Amar Singh Rathore of Nagaur: The Fearless Rathore Rajput
Amar Singh Rathore, a Rathore Rajput nobleman of 17th-century India, was closely associated with the imperial house of Marwar. Initially a subject of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, he later joined the Mughal administration after his family ousted and excluded him.
His exceptional bravery and battle skills earned him a high rank in the Mughal nobility. Impressed by his valor, Shah Jahan appointed him as the Subedar (governor) of Nagaur, a region directly controlled by the emperor.
Rebellion Against the Mughal Court
In 1644, Amar Singh became furious when Shah Jahan imposed a fine on him for his unauthorized absence. Enraged, he killed Salabat Khan, the nobleman responsible for collecting the fine, in the emperor’s presence. His fearless act made him a legendary figure, celebrated in folk songs across Rajasthan, Western Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab.
Betrayal and Death
Determined to resolve the matter, Shah Jahan sought to bring Amar Singh back to court. At this point, Amar Singh’s brother-in-law, Arjun Gaud, offered to mediate. He assured Amar Singh that the emperor wanted a peaceful settlement and invited him to the fort.
However, Arjun Gaud had set a trap. When Amar Singh arrived, he found the main gate closed, with only a small, window-like opening left for entry. Refusing to bow before the Mughal throne, he entered backward. The moment he stepped inside, Arjun Gaud and his men attacked, stabbing him to death.
Shah Jahan then threw Amar Singh’s body from a tower, challenging the Rajputs to retrieve it.
Ballu Champavat’s Daring Rescue
Amar Singh’s wife wished to become Sati (self-immolate) with his body. However, retrieving it from the heavily guarded fort seemed impossible. When Ballu Champavat, a former rival but close friend of Amar Singh, hesitated, his wife taunted him for his inaction. Insulted and determined, Ballu took up the challenge.
That night, the Maharana of Mewar sent his finest horse to Agra for Ballu. At dawn, as the fort’s gates opened, Ballu and fifty elite Rathore warriors stormed inside. They fought fiercely, killing many Mughals. Ballu then mounted his horse, carrying Amar Singh’s body, and leaped from the Agra Fort’s walls.
Though gravely injured, Ballu managed to deliver Amar Singh’s body to his widow. Soon after, she performed Sati, sacrificing herself alongside her husband.
