Battle of Bandanwara was fought between Mewar and Mughal forces in 1711 AD, between Hurda and Bandanwara, near Khari river in Bhilwara district, Rajasthan.
Background
Maharana Amar Singh II had captured Mandalgarh, Badnore and Pur Mandal after death of Aurangzeb. But Mughals had not granted any written deeds for these Parganas. After death of Maharana Amar Singh II, Bahadur Shah granted Pur Mandal to Ranbaz Khan Mewati in Feb-March, 1711 AD. Ranbaz Khan moved with his own army, along with 5-7 thousand-strong force sent by Mir Bakhshi Zulfikar Khan, to take control of the territory.[3]
Mughal and Mewari forces met near Khari river.[7] Mughal forces had archers on elephants and horses. Attack of Mewar forces was so quick, that the Mughal archers could draw only once and the Mewar cavalry reached very near and hand-to-hand combat ensued.[8][9]
Maha Singh of Kanore fell in the battle, Jai Singh of Badnore and Samant Singh of Salumbar were wounded in the battle. Rao of Begun had sent his Kamdar, Kothari Bhim Singh of Begun, who fought on the battlefield of Bandanwara with great vehemence and vigour, he fell in the battle fighting bravely.[10] Ranzbaz Khan, along with his brother Nahar Khan and other close relatives, were killed in the battle. Mughal forces suffered massive casualties and were defeated.[11][12] Deendar Khan fled with remaining army to Ajmer, his camp was captured by Mewari forces.[13] With this battle, Mewar succeeded to retain its control on this territory.[14]
Mewar Bhupal Infantry(currently known as 9th Grenadiers (Mewar), had the Battle of Bandanwara (1711) listed on its state forces colours, before it was merged into Indian Army.[15]
References
^Hooja, Rima (2006). A history of Rajasthan. Rupa and company. p. 698. ISBN9788129108906. Rajab Khan set out with Mughal troops to take control of the tracts allocated to him. The two forces clashed on the banks of the river Khari near Hurda, resulting in the defeat of Rajab Khan.
