BHAMASHAH

(28-6-1547—27-1-1600)

A great hero of the Indian history who set up an ideal in giving away all his huge wealth to Maharana Pratap Singh to fight against the army of Mughal Emperor Akbar, Bhamashah would ever be remembered for his love and sacrifice for the country of the highest order.

He belonged to Kabadia gotra. His father Bharmal of Alwar was Qiledar of Ranthambore Fort appointed by Maharana Sanga. He was Prime Minister of Maharana Udai Singh, son of Maharana Sanga, since the beginning of his rule. While Akbar captured Chittor in 1567 Bharmal much helped Maharana Udai Singh in establishing Udaipur and strengthening his State.

Maharana Pratap had suffered defeats from the huge army of Akbar in the battle of Haldighati in 1576 and was living a life of great difficulties, even to the stage of starvation in the forests. Teased even there by the Mughal army, he had made up his mind to leave the territory.

Having come to know of this situation, Bhamashah offered all his wealth to the Maharana and requested him to fight with the army of Akbar. With the wealth offered by Bhamashah, Maharana Pratap organised his army and by 1586 was successful in taking back all the lost territory from Akbar except Mandalgarh and Chittor.

According to Col. James Todd 25000 strong army could be maintained for 12 years with the wealth which was offered by Bhamashah to Maharana Pratap. Bhamashah was Chief and Prime Minister of Maharana Udai Singh and Maharana Pratap and continued on this position for 2 to 3 yrs.

Even during the rule of his son Maharana Amar Singh. In several battles Bhamashah fought along with his brave brother Tarachand and helped the Maharanas financially. Maharana Udai Singh had appointed Tarachand as governor of Gorwar which position he held for some years even during the rule of Maharana Pratap Singh.

Tarachand and some other Jain Chiefs had fought very bravely under Maharana Pratap Singh in the battle of Haldighati. He had finally settled at Sadri. Bhamashah died at the age of about 52 years. A day before his death he gave his Bahi (Account Book) to his wife saying that it contained the complete details and places of treasure of the State and may be shown to Maharana in his difficult times, if any.

During the rule of Maharana Amar Singh he managed the state expenditure for several years with the help of his account book. A memorial at Udaipur exists in the memory of the great patriot. After Bhamashah his son Jiwashah and grand-son Akshayaraj were the Chiefs during the rule of Maharana Amar Singh and Karan Singh.

After Karan Singh, Akshayaraj was the Prime Minister of Rana Jagat Singh. He was a brave warrior. Maharana Sarup Singh had honoured Jaichandji, Kundanji and Virchandji who were the descendents of Akshayaraj. The Maharanas had through out been granting special honour to Bhamashah and his descendents for their patriotic and heroic deeds.