Which ruler of Chamba defied Aurangzeb’s order to demolish the Hindu temples in his state?
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation:
Raja Chatar Singh (1664–1690 A.D.) of Chamba famously defied Aurangzeb. When Aurangzeb issued orders to demolish all Hindu temples in Chamba, Chatar Singh refused. Instead, to show his open defiance, he ordered gilt (gold-plated) pinnacles to be put on the temples.
📚 Additional Info: Rulers of Chamba
1. Raja Chatar Singh (1664–1690)
- The Defiance: His act of placing gilded pinnacles on temples in response to the demolition order is a legendary story of Chamba’s history.
- Alliances: He formed a strong confederacy with the rulers of Basholi, Guler, and Jammu to resist the Mughals.
- Conquest: He recovered the fort of Bhalai from Basholi (though he later returned it to maintain the alliance).
2. Raja Prithvi Singh (1641–1664)
- Exile: He spent his youth in exile in Mandi and Suket (after his father was killed by Jagat Singh of Nurpur).
- Restoration: He recovered Chamba with the help of Mandi and Suket in 1641.
- Mughal Relations: He was a favorite of Emperor Shah Jahan. He introduced Mughal court etiquette and lifestyle to Chamba. He visited Delhi nine times during his reign.
3. Raja Jagat Singh (of Nurpur)
- Note: Option (A) likely refers to the famous Jagat Singh of Nurpur, not Chamba. He was the one who conquered Chamba in 1623 and ruled it for nearly two decades before Prithvi Singh reclaimed it.