Throughout the annals of history, various locations have borne witness to the complex interplay of multiple cultures. The Amagarh Fort of Jaipur, Rajasthan is one such location. Currently, it finds itself at the heart of a dispute between the Meena community and local Hindu groups. This article will elaborate on this conflict, provide an overview of the Meena community, and detail important aspects related to the fort.
Unraveling the Heart of the Conflict
The Amagarh Fort, greatly revered by the Meena community, has been claimed to be built by a Meena ruler before Rajputs ruled over Jaipur. The fort is seen as a holy place that has been part of their culture for centuries. Recently, the Meena community has accused Hindu groups of attempting to assimilate tribal symbols into the larger Hindutva narrative and of modifying the name of Amba Mata to Ambika Bhawani.
An Insight into the Meena Community
The Meenas, also known by other names like Meos or Mewati, constitute a significant tribe and caste in parts of western and northern India. As per Meena tradition, they had control over what presently forms eastern Rajasthan, termed “mind-esh”. They were later superseded by Rajput clans, with the most recent one being the Kachhwaha Rajputs, who established the state of Amber, which was later renamed Jaipur.
The Meena community largely influences Rajasthan’s politics, with most assembly seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs) being represented by Meena Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs). The community also holds considerable representation in the bureaucratic field. According to the 2011 Census, STs form 13.48% of the state’s population, thereby affecting election outcomes in unreserved seats due to their widespread presence.
Understanding the Significance of Amagarh Fort
The current structure of the Amagarh Fort was developed in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. It’s generally believed that some structure existed at the site before Jai Singh II constructed the fort.
Prior to the Rajput rule by the Kachhwaha dynasty, the area near Jaipur and Jaipur itself were under the Meena’s rule. The Meenas, particularly the Sardar from the Nadla gotra, who later came to be recognized as the Badgoti Meenas, claim to have originally built the fort. Until around 1100 AD, the Meena Sardars controlled significant parts of Rajasthan.
Remembering Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II (1693-1744), known for his courage and astronomical knowledge, became a ruler at the age of 11, succeeding his father Maharaja Bishan Singh’s death. Under Mughal patronage, Aurangazab bestowed him with the title of Sawai, meaning ‘one and a quarter,’ which continued to be used by his descendants. Fondly remembered as an erudite personality, Jai Singh received education from the finest teachers in art, science, philosophy, and military affairs. He belonged to the Kucchwaha Rajput clan, who held power since the 12th century.
Jai Singh is renowned for constructing Astronomy Observatories at various locations like Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi, Ujjain and Mathura, famously referred to as the Jantar Mantar. Named after him, Jaipur has recently achieved the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.