Question

Akbar Nama mentions the ________ kingdom of Garha Katanga.
(A) Garhawal
(B) Gond
(C) Ahom
(D) Mishmi

Answer 1

Hint This kingdom was also known as Garha Mandala or Garha kingdom and was situated in the northern part of Gondwana. The kingdom was invaded by Asaf Shah I, Mughal viceroy in the year 1564 after which the Mandla rule ended.

Complete step by step answer The Gond kingdom of Garha Katanga had been mentioned in Akbar Nama. The capitals of this kingdom were Garha, Singhorgarh, Chouragarh, Ramnagar, and Mandla. The languages spoken here were Sanskrit and Gondawani. Jadwai became the first king of Gonds after defeating Kalachuri Rajput of Garha Mandla, where he worked as a courtesan. It was a small territory which later expanded during the rule of Sangram Shah. Sangram Shah was the greatest ruler of Gonds who conquered 52 forts. The Chauragarh fort in Narsinghpur was built to mark his victory of 52 forts. He wrote a book named Rasratnamala. He established his capital at Singhorgarh. His son married Chandel princess Rani Durgavati. After Sangram Shah came the period of Rani Durgawati who was a brave warrior who is known for the sacrifice of her life to save her kingdom of Mughals. She fought against the forces of Asaf Khan I to save her kingdom. At her time the capital was shifted to Chouragarh as she felt that it was much safer than Singhorgarh.

Additional information During the time period of Gond the administration of the kingdom was divided into Garhs managed by different tribes of Gonds. Each Garh was divided into Chaurasi (a group of 84 villages) and was further subdivided into Barhots (a group of 12 villages).

So the correct option is (B) Gond. Akbar Nama mentions the Gond kingdom of Garha Katanga.

Note: The territories won by Sangram Shah included Satpura hills, Damoh, Sagar, Bhopal, and Narmada valley region.