Power Polity in the Amber-Jaipur Kingdom

Abstract

Dr. Manisha Choudhary

The Amber Kingdom was a small territory with just three villages in the sixteenth century. It was also facing a constant change of power as it was claimed by all the members and brothers associated with the Rajawat clan.  This was because all the brother considered their succession to the throne as the most direct and righteous. Thus, the kingdom faced constant struggle and no one could maintain their authority over the territory for long. With the intervention of Mughal emperor Akbar, Amber could attain some stability. With the support of the Mughals, Baharmal could maintain his hold over the territory. Under the reign of Bhagwan Dass and Man Singh, the kingdom of Amber became a prominent political centre. Then onwards, the territory of the Amber kingdom started expanding and its revenue continued to grow with each passing year. The Kachhwahas of Amber enjoyed significant influence at the Mughal court with minor ups and downs that crept in occasionally. In the long run, the Mughal support was always available to the Kachhwahas of Amber. With the death of Aurangzeb, the political equations of Kachhwahas at the Mughal court altered significantly. So much so that the Amber kingdom was attacked in 1707 AD. After regaining the territory from the Mughals, Sawai Jai Singh was hard pressed for resources and revenue as now he was no more a Mughal mansabdar (as being in service most of the Mughal mansabdars generated huge sum of resources). Thus, the need for innovation was felt and the Amber Kingdom was reviewed to generate sources of revenue. Now, onwards Jaipur became the centre of all the political activities and the massive constructions were done to accommodate the paraphernalia of the state. This paper is an attempt to look into the emergence of the Amber-Jaipur kingdom.