Rana Sanga: The Warrior King of Mewar

The Lok Sabha recently discussed the legacy of Rana Sanga, a legendary 16th-century Rajput king known for his valor and efforts to unite Indian powers against foreign invaders.

Who was Rana Sanga?

• Maharana Sangram Singh (1484–1527), popularly known as Rana Sanga, was a ruler of Mewar and a prominent figure from the Sisodia dynasty of Rajputs.

• He reigned from 1508 to 1528, transforming Mewar into a formidable Rajput kingdom. His empire extended across present-day Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, parts of Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana.

Military Campaigns and Victories

• Battle of Khatoli (1517) and Battle of Dholpur (1518): Rana Sanga defeated Sultan Ibrahim Lodi of the Delhi Sultanate, showcasing his military prowess.

• Battle of Gagron (1519): He achieved a decisive victory over Mahmud Khilji II, the Sultan of Malwa, capturing the ruler and expanding his influence.

• These victories positioned Rana Sanga as the most powerful Hindu king in North India during the early 16th century.

Battle of Khanwa (1527): Turning Point

• In an attempt to resist foreign rule, Rana Sanga led a Rajput confederacy against Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, in the Battle of Khanwa.

• Despite superior numbers, his army was decisively defeated due to Babur’s advanced artillery and internal betrayal by Rajput allies, notably Silhadi of Raisen.

• The battle marked the beginning of Mughal dominance in India, ending Rana Sanga’s aspirations to restore a Hindu empire in North India.

Legacy and Significance

• Though defeated, Rana Sanga is remembered as a symbol of Rajput courage, unity, and resistance against foreign domination.

• His life inspired later Rajput resistance movements, and his vision of a united Hindu front left a lasting imprint on Indian political consciousness.

• Historical texts, such as Baburnama, acknowledge Sanga as one of Babur's most formidable opponents.