Durgadas Rathore
Durgadas Rathore Rajya Sanghrakshak | |
|---|---|
Painting of Veer Durgadas Rathore by Archibald Herman Müller in the Mehrangarh Fort Museum, Jodhpur. | |
| Nickname | Garibaldi of Rajputana |
| Born | 13 August 1638 Selva village, Kingdom of Marwar |
| Died | 22 November 1718 (aged 80) |
| Allegiance | Kingdom of Marwar |
| Branch | Marwar Army |
| Rank | General |
| Conflicts | |
Durgadas Rathore (13 August 1638 – 22 November 1718) was a Rathore Rajput general and statesman of the Kingdom of Marwar, in present-day Rajasthan, India. He is remembered for safeguarding the infant Ajit Singh of Marwar following the death of Maharaja Jaswant Singh in 1678 and for leading a prolonged resistance against Mughal emperor Aurangzeb during the Rathore rebellion (1679–1707). Combining guerrilla warfare with diplomatic alliances, he preserved Marwar’s independence until Ajit Singh was restored to the throne after Aurangzeb’s death in 1707.
Durgadas also played a significant role in the Rajput Rebellion (1708–1710), collaborating with leaders such as Raja Jai Singh II of Jaipur, and supported the Maratha ruler Sambhaji during the Siege of Janjira against the Siddis. He was elected as the leader of the revolt along with Raja Jai Singh II of Jaipur. He won several victories against the Mughals and compelled many Mughal officers to pay tribute in the form of chauth.