New Delhi: During the medieval period in India, the Rajputs were known for their valour and honesty. The Mughal Empire, which clashed with the Rajputs in the early days, realised the importance of the community. Hence, Akbar, the third Mughal Emperor deployed several Rajputs in the administration and army. Out of all the Rajputs who helped in the expansion of the Mughal Empire, the legacy of Man Singh stands almost unmatched.
Who was Man Singh?
Raja Man Singh I was the ruler of the Kingdom of Amber from 1589 to 1614. He was one of the most trusted generals in Akbar’s Mughal Army and the emperor had immense respect for him. According to reports, Man Singh fought a total of 67 important battles almost all over the Indian subcontinent. He was adept in both Rajput and Mughal battle tactics and is considered to be one of the Navaratnas of Akbar’s imperial court.
The important battles of Man Singh
Man Singh fought many important battles for Akbar. Notably, Man Singh led the Mughal Army in the famous Battle of Haldighati in 1576 against the Kingdom of Mewar and its ruler Rana Pratap and forced the latter to retreat.
In 1580, when some important Muslim officers decided to rebel against Akbar due to his liberal religious policies, Man Singh went to Kabul with the Mughal Emperor and crushed the rebellion. Also, he played a crucial role in subduing the rebel Afghans in Bihar and invading the region. He also conquered Odisha on behalf of the Mughal Empire by defeating Afghan Sultan Qatlu Khan Lohani and his allies. Man Singh also served as the Subahdar of Bengal for three terms from 1595 to 1606 and the Subahdar of Kabul from 1585 to 1586. He was the Governor of Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha.
During the conflict for succession between the two sons of Akbar, Man Singh backed Khusrau Mirza against Salim, who later became the emperor as Jahangir. He never went against Jahangir after his coronation and served as Subahdar of Bengal for a short period during his reign. Also, Jahangir ordered the removal of some of the modifications which Man Singh made to his palace at Amber. Man Singh passed away on July 6, 1614, at Ellichpur. Notably, Man Singh renovated the Jagannath Temple of Puri and reconstructed the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.
Raja Man Singh I was the ruler of the Kingdom of Amber from 1589 to 1614. He was one of the most trusted generals in Akbar’s Mughal Army and the emperor had immense respect for him. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
