History of Sambhar
Summary
This article traces the history of Sambhar, a town and salt lake in Rajasthan, from early Chauhan rule to the late eighteenth century. It recounts how the Chauhan rulers of Śākambharī built a temple to Śākambharī Devi and controlled the lucrative salt trade. During Mughal rule the area passed to various chiefs. In the eighteenth century Raja Udaisimha, a Chauhan chieftain, attempted to reassert control over the salt revenue and build an independent power base. His ambition brought him into conflict with the neighbouring states of Jaipur and Jodhpur; after a series of skirmishes he sought help from Maratha chiefs and later from the British. Ultimately the territory was partitioned between Jaipur and Jodhpur and then transferred to the East India Company. The article draws on Persian chronicles and British records to show that Sambhar’s salt monopoly shaped regional politics and fuelled rivalries between Rajput and Maratha powers. It emphasises the economic motives underlying political alliances and rebellions and helps us understand how control of resources influenced the history of Rajasthan.
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Conclusion
By focusing on Sambhar’s salt trade, the article reveals how control of a single commodity could drive alliances and conflicts among Rajput chiefs, Marathas and the East India Company. The history of Sambhar illustrates the intersection of economic interests and political power in eighteenth‑century Rajasthan.