Rajasthan-the abode of proud Rajput clan is besotted with examples of supreme sacrifice and bravery. The brave men and women and queens and kings of Rajasthan have a long trailing history of valour, righteousness and patriotism, drenched in blood.
Neither the ensuing battles, nor lost limbs or the sight of blood could deter the Rajasthanis’ from putting up stiff resistance to anyone who eyed their land.
Tall, sharp featured, wheatish complexioned Rajputs, with proud, aquiline noses and a temper, that sat on the tip of their noses, with enormous self-respect and pride, had their ladies, who were as beautiful, matching their men in personality and wore their honour as an ornament.
The Rajput kings of Rajasthan – Ranas’-had led a life full of valour and their queens had followed suit.
Rajasthani Rana and Ranee (King and Queen)
From the same Rajput clan came the proud, brave and courageous Hadi Rani.
The women of Rajasthan have always been famous for their patriotism and their extraordinary courage. They have been always ready to sacrifice their lives to uphold the virtues of honour and loyalty, with an uncompromising gusto.
Hadi Rani-daughter of Hada Rajput, belonged to the Bundi state [famous for its Daories (Brave ladies) and Baoris (Baolis-step wells)]. She was married to Rawat Chudawat, Chieftain of Salumbar, Mewar.
She was the one who had given her life for cause of her Motherland, to encourage brave Rawat Chudawat, her husband of a few days……………
Hadi Rani ki baori
Hadi Rani ki baori is located in Toda Rai Singh. Toda Rai Singh is a historical town located in Tonk district. In ancient times it was known as Takshakpur, Takshakagadha, Todapattan, Ishtikapur, etc. and was founded by Nagas in the 4th Century A.D.
This town was ruled by Chauhans of Ajmer and Guhilas of Chatsu. In 15th and 16th century, this town was capital of Solanki Rajputs. The town got its present name from Toda Rai Singh Sisodia in 1901.
Nagaour Fort of Hadi Rani
Hadi Rani on the swing
Hadi Rani honoured……
To give honour to brave Hadi Rani, baori is built in her name in Toda Rai Singh, in the Tonk district.
Baori also called Stepwells or bawdi, or baoli or vaav. These are wells or ponds in which the water may be reached by descending a set of steps. Deep trenches into the earth were built by the builders for dependable and year-round groundwater. Walls of these trenches are lined up with blocks of stone, without mortar, and stairs were made which reaches down to the water. This Baori is a major part of Toda Rai Singh. The traditional architecture of this baori, when seen from a distance, is exemplary. The Baori has unique features in it as there is no symmetry in the design and many more. The steps are built in such a way that it will collect the water. The steps looks crazy almost like waves rolling down the hill side. Baori is usually divided into two parts: a vertical shaft from where water is drawn out and the inclined stairways which provides access to the well. The walls of the surroundings are carved out in such a way that the water remains cool during hot summers.
Supreme sacrifice by Hadi Rani
Hadi Rani had sacrificed her life for the cause of her Motherland and to motivate her husband to go the war.
Hadi Rani inspired her wavering husband to fulfil is duty by going to the battlefield and to save Mewar by sacrificing her head to her husband as a departing gift………
In the year 1653-1680 a battle was fought between Maharaja of Mewar and Aurangzeb. Maharaja of Mewar had called Rani Hadi’s husband – Rawat Chudawat, for the war. But the Chieftain was hesitant about going to war, since he was married only a few days earlier. Nonetheless, being a Rajput and to protect the Rajput honour, he had to join the battle therefore, he asked Hadi Rani to give him some memento to take with to the battlefield.
Hadi Rani thought that she was an obstacle to his husband in completing his duty for Mewar of being a Rajput. This thought mortified her, so in order to motivate her husband to go the battle field and protect Mewar, she ordered her head to be severed and presented to her husband!
On seeing the head of his beloved Hadi Rani, the Sardar was shattered. But then he tied her head proudly as a memento around his neck by its hair. Wearing a ‘Kesariya Bana’ (the signature of fighting to death) Rawat Chudawat, fought bravely in the battlefield and defeated the forces of Aurangzeb.
But even after emerging victorious, he refused to go from the battlefield and he cut his neck too, as he didn’t wish to live anymore after his Hadi Rani and her sacrifice.
फ़िर कटयो सीस गळ में धारयो, बेणी री दो लाट बाँट बळी |
उन्मत बण्यो फ़िर करद धार, असपत फौज नै खूब दळी |
सरदार विजय पाई रण में , सारी जगती बोली, जय हो |
रण-देवी हाड़ी राणी री, माँ भारत री जय हो ! जय हो !
(Source: Meghraj “Mukul”)