 lakh soldiers.

Major Conquests:

• Defeated Malwa’s Sultan Mahmud Khilji and Gujarat’s Sultan Muzaffar Shah.
• Consistently thwarted attacks from Ibrahim Lodi of the Delhi Sultanate.

Major Battles Fought by Rana Sanga

1. Battle of Khatoli (1517)

• Opponent : Ibrahim Lodi (Delhi Sultanate).
• Outcome:    Rana Sanga’s victory boosted Rajput dominance in North India.                                                                                                                                   Lost an arm and a leg but continued fighting.

2. Battle of Dholpur (1519) 

• Opponent : Ibrahim Lodi (again, with Malwa’s support).
• Outcome : Defeated the combined forces of Lodi and Malwa.                                                                                                                                                             Secured Mewar’s position as a rising power.

3.  Battle of Idar (1520)

• Opponent : Sultan of Gujarat, Malik Hussain.
• Outcome:   Sanga crushed Gujarat’s army and captured significant wealth.                                                                                                                                      Strengthened Rajput influence in Gujarat.

4. Battle of Gagron (1520)

• Opponent : Mahmud Khilji II (Malwa), with Gujarat’s support.
• Outcome:  Rajputs used surprise attacks to win.                                                                                                                                                                                    Captured Mahmud Khilji but treated him with honor.

5. Battle of Bayana (1527)

• Opponent : Babur (Mughal Empire).
• Outcome:  Sanga’s army crushed Babur’s forces in an early battle.                                                                                                                                                     Demonstrated Rajput strength against foreign invaders.                                                                                                                  

6. Battle of Khanwa (1527) – The Decisive War

• Opponent : Babur.
• Key Aspects :  Rana Sanga believed Babur would retreat like Taimur after plundering.                                                                                                                      Babur used superior artillery and declared Jihad to motivate his army.
• Outcome :  Rajputs fought bravely but were overpowered by Babur’s modern warfare.                                                                                                                  The loss weakened Rajput power, allowing Mughals to expand in India.

  Death and Succession 

       Death (1528)

• Injury:Severely wounded in the Battle of Khanwa.
• Assassination Theory:Some sources suggest he was poisoned by his own nobles.
• Date of Death:30 January 1528.
• Impact:Marked the end of an era of Rajput resistance against foreign invaders.

      Succession & Aftermath

• Successor : Ratan Singh II.
• Challenges : Lacked his father’s military skills.                                                                                                                                                                                           Internal divisions weakened Rajput unity.                                                                                                                                                                           The Mughal Empire, under Babur, consolidated power in North India .

Conclusion

• Rana Sanga’s Legacy :    A symbol of courage, resilience, and unwavering patriotism.                                                                                                                                           Inspired future Rajput warriors, including Maharana Pratap.
• Impact on Indian History : His efforts delayed Mughal expansion for several years.                                                                                                                                                    His vision of a united Rajputana remains legendary in Indian history.