ACK-011:Chhatrasal

Budelkhand Kesri Maharaja Chhatrasal (4 May 1649 - 1731) along with Chatrapati Shivaji and Guru Gobind Singh formed a trinity of rebels who rose against Aurangzeb's rule in the 18th century. He fought under the Mughal army initially, but later took up cudgels against the Mughals in Bundelkhand and put an end to their rule in his territories.

He was born in Kachar Kachnai on 4th May, 1649, to Bundela chieftan Champat Rai and Lal Kunwar. Early in his childhood he was separated from his parents and then he had made up his mind to fight against the tyrannical rule of the Mughals. As advised by Shivaji- the Maratha warrior, he determined to fight for the independence of Bundelkhand and after his meeting with Swami Mahamati Prannath, Chhatrasal became strong and powerful. Just as Guru Ramdas showed the way to Shivaji so did Mahamati Prannath gave guidance and true knowledge to Maharaja Chhatrasal. It was with his blessings that he could establish the divine kingdom of Panna, as predicted in the scriptures as 'the heavenly kingdom on earth'. Prannath ji guided Chhatrasal in religious, social, political and economical matters. He also granted Maharaja Chhatrasal the boon to find diamonds in Panna. Chhatrasal raised the banner of revolt against the Mughals in Bundelkhand at the age of 22, with an army of 5 horsemen and 25 swordsmen, in 1671. In the first 10 years of his fight, (between 1671 and 1680) Chhatralsal met with enviable success. Within the first 10 years, he had conquered a large tract of land around the region between Chitrakoot and Panna in the east, up to Gwalior in the west, and from Kalpi in the north to Sagar, Garah Kota and Damoh in the south. Some of the reputed Mughal Generals who were defeated by him are Rohilla Khan, Kaliq, Munawwar Khan, Sadruddin, Sheikh Anwar, Sayyid Latif, Bahlol Khan and Abdus Ahmed.

Maharaja Chhatrasal captured Mahoba in 1680. Upon his death in 1732, Chhatrasal bequeathed Mahoba and the surrounding area to the Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao I in return for Baji Rao's assistance against the Mughals.

In the second phase of his struggle between 1681 and 1707, Chhatrasal suffered a few reverses, but because Aurangzeb had also to protect his southern territories which were continually under attack by the Marathas, he was able to resist the Mughals.

After Mahamati Prannath, the entire responsibility of promoting the faith fell on Chhatrasal. Like the Buddha's disciple Emperor Ashoka, Chhatrasal was a talented missionary. He endeavoured to promulgate the Krishna Pranami / Nijanand Sampradaya of Mahamati Prannath. As an organised team both abroad and at home, a learned group of enlightened souls continued propagating and practising the teachings of the Mahamati. By their works and verses drenched in the doctrine of love for the Lord they were the source of great strength for their followers. Their areas of work were sufficiently large and by the sheer fruity of their lives and simplicity of principles they could always get a responsive audience. Noble souls like Laldass, Mukund Dass, Braj Bhushan, Hans Raj, Gopal Dass, jugal Dass to mention a few, were successful in bringing several families on the fold of prananmi cult.

The major centres of this religion are Jam Nagar, Panna, Surat Allahabad, Haridwar, Delhi, Karnal, Jaipur, Kalimpong, Bhiwani, Sherpur etc. A large number of pilgrims flock to these places to take part in the annual congregations. In recent years many scholars have been attracted to this religion and researchers are doing a commendable job to unearth and publicize the main contribution of this religion.

There was a Postal Stamp issued in his honor by Indian Post.

Stamp Issue Date: 02/10/1987

Postage Stamp Denomination: 0.60 Rupee

Postal Stamp Serial Number: 1258

Postal Stamp Name: CHHATRASAL ON HORSE BACK

Number of stamps printed: 1000000

Many many thanks “Unknown #1” for providing ACK scan.