Who was BHAMASHAH
Bhama Shah
Bhamashah made a mark in the history of Mewar. Son of Bharmal Kawadiya and born 450 years ago, he set an example of honesty, faith and duty. He was not only Pratap's treasurer, but also fought like a soldier when the need arose. Maharana Pratap was able to properly maintain his army of 25,000 soldiers for 12 years only because Bhamashah had gifted not only his property, but also a collection of 25 lakh rupees and 20,000 gold coins from Maalpura during a financial crisis. Bhamashah also served Maharana Amar Singh. Thereafter his son Jeev Shah was treasurer of the Maharana. At the time of his death Bhamashah asked his wife to handover the detailed record of royal treasury to Maharana Amar Singh then he left for heavenly abode
Bhamashah was a Kshatriya Jain and had utmost faith in Adinath Bhagwan, the first Tirthankar of Jain Community. He was the wealthiest man of that time. Bhamashah was born in 1547 and belonged to Kavadia gotra amongst Oswal Jains, a business community. His father Bharmal was Kiledar of Ranthambore fort appointed by Rana Sanga and was later Pradhan under Maharana Udai Singh. Bhamashah was also Pradhan under Maharana Udai Singh and Maharana Pratap.
ReplyDeleteHe under the leadership of Maharana Pratap fought gallantly at the fierce and famous battle of Haldighati (1576). Maharana Pratap being impressed with his valorous actions and rare ability of civil and military acumen entrusted the management of finances and the military to him. Bhamashah well stood to the task. He not only consolidated Pratap's authority in Mewar but also overran nearly the whole of Malwa. He along with his younger brother Tarachand fought in several battles for Mewar. Bhamashah died in 1600. After his death his son Jeevshah was apponted as Treasurer by Maharana Amar Singh I.
Bhamashah from a Jain Family, was a remarkable character of Indian history who gave his whole wealth to Maharana Pratap, the ruler of Mewar, to fight Mughal Emperor Akbar. For all this Bhamashah is remembered with esteem as a brave and benevolent `Saviour' Minister of the State.
The daughter of Bhamashah was married to Diwan of Bikaner, Karam Chand Bachhawat Mehta’s son Lakshmi Chand. According to ‘Veer Vinod’, page 259, Bhamashah born on Asad Shukla 10 VS 1604 (dated 28th June, 1547). Diwan Karam Chand, born in 1542, was elder to Bhamashah by 5 years.
In 1620, whilst at Bikaner, one Pregnant lady (wife of Bachhawat Mehta Lakshmi Chand), who could not participate in the Jauhar, took shelter in Karni Mata temple. She was helped by one faithful servant, Raghunath Sewak to go to her parents’ place at Udaipur, where her father Bhamashah lived. The lady delivered a boy and named him Bhanji (grand-son of Bhamashah).
Descendants of Bhanji Mehta also served as Pradhans, military commanders and administrators of the Maharanas of Udaipur for generations. His descendants still live in Udaipur. I am one of his descendent, researching on the contribution of my ancestors in the feudal administration of Rajputana.
My surname too is kavediya and we also have a potrait of bhamashah and thakur tarachand offering gold and asharfies to maharana pratap. I am proud to be a descendent of bhamashah and let me know any further information about this.
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ReplyDeleteI want to know more about Bhamashah of mewar
ReplyDeleteI want to know more about Bhamashah of mewar
ReplyDeleteExcellent Information. Thank You for your ancestors contribution.
ReplyDeleteCan you please send me your contact details. I am also researching on our ancestor. I am proud to be descendant of Bhamashah.
ReplyDeleteDr.J.K.Gupta MDS, LL.B, CLM (Harvard USA) CEO, FH Medical College Agra UP
9871033580
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