Rampyari Ka Risala

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Rampyari ka Risala" by Lakshmi Khundavat:

The book "Rampyari ka Risala" by Lakshmi Khundavat recounts a pivotal period in the history of Mewar, a region suffering greatly from Maratha raids and internal strife. The text highlights the extreme animosity between the Chudawat and Shaktawat factions, which further exacerbated Mewar's decline.

Following the untimely demise of Maharana Aradsi, leaving behind his young sons Hamirsinhji and Bhimsinhji, the responsibility of the Mewar state fell upon the mother of the underage Maharana, Jhaliji Sardar Kunwar. She held the esteemed position of "Baijiraj," the matriarch responsible for the Mewar royal household's administration, traditions, and customs. This position came with state funding and the right to offer advice on state affairs. The Mewar royal family had a tradition of women managing state affairs, even from behind the purdah (curtain). In the absence of a ruling male, the mother's counsel was paramount, with discussions often conducted through intermediaries or servants behind a screen.

A key figure who emerged was Ram Pyaari, a clever maidservant to Baijiraj Sardar Kunwar. Through her astute handling of administrative tasks and interactions with nobles and officials, Ram Pyaari gained significant influence and became a trusted advisor to Baijiraj. Her counsel began to shape state policy, and she established her own authority. Ram Pyaari wielded considerable power, capable of facilitating releases from prison and even ordering arrests. She demonstrated her authority by dispatching men to apprehend Amar Chandra Sanadhya, a prominent figure holding the post of "Pradhan" (chief minister), and even had his home plundered.

Remarkably, Ram Pyaari commanded her own contingent, known as "Ram Pyaari ka Risala." This private force operated under her direct command. Even after her death, the unit continued to be called Ram Pyaari ka Risala for approximately a century until it was integrated into modern military formations. Her former residence was known as Ram Pyaari ki Bari and later served as accommodation for Colonel Tod upon his arrival in Mewar. Parts of this property were later used for the government's artillery and magazine and are now known as a portion of Boheda ki Haveli.

Ram Pyaari played a significant role in the political landscape of Mewar during a time of turmoil, marked by Maratha disturbances and internal conflicts. The state was in a dire condition, with soldiers left unpaid, leading to protests.

The text then details a crisis involving Sindhi soldiers who were hired by Maharana Aradsi but became unmanageable due to non-payment of their salaries. These soldiers besieged the royal palace. Despite attempts by the nobles and ministers to placate them, the Sindhi soldiers remained adamant. Ram Pyaari, through her constant shuttling between the inner chambers and the outer gates, engaged in dialogue for forty days. Eventually, the Sindhi soldiers agreed to withdraw, but only on the condition that a valuable hostage, "ol" (a pledge of good faith), be handed over to them until their dues were settled.

The burden of providing this hostage fell upon the young prince Bhimsinhji, who was only nine and a half years old at the time. When Baijiraj contemplated this difficult decision, her six-year-old son, Bhimsinhji, bravely volunteered to be the hostage. This act of filial devotion deeply moved Baijiraj, and Ram Pyaari, embracing the young prince, handed him over to the Sindhi soldiers along with Arjan Singh, a loyal supporter. Bhimsinhji and Arjan Singh remained with the Sindhi soldiers for two years.

Shortly after Bhimsinhji's return, Maharana Hamirsinhji passed away at a young age. Bhimsinhji was the rightful heir to the Mewar throne, but Baijiraj, disillusioned by the political machinations and the loss of her husband and the perceived dangers to her son, refused to place him on the throne. She expressed her desire for her son to live a peaceful life away from the court's intrigues and stated that the financial burden of the state was beyond Mewar's capacity. She believed a commoner's life would be happier than a ruler's, given the constant plots and betrayals.

During this period, Somchand Gandhi, an officer in the royal household, recognized the influence of Arjan Singh Chudawat with Baijiraj. Somchand proposed to Baijiraj that if he were appointed "Pradhan," he could manage the state affairs effectively. With Baijiraj's consent, and with Ram Pyaari's persuasive efforts, Somchand Gandhi was appointed Pradhan. Somchand skillfully allied himself with the rivals of the Chudawats, strengthening his position. He secured the support of Zalimsinghji of Kota.

Somchand Gandhi, accompanied by the Maharana, went to Bhinder to appease Mohkam Singh Shaktawat, who had been estranged for twenty years. Mohkam Singh was persuaded to join them, and with his return, the Shaktawat faction gained control of the state's administration, eclipsing the Chudawats. However, this shift led to resentment among the Chudawats, who retreated to their estates, further fueling the rivalry between the two factions.

Somchand Gandhi and Mohkam Singhji then focused on recovering Mewar territories occupied by the Marathas, recognizing the detrimental impact on Mewar's honor and finances. This plan received the approval of the Maharana and Baijiraj. A decision was made to expel the Marathas from Rajasthan, with negotiations undertaken with other states. Kota and Jodhpur agreed to cooperate in reclaiming the lost territories. Zalimsinghji of Kota was ready to provide troops, and Jodhpur's chief minister, Gyanmal, expressed eagerness through a special letter.

However, the plan faced a setback as the Chudawat sardars, alienated by the recent political shifts, had returned to their estates. Somchand Gandhi realized that without their inclusion, the plan could not proceed. He, along with Ram Pyaari, approached Baijiraj, emphasizing the need to win over the Chudawats. They believed that if Baijiraj, as a mother, could persuade her sons, the reconciliation would be effective.

Ram Pyaari, with her characteristic diplomacy, approached the Chudawat sardars, urging them to reconcile with their mother and discuss family matters. Her words resonated with them, and they agreed to meet Baijiraj. Ram Pyaari then advised them against falling prey to others' gossip and suggested resolving misunderstandings through honest dialogue. Baijiraj, along with the sacred image of Shrinathji, took an oath that the Chudawats would not be betrayed. In turn, the Chudawat sardars pledged their loyalty.

Soon after, Mewar forces, joined by contingents from Ahilyabai and the Sindhi army, along with Nana, confronted the combined Maratha forces at Hadyakhal near Palana village. A fierce battle ensued with swords and spears, resulting in the death of several valiant Mewari soldiers. Rajrana Kalyan Singhji Jhala fought with exceptional bravery, sustaining numerous wounds. His valor is remembered through popular couplets, one of which is quoted, highlighting the intense combat.

The author concludes by emphasizing that true talent and capability are not bound by caste or class. Ram Pyaari, despite being a simple maidservant, is lauded for her intelligence and dexterity in managing Mewar's precarious situation. Her name, along with that of her "Risala," is destined to be immortalized in the history of Mewar.