Maharana Sangram Singh, popularly known as Rana Sanga, was born on April 12, 1484. His father Rajmal, was the ruler of Mewar and a scion of the Sisodia clan of Suryavanshi Rajputs at that time. Rana had two brothers Prithviraj and Jaimal.
Childhood
In Rana Sanga’s childhood, an astrologer told his brothers that Rana would become the next king of Mewar because of which they got jealous. After a ugly quarrel with his brothers, Rana left the fort. Rana spent that period working as a shepherd in a remote village in Aravalli hills and got married to the daughter of the village’s chief.
During that period, his two brothers died fighting violently for the throne and Rana Sanga returned to court. In 1509 Rana became the ruler of Mewar after his father Rajmal’s death.
Rana Sanga’s battles with Mughal army
Rana Sanga fought 18 battles with mughal army and sustained eighty-four wounds on his body during these battles. He even lost his arm and got crippled in one leg. He won many fights against rulers of Delhi, Gujarat and Malwa.
Battle of Khanwa
On March 17, 1526 Rana Sanga launched a furious attack on the centre and right wing of Mughal force. In this battle the brave Rajput soldiers showed great heroism by stuffing themselves in the mouth of Mughal army’s cannons to stop the throw. Rana continued fighting even though he sustained many wounds. The battle carried on for many days and the result could not be ascertained. At last, Rana chose to retreat from the battle.
Achievements
Rana Sanga established Mewar as the foremost Rajput state and united the Rajput states to put up a strong defense against the Mughal armies. He brought Mewar to the heights of success and governed a large part of Rajputana. Rana Sanga is the fined example of the Kshatriya king as the Protector, the Suryavanshi king whose focus was on consolidating and developing his state.
