The Rajputs
The Rajputs of Rajasthan were fierce defenders of their independence.
- Rana Sanga: Fought Babur at Khanwa.
- Maharana Pratap (Mewar): Refused to submit to Akbar.
- Battle of Haldighati (1576): Fought valiantly against the Mughal army. Though the Mughals had the upper hand, Pratap escaped and waged guerrilla warfare from the Aravalli hills for years.
- Tribal Support: He was aided by the Bhil tribe, whose warriors are featured on the Mewar emblem.
The Gonds
- Rani Durgavati (Garha Kingdom): A valiant Gond queen who ruled a prosperous kingdom.
- Conflict: She fought Akbar’s army in 1564. Despite being outnumbered, she led her troops and ultimately took her own life to avoid capture. She remains a symbol of regional pride.
The Ahoms (Assam)
The Ahoms migrated from Myanmar in the 13th century and established a kingdom in the Brahmaputra Valley.
- Paik System: A unique system of forced labor/militia where every able-bodied man rendered service to the state. This allowed for a massive standing army.
- Battle of Saraighat (1671):
- Commander: Lachit Borphukan.
- Strategy: Used the terrain (river, hills, forests) and guerrilla tactics to defeat the much larger Mughal fleet commanded by Ram Singh.
- Result: Ahoms preserved their independence.
Other Rebellions
- Jat Peasantry: Rebelled against oppressive Mughal taxation in the 17th century.
- Tribal Groups: Bhils, Kolis, and Santhals frequently resisted annexation and taxation.