Chapter 50: Chapter 50: The Future of Rajputana
A Land Transformed
Mewar had changed.
Where once the echoes of war drums and clashing swords filled the air, now there was laughter, trade, and the hum of a thriving kingdom. Under Amar Singh's rule, the foundation laid by Maharana Pratap had turned into a fortress of stability.
Merchants from Gujarat, Bengal, Persia, and even the Ottoman Empire traveled to Mewar's bustling cities. Agriculture flourished, and once-barren lands now bore golden fields of wheat, lentils, and cotton. Trade routes that had been cut off by war reopened, allowing Mewar to grow economically.
But while the kingdom flourished, Amar Singh knew one truth—peace is never permanent.
Mewar had remained independent, but for how long?
The world was changing, and new threats lurked beyond the horizon.
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The Rising Threats
While Mewar enjoyed peace, the world outside was shifting.
1. The Mughal Empire's Expansion – Although Shah Jahan had agreed to peace with Mewar, the Mughal Empire was still growing. Rajput kingdoms that had allied with the Mughals now faced increased pressure to submit fully. If another emperor took the throne, would they honor the peace treaty?
2. The Arrival of the Europeans – Across Bharat's western coastline, new foreign ships had started arriving. The Portuguese, Dutch, and British had begun setting up trading posts in Surat, Goa, and Madras. They claimed to come for trade, but Amar Singh saw the truth—they were invaders in disguise.
3. Internal Politics Among the Rajputs – Not all Rajput rulers admired Mewar's independence. Some believed alliances with the Mughals or foreign traders would bring them wealth and protection. Others saw Amar Singh as a ruler too obsessed with peace instead of conquest.
The Rajputana Confederacy—once a dream of unity—was now divided by ambition.
Amar Singh realized: Mewar could not remain isolated. It had to prepare.
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The Rajput Gathering: A Call for Unity
Amar Singh decided to act before it was too late.
He called for a grand Rajput Sabha—a gathering of all the Rajput rulers.
From Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Bundi, Marwar, and even distant kingdoms in Malwa, the Rajput kings arrived in Udaipur. The great halls of the palace were filled with warriors, chieftains, and diplomats.
Amar Singh stood before them, wearing his father's armor, his voice echoing through the chamber.
"For centuries, the Rajputs have fought among themselves while foreign powers grew stronger. We stood against the Mughals, yet we never stood together. Now, new threats rise—the foreigners who come not as traders, but as conquerors."
The hall grew silent. The mention of the Europeans brought unease—many had already heard of their tactics, using trade as a weapon to seize power.
"I do not seek war, but I will not let Mewar or any Rajput kingdom become a slave to outsiders." Amar Singh's voice carried the weight of his ancestors.
Then he made his proposal.
"Let us form a Rajput alliance. Not just for battle, but for trade, for strength, and for survival. Let us unite not under one king, but as a confederation—where no Rajput will ever fight another Rajput again."
Murmurs filled the hall. Some rulers saw wisdom in his words. Others hesitated.
Then, the Maharaja of Marwar stood.
"Mewar has always stood alone. Why should we trust you now?"
Amar Singh looked at him, then at the assembly. His answer was simple.
"Because we are Rajputs. And if we do not stand together, we will fall separately."
The room fell silent.
Then, slowly, one by one, the Rajput rulers agreed.
The Rajputana Confederacy was formed—not as a kingdom, but as a pact of honor.
Mewar would lead, not as a ruler, but as a shield—ensuring that no Rajput land fell to foreign rule.
For the first time in history, the Rajputs were united.
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The Next Steps: Preparing for the Future
With the alliance formed, Amar Singh began fortifying Mewar's defenses once again—but this time, not just with swords.
✔ Naval Strength – Seeing the foreign traders expanding their influence on the coasts, Amar Singh sent emissaries to the coastal Rajput rulers. "We must have ships of our own," he declared. Ports in Gujarat and Konkan were prepared to build a Rajput naval force.
✔ Weapons and Warfare – The world was changing, and war was no longer fought with just swords and spears. Amar Singh began investing in gunpowder weapons, artillery, and fortifications designed to resist siege warfare.
✔ Trade and Economy – The Confederacy's strength would not just come from warriors but from wealth. Amar Singh encouraged Rajput traders to expand their businesses, ensuring that foreign merchants did not dominate Bharat's economy.
✔ Education and Strategy – Mewar established schools for military training, engineering, and governance. The next generation of warriors and rulers would not just be strong but intelligent leaders who could adapt to the new world.
Mewar was no longer just a kingdom.
It was a fortress, an academy, and a vision for the future.
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A Letter to the Future Generations
One evening, Amar Singh sat in his chamber, writing a letter. Not to his ministers, nor his generals—but to the future rulers of Mewar.
"To the Maharana who will rule after me," he began.
"Mewar has survived war, but its greatest challenge is yet to come. The enemies we will face are not just those with swords, but those who use trade, politics, and deception to conquer lands without battle.
Remember this—Mewar does not bow. Not to the Mughals, not to the British, not to any power that seeks to chain us.
But know this as well—strength alone is not enough. We must be wise, we must be united, and we must always be prepared for what is to come.
This is our duty. This is Mewar's destiny.
Jai Mewar."
He sealed the letter and placed it within the royal archives.
As he stepped onto the balcony, he saw the lights of Udaipur stretching before him, glowing like a thousand stars.
Mewar was ready for the future.
And no matter what came next, it would never fall.
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