Amar Singh Rathore

Rao Amar Singh Rathore (1613–1644 CE) was the fiery eldest prince of Maharaja Gaj Singh of Marwar who ruled Nagaur. Celebrated in Rajasthani bardic lore for unbending pride, Amar Singh struck down imperial paymaster Salabat Khan inside Shah Jahan’s Diwan-i-Khas at Agra Fort in response to an insult, leaped his warhorse over the battlements of Agra Fort, and fought imperial troops to the death. The Delhi Gate of Agra Fort was renamed "Amar Singh Gate" in his honor.

Detailed Historical Chronicle

Early Life and Disinheritance Amar Singh was the eldest son of Maharaja Gaj Singh I of Marwar (Jodhpur). Known from youth for his fearless spirit, extraordinary physical prowess, and contempt for subservience, his fiercely independent demeanor alarmed the courtiers. Under the influence of his favorite concubine Anara Begum, Maharaja Gaj Singh disinherited Amar Singh in favor of his younger son, Jaswant Singh I, exiling Amar Singh from Marwar.

Amar Singh travelled to Agra, where Emperor Shah Jahan, recognizing his peerless martial reputation, granted him high imperial rank (*mansab*) and the sovereign principality of Nagaur.

The Duel in Diwan-i-Khas (Agra Fort, 1644 CE) Amar Singh was known for taking prolonged absences from the imperial court to enjoy hunting in Nagaur without seeking royal permission. When he returned to Agra Fort on July 25, 1644, Shah Jahan summoned him to the imperial Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Special Audience) to pay a punitive fine.

The Emperor’s brother-in-law and imperial paymaster (*Mir Bakhshi*), Salabat Khan, publicly rebuked Amar Singh in front of the assembled nobility, using the derogatory epithet *"Ganwar"* (uncouth peasant).

Before Salabat Khan could complete the word, Amar Singh unsheathed his dagger (*Katar*) like lightning and drove it straight through Salabat Khan’s throat, shouting: "A Rajput’s tongue is shorter than his blade!" Salabat Khan collapsed dead onto the marble floor.

Amar Singh then drew his talwar and fought through the stunned imperial guards, cutting down five Mughal nobles before exiting into the palace courtyard.

The Leap of Horse Badal Pursued by imperial troops, Amar Singh mounted his loyal desert stallion, Badal. Trapped inside the fortress as the massive gates were slammed shut, Amar Singh urged Badal up the high stone ramparts and leaped across the sheer stone battlements over the moat below. Badal miraculously survived the colossal leap and carried his master to safety, though the faithful horse perished shortly thereafter from exhaustion.

Treachery and Immortality Shah Jahan placed a colossal bounty on Amar Singh's head. Amar Singh's treacherous brother-in-law, Arjun Gaur, feigned friendship and invited Amar Singh to an interview to mediate with the Emperor. As Amar Singh bowed to pass through a narrow doorway inside Agra Fort, Arjun Gaur stabbed him in the back.

Upon hearing of his martyrdom, Amar Singh's young nephew, Ram Singh Rathore, and his retainers stormed Agra Fort, slaughtered the Mughal guards, recovered Amar Singh's body, and carried it to the Yamuna riverbank, where his brave queen performed Sati.

Shah Jahan was so shaken by the fury of the Rathores that he ordered the gate through which Badal leaped to be permanently bricked up. It was named the Amar Singh Gate of Agra Fort, remaining sealed until the British under Lord Lake reopened it in 1803.