Rao Poonja

Rao Poonja
Chief of Bhils
Father Kheta

Rana Punja or Poonja, was the chief of the Bhil tribesman, and one of the most trusted and respected leaders who fought along the side of Maharana Pratap, in the battle of Haldighati (1576).[1][2] Even after the battle of Haldighati, Punja and his tribesman came forward time and time again, to fight for the freedom of Mewar. Because of such selfless devotion and loyalty, the name of Punja was given a prefix 'Rana' which is the original form of address for the Maharana himself. The entire Bhil tribe, even today, is highly regarded by the citizens and the Mewar family. At the time of succession, a Bhil tribesman must honour the new Maharana with a tilak (marking on the forehead) of his own blood. It is only then that the new Maharana will be universally recognised as successor. The Bhils are also represented on the Mewar Coat of Arms, standing side by side with a Rajput.

History of Rana Poonja

When Emperor Akbar was fourteen years, he sent a large regiment to Mewar to defeat them. Rana Kheta, with Acharya Raghvendra, fought them and lost his life. Rana Poonja was the son of Rana Kheta. He, with his general Darul and his son, was the first to meet Akbar at Haldighati. Though he was heart broken after their death, he fought with Maharana Pratap Singh, at Haldighati and many other wars, like Dewar, etc. Akbar himself was baffled to see Rana Poonja fight with them.

Notes

  1. ↑ Sarbeswar Sahoo Civil Society and Democratization in India 2013 p.130 "Some such examples are the cases of Maharana Pratap, the erstwhile king of Mewar who had acknowledged the contributions of the Bhils for saving his life in the battle of Haldighati by honouring their leader, Poonja, with a royal title (Rana) ."
  2. ↑ Rana 2004, p. 57.

References


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