Naukar, Rajput, and Sepoy: The Ethnohistory of the Military Labour Market of Hindustan, 1450-1850 Book

This is a well researched book, which was developed from the Author's doctoral thesis. It bravely delves into the military labour market of 16 to 19 century Northern India and what is now NE Madhya Pradesh. The Author brings out how the entire region was a crucible of armed clans and villages looking for honourable employment with an overlord. It was now that Sher Shah established his dominance with a series of advantageous marriages and alliances. One alliance, which was beneficial, was with the Ujjainiya Rajputs of Bhojpur. Their help, on account of the soldiers they provided, to Sher Shah enabled him to extend his sway and ultimately rule the region. These Rajput clans don't seem to have been genealogically hierarchical even though the Ujjainyas claim their descent from the ancient Parmars. The Author goes onto the influence of the Buxar Rajputs and then onto the Purbiyas. During this period it seemed that Rajputs may not have been so strictly stratified or orthodox, though pride in service remained a priority. It seems this genealogical based foundation was only laid among the clans of Rajputana. The story of the Purbiyas and the Bundelas is more fascinating. A prime example was Silhadi, who controlled the region from his fort at Raisen. His loyalty remained flexible to the extant that he changed sides as long as his control over the military labour market remained. It seems he even converted to Islam, until his brother Laxman Sen persuaded him otherwise. His harem, which was his pride and joy was most talked about. Ultimately he fell afoul of the Muslim rulers and was besieged in Raisen, where led by his wife Durgavati, who performed the Jauhar, he perished. His son Puran Mal still retained control of the Tomars until he fell foul of Sher Shah and was treacherously surrounded and killed, even as his beautiful and talented Queen, Ratnavali, performed the Jauhar. That was not the end of the line. One descendant converted to Islam and was a major force in that region's politics. Other descendants are even now maintaining their identity as the Maule Salaam in the Jambusar region. Another fascinating clan were the Bundelas, with their leader Bir Singh Dev, being a successful commander of Mughal armies. He may the only one who was given the prefix of Maharaja by a Mughal Emperor. The Bundelas were a force to reckon with throughout 16 to 18 Century and their military prowess made them eagerly sought for even by the southern kingdoms and the French. Their descendants, as late as 1920 still figured in the Madras census as the Bondili. Medini Rai was another such tragic figure. Supreme in Malwa he acquired the fort of Raisen and died fighting against Babar. The Author says that his clan remained uncertain. That's what he has emphasised. Unlike the Rajputana Rajputs, who prided themselves on their genealogy, the Purbiyas were realistic enough to assert their control over the military labour market in their regions. As the Author says they prided themselves on their alliance and asceticism and not so much on kinship and caste. Their influence on the history of Northern India during this critical period was great. Fascinating stuff, especially for me who am steeped in Rajput history.