The Feudatory State of Bundi

The Bundi State, located in the Rajputana region of present-day Rajasthan, India, has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century. It was founded by Rao Deva, a Hada Rajput chieftain who established his rule in the strategically important area surrounded by the Aravalli Hills. The state was named after Bunda Meena, a local chieftain whom Rao Deva defeated to take control of the region. Bundi quickly became known for its strong fortifications, including the impressive Taragarh Fort, which provided both defence and a symbol of Rajput power. Over the centuries, Bundi became prominent, playing a significant role in the region’s politics and forming alliances with other Rajput states to resist invasions by the Delhi Sultanate and, later the Mughal Empire.

Bundi faced devastating wars at least twice in its history, the first time in 1457 CE against the Sultan of Malwa and in 1658 CE while fighting the Mughal armies of Aurangzeb. Facing a certain defeat, the women of the fort committed Jauhar while the menfolk rallied to a last stand. The state was partitioned during the reign of Jahangir, and Kota became an independent state, from which Jhalawar separated later.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Bundi’s rulers, particularly Rao Surjan Singh, navigated the complex dynamics of the Mughal period with skill, at times aligning with the Mughal emperors while maintaining a degree of autonomy. The state had accepted the suzerainty of the Mughal court after the fall of Ranthambore and later that of the Marathas. The state became a culture centre, particularly known for its distinctive Bundi School of miniature painting, which flourished under royal patronage. These paintings, characterised by their vibrant colours and intricate details, often depicted scenes of courtly life, mythology, and nature, reflecting the aesthetic sensibilities of the time. Despite the challenges posed by external pressures, Bundi maintained its independence until the British colonial period, when it became a princely state under British dominance in the 19th century, though it refused to support the British in 1857. The history of Bundi is marked by its resilience, cultural richness, and the enduring legacy of its Rajput rulers.

Stamps of Bundi

Maharao Raja Raghubir Singh, who ruled from 1889-1927, issued the first postal stamps of Bundi in 1894. The stamps were lithographed and imperforate. The first stamps carried the famed Dagge design, a dagger as a central motif with the text RAJ BUNDI at the top and the denomination at the bottom, all enclosed in an oval frame. The rest of the design had a rectangular outer frame and floral patterns on the corners.

No stamps were issued between 1898 and 1914, probably due to the twin famines that devastated the state. Bundi started reissuing stamps in 1914, this time the design being two sacred cows on both sides, with the image of an ancestor who opposed even the Mughals to protect cows. This design was very similar to the Coat of Arms of the state and remained in print for a long time.

The next design of Bundi had an actual Coat of Arms with text only in English, illustrating the name of the state and the denomination.

The final designs were royal portraits, in traditional and military attire; and the final gave a glimpse of the town of Bundi and the Taragarh fort.