Biography:Karam Chand Bachhawat

Bikaner Vibhuti (distinguished; विभूति), Karam Chand Bachhawat (1542-1607) served as Dewan (1571–91), Prime Minister of Bikaner state in the former state of Rajputana (now Rajasthan). Karam Chand, the descendant of Bachhraj, was a brilliant administrator and a suave strategist in Bikaner and had a very good rapport with Emperor Akbar. In 1591, fearing danger to his life, he politely recuse himself from Raja Rai Singh and resigned. Later, on being invited by Emperor Akbar, he joined him as an important adviser at Lahore court.

Karam Chand Bachhawat
Karam Chand Bachhawat, Dewan of Bikaner (1571-91)
Born	1542 AD
Occupation	~ Dewan (Prime Minister) of Bikaner (1571-91). ~ Gajjadhikari (Head of state council) of Emperor Akbar at Lahore court (1591-1605).
Home town	Bikaner, Rajasthan, India
Title	Dewan
Spouse(s)	Ajaib Devi, Jeeva Devi and Kapur Devi
Children	Bhag Chand and Lakshmi Chand
Parent(s)	Sangram Singh (father)

If you look at history, it has always celebrated the lives of the kings or emperors of an era but carries very little information about the those supportive of them, who stood serving a purpose. Behind every king are unsung nobles, who acted as pillars of support. Karam Chand Bachhawat is one such person.

Ancestors

Karam Chand Bachhawat belonged to Bachhawat gotra (sect) of Oswal community. The Bachhawats belong to the feudal aristocratic order of former states of Rajputana (Rajasthan), who faced many ups and downs of life. They were brave, and many sacrificed their lives fighting for the state against Muslim invaders. They were visionary administrators par excellence but at times suspected to be anti-state but pro-Mughal and pro-British regime. The members of this clan were associated with the administration of the state for generations. Among them many were independent rulers in Delwara state (former small kingdom near Udaipur). There were as many as five Prime Ministers of Jodhpur and Bikaner states from amongst the direct ancestors of Karam Chand. Later, in Mewar state, six of his descendants served as Prime Ministers, nine members were appointed as Kiledars (Governors of Forts; किलेदार) and more than 25 members of this clan served as Hakims (Administrators; हाकिम) in various districts of Mewar.

The Bachhawats, trace their origin from the Chauhan dynasty of Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan. The ancestors were Deora (देवड़ा) Chauhans, who ruled Delwara (a small kingdom near Udaipur) state, in 13th-14th century. The ruler of Delwara, Raja Sagar, a Deora Chauhan and a descendent of Rao Kirtipal of Jalore, was the progenitor of Bachhawats. Later, in 14th century, this clan embraced Jainism. Thus, the Bachhawat gotra in Oswal community was born. Since, for generations many of them were in the service of rulers (Maharajas & Maharanas), the Bachhawats also followed Vaishnavism being state religion, alongside Jainism.

During mid-15th century, Bachhraj, a descendant of Raja Sagar, was invited by the Rao Jodha, the Chief of Mandore (मंडोर; later named Jodhpur) and was appointed Dewan (Prime Minister; दिवान). He was a brave warrior, an able administrator and a strategist. Rao Jodha, then, for the first time, allowed Bachhraj and other Oswals to take part in commanding armies. In 1465, Rao Bika, elder son of Rao Jodha, chose Bachhraj as his main follower, along with his uncle Rawal Kandhal and others, while proceeding to establish a new territory, later named Bikaner. Bachhraj was appointed as Dewan of the newly founded state of Bikaner. The descendants of Bachhraj came to be known as Bachhawat, which later became a distinctive clan (gotra) and an ethnic group. With the passage of time the influence of Bachhawats grew by leaps and bounds. Each descendant of this clan was appointed as Dewan of Bikaner. Although ancestors of Bachhawats were Kshatriyas (Deora Chauhans), they now belonged to Vaishya (Bania) caste; hence they understood military strategy better than any Kshatriya adviser as royal blood runs in them. They used their pen and sword with equal skill and impact.

Loyal to state, brilliant administrator & suave strategist

Karam Chand Bachhawatwas born in 1542 AD (VikramSamvat 1599, Paush vid 11; Indian lunar calendar). In 1571, Rao Kalyanmal,on demise of Karam Chand’s father, Dewan Sangram Singh, a descendant of Bachhraj, was appointed Dewan of Bikaner. He was popular in Bikaner and had built a good rapport with Emperor Akbar Jalal-u-din (1556-1605). The royal family of Bikaner had marital relations with the Mughals. Daughter of Kalyanmal was married to Emperor Akbar in 1570 and later his son Rai Singh’s daughter was married to prince Salim (later Emperor Jahangir). Thus, the ruling family of Bikaner was one among the chosen families from Rajputana, being part of marriage alliance arranged by Karam Chand. Neither event is alluded to in the ‘Kiyant’ but the facts are recorded by Ferishta (pages 234 and 260, Brigg’s Translation). Thus,Kalyan's son Rai Singh, who succeeded him in 1573, was one of Akbar's most distinguished generals.

In 1571, while travelling with Prince Rai Singh from Bikaner to the court of Emperor Akbar at Lahore, the much-indebted Dewan Karam Chand, before his departure asked Rao Kalyanmal, "My Lord, order me as you please".

Rao Kalyanmal said that he has everything but want to fulfil the wishes of his ancestors. He said,

“I want to perform Kamal Puja (prayers for departed souls of ancestors) sitting in the ‘gavaksh’ (balcony) of Jodhpur palace to fulfil the wishes of late Rao Bika”.

Karam Chand along with Rajkumar Rai Singh paid their obeisance to Emperor Akbar. Since Karam Chand enjoyed good equation with Akbar, he asked him for a favour for Rao Kalyanmal to perform puja at the Jodhpur palace. Since Jodhpur was under Akbar, the wishes were granted instantly. Thus, Rao Kalyanmal could fulfil the wishes of his ancestors and asked Karam Chand as to what he would like in return. Karam Chand politely said,

“I have everything given by you. However, you may like to grant that during the four months of chaturmaas (monsoon) – teli (oilman), kumbhar (potter), kandoi (confectioner), etc to stop violence related work. Do not collect tax on ‘maal’ (goods), goats, sheep, etc”.

Rao Kalyanmal accepted his wishes and granted four villages on stamped paper to Karam Chand. Since Karam Chand enjoyed good equation with Emperor Akbar, the rulers of Bikaner were among the most loyal adherents of the empire and held high ranks as Mansabdars of special order in the imperial court, like Raja Man Singh I of Amber (Jaipur). They served as military commanders in various Mughal campaigns all over the Indian sub-continent. Karam Chand fought alongside Raja Rai Singh to defeat Sultan of Gujarat. Emperor Akbar was mighty pleased with the strategist Dewan Karam Chand and asked him as to what he wished for. He replied,

“I do not want anything for myself but want a grant of 52 parganas for my king”.

Kind hearted and saviour of Jainism in medieval period

In 1573, Rao Kalyanmal was succeeded by Rao Rai Singh. With the help of strategist Karam Chand, Rao Rai Singh expanded his kingdom and brought in lots of prosperity for Bikaner state. The kingdom of Rao Rai Singh extended up to Harappa in Sindh (Sindhu Desh) by defeating the forces of Balochis. At the behest of Karam Chand, the captured Baluchi prisoners of war were properly clothed, fed and returned to their homes, with dignity.

The valiant and brave king Rao Rai Singh of Bikaner was granted the title of Raja by Emperor Akbar. Karam Chand, who had deep concern for the environment and Jain traditions, had orders issued for stopping of fishing activities in Sutlej, Dek and Raavi rivers. He stopped felling of trees in the desert region. Raja Rai Singh also passed orders banning killing of animals during Paryushan (holy festival of Jains during monsoon).

Karam Chand had three wives – Ajaib Devi, Jeeva Devi and Kapur Devi (Ajaibde, Jibade and Kapurde). He along with his family often travelled to Jain pilgrim centres – Shatrunjay, Girnar, Abu, etc. and gave away plenty of alms in charity. He was an able disciple of Acharya Jinachandra Suri.

The beginning years of the reign of Akbar proved to be of religious bigotry. It was at the behest of Akbar that the Jain temples of Sirohi were demolished. Karam Chand and the Jain followers, who patiently bore the brutality of Mughals, finally prevailed over Akbar for changing his policy.

The rare 1050 Jina images (Jain paintings) and sculptures (gold & brass) looted by Sultan Tursam Khan in 1576, from the shrines of Sirohi were kept with Emperor Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri. It was intended to melt the statues and extract the gold, but Akbar denied the permission and ordered them to be kept safely. It was at the behest of Karam Chand that Raja Rai Singh approached the Emperor and the statues were respectfully released in 1582.

Chintamani Mandir Bikaner - inscription - that Bachhawats has renovated it.

When the statues arrived at Bikaner, Karam Chand along with the Jain Acharyas and disciples organised a grand function to welcome these statues and installed them in the basement of Chintamani Mandir. From time to time on special occasions the basement is opened, and the statues worshipped as per Jain traditions in public. Such auspicious occasions in 20th century were in the year 1943, when Acharya Mani Sagar Suri Maharaj arrived in Bikaner, then in 1962, 1978, 2009 and now in November 2017. Perhaps, due to non-availability of regular puja and worship facilities for so many divine statues, they are stored in the basement even today.

In the Chintamani temple, the main ‘Chaturvinshti’ (24 statues) idol was badly damaged during the invasion by Kamaran, ruler of Lahore and brother of Emperor Humayun. The stone-plaque at the temple mentions that the renovation work was carried out by the Bachhawat descendants of Mantri Bachhraj, namely Mantri Var Singh.

In 1586, Karam Chand heard that Jain temples at Shatrunjay(Palitana) and other places in Saurashtra were being destroyed by Navarang Khan. Fearing destruction of Jain temples in the area, he immediately petitioned Akbar for the protection of Jain temples. Akbar at once issued a farmaan (stamped order) to Azam Khan of Gujarat to put Shatrunjay and other Jain temples in Saurashtra under the control of Karam Chand for their protection. Later, a Jain temple was constructed by Karam Chand at Palitana and his maternal home (nanihal) in Merata city in memory of his mother.

Bachhawats granted title of Mehta &honour to wear gold in legs

In 1586, Prince Salim (later Emperor Jahangir), son of Akbar and son-in-law of Rai Singh was blessed with a daughter under inauspicious planetary conditions. The advice of Shaikh Abul Fazal and other learned people was sought. In the end, Karam Chand and astrologers were consulted and special puja as per Jain philosophy was performed by Pontiff Bhanu Chandra to successfully ward off evil effects. Karam Chand presented Prince Salim with a precious pearl necklace worth 1300 gold mohars (coins). Emperor Akbar was mighty pleased with Karam Chand and he granted the honour to the ladies of Bachhawat family to wear gold in the foot. Till then this honour was reserved for only Sarang family of Oswal clan. The title of Mehta (a person engaged in important assignment; महत्त्वपूर्ण कार्यकर्ता) was also granted to him. All his direct descendants settled in Mewar use the title of Mehta. Karam Chand Bachhawat, a close friend and strategist of Emperor Akbar became a historical person and came to be known as the saviour of Jainism during medieval period.

Against bounty to bards

Both Jain sources as well as Khayat of Dayaldas portray Raja Rai Singh as a very benevolent but extravagant personality. Judging from the marvellous liberality to bards (Charans and Bharats) with which the ‘Kiyant’ credits Rai Singh, he would appear to have had a great appreciation of poetry and every important circumstance of his life is attested by a ballad.

As Dewan of the state, Karam Chand had a guarded attitude in the interest of the state treasury and did not like this extravaganza on bards. Hence Karam Chand often protested to the king over the rewards. There can be no doubt, that the poets for the sake of the precedent and example have greatly exaggerated Rai Singh’s liberality to him and others. Thus, it is stated that during his lifetime, Rai Singh gave away to Charans, Bharats and Brahmins 25 villages, 2000 elephants, 50000 horses and three and quarter crore of rupees in money.

Raja Rai Singh was extremely angry person and believed in every gossip. He always took decisions in hurry and did not care about its consequences. He would brag and talk loud to conceal his mistakes. The bohemian between Raja Rai Singh and Dewan Karam Chand could not last long and very soon tensions surfaced in their relationship.

Bachhawat do not worship Dyadi Mata

Traditionally, on completion of Navratri festival, Dyadi Mata (Ashapura Mata; Kuldevi of Chauhans as Bachhawats are their descendants) is commonly worshipped by all castes in Rajasthan. Once, during later part of 16th century, when Karam Chand was engaged in the worshipping of Dyadi Mata, a disciple of Jain Muni, the Maharajsaab came to Bachhawat's Haveli for gochari (food and alms). Karam Chand felt disturbed, and told the disciple to convey to Maharajsaab to come later for gochari. The Maharajsaab was displeased and through his spiritual powers, let Dyadi Mata's idol speak to Karam Chand,

"You shall not worship me from now onwards. I shall not find any fault for doing so. I may be immersed in water. If your descendants remake a similar statue and purify (bathe) it in sawa mound of oil, the puja can recommence."

It is believed, that Maharajsaab then had the gold statue, weighing sawa (1^1/4 ) mound (approx. 1500 kg) thrown into the well just outside the haveli in Maneck Chowk. Hence the Bachhawats and the members of this ethnic group do not worship Dyadi Mata (Kuldevi), from that day.

Foundation of Junagarh Fort at Bikaner

Junagarh Fort of Bikaner. Formerly Chintamani Fort built (1588-93) under supervision of Dewan Karam Chand Bachhawat.

From 1585 to 1594 Raja Rai Singh of Bikaner was employed in the Deccan by Emperor Akbar, where he was Mansabdar of Burhanpur. While Rai Singh is said to have kept the petty chiefs under control and to have governed his province well, the administration of Bikaner was totally with Karam Chand.

The royal family of Bikaner lived in the original small fortress built by Rao Bika, until Raja Rai Singh built a new fort called ‘Chintamani’. The ruins of the old fort can still be seen around the walled city, on Raati Ghati near Lakshmi Nathji temple. Whilst at Burhanpur he planned and ordered his minister, Karam Chand to begin the construction of present fine fort of Bikaner in 1588 on the site indicated by the good omens in Rao Bika’s time. As Rai Singh was away, Karam Chand laid the foundation stone of Bikaner Fort in 1588 and supervised its construction up to 1591.

Raja Rai Singh returned from his subah after nine years in 1594. In 1593, Emperor Akbar being mighty pleased with the military services and successful campaigns in Deccan and Gujarat by Raja Rai Singh, granted him with the jagirs of Junagarh (Saurashtra) and Burhanpur. To commemorate the glorious victories the new fort was renamed as Junagarh Fort. However, there is another version of story for renaming the fort. The fort was renamed as Junagarh, or ‘Old Fort’ in the early 20th century (1926) when the ruling family moved to newly built Lalgarh Palace outside the fort limits.

Completed in 1593, it is an impressive fort of Northern India famous for its magnificent architecture, design and decoration. This Fort, also known as Bikaner Fort, has withstood the ravages of time and has remained unconquered.

Suspicion between Rai Singh and Karam Chand

Capt PW Powlett writes in ‘Gazetteer of Bikaner State’,

“Karam Chand established control over the polity of Bikaner and influenced some princes as well. The frequent absence of Raja Rai Singh of Bikaner to discharge his duties as Mansabdar was used by Karam Chand to establish his contacts at the Mughal court. This increasing proximity to Emperor Akbar was distancing Karam Chand from his King. Karam Chand had a dominating personality and whose proactive attitude overshadowed Rai Singh. The honours conferred on Karam Chand by Emperor Akbar made Raja Rai Singh jealous”.

One of the causes given by the historians is the breach of protocol. Karam Chand was a good chess player and the Emperor Akbar would often ask him to play chess, seated opposite him in the Mughal court, while his master and other Rajas stood by in humble attendance. This was naturally most galling to Rai Singh, who conceived hatred towards his servant and sought to eliminate him after his return home from Burhanpur.

By 1591 tension started building up between the Rai Singh and Karam Chand. Rai Singh discovered a conspiracy against his life. The differences between Raja Rai Singh and his son Prince Dalpat Singh, rompted later to reach Emperor’s court. A conspiracy was hatched to dislodge Rai Singh from the gaddi (throne) of Bikaner. The prime mover behind the conspiracy was allegedly Karam Chand. It is also strange to say, notwithstanding the Raja’s magnificent treatments of Brahmins and minstrel class, a Purohit (priest), a Bharat and a Charan also figure amongst the conspirators. The objective was to place Raja’s eldest son Dalpat Singh or his brother Ram Singh on the throne, thus Karam Chand monopolizing the power of the state. But the motive of the traitors failed. Karam Chand and his family, having received timely warning, escaped to Delhi, where they were well received at the court of Akbar.

It is further stated by Capt Powlet in Gazetteer of Bikaner State,

“They were made the supreme authority of Emperor Akbar and acquainted him with Bikaner secrets, an offence still held in native states to be one of the most heinous possible. But in other respects, Karam Chand was now able to be a thorn in the side of the Raja Rai Singh”.

Capt Powlett further clarifies, “It must be understood that these expressions are those of the writers of Kiyants”. The Kiyants are written by Charans and Bharats, a clan of bards who compose poems and stories with the greatest of ease and keep alive the oral tradition. The stories are passed down from father to son. In a sense they are the early historians, and most were paid to do so. However, another version of this story from ‘Karamchand Vansh-kavyam’ by Jaysom states,

“Raja Rai Singh turned against Karam Chand and wanted to take revenge. Sensing development of ill will of Raja Rai Singh towards himself, Dewan Karam Chand politely took permission to settle in Merta city along with his family members, to spend his time in the service of Parshvanath Swami and Shri Jindutt Surij at a nearby village of Phalodi. He was invited by Raja Man Singh of Amber (Jaipur), one of the famous 'Navaratnas' (the nine gems at the royal court of Akbar) and other kings but he refused as he had his singular loyalty towards Raja Rai Singh of Bikaner”.

Invited to Lahore court by Akbar

Around 1591, Emperor Akbar being aware of the talent and loyalty of Dewan Karam Chand sent a letter to invite him to his court at Lahore through Raja Rai Singh. On the orders of his king, Karam Chand left Merta for Lahore along with his aides. He visited Ajmer en route to seek blessings at the memorial (stupa) of his guru Dada sahib Shri Jindutt Suri. When at Lahore he was immediately called in by the Emperor Akbar for an audience, whereas, people would wait for days to have audience. The Emperor knew everything about him and reassured Karam Chand that his lost glory would be restored shortly.

BhanwarlalNahata writes in his book ‘Mantri Karam Chand Bachhawat’,

“Emperor Akbar appointed Dewan Karam Chand as Gajjadhikari (Head of State Council, Treasury &Stores). Emperor presented him with a hunting horse loaded with gold. He was also appointed as the Samrajyadhipati (Governor; स्म्राज्यधिपति) of Toshampur (now in Haryana) with appropriate number of elephants, horses and foot soldiers”.

It meant that all Kings and Mansabdars under Mughal Empire would have to first meet Dewan Karam Chand before calling on Emperor.

Acharya Jinchandra Suri invited to Lahore court

Acharya Jinchand Suri with Akbar and Karam Chand at Lahore court

During one of the meetings with the learned religious people, Akbar asked the pundits, "Who was the most learned Jain philosopher?" The pundits replied, "Acharya Jinchandra Suri was one such person". Emperor asked, "Who is his disciple?" The pundits replied, "Dewan Karam Chand".

Bhanwarlal Nahata of Prakrit Bharati Academy, Jaipur writes in his book ‘Mantri Karam Chand Bachhawat’ that Karam Chand was summoned and ordered to invite his guru maharaj as soon as possible. Accordingly, Acharya, who was then at Shatrunjay (Palitana, Saurashtra) reached Lahore after six months journey on foot, on 14 February 1592 along with 31 disciples on Eid day.

The Emperor, who was sitting in the balcony of the palace, came down to receive Acharya Jinchandra Suri and after exchanging pleasantries, he said,

“I have asked you to come here all the way from Gujarat to benefit from your thoughts at the religious meetings. I strongly believe in non-violence (ahimsa); therefore, you must visit my court to give audience, at least once every day so that there is spiritual awakening among my children”.

Having received the patronage of the Emperor, Acharya soon became popular and was well received by one and all at Lahore. He stayed there for over a year till next monsoon.

Akbar was greatly impressed by the scholastic qualities and character of the Acharya. He held several debates and discussions on religion and philosophy in his courts. Arguing with Jains, Akbar remained skeptical of their atheistic views on god and creation. Yet he became convinced by their philosophy of non-violence, vegetarianism and ended up deploring to eat all types of flesh. At the behest of Karam Chand, the Emperor also issued many imperial orders that were favorable for Jain interests, such as banning animal slaughter and stoppage of fishing. Jain authors also wrote about their experience at the Mughal court in Sanskrit texts that are still largely unknown to Mughal historians.

Akbar proceeds to Kashmir by boat through river Jhelum

Jhelum river map - Akbar proceeds to Kashmir by boat

Jaysom notes in Karamchandra Vanshavali Prabandh, that Emperor Akbar, while in Lahore dealing with the Uzbeks had sought to subjugate the upper Indus valley to secure the frontier provinces. He sent an army to conquer Kashmir in the upper Indus basin. In 1585, Ali Shah surrendered immediately to the Mughals, but another of his sons, Yaqub, crowned himself as king, and led a stubborn resistance to Mughal armies.Finally, in June 1589, Akbar himself travelled from Lahore to Srinagar to receive the surrender of Yaqub and his rebel forces.

On another occasion in 1592, once again sensing trouble from rebels, Emperor Akbar then desired to go to Kashmir by boat through river Jhelum. He summoned Karam Chand and asked him to make necessary preparations for the journey. Later, Emperor called for Acharya Jinchandra Suri for his darshan (audience) before proceeding to Kashmir. He told Karam Chand to ensure that Acharya stays put comfortably in Lahore during his absence so that inter-religious spiritual discourses, kindness, mercy to all living beings (ahimsa) and protection of cows to continue in his empire. Accordingly, Emperor issued farmaans (orders) to his eleven subas to follow the instructions on ahimsa. Many kings and sultans, to please the Emperor, also issued orders to protect living beings on certain days in their kingdom.

Akbar asked Karam Chand and Vachak Mahimraj Man Singh, the senior Jain preacher & story teller, to accompany him to Kashmir. Karam Chand made elaborate arrangements, such as tents, logistics, also vegetarian food cooked by Brahmin, a mahatma and tantric to accompany the entourage for warding off any evil en route, etc.

Akbar, stopped en-route at Rohtaspur with his entourage. During this second visit he reached Kashmir on 7 October 1592 by boat. The great Moghul enjoyed the saffron blossom at Pampore and celebrated the festival of Diwali. On this occasion the boats on the banks of river Jhelum and the roofs of the houses in Srinagar were illuminated at the Emperor’s command.

However, sensing trouble from the rebels, Karam Chand, the most trustworthy and gallant official was dispatched for the protection of imperial Anantnag at the behest of Emperor. Karam Chand faced stiff resistance but successfully captured the rebels without any bloodshed.

Karam Chand Bachhawat passes away

In 1605, the Emperor Akbar died. Karam Chand Vanshho-KirtankamKavyam (1594) by Jaysom observes,

Acharya Jinchandra Suri, guru of Karam Chand

“On the accession of Jahangir as Emperor of India, Raja Rai Singh went to Delhi. He also called on ailing Karam Chand to wish him good health and apologise for the past. He also expressed his condolences on demise of Akbar and wept profusely in front of Karam Chand”.

After Raja Rai Singh went away, Karam Chand called his sons, Bhag Chand and Lakshmi Chand. He praised Raja Rai Singh but at the same time cautioned them that these were crocodile tears and not of love and affection. He said,

“Raja Rai Singh is happy that I shall shortly pass away and regretted that he was unable to take revenge of the past. My dear children! Don’t you make a mistake of ever returning to Bikaner”.

He passed away at Delhi after Emperor Akbar’s death between 1605 and 1607. Capt PW Powlett writes in ‘Gazetteer of Bikaner State’,

“It is interesting to note, whether Karam Chand’s presence at Mughal court was only due to his personal rapport with the Emperor Akbar or due to his linkages with the Jain religious circles close to Akbar. It is yet to be established whether he was kept at the court as a bulwark against the house of Bikaner to maintain a system of checks and balances. Thus, revenge was inevitable from Rai Singh and despite showing sympathy for the Bachhawat family he could not pursue Karam Chand or his sons to return to Bikaner. Thus, the hero of Jain tradition became the villain of the royal house of Bikaner and the Rajput traditions”.

Bachhawat Karam Chand was a very cultured person and was indeed loyal to the king like his fore fathers. Later, Dewan Karam Chand Bachhawat, a close friend and strategist of Emperor Akbar became a historical person.

Dying wish of Raja Rai Singh for Bachhawats

Captain Powlett writes in ‘Gazetteer of Bikaner State’, that immediately after the death of Karam Chand, Raja Rai Singh was again reappointed as the Mansabdar of Burhanpur. After a visit to Bikaner, he set off for Deccan with his son Sur Singh and governed there successfully for seven years. In 1612 he fell ill and Sur Singh seeing that his father’s end was approaching, with folded hands asked for his last injunctions. Dying Raja Rai Singh said,

“Bachhawats, the family of Karam Chand should be enticed to Bikaner that on them should be visited the sins of their father. The Purohit Man Mahesh and Bharat Chotji and the other conspirators such as Bharta Jat, associated with Karam Chand should receive the reward of their misdeeds”.

Having exacted a promise that his wishes should be attended to, the Raja Rai Singh expired in 1612.

Dalpat ascended the throne of Bikaner in 1612. He earned the displeasure of Emperor at Delhi and that of his younger brother Sur Singh. Due to Dalpat’s unpopularity that his nobles fell away from him and openly or secretly united with Sur Singh. Later, Sur Singh revolted against his elder brother Dalpat Singh and killed him along with his guards with the consent of Emperor Jahangir. Dalpat’s wives at Bikaner were slaughtered and those at Bhatner became sati with Dalpat’s turban in their hands.

Bravery & heroism of Bachhawats at Bikaner

Sur Singh ascended the throne of Bikaner in 1613. Around 1619, Raja Sur Singh went to Delhi to pay his obeisance to Emperor Jahangir, where he was restored 11 mansabs by the Emperor. He also called on Bhag Chand & Lakshmi Chand, sons of late Dewan Karam Chand. He took them in absolute confidence and invited them to Bikaner. He went so far as to dismiss his minister, to give the office to Lakshmi Chand and Bhag Chand. Both sons of Karam Chand did not remember their father's advice and started in good faith for Bikaner. They were appointed as Mantris very respectfully. Raja Sur Singh remained extra benevolent towards these brothers in the following months. He also accepted the invitation to visit the Bachhawat haveli, wherein the Bachhawat brothers gave a nazrana (offerings to king) of one lakh rupee and other gifts for the felicitation of the King. Jinsaar Suri Raas, written in 1623 mentions that around 1619 Acharya Jinsagar Suri was hosted at Bikaner by Mantri Dewan Bhag Chand and his nephew Manohar Das.

The Bachhawats thereupon were resettled in Bikaner but one fine morning at daybreak by treachery their quarters were surrounded by 4000 royal troops of Bikaner and they soon perceived that their destruction was intended. Though they belonged to one bania (trader) caste, they had, like many of their class who lived amongst and held office under Rajputs, imbibed much of the Rajput spirit and they resolved to die hard. At that time Bhag Chand was resting and his brother Lakshmi Chand and his son Manohar Das were at the Durbar. Lakshmi Chand’s wife announced with both pride and anger,

Bada Upasara built by Dewan Sangram Singh Bachhawat at Rangdi ka Chowk, Bikaner

“The royal forces have surrounded our haveli. If I have your permission I shall adorn men’s uniform and show them my power”.

Upon which Bhag Chand refused permission and himself, after destroying their valuable jewels and sword in hand, fell upon the Rajputs of Rai Singh. The brave Bachhawats retaliated by their well-trained 500 guards. But the guards of Bachhawats could not withstand the mighty power of royal soldiers for a long. The wives of Karam Chand, Bhag Chand, Lakshmi Chand, Manohar Das and the other women of Bachhawat household killed themselves by jumping into the haveli well, whilst their men died fighting royal soldiers. Lakshmi Chand and Manohar Das who were in Durbar were killed there.

In Rangdi-ka-Chowk (formerly Maneck Chowk),opposite Bada Upasara there used to be a well owned by Bachhawats, which was later closed, and a platform built. Today, a ‘Hanuman Mandir stands tall on its side. This was the well, in which Bachhawat women jumped to protect their honour when troops of Sur Singh invaded their quarters.

However, the Raja Sur Singh failed in totally exterminating the Bachhawats, since one pregnant lady, Mewariji, wife of Bhag Chand, was not allowed to sacrifice herself. She, with the assistance of a trusted servant Raghunath escaped to Karni Mata temple. As per convention the pregnant lady was granted safe passage to return to her father’s home at Udaipur. Mewariji was the daughter of Bhamashah, then Pradhan of Mewar state during Maharana Pratap’s time. Thus, Karam Chand and Bhamashah were related through marriage alliance between their son and daughter respectively.

Capt PW Powlett writes in ‘Gazetteer of Bikaner State’,

“In the same year that the slaughter of the Bachhawats occurred, Sur Singh further carried out the dying behest of his father by confiscating the jagirs of the descendants of conspirators, Purohit Man Mahesh and Bharat Chotaji. Thereafter, these people came to Junagarh Fort and protested outside Karanpol and were intentionally not stopped from self-immolation during the protest. Another of those denounced by the late Raja Rai Singh, a Bharta Jat was also killed mercilessly”.

Mohammed Iqbal in his book ‘Bikaner Rajya ka Itihas – Kuch Anchue Pahelu’ notes that these events were heart breaking and were considered inauspicious for the state. In the act of showing regret and repentance for all the killings, Raja Sur Singh built a lake on the spot where self-immolation by Brahmins was carried out. The lake later came to be known as Sur Sagar. It is said that due to bad omen, the water of the lake from time to time gets mysteriously polluted by some underground water source and needs to be cleaned periodically.

Further reading

1. Tod, James (1832). Annals and Antiquities of Rajast'han or the Central and Western Rajpoot States of India, Volume 2. London: Smith, Elder.
2. Kaviraj Shyamal Das (1890 / 1930). Veer Vinod – Mewar ka Itihaas (Hindi). In 4 volumes. Motilal Banarsidas, Delhi.
3. Pratap Singh Mehta (2016). Rajputana Chronicles: Guns and Glories – the thousand-year story of the Bachhawat clan. Notion Press Media, Chennai. https://www.amazon.in/Guns-Glories-Pratap-Singh-Mehta/dp/9352066006
4. Dalpat Vilas. Publisher: Sadul Rajasthani Research Institute, Bikaner 1960. It is the surviving fragment of a historical manuscript. Written in the Rajasthani language and is the earliest known Rajput source of Mughal -Rajput relations / The author of the Dalpat Vilas remains unknown.
5. Gupta, R.K.; Bakshi, S.R., eds. (2008). Studies in Indian History: Rajasthan Through the Ages Vol. 5. New Delhi: Sarup& Sons
6. AbulFazl, Ain-i-Akbari
7. Prof Shalin Jain (2007). The Centre and Locality in Mughal India: The case of Mantri Karam Chand Bachhawat of Bikaner. Paper at 68th session of IHC 2007;Pages 332-339
8. Sharma, Dasharatha (1970), Lectures on Rajput History and Culture, MotilalBanarsidass, Delhi.
9. Sharma, Girija Shankar (2003) Dalpat Vilas: Itihaskidrishti se samikshan in Hamare Purodha-19 Dr. Dasharatha Sharma (in Hindi) Rajasthan SahityaAkademi, Udaipur. ISBN:81-88445-00-2.
10. RC Jauhri, Sharma, Pushap Lata Jainism in medieval India a study of its contact with Muslim rulers
11. English Translation by S.M. Pahedia (1982). Jainism in Mediaeval India (1300-1800). Chapter XIV. https://www.scribd.com/document/59431751/Jainism-in-Medieval-India
12. History of Bikaner. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History of Bikaner
13. Maj KD Erskine, 1909. Rajputana Gazeteers, Vol III-A, The Western Rajputna States Residency and Bikaner Agency. The Pioneer Press, Allahbad. Pages 318-19
14. Sri Jin Chandra Suri. Akbar Pratibodh Raas. ed Agar Chand Nahata. Page 58-78
15. Mohammad Iqbal (2011). Bikaner Rajya ka Itihas – Kuch Anchue Pahelu. Bikaner.