HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 301: Model Answer

Question: Discuss the relation of the Mughals with the Hill States. (8 marks/120 words)

Answer.

The relation of Mughals with various Hill chiefs in the Hill States are as follows:

Kangra:

During the reign of Akbar, the ruler of Kangra Jai Chand was arrested. Afterwards, Bidhi Chand (the son of Jai Chand) declared the First revolt against Mughals in 1572. This revolt was suppressed by Mughals. In his second revolt against Mughals, he formed alliance with Jammu and Kangra but this time he has to surrendered his Son Trilok Chand to Mughals.

 Nurpur:

Raja Bakht Mal supported the Mughal’s enemy Sikandar Shah which resulted in the execution of Bhakht Mal by Bairam Khan in 1558. In 1641, Jagat Singh revolted against Mughals and he got defeated but clemency was given to him by Shahjahan.

Bilaspur:

The battle of Nadaun was fought between Raja Bhim Chand of Bilaspur and the Mughals under Alif Khan. Raja Bhim Chand was supported by Guru Gobind Singh and other Hill Chieftains. The Mughal were supported by Raja of Kangra and Raja Dayal of Bijarwal. The Battle resulted in the Victory of Bhim Chand.

Chamba:

In Battle of Dhalog (1623), Mughal sided with Jagat Singh of Nurpur who defeated the Raja Janardhan of Chamba. Raja Chhatar Singh had organised the confederacy of the hill chiefs of Basholi, Guler and Jammu to counter the attack of Mughal led by Mirza Beg, Consequently the Mughals got defeated and as result of this defeat the hill chiefs recovered their lost principalities.

Kullu:

Sikandar Pal Singh had taken help from Mughals to capture Mansrovar Lake from Tibet.

Bushahr:

Aurangzeb had given the title of “Chhatarpati” to Raja Kehri Singh of Bushahr.

Sirmaur:

Raja Dharam Prakash to Raja Budhi Prakash remained loyal to Mughal Emperors. Raja Mandhata Prakash assisted Mughal Forces against Gharwal Chiefs.