Maharaj Chatrasal

This document is a scan of the book "Maharaj Chatrasal" by Sampurnanand, published by Granth Prakashak Samiti, Kashi. The book is a biography of Maharaj Chhatrasal, a prominent warrior and ruler in Bundelkhand.

The scanned pages cover the initial sections of the book, including:

• Title Page and Publication Information: Clearly states the book title, author, publisher, and publication year (Samvat 1973).
• Invocation and Dedication: Includes prayers and salutations to Jain spiritual figures.
• Preface (Page 8-9): The author, Sampurnanand, highlights the importance of studying the lives of great men like Chhatrasal, comparing him to historical figures like Shivaji and Maharana Pratap. He acknowledges the need for more extensive historical research on Chhatrasal and expresses gratitude to various sources that aided in writing the book.
• Table of Contents (Page 10-11): Lists the chapters, indicating a comprehensive coverage of Chhatrasal's life, including his childhood, military campaigns, relationships with significant figures like Shivaji and Yogiraj Pran Nath, administration, and personal qualities.
• Chapter 1: Brief History of Bundelkhand (Up to the time of Shah Jahan) (Page 12-22): This section provides historical context for Bundelkhand, tracing its rulers from ancient times, including the Parihars and Chandels, and explaining the origin and rise of the Bundela clan, to which Chhatrasal belonged. It details the lineage and the circumstances leading to the Bundelas' prominence.
• Chapter 2: Jujhar Singh and Shah Jahan (Page 20-22): This chapter begins to discuss the conflicts between the Bundelas, specifically Jujhar Singh, and the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, detailing the events that led to the downfall of Jujhar Singh and the subsequent suffering of his family and people.
• Chapter 3: Champat Rai (Page 23-34): This chapter focuses on the life of Champat Rai, Chhatrasal's father, his early life, his rise as a leader against Mughal oppression, and his tragic death fighting the Mughals.
• Chapter 4: Chhatrasal's Childhood (Page 35-42): This section describes Chhatrasal's early life, marked by hardship and constant movement due to his father's struggle against the Mughals. It emphasizes how these experiences shaped his character, instilling in him qualities of resilience, courage, and devotion to duty and religion.
• Chapter 5: Service under the Mughals (Page 43-50): This chapter details Chhatrasal's brief period of service in the Mughal army under Maharaj Jai Singh. It highlights his internal conflict between his duty to the Mughals and his desire for Hindu freedom. It also touches upon his disillusionment with the Mughal court and his decision to seek guidance from Shivaji.
• Chapter 6: Meeting with Shivaji (Page 50-54): This chapter recounts Chhatrasal's meeting with Shivaji, the great Maratha king. It describes their discussion about the plight of Hindus and the struggle for freedom, with Shivaji offering valuable advice and support to Chhatrasal.
• Chapter 7: Initial Activities (Page 55-63): This section details Chhatrasal's early military campaigns and efforts to gather support after meeting Shivaji. It mentions his interactions with other Bundela chieftains, his strategic decisions, and his growing influence.
• Chapter 8: Beginning of the Caste War (Page 64-72): This chapter describes the commencement of Chhatrasal's campaigns against Mughal-backed rulers and chieftains in Bundelkhand, marking the beginning of his struggle for regional independence.
• Chapter 9: Randula and Tahavvur Khan (Page 73-80): This section details battles fought by Chhatrasal against Mughal generals like Randula and Tahavvur Khan, highlighting his military prowess and growing victories.
• Chapter 10: Yogiraj Pran Nath (Page 81-86): This chapter introduces Yogiraj Pran Nath, a spiritual leader who had a profound influence on Chhatrasal. It describes Pran Nath's life and his teachings, emphasizing the importance of karma yoga and righteous action, which further strengthened Chhatrasal's resolve.
• Chapter 11: Anvar Khan and Sadaruddin (Page 87-91): This chapter continues to recount Chhatrasal's military encounters with Mughal commanders, detailing his victories against Anvar Khan and Mirza Sadaruddin.
• Chapter 12: Coronation (Page 92-93): This chapter describes Chhatrasal's formal coronation as the King of Bundelkhand, marking his official rise to power and legitimacy.
• Chapter 13: Abdus Samad and Bahlool Khan (Page 94-96): This section details further battles against Mughal forces led by Abdus Samad and Bahlool Khan, showcasing Chhatrasal's continued military success.
• Chapter 14: Introduction to Generosity (Page 96-101): This chapter highlights Chhatrasal's generous nature, including an example of returning looted property to a former ally's family, demonstrating his adherence to principles of dharma and justice.
• Chapter 15: Asmad Khan (Page 101-102): This chapter discusses Chhatrasal's conflict with Asmad Khan and his victory, further consolidating his power.
• Chapter 16: Final War with the Mughals (Page 102-109): This significant section details the climactic battles Chhatrasal fought against the declining Mughal empire, particularly during the reign of Aurangzeb, ultimately leading to the establishment of his independent kingdom.
• Chapter 17: Meeting with Bahadur Shah (Page 110-111): This chapter describes Chhatrasal's diplomatic engagement with the Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah after Aurangzeb's death, establishing a period of peace and recognition for his kingdom.
• Chapter 18: Meeting with the Peshwa (Page 112-114): This chapter recounts Chhatrasal's alliance with the Maratha Peshwa Bajirao, seeking and receiving military aid against the Nawab of Farrukhabad.
• Chapter 19: Death (Page 114-116): This section discusses the circumstances surrounding Chhatrasal's death, including a legendary account of his renunciation and peaceful departure.
• Chapter 20: Domestic Life (Page 117-118): This chapter touches upon Chhatrasal's personal life, including his marriages and the number of his children, and his adherence to spiritual practices.
• Chapter 21: Administration of the State (Page 119-123): This chapter provides an overview of Chhatrasal's governance, his establishment of administrative divisions, his efforts to ensure justice and welfare for his subjects, and his patronage of arts and culture.
• Chapter 22: Courtesy and Appreciation of Merit (Page 124-128): This chapter highlights Chhatrasal's noble character, his respect for learned individuals and poets, and his appreciation of talent.
• Chapter 23: Brief Critique of Chhatrasal's Life (Page 129-134): This concluding chapter offers an analytical review of Chhatrasal's life, emphasizing his role as a savior of Bundelkhand and a significant figure in the history of Hindu resistance against Mughal rule. It also compares his life to that of Shivaji and discusses the reasons for Bundelkhand's decline after Chhatrasal.
• Appendix (Page 135-137): Provides brief historical accounts of the successor states that emerged from Chhatrasal's kingdom.

The book is written in Hindi and appears to be a detailed and well-researched account of Maharaj Chhatrasal's life and his contributions to the history of Bundelkhand. It focuses on his military achievements, his spiritual life, and his impact on his people and the broader political landscape of medieval India.