Rana Sanga Biography: Battles, Death, Interesting Facts

Rana Sanga Biography: Rana Sanga, whose full name was Maharana Sangram Singh, was a renowned Rajput warrior and the ruler of Mewar in 16th-century India. He is celebrated for his bravery and resistance against the Mughal emperor Babur and is considered one of the greatest Rajput warriors in history.

In this article, We have covered the complete biography of Rana Sanga, Battles and wars by Rana Sanga, Interesting Facts, and many more.

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Rana Sanga Biography

Rana Sanga Biography Overview

The following is a Brief Overview of Rana Sanga’s Biography:

Category	Details
Full Name	Rana Sangram Singh
Titles	Rana of Mewar, Maharana
Birth	1482, Chittorgarh
Father	Rana Raimal
Reign	1509 – 1527 CE
Predecessor	Rana Sanga’s brother, Rana Raimal
Successor	His son, Rana Ratna Simha (Ratraudra)
Capital	Chittor, Rajasthan
Religion	Hinduism
Spouse	Rani Karnavati
Wars	Against the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals
Major	Battles Battle of Gagron, Siege of Chittor, Battle of Khanwa
Defeated	By Babur at Khanwa, 1527
Death	Mortally wounded at Khanwa, died in captivity
Burial	Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan
Legacy	Hindu resistance to Mughal expansion, Rajput valor
Significance	Considered one of the greatest warriors and rulers of Mewar, known for his valor and resistance against foreign invasions

Who was Rana Sanga?

Rana Sanga, whose full name was Maharana Sangram Singh, was a prominent Rajput warrior and ruler of the Mewar region in Rajasthan, India, during the 16th century. He is known for his valor and resistance against foreign invasions, particularly against the Mughal emperor Babur. Rana Sanga is celebrated as one of the greatest Rajput warriors in history.

Birth and Early Childhood of Rana Sanga

Rans Sanga was born around the year 1482 in Mewar, Rajasthan, India. His early upbringing would have been in the royal environment of the Sisodia Dynasty of the Rajputs, as he belonged to the royal family. Unfortunately, specific information about his early childhood and upbringing is limited, as historical records from that period often lack such detailed accounts.

* The birth and early childhood details of Rana Sanga are not extensively documented in historical records.

Rana Sanga Family Tree

Rana Sanga’s family tree is quite extensive due to the complex relationships and marriages that were common among Rajput royalty during his time. The following is the brief overview of Family tree of Rana Sanga

1. Rana Sanga (Maharana Sangram Singh)
   • Wives: He had multiple wives, but specific names are not universally documented.
     • Sons: Among his sons, Ratan Singh II is a notable figure.
       • Grandson: Rana Pratap (Maharana Pratap), one of the most famous Rajput warriors in history, was the son of Ratan Singh II.
         • Great-Grandsons: Rana Pratap had several sons, including Amar Singh I and Kunwar Durjansingh.

Background and Journey of Rana Sanga

In 1508 CE, Rana Raimal was killed in a fight. Sangram Singh succeeded him as the lord of Mewar with the title of ‘Rana Sanga’. He settled his realm and vanquished a few regions to extend his standard. Rana Sanga brought numerous Rajput bosses under his impact and shaped a stupendous Rajput alliance against the Muslim rulers.

In 1517 CE, Rana Sanga caused a devastating loss for Ibrahim Lodi at the Clash of Khatoli. This laid out him as the most impressive Hindu lord in North India. Notwithstanding, in 1526 CE Babur crushed Ibrahim Lodi and laid out the Mughal rule in India.

Rana Sanga tested Babur’s development and battled against him in the Skirmish of Khanwa in 1527 CE. In spite of having a bigger armed force, Sanga was crushed because of Babur’s prevalent generalship and utilization of black powder weapons. But Sanga refused to give up. He regrouped his forces and recovered some of his lost territories from the Mughals. He also sheltered Humayun when he was defeated by Sher Shah Suri.

But in 1528 CE, Rana Sanga died, allegedly poisoned by his own nobles in league with the Mughals. With his death, the powerful Rajput resistance against Mughals collapsed. But Rana Sanga’s bravery and fighting skills in the face of a rising Mughal power remained legendary.

Rise of Rana Sanga

• Rana Sanga was brought into the world as Sangram Singh in 1482 CE in the realm of Mewar managed by the Sisodia Rajputs. He was the child of Rana Raimal.
• Rana Sanga was a young boy when he went to the military and learned skills for the battlefield. He before long procured a standing as a savage and gifted fighter.
• After the passing of his dad Rana Raimal in 1508 CE, Sangram Singh rose the Mewar lofty position as ‘Rana Sanga’.
• Through political maneuvers and military victories, Rana Sanga quickly established himself as ruler of Mewar.
• He brought numerous more modest Rajput bosses under his impact and shaped a fabulous Rajput alliance against the Muslim sultanates.
• In 1517 CE, Rana Sanga accomplished a devastating triumph over Ibrahim Lodi at the Skirmish of Khatoli. This significantly upgraded his eminence as a champion.
• He became regarded as the Hindus’ defender against Muslim rulers. His kingdon turned into an energizing point for different Rajput tribes.
• Rana Sanga came to be recognized as the most remarkable Hindu ruler in North India during the mid sixteenth 100 years.
• His confederacy encompassed all Rajput clans at its height, including Afghans, Bhils, and Gurjars as well as Rathors, Sisodiyas, and Kachwahas.
• Rana Sanga’s personal bravery, charismatic leadership, and ability to unite the warring Rajput clans were the foundations upon which his power and influence were built.

Battles and Wars by Rana Sanga

Rana Sanga, the ruler of Mewar, was known for his military prowess and engaged in several battles and wars during his lifetime. The following is the list of some of the notable battles and wars in which he participated:

Battle of Gagron

• Mahmud II Khalji, the Sultan of Malwa, and Rana Sanga’s Rajput army fought at the Battle of Gagron.
• In the present-day state of Rajasthan, it took place near the Gagron fortress, which protected an important trade route.
• Rana Sanga had begun to spread his kingdom’s influence to Malwa and Gujarat in the southwest. Strategically, the Gagron fortress posed a challenge.
• In 1523, Rana Sanga blockaded the stronghold at Gagron, yet his powers couldn’t enter its protections.
• The Ruler of Malwa, Mahmud II Khalji, walked from Mandu to ease the Gagron post with a sizeable armed force.
• In the fields beneath the stronghold, the two militaries took part in savage battle. Rana Sanga drove a group of Rajput heroes into fight.
• Notwithstanding Malwa’s conflict elephants making destruction at first, Rana Sanga’s rangers eventually won .The Malwa forces were routed after an intense clash.
• This decisive Rajput victory wrested control of the crucial Gagron fort from the Sultanate of Malwa. It also opened the path for Rana Sanga to expand his kingdom towards the southwest.
• Rana Sanga’s prestige as a formidable Hindu military leader peaked after this strategic triumph over Mahmud II Khalji’s armies.

Battle of Khatoli

• In the mid sixteenth 100 years, quite a bit of North India was under the Delhi Sultanate controlled by the Lodi line.
• The last Lodi king, Ibrahim Lodi, had estranged numerous Afghan bosses because of his despotic rule.
• Rana Sanga considered this to be an amazing chance to extend his standard and challenge the Delhi Sultanate. He rallied the support of disgruntled Afghan chiefs and Rajput rulers.
• In 1517 CE, Rana Sanga and his confederacy army marched towards Delhi to confront Ibrahim Lodi’s forces.
• The two armies met at Khatoli, near Agra. Rana Sanga had a large force of Rajputs along with a contingent of Afghan cavalry under Hasan Khan Mewati.
• In the Battle of Khatoli, Sanga’s forces decisively defeated Ibrahim Lodi’s army. Lodi himself managed to flee from the battlefield.
• This was a major victory for Rana Sanga. It greatly enhanced his military reputation as he had managed to defeat the sitting sultan of Delhi.
• More importantly, Khatoli cemented Sanga’s position as the premier Rajput ruler in North India taking on the Delhi Sultanate.
• Though unable to capture Delhi itself, Khatoli made the Rajput confederacy under Rana Sanga a formidable opposition to the Lodi dynasty.

Battle of Dholpur

• Rana Sanga, a young warrior, was becoming well-known for his bravery and skill.
• In 1504, he drove Rajput powers against Ruler Sikandar Lodi’s military from Delhi.
• Near Dholpur in eastern Rajasthan, they engaged in combat.
• However dwarfed, Rana Sanga adroitly sent his rangers and bowmen.
• The Rajputs went after with lightning speed, overpowering the foe.
• After a lot of fighting, Sikandar Lodi’s army was destroyed.
• Triumph at Dholpur established Rana Sanga’s control in eastern Rajasthan right off the bat in his ascent to drive.
• After this fight, his standing as an imposing military pioneer continued to develop

Battles of Idar

In 1513, the Gujarat Sultanate sent forces to capture the strategically located Idar fort near the borders of Mewar. Idar’s control would provide Gujarat access to lucrative trade routes. Rana Sanga, seeing this incursion as a threat to his western flank, swiftly mobilized Rajput warriors to reinforce Idar’s defenses. In 1514, he led an army to break the Gujarat siege. Fighting was intense, but Rana Sanga’s cavalry charges finally overwhelmed the invaders after nearly a year-long conflict.

Control of Idar continued to be contested in a series of engagements between Rana Sanga’s Rajputs and Gujarat Sultanate troops over the next several years. In 1517, Rana Sanga achieved a decisive victory against Gujarat forces near Idar, firmly establishing Rajput dominance in the region. The Battles of Idar exemplified Rana Sanga’s military brilliance in capitalizing on his cavalry’s mobility to defeat larger invading armies. It also demonstrated his commitment to safeguarding Rajasthan’s borders from external aggression. Though temporary, Rana Sanga’s successes in defending Idar helped extend his kingdom’s boundaries westward. They proved crucial in securing his emerging kingdom’s vulnerable western frontiers against regional rivals like Gujarat.

Battle of Khanwa

• The Clash of Khanwa was battled between Rana Sanga of Mewar and Babur of the Mughal line on Walk 16, 1527.
• Rana Sanga had gathered a fantastic collusion of Rajput rulers as well as Afghans prefer Hasan Khan Mewati to challenge Babur’s extension.
• The Rajput-Afghan armed force drove by Sanga had unrivaled numbers, assessed between 100,000-200,000 contrasted with Babur’s power of 25,000-30,000..
• However, Babur had advantage in technology – he extensively used field guns, matchlocks and artillery manned by Ottoman mercenaries.
• At Khanwa near Agra, the Mughals dug trenches on the battlefield which was an unfamiliar tactic for the Rajput cavalry.
• After an initial skirmish, the main battle began on March 16 with Rana Sanga leading his forces from the front.
• Superior Mughal firepower and tactics prevailed despite fierce resistance from Rajput warriors. Rana Sanga himself was seriously wounded.
• The Rajput army could not recover from Babur’s artillery and matchlock fire. They were routed with heavy losses of over 10,000 men.
• Babur had scored a decisive victory over the Hindustani forces. Rana Sanga survived but his aura of military invincibility was damaged.
• The defeat marked the end of Rajput supremacy and the beginning of Mughal rule over North India under Babur.

Battle against Malwa Sultanate

• The Malwa Sultanate was one of the regional Muslim kingdoms in the western part of North India during Rana Sanga’s time.
• Its ruler Mahmud Khalji II was an ambitious monarch and wanted to expand his kingdom by conquering Rajputana.
• This brought him into conflict with Rana Sanga who saw Malwa as a threat to his domains.
• At the Battle of Dharmatpur, Rana Sanga inflicted a crushing defeat on Mahmud Khalji, who fled in disgrace.
• Sanga’s forces pursued the defeated Malwa army, plundering towns and villages along the way. They went as far as Mandu, the capital of Malwa Sultanate.
• Though Mandu withstood the siege, Sanga’s victory broke the power of Malwa. It ceased to pose any threat to the Rajputs for a long time.
• The battles showcased Rana Sanga’s superior generalship as he successfully defended his domains against the expansionary ambitions of Malwa.

Battle Against Gujarat Sultanate

• The Gujarat Sultanate under Sultan Muzaffar Shah I was another emerging power that came into conflict with Rana Sanga.
• In 1519 CE, Muzaffar Shah sent an army to invade Mewar. However, Rana Sanga inflicted a crushing defeat on them at a pass in the Aravali hills.
• In 1520 CE, Muzaffar Shah himself led a large army to attack Rana Sanga’s kingdom. Sanga marshalled his forces and met them at the village of Mangrol.
• In the Battle of Mangrol, Rana Sanga displayed great generalship and managed to route the Gujarat forces despite being outnumbered. Muzaffar Shah was taken prisoner.
• For his release, Muzaffar Shah ceded the strategic fortress of Mandrayal to Rana Sanga and also paid a huge war indemnity.
• Emboldened by his success, in 1523 CE Rana Sanga sent an expedition to capture the port city of Surat which was under Gujarat. But this failed.
• Still, Sanga’s victories over Gujarat ensured the western borders of his kingdom were relatively secure from any invasion from the Sultanate.
• The battles reinforced Rana Sanga’s image as the defender of Hindu interests against the Muslim sultanates vying for supremacy in North India.

March against Turko Mongol Army of Babur

• In 1526, Babur, a descendant of Timur, defeated Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat and established the Mughal dynasty in India.
• Rana Sanga saw Babur as a major threat to Rajput interests in North India. He started preparations to challenge Babur’s expansion.
• In late 1527, Rana Sanga assembled a grand alliance of Rajput rulers such as Hasan Khan Mewati, Medini Rai, Raja of Amber, to take on Babur.
• He marched with a large army of over 200,000 men including cavalry, infantry, artillery towards Babur’s position at Khanwa near Agra.
• Rana Sanga’s diverse army had Rajputs, Afghans, Bhils, and members of various northern hill tribes. It reflected his ability to unite different factions.
• However, Babur had adopted newer battlefield tactics and extensively used gunpowder firearms and artillery which the Rajput-led army lacked.
• At Khanwa in March 1527, the two armies engaged in fierce battle. Rana Sanga himself led from the front despite being injured.
• But Babur’s superior tactics and technology prevailed. Rana Sanga was grievously wounded and had to retreat from the battlefield in defeat.
• Though Rana Sanga’s grand anti-Mughal alliance failed, his ability to marshal such a large coalition and directly take on Babur reinforced his stature as a formidable military leader.

Rana Sanga’s invasion of Gujarat

Having consolidated his control in Rajasthan, Rana Sanga set his sights on expanding his kingdom’s reach into wealthy Gujarat in 1519. He led a formidable Rajput army that plundered major cities like Ahmedabad, Champaner, and Mahmudabad. Rana Sanga’s forces looted Hindu temples containing treasures accumulated from Gujarat’s prosperous trade and exacted tributes from merchants. However, the campaign’s intention seems to have been plunder rather than permanent conquest. After months of marauding through Gujarat, laden with looted wealth, Rana Sanga withdrew his forces back to Rajasthan.

Though unable to add Gujarat to his domains, Rana Sanga’s invasion demonstrated the martial supremacy and reach of Rajput forces in early 16th century India. It struck fear into the hearts of North India’s sultanates and heralded the emergence of Rajasthan as the preeminent Hindu military power under Rana Sanga’s leadership. The success of this audacious campaign, conducted under incredibly difficult desert conditions, bolstered Rana Sanga’s prestige as a Hindu nationalist. Tales of the legendary riches looted from Gujarat’s cities during Rana Sanga’s grand raid inspired awe for generations. More than territorial conquest, it was a blow to the psyche of Gujarat’s Muslim rulers and a proud moment for the Rajputs.

War against Mughals

• After Babur captured Delhi in 1526, Rana Sanga emerged as the lead Hindu opponent against the Mughals’ expansion into India.
• In early clashes, Rana Sanga’s Rajput confederacy prevailed over some of Babur’s contingents, including at the Battle of Khatoli in 1527.
• However, Babur’s superior artillery, cavalry, and numbers eventually turned the tide.
• At the pivotal Battle of Khanwa in March 1527, Babur inflicted a major defeat on Rana Sanga’s army after a bitterly fought contest.
• Rana Sanga escaped wounded from Khanwa but refused to yield. He continued organizing Rajput resistance from Chittor.
• In May 1527, Babur besieged and finally conquered the formidable Chittor fort after a grueling 4-month-long siege.
• Captured and grievously wounded, the courageous Rana Sanga died just days later, ending organized Rajput opposition.
• Babur had defeated Rana Sanga’s confederacy despite the Rajputs’ spirited defense of their domains. Mughal power now dominated North India.

Rana Sanga vs Babur

• After defeating Ibrahim Lodi at Panipat in 1526, Babur focused on consolidating his control over Delhi and Agra regions.
• Seeing an opportunity, Rana Sanga sent his general Silhadi of Raisen to recapture the strategic fortress of Bayana in early 1527.
• Silhadi besieged Bayana with his Rajput army and trapped the Mughal garrison under Abdul Aziz.
• When Babur got news of this, he immediately dispatched a Mughal force under Ustad Ali and others to relieve Bayana.
• The Mughals were intercepted by Silhadi’s Rajput army while crossing the Banas river at Banaya. In the battle that ensued, Rajputs thoroughly routed the Mughal forces.
• Up to 1000 Mughal soldiers including their commander Ustad Ali were killed in what came to be known as the Battle of Banaya.
• This was the first major defeat suffered by Babur’s Mughals at the hands of Rajputs under Rana Sanga.
• Though Banaya was a short-lived victory as Bayana was recaputured by Mughals soon after, it showed the weakness of Mughal army against Rajput warriors.
• The Battle of Banaya demonstrated that the Mughals under Babur were still vulnerable against a concerted Rajput challenge despite capturing Delhi and Agra.

Death and Succession of Rana Sanga

• Rana Sanga suffered severe injuries during fierce battles against the Mughal forces of Babur. Despite his weakened state, he remained determined to resist Mughal expansion into Rajput-ruled lands.
• In 1527, Babur invaded with a powerful army. Though too ill to personally lead his warriors, Rana Sanga directed military strategy from a litter carried by soldiers.
• The two armies clashed in a climactic battle at Khanwa. Greatly outnumbered, many Rajput fighters including Rana Sanga were slain. Babur’s victory was decisive.
• Grievously injured by Mughal arrows and swords, the courageous Rana Sanga was captured alive after the battle. He soon succumbed to his wounds.
• Rana Sanga’s death marked the end of unified Rajput resistance to early Mughal rule. Babur annexed parts of Rajasthan after his Khanwa victory.
• The loyal nobles and warriors who survived helped install Rana Sanga’s eldest son, Ratraudra, as heir to the ruler position. But Mughal power dominated the region.
• Rana Sanga’s defeat opened the door for Mughal expansion deeper into India’s interior. But his valiant legacy as a Hindu patriot and warrior ruler remained influential.
• To this day, Rana Sanga is revered in Rajasthani culture as a fallen hero of the Rajputs. His against-all-odds bravery in battling the Mughals became legendary.

Interesting Facts About Rana Sanga

Here is some interesting Facts about Rana Sanga:

1. Courageous Rajput Warrior: Rana Sanga is celebrated as one of the bravest Rajput warriors in history. His fearlessness in battle and unwavering determination to defend his kingdom are legendary.
2. Battle of Khanwa: Although he faced defeat in the Battle of Khanwa against Babur, his courage in confronting the mighty Mughal Empire is admired by many. This battle is a significant event in Indian history.
3. Resilience: Despite suffering severe injuries in battles, Rana Sanga continued to lead his army from the front. His resilience and dedication to his kingdom were remarkable.
4. Legacy of Resistance: Rana Sanga’s resistance against foreign invasions inspired future generations, and his legacy lived on through his famous descendant, Maharana Pratap, who continued the fight against the Mughals.
5. Rajput Traditions: He upheld Rajput traditions and values, which were characterized by chivalry, honor, and a strong sense of duty.
6. Complex Marital Alliances: Like many Rajput rulers of his time, Rana Sanga had multiple wives, and his marital alliances were complex, reflecting the political intricacies of the era.
7. Role in Rajputana: Rana Sanga played a significant role in the history of Rajputana (now Rajasthan) and left an indelible mark on the region’s heritage.
8. Historical Legacy: His life and battles continue to be subjects of historical research, literature, and admiration in India.

FAQs On Ranga Sanga Biography

When did Rana Sanga live?

Rana Sanga lived in the early 16th century. He reigned from around 1509 until he died in 1527.

Where did Rana Sanga rule?

He ruled the kingdom of Mewar, located in present-day Rajasthan, India. His capital was Chittor.

Who did Rana Sanga fight against?

He led Rajput forces against the Delhi Sultanate and later the emerging Mughal Empire led by Babur.

What were some key battles Rana Sanga fought?

Major battles included those at Dholpur, Gagron, Khanwa, and the Siege of Chittor against the Mughals under Babur.

How did Rana Sanga die?

He was grievously wounded while captured after being defeated by Babur at the Battle of Khanwa in 1527. He succumbed to his injuries days later.

Why was Rana Sanga significant?

He united many Rajput kingdoms against external threats and epitomized Hindu resistance against the Mughal Empire’s expansion under Babur.

What is Rana Sanga’s legacy?

He is remembered for his courage and military skills. His valiant last stand inspired later opposition to the Mughal rule.