=Siege of Ranthambhor by Akbar.=—Ranthambhor was an early object of Akbar’s attention, who besieged it in person. He had been some time before its impregnable walls without the hope of its surrender, when Bhagwandas of Amber and his son, the more celebrated Raja Man, who had not only tendered their allegiance to Akbar, but allied themselves to him by marriage, determined to use their influence to make Surjan Hara faithless to his pledge, “to hold the castle as a fief of Chitor.”[10.3.4] That courtesy, which is never laid aside amongst belligerent Rajputs, obtained Raja Man access to the castle, and the emperor accompanied him in the guise of a mace-bearer. While conversing, an uncle of the Rao recognized the emperor, and with that sudden impulse which arises from respect, took the mace from his hand and placed Akbar on the ‘cushion’ of the governor of the castle. Akbar’s presence of mind did not forsake him, and he said, “Well, Rao Surjan, what is to be done?” which was replied to by Raja Man, “Leave the Rana, give up Ranthambhor, and become the servant of the king, with high honours and office.” The proffered bribe was indeed magnificent; the government of fifty-two districts, whose revenues were to be appropriated without inquiry, on furnishing the customary contingent, and liberty to name any other terms, which should be solemnly guaranteed by the king.[10.3.5] A treaty was drawn up upon the spot, and mediated by the prince of Amber, which presents a good picture of Hindu feeling: 1. That the chiefs of Bundi should be exempted from that custom, degrading to a Rajput, of sending a _dola_[10.3.6] to the royal harem. 2. Exemption from the jizya, or poll-tax. 3. That the chiefs of Bundi should not be compelled to cross the Attock. 4. That the vassals of Bundi should be exempted from the obligation of sending [473] their wives or female relatives ‘to hold a stall in the Mina Bazar’ at the palace, on the festival of Nauroza.[10.3.7] 5. That they should have the privilege of entering the Diwan-i-amm, or ‘hall of audience,’ completely armed. 6. That their sacred edifices should be respected. 7. That they should never be placed under the command of a Hindu leader. 8. That their horses should not be branded with the imperial dagh.[10.3.8] 9. That they should be allowed to beat their nakkaras, or ‘kettledrums,’ in the streets of the capital as far as the Lal Darwaza or ‘red-gate’; and that they should not be commanded to make the ‘prostration’[10.3.9] on entering the Presence. 10. That Bundi should be to the Haras what Delhi was to the king, who should guarantee them from any change of capital.