Karam Chand Bachhawat


Karam Chand Bachhawat was the dewan of Bikaner State in the former Rajputana from 1571 to 1591. Chand, a descendant of Bachhraj, was a strategist in Bikaner and had a good relationship with Akbar. In 1591, fearing for his life, he resigned. At Akbar's invitation, Chand later joined the emperor as an adviser to the Lahore court.

Ancestors

Karam Chand Bachhawat belonged to Bachhawat gotra of Oswal community. The Bachhawats belong to the feudal aristocratic order of former states of Rajputana, who faced many ups and downs in life. They were brave, and many sacrificed their lives fighting for the state against Muslim invaders. They were visionary administrators par excellence but at times suspected to be anti-state but pro-Mughal and pro-British regime. The members of this clan were associated with the administration of the state for generations. Among them many were independent rulers in Delwara state. There were as many as five Prime Ministers of Jodhpur and Bikaner states from amongst the direct ancestors of Karam Chand. Later, in Mewar state, six of his descendants served as Prime Ministers, nine members were appointed as Kiledars and more than 25 members of this clan served as Hakims in various districts of Mewar.

Loyal to state, brilliant administrator & suave strategist

Karam Chand Bachhawat was born in 1542 AD. In 1571, Rao Kalyanmal, on demise of Karam Chand's father, Dewan Sangram Singh, a descendant of Bachhraj, was appointed Dewan of Bikaner. He was popular in Bikaner and had built a good rapport with Emperor Akbar Jalal-u-din. The royal family of Bikaner had marital relations with the Mughals. Daughter of Kalyanmal was married to Emperor Akbar in 1570 and later his son Rai Singh's daughter was married to prince Salim. Thus, the ruling family of Bikaner was one among the chosen families from Rajputana, being part of marriage alliance arranged by Karam Chand. Neither event is alluded to in the ‘Kiyant’ but the facts are recorded by Ferishta. Thus, Kalyan's son Rai Singh, who succeeded him in 1573, was one of Akbar's most distinguished generals.
In 1571, while travelling with Prince Rai Singh from Bikaner to the court of Emperor Akbar at Lahore, the much-indebted Dewan Karam Chand, before his departure asked Rao Kalyanmal, "My Lord, order me as you please".
Rao Kalyanmal said that he has everything but wants to fulfil the wishes of his ancestors. He said,
“I want to perform Kamal Puja sitting in the ‘gavaksh’ of Jodhpur palace to fulfil the wishes of late Rao Bika”.
Karam Chand along with Rajkumar Rai Singh paid their obeisance to Emperor Akbar. Since Karam Chand enjoyed a good equation with Akbar, he asked him for a favour - for Rao Kalyanmal to perform puja at the Jodhpur palace. Since Jodhpur was under the rule of Akbar, his wishes were granted instantly. Thus, Rao Kalyanmal could fulfil the wishes of his ancestors and asked Karam Chand what he would like in return. Karam Chand politely said,
“I have everything given by you. However, you may like to grant that during the four months of chaturmaas – teli, kumbhar, kandoi, etc to stop violence related work. Do not collect tax on ‘maal’, goats, sheep, etc”.
Rao Kalyanmal accepted his wishes and granted four villages on stamped paper to Karam Chand. Since Karam Chand was on good terms with Emperor Akbar, the rulers of Bikaner were among the most loyal adherents of the empire and held high ranks as Mansabdars of special order in the imperial court, like Raja Man Singh I of Amber. They served as military commanders in various Mughal campaigns all over the Indian sub-continent. Karam Chand fought alongside Raja Rai Singh to defeat the Sultan of Gujarat. Emperor Akbar was pleased with the strategist in Dewan Karam Chand and asked him what he wished for. He replied,
“I do not want anything for myself but a grant of 52 parganas for my king”.

Kind hearted and saviour of Jainism in medieval period

In 1573, Rao Kalyanmal was succeeded by Rao Rai Singh. With the help of strategist Karam Chand, Rao Rai Singh expanded his kingdom and brought in a lot of prosperity for Bikaner state. The kingdom of Rao Rai Singh extended up to Harappa in Sindh by defeating the forces of Balochis. At the behest of Karam Chand, the captured Baluchi prisoners of war were properly clothed, fed and returned to their homes, with dignity.
The valiant and brave king Rao Rai Singh of Bikaner was granted the title of Raja by Emperor Akbar. Karam Chand, who had deep concern for the environment and Jain traditions, had orders issued for stopping of fishing activities in Sutlej, Dek and Raavi rivers. He stopped felling of trees in the desert region. Raja Rai Singh also passed orders banning killing of animals during Paryushan.
The rare 1050 Jina images and sculptures looted by Sultan Tursam Khan in 1576, from the shrines of Sirohi were kept with Emperor Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri. It was intended to melt the statues and extract the gold, but Akbar denied the permission and ordered them to be kept safely. It was at the behest of Karam Chand that Raja Rai Singh approached the Emperor and the statues were respectfully released in 1582. When the statues arrived at Bikaner, Karam Chand along with the Jain Acharyas and disciples organised a grand function to welcome these statues and installed them in the basement of Chintamani Mandir. From time to time on special occasions the basement is opened, and the statues worshipped as per Jain traditions in public. Such auspicious occasions in the 20th century were in the year 1943, when Acharya Mani Sagar Suri Maharaj arrived in Bikaner, then in 1962, 1978, 2009 and now in November 2017. Perhaps, due to non-availability of regular puja and worship facilities for so many divine statues, they are stored in the basement even today.
In the Chintamani temple, the main ‘Chaturvinshti’ idol was badly damaged during the invasion by Kamaran, ruler of Lahore and brother of Emperor Humayun. The stone-plaque at the temple mentions that the renovation work was carried out by the Bachhawat descendants of Mantri Bachhraj, namely Mantri Var Singh.
In 1586, Karam Chand heard that Jain temples at Shatrunjay and other places in Saurashtra were being destroyed by Navarang Khan. Fearing destruction of Jain temples in the area, he immediately petitioned Akbar for the protection of Jain temples. Akbar at once issued a farmaan to Azam Khan of Gujarat to put Shatrunjay and other Jain temples in Saurashtra under the control of Karam Chand for their protection. Later, a Jain temple was constructed by Karam Chand at Palitana and his maternal home in Merata city in memory of his mother.

Bachhawats granted title of Mehta &honour to wear gold in legs

In 1586, Prince Salim, son of Akbar and son-in-law of Rai Singh was blessed with a daughter under inauspicious planetary conditions. The advice of Shaikh Abul Fazal and other learned people was sought. In the end, Karam Chand and astrologers were consulted and special puja as per Jain philosophy was performed by Pontiff Bhanu Chandra to successfully ward off evil effects. Karam Chand presented Prince Salim with a precious pearl necklace worth 1300 gold mohars. Emperor Akbar was mighty pleased with Karam Chand and he granted the honour to the ladies of Bachhawat family to wear gold in the foot. Till then this honour was reserved for only Sarang family of Oswal clan. The title of Mehta was also granted to him. All his direct descendants settled in Mewar use the title of Mehta. Karam Chand Bachhawat, a close friend and strategist of Emperor Akbar became a historical person and came to be known as the saviour of Jainism during medieval period.

Against rewards to Charans

Both Jain sources as well as Khayat of Dayaldas portray Raja Rai Singh as a very benevolent but extravagant personality. Judging from the marvelous liberality to Charans and Barhats with which the ‘Khyat’ credits Rai Singh, he would appear to have had a great appreciation of poetry and every important circumstance of his life is attested by a ballad.

Bachhawat do not worship Dyadi Mata

Traditionally, on completion of Navratri festival, Dyadi Mata is commonly worshipped by all castes in Rajasthan. Once, during the later part of the 16th century, when Karam Chand was engaged in the worshipping of Dyadi Mata, a disciple of Jain Muni, the Maharajsaab came to Bachhawat's Haveli for gochari. Karam Chand felt disturbed, and told the disciple to convey to Maharajsaab to come later for gochari. The Maharajsaab was displeased and through his spiritual powers, let Dyadi Mata's idol speak to Karam Chand,
"You shall not worship me from now onwards. I shall not find any fault for doing so. I may be immersed in water. If your descendants remake a similar statue and purify it in sawa mound of oil, the puja can recommence."
It is believed, that Maharajsaab then had the gold statue, weighing sawa mound thrown into the well just outside the haveli in Maneck Chowk. Hence the Bachhawats and the members of this ethnic group do not worship Dyadi Mata, from that day.

Foundation of Junagarh Fort at Bikaner

From 1585 to 1594 Raja Rai Singh of Bikaner was employed in the Deccan by Emperor Akbar, where he was Mansabdar of Burhanpur. While Rai Singh is said to have kept the petty chiefs under control and to have governed his province well, the administration of Bikaner was totally with Karam Chand.
The royal family of Bikaner lived in the original small fortress built by Rao Bika, until Raja Rai Singh built a new fort called ‘Chintamani’. The ruins of the old fort can still be seen around the walled city, on Raati Ghati near Lakshmi Nathji temple. Whilst at Burhanpur he planned and ordered his minister, Karam Chand to begin the construction of present fine fort of Bikaner in 1588.

Suspicion between Rai Singh and Karam Chand

Capt PW Powlett writes in ‘Gazetteer of Bikaner State’,
“Karam Chand established control over the polity of Bikaner and influenced some princes as well. The frequent absence of Raja Rai Singh of Bikaner to discharge his duties as Mansabdar was used by Karam Chand to establish his contacts at the Mughal court. This increasing proximity to Emperor Akbar was distancing Karam Chand from his King. Karam Chand had a dominating personality and whose proactive attitude overshadowed Rai Singh. The honours conferred on Karam Chand by Emperor Akbar made Raja Rai Singh jealous”.
One of the causes given by the historians is the breach of protocol. Karam Chand was a good chess player and the Emperor Akbar would often ask him to play chess, seated opposite him in the Mughal court, while his master and other Rajas stood by in humble attendance. This was naturally most galling to Rai Singh, who conceived hatred towards his servant and sought to eliminate him after his return home from Burhanpur.
By 1591, tension started building up between the Rai Singh and Karam Chand. Rai Singh discovered a conspiracy against his life. The differences between Raja Rai Singh and his son Prince Dalpat Singh, rompted later to reach Emperor's court. A conspiracy was hatched to dislodge Rai Singh from the gaddi of Bikaner. The prime mover behind the conspiracy was allegedly Karam Chand. It is also strange to say, notwithstanding the Raja's magnificent treatments of Brahmins and minstrel class, a Purohit also figure amongst the conspirators. The objective was to place Raja's eldest son Dalpat Singh or his brother Ram Singh on the throne, thus Karam Chand monopolizing the power of the state. But the motive of the traitors failed. Karam Chand and his family, having received timely warning, escaped to Delhi, where they were well received at the court of Akbar.
It is further stated by Capt Powlet in Gazetteer of Bikaner State,
“They were made the supreme authority of Emperor Akbar and acquainted him with Bikaner secrets, an offence still held in native states to be one of the most heinous possible. But in other respects, Karam Chand was now able to be a thorn in the side of the Raja Rai Singh”.
Capt Powlett further clarifies, “It must be understood that these expressions are those of the writers of Khyats”. The Khyats are written by Charans and Barhats, a caste of warrior-poets who compose poems and stories of battles and heroes with the greatest of ease and keep alive the oral tradition. The stories are passed down from father to son. In a sense they are the early historians, and were respected to do so.
However, another version of this story from ‘Karamchand Vansh-kavyam’ by Jaysom states,
“Raja Rai Singh turned against Karam Chand and wanted to take revenge. Sensing development of ill will of Raja Rai Singh towards himself, Dewan Karam Chand politely took permission to settle in Merta city along with his family members, to spend his time in the service of Parshvanath Swami and Shri Jindutt Surij at a nearby village of Phalodi. He was invited by Raja Man Singh of Amber, one of the famous 'Navaratnas' and other kings but he refused as he had his singular loyalty towards Raja Rai Singh of Bikaner”.

Invited to Lahore court by Akbar

Around 1591, Emperor Akbar being aware of the talent and loyalty of Dewan Karam Chand sent a letter to invite him to his court at Lahore through Raja Rai Singh. On the orders of his king, Karam Chand left Merta for Lahore along with his aides. He visited Ajmer en route to seek blessings at the memorial of his guru Dada sahib Shri Jindutt Suri. When at Lahore he was immediately called in by the Emperor Akbar for an audience, whereas, people would wait for days to have audience. The Emperor knew everything about him and reassured Karam Chand that his lost glory would be restored shortly.
BhanwarlalNahata writes in his book ‘Mantri Karam Chand Bachhawat’,
“Emperor Akbar appointed Dewan Karam Chand as Gajjadhikari. Emperor presented him with a hunting horse loaded with gold. He was also appointed as the Samrajyadhipati of Toshampur with appropriate number of elephants, horses and foot soldiers”.
It meant that all Kings and Mansabdars under Mughal Empire would have to first meet Dewan Karam Chand before calling on Emperor.

Acharya Jinchandra Suri invited to Lahore court

During one of the meetings with the learned religious people, Akbar asked the pundits, "Who was the most learned Jain philosopher?" The pundits replied, "Acharya Jinchandra Suri was one such person". Emperor asked, "Who is his disciple?" The pundits replied, "Dewan Karam Chand".
The Emperor, who was sitting in the balcony of the palace, came down to receive Acharya Jinchandra Suri and after exchanging pleasantries, he said,
“I have asked you to come here all the way from Gujarat to benefit from your thoughts at the religious meetings. I strongly believe in non-violence ; therefore, you must visit my court to give audience, at least once every day so that there is spiritual awakening among my children”.
Having received the patronage of the Emperor, Acharya soon became popular and was well received by one and all at Lahore. He stayed there for over a year till next monsoon.

Akbar proceeds to Kashmir by boat through river Jhelum

Jaysom notes in Karamchandra Vanshavali Prabandh, that Emperor Akbar, while in Lahore dealing with the Uzbeks had sought to subjugate the upper Indus valley to secure the frontier provinces. He sent an army to conquer Kashmir in the upper Indus basin. In 1585, Ali Shah surrendered immediately to the Mughals, but another of his sons, Yaqub, crowned himself as king, and led a stubborn resistance to Mughal armies.Finally, in June 1589, Akbar himself travelled from Lahore to Srinagar to receive the surrender of Yaqub and his rebel forces.

Karam Chand Bachhawat passes away

In 1605, the Emperor Akbar died. Karam Chand Vanshho-KirtankamKavyam by Jaysom observes,
“On the accession of Jahangir as Emperor of India, Raja Rai Singh went to Delhi. He also called on ailing Karam Chand to wish him good health and apologise for the past. He also expressed his condolences on demise of Akbar and wept profusely in front of Karam Chand”.
After Raja Rai Singh went away, Karam Chand called his sons, Bhag Chand and Lakshmi Chand. He praised Raja Rai Singh but at the same time cautioned them that these were crocodile tears and not of love and affection. He said,
“Raja Rai Singh is happy that I shall shortly pass away and regretted that he was unable to take revenge of the past. My dear children! Don’t you make a mistake of ever returning to Bikaner”.
He passed away at Delhi after Emperor Akbar's death between 1605 and 1607.
Capt PW Powlett writes in ‘Gazetteer of Bikaner State’,
“It is interesting to note, whether Karam Chand’s presence at Mughal court was only due to his personal rapport with the Emperor Akbar or due to his linkages with the Jain religious circles close to Akbar. It is yet to be established whether he was kept at the court as a bulwark against the house of Bikaner to maintain a system of checks and balances. Thus, revenge was inevitable from Rai Singh and despite showing sympathy for the Bachhawat family he could not pursue Karam Chand or his sons to return to Bikaner. Thus, the hero of Jain tradition became the villain of the royal house of Bikaner and the Rajput traditions”.
Bachhawat Karam Chand was a very cultured person and was indeed loyal to the king like his fore fathers. Later, Dewan Karam Chand Bachhawat, a close friend and strategist of Emperor Akbar became a historical person.

Dying wish of Raja Rai Singh for Bachhawats

Captain Powlett writes in ‘Gazetteer of Bikaner State’, that immediately after the death of Karam Chand, Raja Rai Singh was again reappointed as the Mansabdar of Burhanpur. After a visit to Bikaner, he set off for Deccan with his son Sur Singh and governed there successfully for seven years. In 1612 he fell ill and Sur Singh seeing that his father's end was approaching, with folded hands asked for his last injunctions. Dying Raja Rai Singh said,
“Bachhawats, the family of Karam Chand should be enticed to Bikaner that on them should be visited the sins of their father. The Purohit Man Mahesh and Bharat Chotji and the other conspirators such as Bharta Jat, associated with Karam Chand should receive the reward of their misdeeds”.
Having exacted a promise that his wishes should be attended to, the Raja Rai Singh expired in 1612.
Dalpat ascended the throne of Bikaner in 1612. He earned the displeasure of Emperor at Delhi and that of his younger brother Sur Singh. Due to Dalpat's unpopularity that his nobles fell away from him and openly or secretly united with Sur Singh. Later, Sur Singh revolted against his elder brother Dalpat Singh and killed him along with his guards with the consent of Emperor Jahangir. Dalpat's wives at Bikaner were slaughtered and those at Bhatner became sati with Dalpat's turban in their hands.

Bravery & heroism of Bachhawats at Bikaner

Sur Singh ascended the throne of Bikaner in 1613. Around 1619, Raja Sur Singh went to Delhi to pay his obeisance to Emperor Jahangir, where he was restored 11 mansabs by the Emperor. He also called on Bhag Chand & Lakshmi Chand, sons of late Dewan Karam Chand. He took them in absolute confidence and invited them to Bikaner. He went so far as to dismiss his minister, to give the office to Lakshmi Chand and Bhag Chand. Both sons of Karam Chand did not remember their father's advice and started in good faith for Bikaner. They were appointed as Mantris very respectfully. Raja Sur Singh remained extra benevolent towards these brothers in the following months. He also accepted the invitation to visit the Bachhawat haveli, wherein the Bachhawat brothers gave a nazrana of one lakh rupee and other gifts for the felicitation of the King. Jinsaar Suri Raas, written in 1623 mentions that around 1619 Acharya Jinsagar Suri was hosted at Bikaner by Mantri Dewan Bhag Chand and his nephew Manohar Das.
The Bachhawats thereupon were resettled in Bikaner but one fine morning at daybreak by treachery their quarters were surrounded by 4000 royal troops of Bikaner and they soon perceived that their destruction was intended. Though they belonged to one bania caste, they had, like many of their class who lived amongst and held office under Rajputs, imbibed much of the Rajput spirit and they resolved to die hard. At that time Bhag Chand was resting and his brother Lakshmi Chand and his son Manohar Das were at the Durbar. Lakshmi Chand's wife announced with both pride and anger,
“The royal forces have surrounded our haveli. If I have your permission I shall adorn men’s uniform and show them my power”.
Upon which Bhag Chand refused permission and himself, after destroying their valuable jewels and sword in hand, fell upon the Rajputs of Rai Singh. The brave Bachhawats retaliated by their well-trained 500 guards. But the guards of Bachhawats could not withstand the mighty power of royal soldiers for a long. The wives of Karam Chand, Bhag Chand, Lakshmi Chand, Manohar Das and the other women of Bachhawat household killed themselves by jumping into the haveli well, whilst their men died fighting royal soldiers. Lakshmi Chand and Manohar Das who were in Durbar were killed there.
In Rangdi-ka-Chowk, opposite Bada Upasara there used to be a well owned by Bachhawats, which was later closed, and a platform built. Today, a ‘Hanuman Mandir stands tall on its side. This was the well, in which Bachhawat women jumped to protect their honour when troops of Sur Singh invaded their quarters.
However, the Raja Sur Singh failed in totally exterminating the Bachhawats, since one pregnant lady, Mewariji, wife of Bhag Chand, was not allowed to sacrifice herself. She, with the assistance of a trusted servant Raghunath escaped to Karni Mata temple. As per convention the pregnant lady was granted safe passage to return to her father’s home at Udaipur. Mewariji was the daughter of Bhamashah, then Pradhan of Mewar state during Maharana Pratap’s time. Thus, Karam Chand and Bhamashah were related through marriage alliance between their son and daughter respectively.
Capt PW Powlett writes in ‘Gazetteer of Bikaner State’,
“In the same year that the slaughter of the Bachhawats occurred, Sur Singh further carried out the dying behest of his father by confiscating the jagirs of the descendants of conspirators, Purohit Man Mahesh and Bharat Chotaji. Thereafter, these people came to Junagarh Fort and protested outside Karanpol and were intentionally not stopped from self-immolation during the protest. Another of those denounced by the late Raja Rai Singh, a Bharta Jat was also killed mercilessly”.
Mohammed Iqbal in his book ‘Bikaner Rajya ka Itihas – Kuch Anchue Pahelu’ notes that these events were heart breaking and were considered inauspicious for the state. In the act of showing regret and repentance for all the killings, Raja Sur Singh built a lake on the spot where self-immolation by Brahmins was carried out. The lake later came to be known as Sur Sagar. It is said that due to bad omen, the water of the lake from time to time gets mysteriously polluted by some underground water source and needs to be cleaned periodically.