Jai Singh of Mewar

Maharana Jai Singh (5 December 1653 – 23 September 1698), was the Maharana of Mewar Kingdom, ruling from 1680 to 1698. He was the eldest son of Maharana Raj Singh I. Jai Singh fought a series of battles against Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. In 1680–81, he sent his noble Dayaldas in Malwa. Dayaldas occupied Dhar and Mandu. He looted those cities and fought a series of battles against Mughal army. He built Dhebar lake also known as Jaisamand, in the year 1685.

Treaty and territorial concessions
Unlike his predecessors, Jai Singh opted for diplomacy to maintain peace with the Mughals. He signed a treaty with Aurangzeb in 1681, conceding three districts and agreeing to a tribute in exchange for a cessation of hostilities. This decision, however, was met with disapproval from a faction within Mewar, who believed it compromised their sovereignty.

Strategic retreats and defensive measures
Despite the treaty, tensions persisted between Mewar and the Mughals. Jai Singh, anticipating renewed conflict, adopted defensive strategies. He constructed hidden refuges within his territory to safeguard his people and supplies from potential Mughal attacks. These measures proved crucial during later conflicts.

Military engagements
Despite the treaty, skirmishes and military confrontations between Mewar and the Mughal forces continued throughout Jai Singh's reign. In 1681, he successfully captured the strategically significant fort of Mandalgarh from the Mughals. However, neither side was able to achieve a decisive victory in the prolonged conflict.