Bundela Rulers & Regional Kingdoms

Bundela Rajputs — Lords of Bundelkhand

While the Mughals and Nawabs dominated northern UP, the southern region of Bundelkhand was ruled by the Bundela Rajputs — a fierce warrior clan whose history is intertwined with resistance against Mughal authority.

The Bundelas derive their name from the legendary hero Bundel, a Gaharwar Rajput chief. Their territory stretched across modern-day Jhansi, Jalaun, Hamirpur, Banda, Mahoba, Lalitpur, and Chitrakoot districts of UP, extending into Madhya Pradesh.

Exam Tip: Bundelkhand is a geographical-cultural region spread across both UP and MP. The UP portion includes 7 districts: Jhansi, Jalaun, Hamirpur, Banda, Mahoba, Lalitpur, and Chitrakoot.

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Orchha — The Bundela Capital

Rudra Pratap Singh founded Orchha in 1501 as the capital of the Bundela kingdom. Though Orchha town lies in present-day Madhya Pradesh (Tikamgarh district), the Bundela kingdom’s territory covered much of what is now UP’s Bundelkhand.

Key Orchha Rulers

Bir Singh Deo is the most prominent Bundela ruler. He assassinated Akbar’s historian Abul Fazl in 1602 on Prince Salim’s orders. When Salim became Emperor Jahangir, Bir Singh was rewarded with the full Orchha kingdom and became one of the wealthiest chiefs in India.

He built the magnificent Jahangir Mahal at Orchha to welcome Emperor Jahangir, and also constructed the Bir Singh Palace at Datia — one of the finest examples of Bundela architecture.

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Chhatrasal — The Bundela Hero

Maharaja Chhatrasal (1649-1731) is the greatest Bundela hero and a figure of immense importance in UP’s medieval history. Born in Kachar Kachnar (Tikamgarh), he grew up witnessing Mughal oppression of his family.

Revolt Against the Mughals

After briefly serving in Aurangzeb’s army, Chhatrasal was inspired by Shivaji’s example and launched a rebellion against Mughal authority in Bundelkhand in 1671. Over the next decades, he liberated vast territories:

• Freed Bundelkhand from Mughal governors
• Established his capital at Panna (famous for diamond mines)
• Extended control over Mahoba, Banda, Kalinjar, and Jhansi regions
• Patronized art, literature, and the famous poet Bhushan, who composed heroic ballads (veer ras kavya) praising both Shivaji and Chhatrasal

Alliance with the Marathas

In his old age, when attacked by Muhammad Khan Bangash (Mughal governor of Allahabad) in 1729, Chhatrasal appealed to the Maratha Peshwa. Baji Rao I personally led a Maratha army to rescue Chhatrasal.

In gratitude, Chhatrasal granted one-third of his kingdom to the Marathas. This is how Jhansi came under Maratha control — eventually leading to the appointment of a Maratha subhedar at Jhansi, whose lineage included the famous Rani Lakshmibai.

Exam Tip: Chhatrasal’s alliance with Baji Rao I is the direct historical link between Bundelkhand and the Marathas. This explains how Jhansi became a Maratha-governed territory before the British.

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Ruhela Afghans of Rohilkhand

The Rohilkhand region of western UP (modern Bareilly, Moradabad, Rampur, Bijnor, Shahjahanpur, Budaun, and Pilibhit) takes its name from the Ruhela (Rohilla) Afghans who established dominance there in the 18th century.

Key Facts

• Ali Muhammad Khan was the founder of Ruhela power in Rohilkhand (early 18th century)
• The Ruhelas were Pashtun (Afghan) settlers who came to India as soldiers and administrators
• Hafiz Rahmat Khan was the most prominent Ruhela chief, known for his justice and administration
• He was killed in the Battle of Miranpur Katra (1774) when Shuja-ud-Daula of Awadh, aided by the British, invaded Rohilkhand

The Rampur Nawabs survived as a princely state under British protection. Rampur’s Raza Library, founded by the Nawabs, contains one of India’s finest collections of Islamic manuscripts, miniature paintings, and rare historical documents.

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Bais Rajputs & Other Clans

Several Rajput clans controlled pockets of territory across UP during the medieval period:

Bais Rajputs

The Bais clan dominated parts of Awadh, particularly the Rae Bareli, Unnao, and Sultanpur areas. They were among the oldest Rajput clans of UP, claiming descent from the Suryavanshi (Solar) lineage. Their stronghold was Daundia Khera in Unnao district.

Bhar Rulers

The Bhars were a pre-medieval ruling community who controlled parts of eastern UP (Jaunpur, Azamgarh, Ghazipur) before the Turkish invasions. Archaeological evidence of Bhar fortifications (garhi) can be found across eastern UP. They were displaced by the Sultanate rulers in the 13th-14th centuries.

Gaharwar (Rathore) Clan

The Gaharwar Rajputs ruled Varanasi and its surrounding areas. They were a branch of the Rathore clan who established a small but culturally significant kingdom centred on Kashi (Varanasi). Their most famous ruler was Jayachandra (defeated by Muhammad Ghori in 1194).

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Chandela Influence in UP

The Chandela dynasty is primarily associated with Madhya Pradesh (Khajuraho temples), but their influence extended significantly into UP. The Chandela forts at Kalinjar (Banda district) and Mahoba (Mahoba district) are in present-day UP.

Kalinjar Fort is one of the most ancient and strategically important forts in India. It was contested by virtually every power that ruled northern India — from the Chandelas to the Mughals. Sher Shah Suri died during the siege of Kalinjar in 1545.

Alha-Udal — the legendary Chandela warriors of Mahoba — are celebrated in the folk epic “Alha Khand”, which is one of the most popular oral traditions of Bundelkhand and UP. Their story of valour against Prithviraj Chauhan is recited in villages to this day.

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Key Takeaways

• Bundela Rajputs ruled Bundelkhand (Orchha founded 1501 by Rudra Pratap)
• Chhatrasal (1649-1731) was the greatest Bundela hero who freed Bundelkhand from Mughal control
• Chhatrasal’s alliance with Baji Rao I (1729) brought Marathas to Bundelkhand and explains Jhansi’s Maratha connection
• Ruhela Afghans controlled Rohilkhand until their defeat in 1774; Rampur Nawabs continued as a princely state
• Multiple Rajput clans (Bais, Gaharwar, Chandela) left lasting marks on UP’s regional history
• Kalinjar Fort (Banda district) is one of India’s most historically contested fortifications

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Summary Cheat Sheet