2018-06-24 Sun

The day of 24th June 1564 is marked with the utmost bravery. Today is the 452nd death anniversary of Rani Durgavati – the bravest queen of medieval India and a lesser known historical figure.

Rani Durgavati was born to a famous Rajput Chandel king Keerat Rai. Being born in a mighty Dynasty like Chandela, Rani Durgavati faced many wars which gave rise to a strong and brave warrior. She was married to Dalpat Shah and became the Queen of Gond Dynasty. When Dalpat Shah died, she acted as a regent and took over the kingdom.

Meantime, the Mughal Emperor Akbar took an extensive expansionist campaign. On the eve of Akbar’s ambitious conquest, Rani Durgavati had already defeated Baz Bahadur. This victory brought fame and name for Durgavati. Eventually, Akbar defeated the Malwa ruler Baz Bahadur and brought it under Mughal dominion.

His next target was the kingdom of Gond. The battle between armies of Mughals and Rani Duragvati broke in 1564. Rani Durgavati fought with great vigour and courage with the huge Mughal army. Rani Durgavati was badly injured. When she felt the victory was not possible she killed herself on 24th June 1564.

In the memory of this valiant ruler, India Post issued a 60 Paisa stamp which features Rani Durgavati is portrayed in the battlefield in an attire of a warrior.