Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, or the Central and Western Rajput States of India v3.c42.s1.t3.11

v3.c42.s1.t3.11

Siege of Ranthambhor by Akbar.—Ranthambhor was an early object of Akbar's attention, who besieged it in person. He had been some time before its impregnable walls without the hope of its surrender, when Bhagwandas of Amber and his son, the more celebrated Raja Man, who had not only tendered their allegiance to Akbar, but allied themselves to him by marriage, determined to use their influence to make Surjan Hara faithless to his pledge, “ to hold the castle as a fief of Chitor.” ² That courtesy, which is never laid aside amongst belligerent Rajputs, obtained Raja Man access to the castle, and the emperor accompanied him in the guise of a mace-bearer. While conversing, an uncle of the Rao recognized the emperor, and with that sudden impulse which arises from respect, took the mace from his hand and placed Akbar on the ‘ cushion ’ of the governor of the castle. Akbar's presence of mind did not forsake him, and he said, “ Well, Rao Surjan, what is to be done ? ” which was replied to by Raja Man, “ Leave the Rana, give up Ranthambhor, and become the servant of the king, with high honours and office.” The proffered bribe was indeed magnificent; the government of fifty-two districts, whose revenues were to be appropriated without inquiry, on furnishing the customary contingent, and liberty to name any other terms, which should be solemnly guaranteed by the king.³