Mewar: The Land of Unbroken Sovereignty

Mewar, the region around modern-day Udaipur, Chittorgarh, and Rajsamand, is home to the Guhil/Sisodia dynasty, which holds the distinction of being the world's oldest continuously ruling lineage (ruling for over 1,400 years). They are known as "Hindua Suraj" (The Sun of the Hindus).

1. The Foundations (The Guhil Branch)

• Guhaditya (566 AD): The progenitor of the Guhil clan. He established the first seat of power in Idar.
• Bapa Rawal (Kalbhoj): The real founder of the empire. According to legend, he received the kingdom from Sage Harit Rishi. He defeated Man Mori to capture Chittorgarh (734 AD) and established his capital at Nagda.
• Eklingji Temple: Bapa Rawal built the temple of Eklingji near Udaipur. The rulers of Mewar considered Lord Shiva (Eklingji) as the true king and themselves as his Diwan (Ministers).

2. Rise to Imperial Power

• Jaitra Singh (1213–1253): Famous for the Battle of Bhutala, where he defeated Iltutmish. He shifted the capital to Chittor.
• Rawal Ratan Singh (1302–1303): The last ruler of the Rawal branch. He faced the siege of Alauddin Khalji in 1303.
• First Saka of Chittor (1303): Queen Padmini led the Jauhar, and Ratan Singh led the Saka. Khalji renamed Chittor to Khizrabad.

3. The Sisodia Resurgence

• Rana Hammir (1326–1364): Recaptured Chittor from the Khaljis. He is called Mewar ka Uddharak (Saviour of Mewar). He was the first to use the title Rana/Maharana and founded the Sisodia branch.
• Maharana Lakha: Discovery of silver mines at Zawar. A Banjara built the Pichola Lake during his reign.
• Maharana Kumbha (1433–1468): The "Architect King".
  • Battles: Defeated the Sultans of Malwa and Gujarat (Battle of Sarangpur, 1437).
  • Architecture: Built the Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory) in Chittor. He built 32 out of 84 forts in Mewar, including Kumbhalgarh.
  • Literature: A great scholar; wrote Sangeet Raj, Sangeet Mimansa, and a commentary on Gita Govinda.

4. The Imperial Struggle

• Maharana Sanga (1509–1528): Known as Hindupat. He had 80 scars on his body.
  • Victories: Defeated Ibrahim Lodi (Khatoli, Bari) and Mahmud Khalji II (Gagraun).
  • Battle of Khanwa (1527): A massive confederacy of Rajput kings against Babur. Sanga was defeated due to Babur’s artillery and Tulugama tactics.
• Maharana Pratap (1572–1597): Symbol of Indian independence.
  • Battle of Haldighati (1576): Fought against Man Singh (Akbar's general). Though Pratap had to retreat, his spirit remained unbroken.
  • Battle of Dewair (1582): Pratap decisively defeated the Mughal posts. Col. Tod called it the "Marathon of Mewar".

5. Later Resistance and Diplomacy

• Maharana Amar Singh I: Signed the Mughal-Mewar Treaty (1615) under terms that preserved Mewar's dignity (the Maharana would never go to the Mughal court personally).
• Maharana Raj Singh (1652–1680): A staunch rival of Aurangzeb. He supported the Rathores of Marwar and protected the idols of Shreenathji and Dwarkadhish. Built the Rajsamand Lake and the Nau Chauki Pal.

[!IMPORTANT]
Mewar is unique because it never accepted the Mughal policy of "matrimonial alliances", prioritizing independence over imperial favor for centuries.