Queen of the Gond kingdom of Garha-Katanga Rani Durgavati was remembered on her 500th Birth Anniversary (October 05).
About Rani Durgavati (1524 - 1564)
- She was born in Kalinjar in Banda district (UP).
- She was a descendant of Chandela dynasty of Mahoba and a contemporary to Mughal emperor Akbar.
Key Contributions
- Took the reins of the Gond kingdom in her hands after her husband’s death.
- Repulsed attack by Baz Bahadur, ruler of Malwa [mentioned in Tarikh-i-Firishta (Persian source)].
- Was a patron of learning, and allowed Acharya Bitthalnath to establish a seat of Pushtimarg Cult at Garha.
- Constructed reservoirs such as the Ranital, Cherital, and Adhartal.
- Defended her kingdom to death against contemporary Mughul Subedar Abdul Mazid Khan.
- Her encounter with Mughal was documented by Abul Fazl, Akbar's chronicler and other Persian writers.
Values
Courage of conviction, Fortitude, etc.