Amer Under the Mughals – The Forgotten Chapter of Jaipur’s History
Raja Sangram Singh of Uniara is remembered as one of the bravest Rajput nobles of Jaipur State. At the time, Amer once the proud capital of the Kachwahas, fell into Mughal hands, and they renamed it “Mominabad.” Raja Sawai Jai Singh left his homeland, first taking refuge in Jodhpur and later in Udaipur. Nevertheless, he never abandoned the dream of reclaiming Amer, and he continued to fight for it.
Year 1708: The Kachwaha Marwar Alliance Against the Mughals
In 1708, a decisive battle took place at Naliasar near Sambhar. The combined forces of the Kachwahas and Marwar clashed with the Mughal army, commanded by Sayyid Hussain Ali and Abdullah Khan. The Mughals enjoyed superiority in numbers, cannons and advanced firearms. After several days of bloody conflict, they crushed the alliance. Confident of their success, the Sayyids began celebrating inside their camps.
Raja Sangram Singh of Uniara Arrival with Hunting Dogs
However, destiny soon took a dramatic turn. Sangram Singh of Uniyara, a Naruka Rajput, entered the battlefield with his independent army and nearly 300-400 hunting dogs. As soon as he assessed the situation, he released the hounds into the Mughal camps. Instantly, chaos spread. Mughal soldiers, caught off guard, scattered in panic and confusion.
Raja Sangram Singh of Uniara Small Cannon Mounted on Horseback
In the middle of the battle, Sangram Singh brought out his secret weapon—a small cannon tied to his horse, called Sher Bachcha. He aimed directly at Sayyid Hussain Ali. The cannon roared, Hussain fell on the spot, and the Rajputs quickly regained their courage.
Because their leader was dead, the Mughals lost heart. As a result, the Kachwahas and Uniyara’s soldiers attacked with full force. Soon, Hussain’s two brothers and hundreds of Mughal soldiers were killed. Ultimately, what appeared to be a defeat turned into a historic Rajput victory.
Sayyids’ Flag Still in Uniyara Fort
This unexpected triumph left a permanent mark on history.
The Sayyids’ flag remains preserved in the fort of Uniara, a living testament to that day.
Mention in Phuphi Raso by Poet Murari Dan Baharath
The battle was immortalized by the great poet Murari Dan Baharath in his work “Phuphi Raso,” where he wrote:
“Phuphi ke Sambhar ki baata, pagdi khos li ghar jaata”
Phuphi says of Sambhar’s tale, ‘The turban was snatched before they returned home.
The Rise of Uniyara in Jaipur State
The bravery of the Naruka Rajputs of Uniara became so celebrated that Uniara was granted the status of the largest estate within Jaipur State, greater even than Chomu, Sikar, or Samod.
At that time, Uniara maintained its own independent army, a rare symbol of power and autonomy.
The Street of Uniara in Jaipur – A Forgotten Legacy of Raja Sangram Singh of Uniara
Located just off Chandpol Bazaar, this street was named after the Rao Rajahs of Uniara, one of the most prominent thikanas (estates) of Jaipur State.
History tells us that a haveli here was granted to Rao Raja Sangram Singh by Maharajah Sawai Jai Singh II in recognition of his bravery during the Battle of Sambhar in 1708 CE. For many years, the haveli served as their residence until the family later moved to a more lavish garden house near Moti Dungri Fort. Even today, as one passes through Chandpol Road in Jaipur, the path leading towards Uniara still whispers the glorious memories of that proud thika
