Kumbha of Mewar

Rana Kumbha had two sons, Udai Singh I and Raimal. His son Udai was an over ambitious and ruthless man.

Rana Kumbha was offering prayers to Eklengji (Lord Siva) in 1468 when he was killed by his son Udai Singh who proclaimed himself the ruler.

Rana Kumbha was born as Kumbhakarna Singh to Rana Mokal Singh of Mewar and his wife Sobhagya Devi, daughter of Jaitmal Sankhla, the Parmara fief-holder of Runkot in the state of Marwar. Rana Kumbha hailed from the Sisodia clan of Rajputs.

His father was a great warrior, much respected for his courage and valor. He defeated Nagaur, Gujarat and repelled an invasion by the Delhi Sultan. However Mokal Singh’s reign as the Maharana of Mewar was cut short by his assassination in 1433 at the hands of his paternal uncles, Chacha and Mera.

The kingdom of Mewar was plunged into political chaos following the untimely death of the maharana. His assassins received no support in grabbing the throne for themselves and were forced to flee the kingdom. Thus Kumbhakarna Singh, just 13 years old at that time, ascended the throne as Rana Kumbha.

Rana Kumbha inherited the valor and courage of his father, and despite his young age and the unfortunate circumstances in which he became the ruler, he went on to become one of the greatest rulers of Mewar. During his early years as the ruler, he received assistance from Ranmal (Ranamalla) Rathore of Mandore.

During the initial years of Rana Kumbha’s reign, Mahmud Khilji, Sultan of Malwa, was gaining considerable power in western India. He launched a series of attacks on Mewar in November 1442 and was successful in capturing Machhindargarh, Pangarh and Chaumuha.

Rana Kumbha launched an attack on Mahmud Khilji’s troops when they were encamping during the rainy season in April 1443. He was able to make the sultan flee to Mandu for a while.

In November 1443, the sultan attacked again and captured Gagraun and adjoining forts. But Rana Kumbha was able to defend Chittor and defeated the sultan in the fierce Battle of Mandalgarh and Banas. He then erected the Vijay Stambha at Chittor to commemorate the victory.

The battles of Mandalgarh and Banas were fought between Rana Kumbha and Mahmud Khilji. Kumbha defeated Khilji, both at the battle of Mandalgarh and the battle of Banas. Humiliated by these repeated defeats, Khilji did not dare to launch any other attack on Kumbha for several years.

The Battle of Nagaur was another major battle Rana Kumbha fought. It took place between the Rajputs of Mewar and the Nagaur Sultanate, and was won by Kumbha who successfully annexed Nagaur.