Rana Raimal

Rana Raimal (1473–1509) was a Rajput ruler of Mewar. Maharana Raimal was the son of Rana Kumbha. He came to power by defeating his patricide predecessor, Udai Singh I in battles at Jawar, Darimpur and Pangarh. Early in Raimal's reign, Ghiyas Shah of Malwa attacked Chittor unsuccessfully. Soon after, Ghiyas Shah's general, Zafar Khan attacked Mewar and was defeated at Mandalgarh and Khairabad. By marrying Sringardevi (daughter of Rao Jodha), Raimal ended the conflict with the Rathores. During Raimals' reign, Raisingh Toda and Ajmer were recaptured. Raimal also strengthened the state of Mewar and repaired the temple of Eklingji in Chittor. The last years of Raimal's rule were marked by conflict between his sons with Prince Sanga (later Rana Sanga) having to flee Chittor. The sons, Prithviraj and Jaimal were both killed. At this difficult juncture, the Rana was informed that Sanga was still alive and in hiding. Raimal summoned Sanga back to Chittor and died soon afterwards.^[1]

Ascent to the throne

Raimal was not the heir-apparent, he was younger to Udai Singh I. But as fate would have it, Udai Singh I killed his father, the legendary Rana Kumbha, while he was praying to Lord Eklingji (Shiva) and ruled for five years. He was a weak ruler and under his reign Mewar lost Abu and Ajmer, both states were made independent by the weak ruler of Mewar. After being defeated by his brother Raimal, he fled to Delhi in order to please the Delhi Sultan and offered his own daughter in marital alliance however, before the marriage took place, the King was struck by lightning and died on the spot. His sons Surajmal and Sahasmal were with him.

Raimal fights the sultan and his nephews

Surajmall and Sahasmall were aided by the Sultan of Delhi and fought with Rana Raimal of Mewar in which their armies were defeated. Surajmall survived and was pardoned by Rana Raimal. He was a conspirator and ensured that sons of Raimal fought with each other in order to make his way clear to the throne. He was a brave fighter and possessed all the great qualities of his clan.

Fight at Sadri

Surajmall and Raimal's armies met at Sadri, a town that Surajmall had captured. Raimal's son Prithviraj joined his father at a crucial time in the war and directly attacked his uncle Surajmall. Their conversation in the evening after day's war was epic, representing the true character of a Rajput warrior. Many such skirmishes occurred till Surajmall finally left mewar and settled at Pratapgarh where his descendants still flourish and keep up the name of Sisodia clan. Prithviraj was later killed by poisoning by the Abu Deora chief and thus made way for Sanga's return when Jaimal died.

References

1. ↑ Sharma, Dasharatha(1970) Lectures on Rajput History and Culture, pp 79-84 Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi