History of Gondwana and Rani Durgawati
Gondwana was conquered in 1564 by Akbar.This State included the regions of Sagar, Damoh, Mandla, Seoni, Narmada Valley and possibly a portion of Bhopal. This state had 53 forts. Dalpat Shah was its ruler. He died leaving behind his widow Durgawati and his infant son Bir Naryan. Durgawati became the Regent. Abul Fazal says that Durgawati ruled her country with wisdom and ability. She delighted in hunting and bringing down wild animals with her own gun.Asf Khan, the Governor of Kara or Allahabad, was tempted by wealth of Gondwana. Occasionally he ravaged the borders of his kingdom. Rani Durgwati started negotiations with Akbar for a peaceful settlement and when those negotiation failed, she retailted by making forays against Bhilsa,Asaf Khan marched against Gondwana. Durgawati defended her territoty bravely. She was out numbered and defeated in a battle between garh and Mandal in the modern Jabalpur District.Rani Durgawati was wounded and she plunged a dagger in her breast and ended her life to save herself from disgrace. her country was devastated and a lot of booty fell into the hands of Mughals. Bir Narayn died fighting in the defences of his country. According to V.A.Smith,"Akbar;s attack on a princess of a character so noble was mere aggresson, wholly unprovoked and devoid of all justifications other than the lust for conqust and plunder."
Read more about this topic: Gondi People
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