Relations between Rajput and Mughal Nobility: A Historical Survey

Abstract

Akbar’s relations with the Rajputs have to be seen against the wider background of Mughal policy towards the powerful rajas and Zamindars of the country. When Hymayun came back to India, he embarked upon a deliberate policy of trying to win over these elements. AbulFazl says that in order “to soothe the minds of the Zamindars, he entered in to matrimonial relations with them”. Thus when Jamal Khan Mewati, who was one of the great Zamindars of India, submitted to Humayun, he married one of his beautiful daughters himself and married the younger sister to Bairam Khan. In course of time, Akbar ex­panded and elaborated this policy. When Akbar assumed throne he made deliberate attempt to win Rajputs to his side and enlisted their support in expansion and consolidation of Mughal rule in India.