Relations Between Mewar and Amer After the Battle of Haldighati
The popular belief that enmity existed between the royal houses of Mewar and Amer following the Battle of Haldighati (1576) is largely unfounded and oversimplified. Despite the fact that Raja Man Singh of Amer led the Mughal forces in that battle against Maharana Pratap of Mewar, relations between the two Rajput clans remained respectful and even cordial.
Post-Battle Alliances and Family Ties
One of the strongest testaments to their continued respect and kinship is the matrimonial alliance between Maha Singh, grandson of Raja Man Singh, and Damyanti Kumari, daughter of Shakti Singh, brother of Maharana Pratap. Their son, Mirza Raja Jai Singh I, went on to become one of the most prominent Rajput generals in Mughal service.
This alliance indicates that the feud, if any, did not persist between generations, and that familial and political bonds between the two houses remained intact even after the battle.
Battle Dynamics and Mutual Respect
While Raja Man Singh led the Mughal army, historical accounts suggest reluctance among many Rajput soldiers under him to fight Maharana Pratap, also known respectfully as Rana Kika. According to several sources, Rajput troops in the Mughal camp retreated early in the battle, and it was the Sayyid contingents who held their positions and prevented a complete Mughal rout.
Akbar failed to achieve his core objectives in the campaign, and Maharana Pratap's scorched-earth policy further weakened the Mughal effort. After the battle, Raja Man Singh is said to have forbidden the Mughal troops from looting the local population of Mewar, a rare gesture underscoring continued respect for the Rana and his people.
Aftermath and Long-Term Relations
The Battle of Haldighati remained the first and last military engagement between the houses of Mewar and Amer. No further hostilities were recorded between the two dynasties, and multiple alliances—both political and matrimonial—followed, reinforcing a stable and respectful relationship.
References
- Raja Man Singh Amer – Rajiv Nayan Prasad
- A History of Rajasthan – Reema Hooja
- Udaipur Rajya Ka Itihas (Vol. 1 & 2) – Gaurishankar Harishchandra Ojha
- Fall of the Mughal Empire – Jadunath Sarkar
- A History of Jaipur: c.1503–1938 – Jadunath Sarkar
- Thirty Decisive Battles of Jaipur – Rao Bahadur Thakur Narendra Singh