Rajput Policy of Mughals

Babur established Mughal empire in c. 1526 after defeating Ibrahim Lodhi at the Battle of Panipat. After that number of changes were brought by Mughals in state system in India. Babur lived for short-period of time after establishing empire and Humayun was struggled for empire for so many years and finally conquered Sur empire in c. 1555 but he died very next year and hence, both Babur and Humayun got little time for brought changes in state system. It was Akbar who consolidated the empire and brought number of changes in state system.

Similarly, Babur and Humayun got little time to develop a proper Rajput policy. But they fought battle against Rajput rulers like Rana Sanga and Medina Rao but these battles were only due political region there was nothing anti-Rajput in mind of Babur. During exile, Humayun took shelter in palace of Bhatti Rajput king Amarkot Rana Veersal where Akbar born in c. 1542. He also accepted Rakhi sent by Rani Karnavati of Mewar. Thus, Babur and Humayun did not get enough time to formulate a Rajput policy.

Also Read : Mughal Empire – Nature and Character of State

Babur – The Founder of Mughal Dynasty

Bahmani Kingdom – Its Growth and Age of Mahmud Gawan

Rajput Policy of Akbar

Akbar was the first Mughal empire who develop a proper Rajput policy. His policy was liberal and progressive in nature as he adopted flexible attitude towards Rajputs. Akbar adopted the policy which was pragmatic in nature as he was aware of the geographical significance of the Rajputana states. The capital city of Agra was close to Rajput states. He adopted the policy of carrot and stick to balance the power in states.

Economic significance was also there in his policy as trade route was cleared with the friendship and subjugation of Rajput kingdoms. His policy was also secular in nature because he did not impose Islam on Rajput states. The policy of Akbar was imperialistic in nature as Rajputs inclusion in Mughal empire provided strength to his empire. In many important battles, Rajput rulers like Man Singh leaded Mughal army.

During the period of c. 1556 to c. 1572, the relations of Mughals and Rajputs were moderated as Rajput given high offices but they were not given any important responsibility. But they were treated as loyal allies. But after c. 1572, Akbar’s trust toward Rajput increased immensely because Raja Bharmal saved Akbar’s life without worrying his own life. Hence, after this Rajput rulers given responsibilities.

For examples, Man Singh was appointed joint commander of Mughal forces in Battle of Haldigathi against Maharana Pratap. With time, the relations were further improved as Rajputs were given much more important responsibilities. Man Singh was appointed in charge of Indus region and Bhagwan Das was appointed as joint subedar of Lahore. In c. 1585-86, Rajputs were appointed joint subedars of Kabul, Lahore, Agra and Ajmer.

Significance of Akbar’s Rajput Policy

The subjugation of Rajputana helped Mughals to strengthen their position in India. it enables them to control the parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan. It provided most loyal service of Rajputs to Mughals. Rajputs helped in expansion of the Mughal empire. They helped in subjugating the rebel and revolts in the Mughal empire. With the help of Rajputs, Akbar successfully countered the influence of orthodox Turani (Transoxiana) and Irani (Persian) nobles.

The approach of Sulh-i-Kul helped in winning the support of Rajput rulers. The Rajput policy of Akbar contributed to emergence of composite culture. He adopted a number of elements from Rajputs culture in his court. The practice of Jharokha-i-Darshan, Tula Dan and architecture elements like Jali (perforated wall), Chajja (projection) and Chhatri (canopy) were adopted by Mughals from Rajputs.  

Thus, the Rajput policy of Akbar was highly successful in the consolidation of empire.