Sandrai, a town founded by those who fled Vallabhi when it was sacked (AD ca 776).

Sanga, a cherished nickname for Maharana SANGRAM SINGH I.

Sanga, the Choondawat ruler of Deogarh, grandson of CHOONDA and son of Rawat Kandhal of Salumbar. He was given the town of Deogarh as his jagir (estate). Sanga played an important role in dethroning the villainous BANBIR, and contributed in stopping Maharana Udai Singh II's youngest son, Jaimal, from taking the throne, giving it to the rightful heir, Pratap Singh. He then fought for Pratap at the famous Battle of HALDIGHATI.

Sanga and Prithvi Raj. This tale of bitter rivalry between two royal brothers, which climaxed in bloodshed is not only an account of how the destiny of a nation can be altered, but also a good example of how bards, in their retelling of an event, can embellish the facts. Yet it is not all invention as is, for example, the story of PADMINI. Maharana Raimal who ruled Mewar from Chittor between 1473 to 1509 had thirteen sons. However, the episode deals with the eldest three, Crown Prince Prithvi Raj, second son Jaimal, and third son Sangram Singh, known to history by the epithet, Sanga. In their earlier years, the brothers were united under the leadership of their father in his battles against Ghiyas-ud-Din of Malwa (see RAIMAL, MAHARANA). Then a chance prophecy destroyed this fraternal harmony. If the resultant discord had not disunited the family, perhaps Raimal's reign would have equalled any of his predecessors. As it was, it presented a striking contrast to them.

The historical account records that, when they were teenagers, Prithvi Raj and Sanga, along with their brother, Jaimal, showed their horoscopes to an astrologer. The astrologer said that all three were good, but that Sanga had better stars ("the Kingdom was writ on his head") and he would, one day, become Maharana of Mewar. At this, Prithvi Raj became angry and attacked Sanga with his sword, wounding him in the eye. At this moment, Maharana Raimal's uncle, Sarangdeo (the youths' great uncle), entered the conflict and rebuked Prithvi Raj, calling his conduct shameful and childish, adding that it was not befitting for them fight for the throne during their father's lifetime. Sarangdeo then took Sanga to his home for first aid, but the youth lost the eye. Bitter rivalry developed between Sanga and Prithvi Raj, the latter abetted by Jaimal who hero-worshipped his eldest brother. Seeing the deep-rooted rivalry and discontent between the two brothers, Sarangdeo suggested they ignore the prediction of the astrologer. "If all of you wish to know is who will get the throne of Mewar," he said, "then let us go to Bhimal village where there is a Charan lady who is said to have miraculous powers." (Bhimal is a village southwest of Chittor.) The youths agreed and visited the lady. (In the bardic account, it was Sanga who suggested they visit a prophetic Priestess known as Charan Devi-any lady from the Charan community with prophetic powers is addressed as Charan Devi and is treated with the utmost respect. She lived on the sacred hill called NAHARA MAGRA or 'Tiger Mount', southwest of Chittor. She would advise them who would be the next ruler.)

Thus the two siblings, along with their stepbrother, Jaimal, and great-uncle Sarangdeo (in the legend, he becomes their uncle, SURAJMAL) went to BHIMAL village, only a few kilometres from Nahara Magra, to see the Charan fortuneteller. (In the legend, when the party arrived at the sacred mountain cave, Prithvi Raj and Jaimal entered the inner sanctum first, and seated themselves on a pallet-a palliasse or straw mattress; Sanga followed and unwittingly sat upon an available panther hide-'asan' is an ancient term for the Hindu throne. The sybil entered and scarcely had Prithvi Raj disclosed their errand, when the woman pointed to the panther hide, calling it an omen and predicting that Sanga would be the next sovereign of Mewar.) In the historic records, the Charan lady of Bhimal village predicted that not only would Sanga be the next king, but added that Prithvi Raj and Jaimal would be killed at the hands of others.

At this point, with a few minor discrepancies, fact and legend merge. Again tempers flared. Prithvi Raj struck at Sanga with his sword, but Sarangdeo came between them and took the blow on his head. As he fell wounded, a fight ensued, while the Charan lady (the Priestess) fled from their fury. It was a bitter fight, Prithvi Raj and Jaimal against Sanga and Sarangdeo, all parties sustaining severe wounds. (In the legend, Sanga received five sword-cuts and the damaged eye, which destroyed its sight forever.) Finally, Sanga, outnumbered and bleeding profusely, managed to mount his horse, and galloped east, in the direction of the sanctuary of Chaturbhuja on the road back to Chittor. Jaimal took off in pursuit. It was a long, hard ride for the wounded prince, however, in due course, Sanga reached the temple of Roop Narayan in the village of Sevantri. Still bleeding and exhausted, Sanga reined-in his equally weary horse outside the temple. Fortunately, a Jaitmal Rathore nobleman by the name of Bida, from Marwar, who was on a pilgrimage, was camped there. On seeing the wounded youth, Bida helped him from his horse and began to bandage his wounds. Within minutes, Jaimal arrived and, drawing his sword, demanded Sanga be handed over to him. Bida refused, saying that the youth was under his care ('sharan'). Jaimal quickly dismounted. Bida, drawing his own weapon, told Sanga. "Take my horse and make good your escape." As Sanga responded, Bida began fighting Jaimal and forfeited his life in the fray. (Bida's chhatri is still to be seen at Sevantri; his descendants are the Thakur of Kelva.) Jaimal returned to Bhimal to collect his wounded brother.

Back in Chittor, both Sanga and Sarangdeo began to recover from their wounds. Then Sanga, fearful of his brothers taking their total revenge, quit Chittor and went into self-exile at Pramer north of Mewar and entered the service of Rao Karamchand. Maharana Raimal, incensed by the trouble Crown Prince Prithvi Raj had caused, rebuked his brawling heir and banished him to the western fort of Kumbhalgarh. (Ironically, when Raimal was the Crown Prince of Mewar, he too had been exiled by his father, Maharana KUMBHA, after he had taken sides with the CHARANS who had predicted Kumbha's demise.) Humiliated, Prithvi Raj was ordered to remain at Kumbhalgarh until it was time for him to mount the throne, yet he would still interfere in his father's politics, and fight battles for him, and commit family murder (see PRITHVI RAJ, CROWN PRINCE). Then, wearying of politics, he became a much-lauded adventurer. As to the prediction ... while Sanga was thus employed in the north, his two brothers, Prithvi Raj and Jaimal, were killed at the hands of others. Eventually, Sanga returned to Chittor and was named the new heir to the throne. True to the Charan woman's prediction, Sanga succeeded as the new Maharana upon the death of his father in 1509.

Sanga, Rana: see SANGRAM SINGH I, MAHARANA.

Sanga, Rawat, of the Choondawat clan of Deogarh, one of the valiant nobles who (in January, 1572 at Gogunda) prevented Kunwar JAGMAL, a younger son of Maharana UDAI SINGH II (151537-1572) from taking the throne (as per Udai's dying wish) from his elder brother and rightful heir, Maharana PRATAP SINGH I. See PRATAP'S CORONATION DILEMMA.

Sangawats of Deogarh, a clan founded by Kunwar Sanga; an offshoot of the CHOONDAWAT clan. Preserving birthright: see ARJUN SINGH SANGAWAT.

sangeet, (Hindi) music.

Sangeet Natya Niketan, an institution to promote music and dance, in the suburb of Bhupal Pura, Udaipur.

Sangeet Raj Bhawan Hall (Maharana Kumbha Sangeet Parishad), Udaipur; available for conferences and live performances.

Sangram Saktawat, Rawat of Sheogarh during the reign of Maharana JAI SINGH (1680-1698); one of the great leaders in the struggles of 1691, when he fought with his Maharana against the Mughals. Son of Lalji of the junior branch of Saktawats, he lived at Lawa, which he had captured. He adopted Jai Singh Saktawat as his heir.

Sangram Singh. Apart from Maharanas Sangram Singh I (Sanga) and II, there were several leading members of clans who had this name. They came from Bambori (Paramara); Bedla (Chauhan Rajput); Deogarh (Choondawat); Banera (Sisodia); Kherabad (Baba); Kotharia (Chauhan); Parsoli (Chauhan), and Rampura (Mertia). There was also Rao Sangram Singh, one of the Mewar nobles who took part in Maharana PRATAP SINGH's war council at Gogunda (1576) prior to the BATTLE OF HALDIGHATI.

Sangram Singh I, Maharana (Sanga) (b. April 12, 1482-d. January 30, 1527, Kalpi), fiftieth ruler of the Mewar Dynasty (1509-1527), third son of Maharana RAIMAL and grandson of Maharana KUMBHA. Sanga had always been third in line to the throne, but circumstances were to change, mainly because of the bombastic and unsavoury nature of his eldest brother, Crown Prince Prithvi Raj (see SANGA AND PRITHVI RAJ). Following this near-fatal brawl in which Sanga lost an eye and sustained several wounds, fearing for his life, he went into self-exile at Pramer north of Mewar, part of the domain of Rao Karamchand, the Paramara chief of Srinagar, a town southeast of Ajmer. Though still quite young, Sanga was a wreck of a man, and tried to remain incognito. However, some Rajputs recognised the royal son and, taking pity, provided him with arms and a horse, and arranged for him to serve with Rao Karamchand. Obeying Sanga's wishes, they did not reveal his identity. Soon, because of his marvellous ability as a warrior, Sanga was helping the chief to run the country. This meant going out on raids to quell local bandits or repulse neighbouring clans intent on annexing the chief's lands.

Legend. One day, after one of these raids, Sanga rested beneath a banyan tree. Placing his dagger under his head, he dozed while two of his faithful Rajputs, Jai Baleo and Jaimu Sindhal, prepared a meal. A sun's ray penetrated the foliage, fell on Sanga's face, and also revealed a snake by his head. Enjoying the warmth, it had uncoiled itself and was rearing its crest over the young prince. Suddenly, a devi (a black and white bird of omen about the size of, and similar to a wagtail) alighted on the crested serpent, and began chattering loudly. A goatherd named Maru, who was versed in the language of the birds, passed as Sanga awoke. He recognised the heir to the Mewar throne and immediately knelt and paid him homage. Perturbed, Sanga refused the proffered respect, but the goatherd went and intimated to the Paramara chief that chhatrdhari (royalty) served him. After speaking with Sanga, Rao Karamchand agreed to keep his secret. Not only did he give Sanga protection, but also one of his daughters as a wife.

As time went by, his elder brothers, Prithvi Raj and Jaimal were killed, and when Maharana Raimal learned Sanga was still alive, he recalled him to Chittor, as his new heir. At the age of 27, Sanga succeeded his father on May 24, 1509, and ruled for eighteen years from Chittor. At the time of Sangram's accession, Mewar was bound by the tradition of not accepting any ruler who was disabled. Sangram had a crippled leg, he had lost one eye in a fight with his brother, and a hand in battle. However, because he was already a proven leader, the nobles decided in the best interests of the State, to ignore tradition, and with their blessing, Sangram Singh became the next ruler of Mewar. Disfigured, of middle height, a fair complexion and unusually large eyes, a feature classic of many of his descendants, Sangram Singh (Sangram means 'war'; he was popularly known as Rana Sanga) was a mighty Rajput warrior with great muscular strength and a keen intellect. He was rich and formidable, considered to be Emperor of the Rajas at a time when the rulers of Mewar were considered to be at the height of their greatness. Sanga had twenty-eight wives and seven sons: 1. Crown Prince BHOJRAJ (husband of famed poetess MIRA BAI); 2. Karan Singh; 3. Ratan Singh; 4. Vikramaditya; and 5. Udai Singh. Parbat Singh (6) and Krishna Singh (7) died during Sanga's lifetime. Bhojraj's mother was Rani Kanwar Bai of the Solanki clan. Ratan Singh's mother was Dhan Bai, daughter of Bagh Singh and granddaughter of Rao Suja of Jodhpur. The mother of Vikramaditya and Udai Singh was the famed Karmavati (Karmeti), daughter of Narbad and granddaughter of Rao Bhand of Bundi. Sanga's third son, Ratan Singh, succeeded him; VIKRAMADITYA and UDAI SINGH also became Maharanas of Mewar in due course after many dramas.

During Rana Sanga's reign Mewar reached the zenith of its power, its territories spreading to Gujarat, Malwa and Bayana. He was foresighted and valiant, an able administrator, and a warrior king, adored by his people. The princes of Marwar and Jaipur did him homage; and the Raos of Gwalior, Ajmer, Sikri, Raisen, Kalpi Chanderi, Bundi, Gagraon, Rampura and Abu served him as tributaries. When marching in battle he was able to command nine Raos, one hundred and four Rawals and Rawats, 80,000 horse (horsemen), and 500 war elephants. He won eighteen battles against the Muslims, defeating Sultan Ibrahim Lodi II of Delhi; Sultan Muzaffah Shah of Gujarat; and Sultan Mahmud II of Mandu, capital of Malwa-Mahmud was imprisoned at Chittor but subsequently released. By 1525 Mewar controlled either directly or indirectly, a greater part of Rajputana. However, Sanga's overriding ambition was to conquer Delhi and to establish Hindu rule over all of North India. Then, in 1526, Afghan invader, Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi with much greater effect: he executed him and established his own dynasty, the Mughal Empire. Undaunted, Sanga mounted a massive Rajput confederacy and attacked the Mughals. The two forces met in 1527 (see KHANWA, BATTLE OF). After an early victory, Sanga was severely wounded once again and retired to Baswa on Mewar's northern border. He vowed never to re-enter Chittor unless in victory. But the battle of Khanwa proved to be Sanga's swan song: wanting to continue his campaign against Babur, he was poisoned (possibly by his exhausted nobles wanting to escape the ongoing war). He died at Kalpi, aged 44, and was, as mentioned, succeeded by his eldest son, Ratan Singh. Maharana Sangram Singh had made his power felt in central India and Gujarat and greatly added to the prestige of his house; so much so that Babur who found in him a foe worthy of his steel, admitted that his exalted position was won by his valour and sword.

Sangram Singh I and the god Deo, a legend about the BAGRAWAT god and the Maharana. While the god was on his way to revenge an ancient feud with the Pariharas of Ranbinai he approached Chittor. Rana Sanga, aware of his piety, paid him all the dues of hospitality. In return, Deo bestowed a charm on Sanga, by means of which, as long as he followed the prescribed injunctions, victory would always attend his steps. The charm was placed in a small bag to be worn round the neck; but the Bagrawat warned Sanga against allowing it to turn towards the back. The Deo had the power of raising the dead, and in order to show the Rana the value of the gift, he put a peacock's feather into his hand. With it, he touched all those lying dead in Chittor at the time, and they were restored to life! With this new proof of Deoji's power, Rana Sanga went forth to pursue his conquests, which had extended to the fortress of Bayana. One day, while bathing in the Pila Khal (the yellow rivulet), the charm slipped round to his back. Immediately, a voice was heard, saying that his "mortal foe was at hand." So impressed were the people of Chittor with this legend, that Deo (or Deoji, as he is familiarly called) received a distinguished niche in their Pantheon. And, despite their poverty, they never wanted oil for the lamp that constantly burned before his statue (it shows Deo seated on a blue-painted horse, a lance in hand), which still attracts their homage.

Sangram Singh II, Maharana (b. March 24, 1690─d. January 11, 1734), sixty-first ruler of Mewar (1710-1734); son of Maharana AMAR SINGH II. The actual date of his coronation was February 26, 1711. He was aged 20 when he began his twenty-four-year rule, and died at the age of 44. His sons were Jagat Singh, Nath Singh, Bagh Singh and Arjun Singh, the latter three holding jagirs at Bagore, Karjali and Shivrati respectively. He built the original SAHELION-KI-BARI. Sangram was cremated, along with twenty-one wives who committed sati, at the royal crematorium, AHAR, where his 56-pillared cenotaph is to be seen. Sangram Singh's death marked the onset of Maratha ascendancy. His son, Crown Prince JAGAT SINGH (II), succeeded him.

Sangramgarh (Choondawat), a town 175 km. from Udaipur via Deogarh, on the Ajmer border to the east of Badnore. It has a fortress, and the Khari River flows by it. Maharana Sangram Singh II (1710-1734) gave this jagir to Jai Singh, third son of Rawat Sangram Singh of DEOGARH.

Genealogy: Jai Singh; Saidas; Nath Singh; Amar Singh; Gulab Singh; Pratap Singh; Sujan Singh; Kalyan Singh.

Sanjay Park, an island in the western reaches of Fateh Sagar Lake, off Rani Road; a small but attractive garden of well-kept lawns and bushes. Named after Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's son, Sanjay, who died in a plane crash. It is a quiet place for relaxation, and a popular picnic area.

Sannyasi, ascetics who have renounced the world.

Santinath, the sixteenth Jain TIRTHANKARA.

Sanvariya (Sanvariyaji), a Hindu god, a form of VISHNU.

Sanvariya (Sanvariyaji) Temple, in the town of Mandpiya, Chittor District; an important temple of Sanvariya. Devotees, even from neighbouring states, visit it. There are adequate accommodation and meal facilities at the temple.

Sanwad, the estate (jagir) of a nephew of Maharana PRATAP SINGH I (1572-1597).

Sanwaldas. There were a couple of leading members of clans who had this name. They came from Kelwa (Jaitmal Rathore), and Kerya (Poorawat).

Sanwar (Ranawat), a town 58 km. from Udaipur via Fateh Nagar; jagir of the descendants of Udai Singh II's third son, Veeramdeo. They are known as Veeramdeot Ranawats, and have the title of 'Baba (Maharaj)'. The younger son of Baba Sangram Singh of Kherabad, Shambhu Singh, received the jagir of Sanwar. Veeramdeots have the privilege of holding the post of Kiledar of Kumbhalgarh, 'kiledar' meaning 'officer in charge of the fort'. Shambhu Singh participated in the war against the Maratha, Malharao Holkar, when he attacked Jaipur. When Ajit Singh of Bundi assassinated Maharana Ari Singh II (1761-1773), Shambhu also died fighting for his master. At the battle of Harkayal against the Marathas during the reign of Maharana Bhim Singh (1778-1828), Shambhu's grandsons, Daulat Singh and Kushal Singh, took part, with Kushal dying on the battlefield.

Genealogy: Shambhu Singh; Jai Singh; Daulat Singh; Bhairav Singh; Girdhari Singh; Laxman Singh; Nahar Singh; Govardhan Singh.