Mewar's Submission to the Mughals: Amar Singh and Emperor Jahangir

The question asks during whose reign the Sisodiya Rajput ruler of Mewar, Amar Singh I, accepted Mughal service. This event marks a significant point in the long and often contentious relationship between the Sisodiya rulers of Mewar and the Mughal Empire.

Historical Context of Mewar-Mughal Relations

The Kingdom of Mewar, under the Sisodiya dynasty, was one of the few major Rajput states that maintained a strong stance against Mughal authority for a considerable period. Maharana Udai Singh II resisted Akbar, and his son, Maharana Pratap Singh I, is famous for his lifelong struggle against Emperor Akbar, notably at the Battle of Haldighati.

After Maharana Pratap's death, his son, Maharana Amar Singh I, continued the resistance. However, the constant warfare and pressure from the Mughal forces took a heavy toll on Mewar.

Amar Singh I's Submission to Jahangir

Following Akbar's death, his son Jahangir ascended the Mughal throne. Jahangir was also keen on subjugating Mewar. He launched several campaigns against Amar Singh. The continuous military pressure and depletion of Mewar's resources eventually led to negotiations.

In 1615, Maharana Amar Singh I finally agreed to a treaty with Emperor Jahangir. The negotiations were primarily handled by Prince Khurram (later Emperor Shah Jahan) on behalf of Jahangir.

The terms of the treaty were relatively honourable for Mewar, reflecting the respect the Mughals had gained for the Sisodiyas' resistance. Key aspects of the treaty included:

• The Maharana was exempted from personal attendance at the Mughal court. Unlike other Rajput rulers, a contingent led by the crown prince of Mewar would represent him.
• Matrimonial alliances with the Mughals were not obligatory for the Sisodiyas, a common practice used by the Mughals to secure loyalty from other Rajput states.
• Chittorgarh fort was restored to Mewar, although it was stipulated that the fortifications should not be repaired.
• The territories occupied by the Mughals were returned to Mewar.

By accepting these terms, Maharana Amar Singh I formally accepted Mughal suzerainty, bringing an end to decades of open conflict between Mewar and the Mughal Empire. This occurred during the reign of Emperor Jahangir.

Conclusion

Based on the historical accounts, the Sisodiya Rajput ruler of Mewar, Amar Singh I, accepted Mughal services and entered into a treaty with the Mughal Empire during the reign of Emperor Jahangir in 1615.

Revision Table: Mughal-Mewar Relations Timeline

Additional Information on the Treaty of 1615

The treaty between Mewar and the Mughals in 1615 is considered a diplomatic triumph for both sides. For the Mughals, it secured the formal submission of a long-standing adversary, bringing stability to the region and enhancing the empire's prestige. For Mewar, despite accepting suzerainty, the terms allowed them to maintain a significant degree of honour and autonomy compared to other Rajput states. The exemption from personal court attendance and matrimonial alliance was a special privilege granted to the Sisodiyas, acknowledging their unique status and prolonged resistance.

Prince Khurram's role in the negotiations was crucial and earned him favour with Jahangir. This event is often cited as one of Khurram's early successes, contributing to his later rise as Emperor Shah Jahan.