Maharaja Chhatrasal

▪️Why in News

✅The Maharaja Chhatrasal Convention Centre has been inaugurated at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.

✅The Convention Centre, named after the legendary Bundelkhand King Maharaja Chhatrasal, was built under the Swadesh Darshan scheme of the Ministry of Tourism.

Key Points

▪️Brief Profile:

✅Birth : Born on 4th May 1649, to Champat Rai and Lal Kunwar, into the Bundela Rajput clan.

✅Medieval Indian warrior, fought against the Mughal Empire, and established his own kingdom in Bundelkhand.

✅Descendant of Rudra Pratap Singh of Orchha.

✅Ancestors were vassals of the Mughal emperor.

✅Death: 20th December, 1731.

▪️Power Struggle Against the Mughal:

✅He started his struggle in 1671, and first captured Naugaon region of Chhatarpur district.

✅He fought for 50 years against Mughals and captured a large part of Bundelkhand with his seat of power at Panna.

▪️Relation with Baji Rao I:

✅Baji Rao I helped Chhatrashal against the Mughals. He sent military aid against the Mughal force led by Muhammad Khan Bangash in 1728.

✅The Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao I's second wife Mastani was Chhatrasal's daughter.

✅Before his death, Chhatrasal transferred Mahoba and the surrounding area to Baji Rao I in return for his assistance against the Mughals.

▪️Patron of Literature :

✅His court housed several noted poets. His eulogies written by Kavi Bhushan, Lal Kavi, Bakhshi Hansaraj and other court poets helped him gain lasting fame.

▪️Religious View:

✅Disciple of Mahamati Prannathji.

✅Swami Prannathji also guided him in political, social, and economic matters.

✅Swami Prannathji told Chhatrasal regarding Diamond mines of Panna and thus helped him in strengthening his financial position.

▪️Legacy: The Chhatarpur town and its district in Madhya Pradesh are named after Chhatrasal.

✅Maharaja Chhatrasal Museum in Madhya Pradesh and the Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi are also named after the Maharaja Chhatrasal.

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