JAI SINH MIRZA

Raja Jai Sinh Mirza (16.07.1661 – 28.8.1667) was the son of Raja Mahan Sinh Kachhwaha, grandson of Bhav Sinh and great-grandson of Man Sinh (Man Sinh’s Bhua, father’s sister, was married to Akbar, the Mogul emperor). He was the ruler of Amber (Jaipur, Rajasthan) as well as a courtier of Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. He was well versed in several languages, including Sanskrit and Persian. He had good relations with Shah Jahan. Shah Jahan gave him the title of Mirza. Mirza had good relations with Aurangzeb also. On August 2, 1658, Aurangzeb assigned him duty to chase his rebel brother Dara Shukoh. Aurangzeb was so pleased with Raja Jai Sinh that he appointed him as the Governor of Delhi in 1658. This family had friendly relations with Guru Sahib too. When Ram Rai (son of Guru Har Rai Sahib) visited Delhi, in 1661, he stayed with Raja Jai Sinh. When Guru Harkrishan Sahib and (Guru) Tegh Bahadur Sahib visited Delhi, in March 1664, they too stayed at the palace of Raja Jai Sinh. [Gurdwara Bangla Sahib has been built at that site]. In 1664 Aurangzeb appointed Raja Jai Sinh as the Governor of Deccan. During this period, Aurangzeb deputed him to subjugate Shivaji Marhatta. On June 2, 1665, he met Shivaji and made him (Shivaji) agree for a compromise with Aurangzeb. Sometimes later, Jai Sinh succeeded in capturing Netaji (son-in-law of Shivaji Marhatta) too. Netaji was compelled to embraced Islam. In 1667, Aurangzeb recalled Raja Jai Sinh from Aurangabad. Raja Jai Sinh died on August 28, 1667 (according to one source July 2, 1667), at Burhanpur, on his way from Aurangabad to Delhi. According to one source his son Ram Sinh, at the instance of Aurangzeb, the Mogul emperor, poisoned him. Ram Sinh, later, became a yes-man of Aurangzeb.

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib was the residence of Raja Jai Sinh Kachhwaha (Mirza).

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)