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Sajja, of the JHALA clan of Delwara, brother of Ajja of Bari Sadri, who died fighting for Mewar at the Battle of KHANWA.
Sajja, Rajrana, of Delwara, one of the heroes of Mewar killed in the second sack of Chittor (1534/35).
Sajjan Nagar, a western suburb of Udaipur, below the hilltop palace, SAJJANGARH.
Sajjan Niwas (Nivas) Garden, Udaipur; locally known as Gulab Bagh (Rose Garden), although this is only a small part of the larger garden. This is a spacious and interesting public park covering an area of about 247 hectares, situated immediately below the embankment of Pichola Lake on Lake Palace Road, southeast of the City Palace complex. In the past, it was considered to be one of the largest urban parks in India. Beginning in 1881, this massive project was laid out in the time of Maharana SAJJAN SINGH (1874-1884). Within the garden is NAULAKHA PALACE, spacious lawns, robust trees, plants and roses, and a small zoo with tigers, leopards, deer, and wild boar. To celebrate the Golden Jubilee (1887) of Queen Victoria (then Empress of an India dominated by the British Raj), Maharana FATEH SINGH (1884-1930) constructed Victoria Hall, which was officially opened (1890) by the Viceroy, Lord Lansdowne. At the time of writing, it houses the district library and reading room, with abundant research material for scholars, historians, and writers, much of it only in Hindi.. During the monsoon months, a fair is held here every Monday.
Sajjan Singh. Apart from Maharana Sajjan Singh, there were several leading members of clans who had this name. They came from Bijolia (Paramara), and Pipalya (Saktawat); also Kunwar Sajjan Singh of Sisoda; son of Ajai Singh; he resettled in Kolhapur-Satara (in modern-day Maharashtra State); his most famous descendant was the Maratha freedom fighter Shivaji.
Sajjan Singh, Maharana (b. July 18, 1859─d. December 23, 1884), seventy-second ruler of the Mewar Dynasty (r. 1874-1884); the son of Shakti Singh of Bagore, adopted son and successor of Maharana SHAMBHU SINGH (he was Shambhu's cousin). He ruled for only ten years from Udaipur. Sajjan Singh, who has been described as "the proudest of all the Rajputs", was yet another minor, only 15, when he accepted the crown of Mewar. However, his actual coronation was delayed by two years until he reached his majority. A disgruntled uncle, Sohun Singh, disputed the boy's right to the throne, a claim supported by Rajmata Inder Kunwar, the widow of the late Shambhu Singh. At the time, Brahman astrologers announced that the date for his coronation was inopportune. The then British Agent, Lieutenant-Colonel Wright, suspected Sohun Singh had bribed the holy men, and ordered that the Brahmans re-read their horoscope, and come up with the right prediction this time. Sohun Singh, the mischief-making uncle, refused to give his allegiance to the boy and was imprisoned, then banished from Udaipur and his estate was confiscated. Maharana Sajjan Singh, a stately, black-bearded youth, the very essence of a proud Rajput, had attained his majority by then, and was duly invested in 1876 ... and became, as he has been called, a "Man of Vision" with a deep concern for justice, civil works advancement, the environment, and the Arts. To help him attain his visions, he turned to his nobles. Unlike his predecessor, his cousin Shambhu, who had been out of touch with his nobles, Sajjan set out to gain their cooperation, trust and friendship, respecting them and their opinions. A man of wisdom and highly intelligent with a retentive memory, he surrounded himself with men of learning and, each Monday, even set aside time to debate with scholars.
Thus the new Maharana took steps that introduced Mewar to modernity, and continued the public works programme of his predecessor. He widened roads, and built a new road from Udaipur to Nathdwara. He ordered reforestation of the surrounding hills, laid new water pipelines, repaired existing water tanks, and had the foresight to instigate plans to arrest the silting up of Pichola Lake. He even had a compounds built to house stray dogs and wandering cattle (both of which all Municipal Councils might do well to emulate). In the area of Law and Order, he modernised the police force and established settlement departments, which recorded correct boundaries for fields and villages. Mewar's judicial system was also upgraded: until then, justice (as it was) was meted out at the whim of one official. The Maharana inaugurated a separate civil court and a criminal court where a committee, similar to the modern jury system, made the decisions. An Appeals Court was also established, along with new government departments. He also continued Shambu Singh's vision by establishing an Education Committee, and set up a Government Press to keep his subjects informed of the latest governmental programmes.
Sajjan Singh was a builder, too. He made repairs to Chittorgarh, including reconstruction of Padmini's elegant water pavilion. An interest in engineering came in handy: in 1875, unusually heavy monsoon deluges threatened to wash away Pichola Lake's masonry dam and at Jaisamand Lake, where the barrage had never been completed, hundreds of villagers were threatened with flooding. Sajjan Singh immediately recognised the problems and acted promptly, completing the barrage and strengthening Pichola's dam. Beautifying Udaipur, he built the SAJJAN NIWAS GARDEN and Victoria Hall not far from the City Palace, a large oasis of shade trees and a zoo where his subjects could escape the city's bustle for a time of relaxation. He also constructed the SHIKARBADI Hunting Lodge. One of his most impressive projects was the erection of the imposing SAJJANGARH (Monsoon Palace) on the high hill that forms part of Udaipur's western backdrop. Unfortunately, as it was difficult to pump water to it, this quite amazing edifice soon fell into disuse and, today, is but a picturesque yet hollow tourist attraction.
However, it is in the Arts that Sajjan Singh excelled. He devoted himself to self-improvement, becoming a student of history and philosophy, and a poet of recognised ability. In an exemplary programme (which was developed to greater heights by his 20th century successors, BHAGWAT SINGH and ARVIND SINGH), this young Maharana began to preserve the nation's heritage, and to promote and encourage, with scholarships, the development and appreciation of life's finer triumphs. To further this end, he established Sajjan Vani Vilas Library and a History Department, commissioning the author Shayamal Das to write an exhaustive history of Mewar, which resulted in publication of the famous and comprehensive VIR VINOD. It is not surprising that, during Sajjan Singh's reign, Udaipur became the second city in India to become a Municipality, the first being Bombay.
Having produced no male progeny, and as though he believed the legendary CURSE OF MEWAR, Sajjan adopted an heir, a distant relative, Fateh Singh (the brother, and also adopted heir, of Gaj Singh of Shivrati). Mewar, like most of Rajasthan, came under the British yoke. However, Sajjan Singh, while acknowledging the British presence in his kingdom and generally being on good terms with them, chose to ignore them as best he could. (In this regard, his son, Maharana Fateh Singh, proved to be an even greater thorn in the side of the British.) An occasion arose when 16-year-old Sajjan Singh was expected to present himself (as a feudal lord) in the Durbar in Bombay, on November 8, 1875, of Prince Albert (later King Emperor Edward VII), but he tactfully evaded attendance. Nevertheless (or perhaps as a subtle way of reminding him who was the senior partner in their relationship), in November, 1881, Lord Rippon conferred on him the honour of Grand Commander of the Star of India, in honour of his dedication to reviving the glory of Mewar. The occasion was England's Queen Victoria assuming the title of Empress of India.
This new breed of Maharana had returned to the values of BAPPA RAWAL in honouring Mewar's spiritual king, EKLINGJI by selfless service in the needs of his subjects. Although the British were still an important and beneficial imposition, Mewar no longer lived in fear of armed conflict, either from foreign invaders or from bitter family dissension. It had lost its feudal image, it was prosperous once more, and it had well and truly entered the 19th century. Furthermore, it was now back on track to regaining its proud reputation as the Leading State of Rajputana. Maharana Sajjan Singh accomplished so much in his regrettably short reign. He died five months after turning 25, of a stomach ailment (possibly caused by an overindulgence of alcohol), despite seeking medical help from Delhi and Jaipur. His adopted son, FATEH SINGH, succeeded him. One of the annual MAHARANA MEWAR FOUNDATION AWARDS is named for Maharana Sajjan Singh to honour work of permanent value to society through the medium of paintings, fine art, sculpture, architecture and craft.
Sajjan Vani Vilas Library, in the SAJJAN NIWAS GARDEN (BAGH), Udaipur, started by Maharana SAJJAN SINGH (1874-1884). It has an excellent selection of books on many subjects.
Sajjangarh, Udaipur, a huge palace on a one of the highest peaks around, Bansdara Mountain, 5 km. west of the city towards Rampura. Overlooking Pichola Lake, it is 335 m. from the city level and 944 m. above sea level. Beginning in 1883, Maharana SAJJAN SINGH (1874-1884) commissioned Sajjangarh, for two reasons. First, it was to be used as a resort by the Maharanas of Mewar, a summer retreat for watching the progress of the monsoon clouds over the surrounding areas (which led to its nickname of the Monsoon Palace). Second, it provided work for those without means. Maharana Sajjan Singh did not complete this palace during his lifetime; it was completed later by Maharana Fateh Singh. From the palace's lofty vantage point, the view of the Aravalli Hills, lakes, forests and rivers beyond the dazzling whitewashed town is breathtaking. During the monsoons, the fort's distant silhouette is shrouded in a haze of clouds and rain. Allegedly, Sajjan Singh had planned a nine-storey observatory here, but his plans were cut short with his death at the age of 25. Although it remains a popular tourist destination (though the narrow, winding road to the top of the high hill can be daunting), Sajjangarh is no longer under the jurisdiction of the Mewar family and is a pitiful shambles. One ground floor room is used as a police radio transmitting point; now, the palace is in the hands of the Forestry Department, which, hopefully, will see fit to restore it to its original grandeur.
Sakta Singh, Kunwar, second son of Maharana UDAI SINGH II (r. 1537-1572) and younger brother of Maharana PRATAP SINGH I. When Sakta was only 5, it was discovered that he possessed a fearless temperament that marked his manhood: he cut his hand on a dagger, which recalled an astrologer's prediction he would be the misfortune of Mewar. His father ordered him put to death, however the Choondawat chief of Salumbar intercepted the order and asked Udai Singh if he could adopt the troubled child, as he had no heir of his own. The Maharana approved the request and the chieftain promised to educate and raise Sakta as a future leader of the CHOONDAWATS. Sakta was sent to attend the royal court, taking his place beside his elder brother, Pratap. The brothers were on an amicable footing for a considerable time, but later it was evident there existed a growing enmity between them. One day, while the court, including the teenagers Pratap and Sakta, were out hunting, Pratap suddenly proposed to decide their quarrel by single combat "to see who was best lancer". As they positioned their horses and took up their lances, they agreed to charge together. In shock, the Purohit (family priest) rushed between them and implored them not to bring scandal to the House of Mewar. His appeal was in vain; the youths were adamant about settling their differences there and then. The priest decided there was one sure way to prevent the incident: he drew his dagger, and plunging it in his breast, fell dead between the combatants. Appalled at the horrid deed, the brothers desisted. Later, elder sons being far more respected than younger ones, their father banished Sakta, giving him a small force of 200. The disgraced youth left Mewar and, burning with resentment against his brother, his family and his homeland, joined Akbar's army.
During the tense lead up to the BATTLE OF HALDIGHATI (1576), Sakta learned of the Emperor's plan of making all Rajputs in the Imperial Army take arms against Mewar. He is said to have fled the Mughal court temporarily, and hastened to warn his brother who was by then the new Maharana. The famous battle lasted only one morning. When Pratap and his horse, CHETAK, were sorely wounded the Mewar nobles urged the Maharana to retire from the field while they continued the battle. As Pratap galloped away, two Mughal horsemen pursued him. Suddenly another rider appeared and slew the Mughals with his lance. When Pratap turned he saw that the stranger was none other than his estranged brother, Sakta, who had been among the ranks of the Mughal army and saw the Muslim chiefs of Khorasan and Multan give chase. The greeting between the two brothers was necessarily short. They embraced, their past differences dismissed and, when Chetak succumbed, Sakta gave Pratap his own horse to continue on to safety. Sakta, who was attached to Akbar's personal force, left Pratap with the assurance of reunion at the first safe opportunity. On rejoining Akbar, the truth of Sakta's explanation was greatly doubted when he related that Pratap himself had not only slain his pursuers, but had stolen Sakta's own steed as well. This had obliged Sakta to return on the Khorasani's horse. When Akbar pledged to pardon him if he related the truth, Sakta replied, "The burden of a kingdom is on my brother's shoulders, nor could I witness his danger without defending him from it." Akbar (who, it was later revealed, had long admired the resilience and courage of his arch foe, Pratap) kept his word, but dismissed Sakta. Later, Sakta and his small force retook the castle of Bhainsrorgarh in Mewar's north at the confluence of the Chambal and Bamani rivers, which Pratap subsequently granted him. There he established a breakaway clan of the Sisodia royal family, his descendants being known as SAKTAWATS. Sakta's mother, the Queen Mother, loved her son so much that she left Udaipur to superintend his household at Bhainsrorgarh. Sakta sired seventeen sons of whom Bhanji was his heir. (Also spelled Sakti, Shakta, and Shakti, with Saktawats also spelled Shaktawats.)
Saktawats, a major Mewar clan, second only to, and continuous rivals of, the CHOONDAWATS. This extensive clan was formed by the descendants of Kunwar SAKTA SINGH, step-brother of Maharana PRATAP SINGH I. The Saktawat capital was BHAINSRORGARH, however their descendants spread throughout Mewar so that within a few generations after Sakta, the clan's reigning chief could muster the swords of ten thousand Saktawats.
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