The Sacred Friendship Alliances of Convenience (Indian Prince's Relation With Mughal and British)

This book deals with the ancient origin of the princes, their relation with the Mughals and the sacred friendship which bloossmed between them and the British Raj and the hazardous journey which culminated with the integration of the states and the final achievement of Independence to India.

The story of Indian Princes is very fascinating, interesting, and important. Fascinating because of their ancient origin, interesting because of the alliances that they made over the centuries with Mughals and British, important because of their role in the National movement and unification of India.

Right from the ancient times, the Indian Princes have been a powerful power centre. The Afghan rulers thought that by conquering their forts they will weaken the Princes. This was a myth. The Princes remained as powerful as before. In fact it was Emperor Akbar the great Mughal ruler who had for the first time, realized that to establish an Empire, it will not be easy till the Indian Princes remained powerful as they are. The opportune movement arrived, Bharmal, the ruler of Amber was not that powerful at that time. He was forced by Sharfudin, the Governor of Mewat, to hand over as hostages his son Jagannath, nephew Raj Singh, and Khangar Singh, and was not in a position to get them released. It was Majnun khan Qaqsal who suggested Bharmal to accept the suzerainty of the Mughals, and give his daughter in marriage to Emperor Akbar to make this alliance and won over the friendship of the Rajputs to make his dream come true. It was probably the first political marriage. Religion from both sides did not come in opposition. The Hindu princess was not forced to accept Islam. It continued for all times. The Hindi princesses were allowed to have temples in their zenana or harems, and all Hindu customs and festivals were fully celebrated officially by the Mughal court and Akbar personally joined them. Many a times Akbar appeared in the Court with the tilak on his forehead. This gave India its composite culture in other words Ganga-Jamani culture, which gave peace, love, affection, understanding. respect of culture and religion, provided prosperity and most importantly unity of India. But at the same time it became a political weapon. Marriage alliances were made with several Rajput rulers of Rajputana and Malwa. Most of them were made Mansabdars, were decorated with titles, appointed as Governors and Commanders of different campaign. This was the foundation of the Mughal rule which lasted till 1857.

**Contents and Sample Pages**