Why did Asif khan send his messenger to Rani durgawati?
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Answer:
Durgavati’s marriage to Dalpat Shah, could have been a political or dynastic alliance, as a Rajput marrying a Gond was unconventional in medieval times. The Chandellas were involved in continuous wars with the Kalachuris who lived near Jabalpur and the armies of the Delhi Sultanate which was draining their treasury and weakening their authority. As a result of this marriage, the Chandellas became allies of the powerful and wealthy kingdom of Garha-Mandla. This dynastic alliance would be of help when Keerat Rai received help from the Gonds and put up a stiff resistance to Sher Shah Suri, the Afghan ruler of Delhi, when he invaded the Kalinjar fort in 1545 CE.
In the same year, Rani Durgavati gave birth to a son who was named Vir Narayan. But Dalpat Shah passed away in 1550 CE leaving behind a 5 year old heir. Thus, the Queen became a Regent and took control over Gondwana, ruling the kingdom.
A view of the Chauragarh templeA view of the Chauragarh temple
An able administrator, Rani Durgavati shifted her capital from Singaurgarh fort to Chauragarh around 250 miles away, near Panchmarhi in Madhya Pradesh. It was a fort of strategic importance situated on the Satpura hill range.
The Queen became a Regent and took control over Gondwana, ruling the kingdom
In 1556 CE, Baz Bahadur, the Sultan of Malwa attacked the kingdom of Rani Durgavati as it lay to his immediate east. But Rani Durgavati successfully repulsed the attack, inflicting heavy losses to his army. This was followed by a temporary period of peace, but this was to change soon. In 1562 CE, Akbar defeated Baz Bahadur and brought the region of Malwa under Mughal dominion. Simultaneously, Asaf Khan, a Mughal general, conquered Rewa, which lay north of Rani’s kingdom. Thus, Garha-Mandla now touched the boundaries of both Rewa and Malwa, which were under the Mughals. An attack from either of them was imminent.
In 1564, lured by the prosperous state of Durgavati’s kingdom Garha-Mandla, Asaf Khan marched towards it with a huge army. To fight a defensive battle, the Queen is said to have moved to Narai Nala (Jabalpur district) situated between a hilly range on one side and two rivers – Gaur and Narmada, on the other. As the enemy entered the valley, Durgavati’s soldiers attacked them. During the battle, her faujdar or chief of the forces was killed and Durgavati decided to lead the forces herself. She chased the Mughal army out of the valley and emerged victorious.
Painting by the Mughal court artists Kesav and Jagannath from the Akbarnama (Book of Akbar) depicts the heroic death in battle of Rani Durgavati c. 1590-95 CEPainting by the Mughal court artists Kesav and Jagannath from the <i>Akbarnama</i> (Book of Akbar) depicts the heroic death in battle of Rani Durgavati c. 1590-95 CE
The next day, the Mughal army returned, challenging her once again with heavy artillery. This time helped by her son, Durgavati is said to have mounted her elephant Sarman and led her troops. Her son, Vir successfully repulsed the Mughal army thrice but was seriously wounded and had to be taken to a secure place. Durgavati continued the battle and was apparently shot by 2 arrows one that pierced her ear and the other, her neck. Injured and clearly outnumbered Rani Durgavati knew she was facing imminent defeat. So instead of getting captured by the Mughal army, she decided to kill herself
Explanation: