of Delhi Sultans till its recovery by Rana Hammir (1314–78), one of the
important Sisodia rulers, probably during the latter part of the reign of
Muhammad bin Tughluq. Hammir’s long reign marked a new era in the
history of Mewar. He extended the frontiers of his kingdom and his influence
was recognised by the Rajput princes of the neighbouring territories. During
the reign of Hammir’s successors the disintegration of the Delhi sultanate and
the rise of independent Muslim kingdom in Malwa and Gujarat created a new
political situation. Kshetrasimha (1378–1405), the son and successor of
Hammir, had to fight against Dilawar Khan Ghuri of Malwa on two
occasions, He was unfortunately killed in a family quarrel, and was
succeeded by two weak rulers, Lakha and Mokala respectively.
RANA KUMBHA KARAN (1438–68)
He was one of the greatest rulers of Mewar in the medieval period. He was
a brave soldier and first-rate general. Some contemporary inscriptions and
a literary work, Ekalinga Mahatmya, speak eloquently of his military
success against neighbouring Rajput princes. He carried on an incessant
warfare against the Sultans of Malwa and Gujarat and scored some
victories. Besides, he was a great patron of arts and learning, and was
himself a scholar of no mean ability. He is said to have been proficient in
the Vedas. Upanishads. Smritis. Mimamsa, vyakarna, politics and
literature. He wrote a commentary on Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda and an
explanation of the Chandisatakam. He was the author of four dramas in
which he used Sanskrit, Prakrit and three vernaculars. He was also an
accomplished musician and wrote several works on the science of music.
Moreover, he took special interest in military architecture. He
strengthened the defences of Chittor, built 32 forts and laid the foundation
of a new fort at Kumbhalgarh. He also built a number of temples. The
greatest architectural monument of his reign was, however, the
Kirtistambha (Tower of Fame) built by him at Chittor in commemoration
of his victory over Malwa. Kumbha was, however, murdered by his son,
and during the latter’s reign and that of his successor (covering the period
1468–1509), Mewar was weakened by dissensions in the ruling family and
invasion from Malwa.