Naychandra Surikrut Hammir Mahakavya Aur Sainya Vayvastha

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Naychandra Surikrut Hammir Mahakavya aur Sainya Vayvastha" by Gopinath Sharma:

This work by Gopinath Sharma analyzes the military strategies and tactics described in Nayachandra Suri's "Hammir Mahakavya," focusing on the military systems prevalent during the 14th century and their evolution. The author, Sharma, was a former Professor of History at Rajasthan University.

The "Hammir Mahakavya" was composed around the late 14th century and details the military prowess of Prithviraj Chauhan and Hammir Dev of Ranthambore. Although Nayachandra Suri was not a contemporary of these heroes, he is believed to have based his accounts on oral traditions and historical records. The text is further validated by its alignment with descriptions found in Persian historical chronicles, lending credibility to its portrayal of military arrangements.

Analysis of Military Strategies:

The study highlights the military strategies employed by Rajput forces and contrasts them with those of their adversaries, primarily Ghurid invaders.

• Prithviraj Chauhan's Tactics:

  • First Battle of Tarain (1191 CE): The "Hammir Mahakavya" describes a Rajput strategy of a full-force, simultaneous assault on the enemy. This approach was initially successful, overwhelming the Ghurid forces and forcing their retreat. This tactic of frontal assault was a hallmark of Rajput warfare.
  • Weaknesses in Prithviraj's Strategy: Nayachandra Suri points out a significant flaw in Prithviraj's approach: after the victory at Tarain, he failed to fortify surrounding territories or establish political alliances with neighboring tribes. This proved detrimental when Muhammad Ghori returned. Ghori successfully allied with semi-civilized tribes like the Kharpara, Langara, and Bhillas, whose resources and support became crucial for his subsequent victory. Nayachandra Suri identifies this lack of foresight as a reason for Rajput defeat.
  • Second Battle of Tarain (1192 CE): In contrast to the first battle, Ghori employed a more strategic approach in the second battle, not committing his entire force at once. Instead, his foreign soldiers engaged in a war of attrition, attacking, retreating, and regrouping. The Rajput army, adhering to their tradition of an immediate, decisive charge, failed to adapt. Nayachandra Suri suggests that the Rajput cavalry's effectiveness was questionable, perhaps more for display than for genuine combat. He cites an instance where Prithviraj's horse, "Nata," danced instead of charging rapidly, leading to an incident where an enemy archer's arrow snagged his bowstring, forcing him to dismount. This indicates a lack of confidence in the Rajput cavalry's strength and organization. The text also suggests that Rajput infantry relied on heavy bows, while the enemy's cavalry and lighter bows, coupled with swift attacks, were decisive factors.

• Hammir Dev of Ranthambore's Tactics:

  • Alauddin Khilji's Invasion (Ulugh Khan): The "Hammir Mahakavya" recounts Ulugh Khan's invasion of Ranthambore during Hammir's reign. Hammir's general, Bhim Singh, employed a tactic similar to the First Battle of Tarain, launching a powerful combined assault that initially routed the enemy. However, this was not a complete victory. Ulugh Khan counter-attacked the retreating Rajput forces, leading to Bhim Singh's death and the retreat of the remaining Rajput soldiers to the fort.
  • Defense of Ranthambore: The text describes the Rajput strategy of fortifying the stronghold with provisions, water, and weapons. Hammir's forces effectively countered enemy attempts to breach the fort's defenses. They used fireballs to destroy wooden structures used to fill ditches and poured molten lac and oil into enemy tunnels, incinerating the attackers.
  • The Final Stand and Jauhar: In the face of an insurmountable enemy, Hammir Dev, as described in the latter parts of the text, organized a final court with music and dance, preparing his soldiers for a final sacrifice. The narrative emphasizes the Rajput mindset where worldly pleasures were secondary to the resolve for martyrdom. They readily destroyed their wealth, assets, and even the tusks of elephants to prevent them from falling into enemy hands. In this ultimate sacrifice, queens and princesses performed "Jauhar" (mass self-immolation by fire), while the surviving warriors opened the fort gates to fight until their last breath. The ensuing battle, fueled by the flames of Jauhar, became a fierce conflagration where every soldier met a heroic end.

Evolution of Warfare and Nayachandra Suri's Perspective:

Nayachandra Suri's detailed descriptions suggest he was well-versed in the warfare of his time. However, the text also hints at a transformation in Rajput military traditions following the decline of the Chauhan dynasty. The author notes that the practice of fighting to the death in a doomed defense began to fade. Later Rajput history, as evidenced by battles like those involving Rao Jaitasi against Kamran and Rana Pratap at Haldighati, shows a shift towards strategic retreat, survival, and prolonging conflict to achieve victory. Battles during the Mughal period, such as the campaigns of the Sisodias and Rathores against Aurangzeb, further illustrate the adoption of new military methodologies.

In essence, "Hammir Mahakavya aur Sainya Vayvastha" by Gopinath Sharma is a scholarly examination of the military aspects of the "Hammir Mahakavya," providing insights into Rajput warfare, its strengths, weaknesses, and its gradual evolution in response to changing political and military landscapes.