History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c82.s3.5

v5.c82.s3.5

Pahar Singh Gaur, a Rajput zamindar of Indrakhi in western Bundelkhand, was serving the Emperor as faujdar of Shahabad Dhamdhera† in Malwa. He was a man of matchless bravery and as chivalrous as he was brave. A zamindar of the neighbourhood named Lal Singh (of the Khichi Chauhan clan) was driven to despair by the exactions and oppression of his overlord, Anurudh Singh Hada (the Rajah of Bundi), and bought the alliance of Pahar Singh by offering him the hand of his daughter. Pahar Singh, who ranked low in Rajput society on account of his being a *Chamar Gaur*,* jumped at the proposal of such an ennobling match, and immediately rode out with his 5000 expert troopers to the villages of Lal Singh and sent word to Anurudh Singh to spare his vassal. The Hada Rajah replied scornfully, "You presume to make a display of your force to prevent me from taking my tribute! When an ant puts forth wings, it is a sign of its approaching death." The Gaur leader, on getting this reply, sent a challenge to Anurudh to prepare for battle, but the latter arrogantly said that such a foe was unworthy of his sword and that a few of his armed vassals would be sufficient to drive him away. But the Hada vanguard was defeated and driven back on their Rajah's camp by the heroic charges of Pahar Singh, and the boastful Anurudh fled on horseback without having time to tie his turban on his head. Pahar Singh refused to pursue him, replying to his counsellors in these noble words: "It is against the rules of chivalry and heroism to strike a man who has turned his back." But the Bundi Rajah's camp and baggage, worth lakhs of Rupees, fell into the victor's hands, who then returned home (early in 1685).