Balidan Aur Shaurya Ki Vibhuti Bhamashah

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Balidan aur Shaurya ki Vibhuti Bhamashah" by Devilal Paliwal, focusing on the life and contributions of Bhamashah:

The book "Balidan aur Shaurya ki Vibhuti Bhamashah" (Bhamashah: The Glory of Sacrifice and Valour) by Dr. Devilal Paliwal highlights Bhamashah as a pivotal figure in Indian history, intrinsically linked with Maharana Pratap Singh of Mewar. Both are presented as unwavering sources of inspiration for Indian freedom fighters, embodying sacrifice, penance, courage, and valor in the struggle against foreign domination.

While Maharana Pratap renounced all worldly comforts and lived a life of hardship in mountains and forests for the cause of independence, Bhamashah, his chief minister, mirrored this dedication. He sacrificed his family and all his possessions for the freedom struggle. Bhamashah emerged as a courageous and skilled leader, a wise and astute administrator, and a capable and farsighted manager during Mewar's fight for freedom. If Pratap's ideals motivated the masses to fight and sacrifice for freedom, Bhamashah's example awakened the wealthy classes to their national duty, fostering patriotism and inspiring them to dedicate themselves, their families, and their resources to the country. This dual inspiration has led to Bhamashah being remembered alongside Maharana Pratap across India, not just as a warrior but also as a generous donor and a patriotic martyr.

In the contemporary context of self-interest and unethical practices, the text argues that Pratap's character of prioritizing national interests over personal ones and living a life of struggle with the common people remains inspirational. Similarly, Bhamashah's sacrificial life serves as a rebuke to current administrators and the affluent classes often seen to be spreading immorality and exploitation.

Despite extensive research, information about Bhamashah's life is considered insufficient. It is established that he was born into the Oswal caste, of the Kavadiya gotra, and his father was Bharmal. Contemporary poets like Hemratna Suri, in his work "Gora Badal Katha Padmani Chaup," mention Bhamashah as a wise minister of the Kavadiya lineage. Vidur Vayask's "Bhama Bavani" indicates that Bhamashah followed the Shwetambar Jain sect of the Naman Gachh branch. Historical records trace his lineage from Prithviraj, through Bharmal, who had sons including Jaswant, Karan, Kalyan, Bhamashah, and Tarachand. Jain poet Daulatram Vijay also mentions Bhamashah and his father Bharmal in the "Khumana Raso."

Bhamashah's ancestors resided in the Alwar region and later settled in Mewar by the time of Maharana Sangram Singh. His father, Bharmal, was present in Chittor in 1559 CE and was appointed the custodian of Ranthambore fort by Maharana Sangram Singh. Bharmal initially followed the Tapagachh but later adopted the Lokagachh of Nagaur. The family was wealthy and influential. Due to their service and loyalty, Maharana Udai Singh honored Bharmal with a significant grant in 1554 CE. There are also beliefs and traditions about Bhamashah's residence near the Gokul Chandramaji temple and his own haveli in Udaipur, as well as his connection to a haveli and a temple in Javer.

Bhamashah is believed to have been born on June 28, 1547 CE, making him seven years younger than Maharana Pratap. Upon Maharana Pratap's accession in 1572 CE, Bhamashah was about twenty-five years old. While his father, Bharmal, was a trusted official, Bhamashah was the first in his family to hold the prestigious position of "Diwan" (Chief Minister), a testament to his father's service and his own youthful valor and administrative ability. After the fall of Chittor in 1568 CE, Bhamashah's family, like others loyal to Maharana Udai Singh, retreated to the mountainous regions to continue the struggle for independence. The exact date of Bhamashah's appointment as Diwan is not clear, but it is believed to have occurred after the Battle of Haldighati, when Maharana Pratap decided to adopt a prolonged guerrilla warfare strategy. At this time, Bhamashah, having already demonstrated his courage and loyalty at Haldighati, would have been over thirty years old. His appointment proved to be wise and farsighted, as he became Pratap's unwavering and loyal associate during severe crises. He excelled as a warrior, commander, organizer, and administrator.

The text cites a popular saying suggesting Bhamashah's rise to prominence over Ramo Mahasani, indicating his crucial role in organizing the forces for the struggle. Bhamashah and his brother Tarachand fought bravely at the Battle of Haldighati, leading the right flank of Maharana Pratap's vanguard. Their military prowess in this battle led to their appointment to significant administrative responsibilities.

Following the Battle of Haldighati, Bhamashah played a key role in Maharana Pratap's decade-long (1576-1586) guerrilla warfare against the Mughals. His strategic raids on Mughal outposts and military detachments in Gujarat, Malwa, Malpura, and bordering areas yielded valuable funds and resources for the Mewar cause. A significant event was Bhamashah's raid on Malwa after the fall of Kumbhalgarh to the Mughal general Shahbaz Khan, which secured much-needed financial and material support for Mewar. It is believed that the twenty-five lakh rupees and twenty thousand gold coins gifted to Maharana Pratap at Chuliya were acquired through this Malwa expedition. The text also mentions Bhamashah's participation alongside Kunwar Amar Singh in the attack on the Diwer Mughal outpost, contributing significantly to the Mewar victory at Diwer, which preceded the recapture of Kumbhalgarh.

Maharana Pratap achieved a major success in 1586 CE, regaining control over most of Mewar except Chittor, Mandalgarh, and Ajmer. Bhamashah, as the chief minister, played a leading role in this victorious campaign. The Jain poet Daulatvijay's "Khumana Raso" mentions Bhamashah raiding Ahmedabad during Maharana Amar Singh's reign and acquiring two crore rupees. Historical analysis suggests this might refer to one of Bhamashah's earlier fundraising expeditions during Maharana Pratap's time. Bhamashah passed away three years after Maharana Pratap.

Given Bhamashah's significant role in military and economic matters as the chief minister, his contribution as an advisor and collaborator to Maharana Pratap in formulating state policies, economic management, war strategy, and military organization is acknowledged. Several copperplate grants issued by Bhamashah under Maharana Pratap's orders further attest to his high position and influence in state administration.

The text highlights Bhamashah's integrity through his refusal of Akbar's tempting offer, extended through his envoy Abdur Rahim Khan-e-Khanan, to join the Mughal court. This offer came at a time of severe financial and military pressure for Maharana Pratap and his allies. Bhamashah chose a life of struggle, freedom, and self-respect over worldly temptations, a decision that elevates him to an equal footing with Maharana Pratap in history.

Bhamashah's exemplary service, efficiency, and patriotism during the reigns of Maharana Pratap and Maharana Amar Singh earned him and his family immense respect and trust. This led to his family holding the position of chief minister in Mewar for three generations. After Bhamashah's death, his son Jeevshah became the chief minister, and later his grandson Akshayraj held the position. The respect Bhamashah and his family commanded from society for their sacrificial services endured in later periods.

Renowned historians like Colonel James Tod praise Bhamashah as the "savior of Mewar." Shymaladas, the author of "Veer Vinod," describes Bhamashah as a courageous man who served as chief minister from the early days of Maharana Pratap to the reign of Maharana Amar Singh for approximately 23-3 years. He bore the expenses of thousands of men in major battles. Before his death, he handed over a ledger detailing Mewar's treasury to his wife, instructing her to present it to the Maharana in times of need. The treasury, as described in this ledger, sustained Maharana Amar Singh for many years. Shymaladas compares Bhamashah to figures like Vastupal and Tejpal, chief ministers to the Solanki kings of Anhilwada, who built Jain temples on Mount Abu. Historian Dr. Kalikaranjan Kanungo acknowledges Bhamashah's memory in Rajputana being held with as much tender affection and reverence as that of Maharana Pratap, noting his capabilities as a dashing soldier and capable administrator, his role in the Battle of Haldighati, and his successful raids to collect funds. He also states that Bhamashah was neither Netaji Palkar nor Nana Fadnavis.

The text concludes that no amount of praise for Bhamashah would be sufficient. He was a true patriot, a person of sacrifice, and steadfast in his resolve like Pratap. He was a warrior who remained unperturbed during extreme crises. His noble moral character, loyalty, complete dedication to defending the country, indomitable courage and valor, high skill in military operations, and expertise in administration made him Maharana Pratap's beloved and most trusted associate. Bhamashah's contribution to Pratap's success was invaluable, which is why his name is inextricably linked with Maharana Pratap, the immortal freedom fighter. Bhamashah passed away on January 27, 1599 CE, at the age of 52.