Authors: Mr. Parth Khare
Abstract: This paper analyzes how Bundela Rajput chieftains in Bundelkhand challenged Mughal sovereignty from the late 17th to mid-18th centuries. It first outlines dynastic fragmentation and early frontier uprisings under Aurangzeb, then examines Maharaja Chhatrasal’s landmark rebellion (1728–1731) and the decisive Battle of Jaitpur, where Bundela-Maratha forces routed Muhammad Khan Bangash. By integrating Persian and Ahom sources with regional chronicles, the study shows how agrarian levies, hill-fort strongholds, and opportunistic alliances enabled Bundela chiefs to carve out semi-autonomous principalities under Mughal suzerainty.
