Rajput Policy During Mughals
Akbar’s treatment of the Rajputs was not the outcome of thoughtless sentiment but was a result of a deliberate policy. based on the principles of enlightened self-interest, recognition of merit, justice and fair play. Akbar had realised at an early age that most of his Muslim nobles were not loyal while the Rajputs who were the masters of the large strategic region of Rajputana were renowned for their valour and fidelity, could be depended upon and converted as friends.
So he accepted the submission of Raja Bharamal Kachchhwaha of Amber who married his eldest daughter to Akbar. Raja Bhagawan Das (Raja Bharamal’s heir) and Man Singh (his nephew and adopted son) were subsequently given senior positions in the imperial hierarchy, One by one all the Rajput states submitted to Akbar and they were either given compensation or were absorbed into Mughal service.
But the Ranas of Mewar continued to defy Mughal suzerainty despite several defeats, particularly the one in the battle of Haldighati (1576) in which Rana Pratap was severely defeated by the Mughal army under Man Singh. But Rana Pratap recaptured a large part of the area and Mewar was only annexed during Jahangir’s reign.