Rao Surtan Deora
| Rao Surtan Deora | |
|---|---|
| Maharao of Sirohi | |
 | |
| King of Sirohi | |
| Reign | 1572 – 1610 |
| Coronation | 1572 |
| Predecessor | Rao Man Singh |
| Successor | Rai Singh II |
| Reign | 1572—73 |
| Reign | 1574—1610 |
| Born | 1558 |
| Died | 1610 (aged 51–52) |
| Spouse |
|
| Issue |
|
| Dynasty | Chouhan |
| Father | Bhan Singh |
| Religion | Hinduism |
Maharao Surtan Singh Deora (r. 1572–1610) was the Maharao of the princely state of Sirohi in present-day Rajasthan from 1572 until his death. A member of the Deora branch of the Chauhan Rajputs, he was the adopted son of Rao Man Singh II. He was coronated at the age of 12. Surtan stayed hostile to the ruling foreign powers in India. He was well known for defending Sirohi from the Mughal Empire. He secured his position after an initial succession dispute and spent his reign defending Sirohi’s autonomy, overseeing public works, and maintaining traditional feudal grants.[1]
Early life and accession
[edit]Surtan Singh was born in 1558 into the Deora branch of the Chauhan clan to Bhan Singh of Nandia. He was grandson of Randheer Singh a grandson of Rao Lakha of Sirohi.[2] Upon the death of his adoptive father, Man Singh II, in 1572, he was formally adopted and proclaimed heir to the throne of Sirohi.[3] His accession was contested by his chief minister, Bija Singh, leading to an eight-month dispute before Surtan Singh’s position was confirmed.[4]
Military engagements
[edit]He fought 52 battles during his reign of Sirohi.
Battle of Dattani (1583)
[edit]In 1583, Surtan Singh led Sirohi forces at the Battle of Dattani against a Mughal detachment of combined forces led by Jagmal Sisodiya, Rao Rai Singh (third son of Rao Chandrasen) and Koli Singh Datiwara resulting in a victory that affirmed the state’s de facto independence.[5][6][7]
Throughout his reign, he mounted further defensive operations against neighbouring Rajput principalities and Mughal allies to protect Sirohi’s borders.[8][9]
Administration and public works
[edit]Surtan Singh commissioned the repair and maintenance of key fortifications at Shivpuri and the ruins of Chandravati, bolstering regional defenses.[10] He also oversaw the restoration of irrigation systems along the Jawai and Chara rivers to support agriculture in arid areas.[11] To uphold the traditional feudal order, he confirmed existing jagir grants to leading thakur and Brahmin families.[12] He further supported archaeological work at Chandravati, where medieval temple structures were consolidated.[13]
Personal life
[edit]He had 12 Queens. Surtan Singh married Rai Da Kunwar, daughter of Thakur Ashkaran of Patoli, and later Maya Devi, daughter of Rawal Bhojraj Singh of Jaisalmer.[14] He had two sons His eldest son, Rai Singh II, was appointed heir and succeeded him upon his death and his younger son Sur Singh became prime minister.[15][16]
Relations with neighbouring states
[edit]Rao Surtan Singh provided shelter to Chandrasen during his exile from Marwar by Mughals for two years.[17] His Sirohi provided sanctuary to the Rathore heir Ajit Singh of Marwar during Aurangzeb’s persecution, hiding him in the Kalindri locality of Sirohi to protect the legitimate claim to the Marwar throne. He also had friendly relation with Maharana Pratap of Mewar and Amar Singh.[18]
Death and legacy
[edit]Maharao Surtan Singh died in 1610 and was interred according to Rajput rites.[19] His thirty-eight-year reign is credited with preserving Sirohi’s practical autonomy and ensuring internal stability during a period of Mughal expansion.[citation needed]
References
[edit]- ^ Bose, Melia Belli (2015). Royal Umbrellas of Stone: Memory, Politics, and Public Identity in Rajput Funerary Art. BRILL. p. 150. ISBN 978-9-00430-056-9.
- ^ Ojha, Gauri Shankar Hirachand (1911). Sirohi Rajya Ka Itihasa. Jodhpur: Rajasthani Granthagar. pp. 258–278.
- ^ Dhoundiyal, B. N. (1967). Rajasthan District Gazetteers: Sirohi. Jaipur: Government Central Press. pp. 63–67.
- ^ Ram, L. S. (1920). History of Sirohi Raj. Allahabad: The Pioneer Press. pp. 191–208.
- ^ The Imperial Gazetteer of India, Vol. XXI: Pushkar to Salween. Clarendon Press. 1908. p. 312.
- ^ Kumar, Vijay (1982). Studies in History of Sirohi (in Hindi). Hill Top Publisher.
- ^ Rajasthan (India); Sehgal, K. K. (1967). Rajasthan District Gazetteers: Sirohi.
- ^ Hooja, Rima (2006). A History of Rajasthan. New Delhi: Rupa & Company. p. 732—737.
- ^ Singh, Rajvi Amar (1992). Mediaeval History of Rajasthan: Western Rajasthan. Rajvi Amar Singh.
- ^ Chintan (2021). Architectural Evolution of Defence Structures due to High Seismic Activity: A focus on Ancient Silk‐route Cities of Sirohi District, Rajasthan (M.A. thesis). M.S. University of Baroda. p. 15.
- ^ Village Survey Monographs, Part VI-B: Sirohi District. Government of India. 1961. p. 34.
- ^ Dhoundiyal, B.N. "Rajasthan Districts Gazetteers: Sirohi". Government of India. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
- ^ Kharakwal, J. (2016). "Preliminary Observations of Excavation at Chandravati, Sirohi, Rajasthan". Shodh Patrika. 67: 22.
- ^ Hooja, Rima (2006). A History of Rajasthan. New Delhi: Rupa & Company. p. 487.
- ^ Ram, L. S. (1920). History of Sirohi Raj. Allahabad: The Pioneer Press.
- ^ Rajasthan (India) (1962). Rajasthan District Gazetteers. Printed at Government Central Press.
- ^ Ojha Pandit Gaurishankar Hirachand. (1911). Sirohirajya Ka Itihas (1911).
- ^ Ojha Pandit Gaurishankar Hirachand. (1911). Sirohirajya Ka Itihas (1911). p. 274.
- ^ Dhoundiyal, B. N. (1967). Rajasthan District Gazetteers: Sirohi. Jaipur: Government Central Press.