Draft:Bunda Meena

Raja Bunda Meena, also known simply as Bunda Meena, is recognized as the founder of Bundi, a historic city in India. Belonging to the, he is celebrated as a patriotic king of Bundi State. His legacy is deeply intertwined with the establishment and development of Bundi, marking him as a significant historical figure in the region.

In ancient times, the area around Bundi was apparently inhabited by various local tribes, of which the Parihar Meenas were prominent. Bundi and the eponymous princely state are said to derive their names from a former Meena chief called  Raja Bunda Meena

Bundi was previously called “Bunda-Ka-Nal“, Nal meaning “narrow ways”. Bundi is situated in a narrow valley within the Aravalli Hills in Rajasthan.

Later the region was captured by Rao Deva Hada, who took over Bundi from Jaita Meena in 1341, after trying 30 times hada took over bundi, renaming the surrounding area as Haravati or Haroti.

In 1632, Rao Raja Chattar Sal became the ruler, he was one of the most valiant, principled and kings of Bundi. He built the temple of Keshavarao at Keshoraipatan and Chathra Mahal at Bundi. He became king of Bundi after his grandfather Rao Ratan Singh, as his father Gopinath  died  while Ratan Singh was still ruling.

He saw service with the Mughal forces as head of his Hada Chauhan Rajput troop and was considered an integral part of Mughal army by Shahjahan. Rao Chattar Sal was trusted by Dara Shikoh with governorship of Delhi, a rare privilege for a Hindu. He remained loyal to Shah Jahan and Dara Shikoh during the rebellion of Aurangzeb  despite many temptations and even threats from Aurangzeb. Rao Chattar Sal died fighting valiantly as the head of his Hada Rajput troops in the Battle of Samugarh in 1658 along with his youngest son Bharat Singh.Rao Bhao Singh (1658–1678) the eldest son of Chhattar Sal succeeded his father to the throne of Bundi.