Why Hadi Rani cut her head: Who is Sahal Kanwar, Charumati, Ratan Singh Chundawat.

Hadi Rani - Symbol of Bravery and Patriotism of Rajasthan

Last Updated on January 18, 2026 by Yatrapur

The story of the sacrifice of 'Hadi Rani Sahal Kanwar' is a unique example of patriotism. Born in Bundi and married in Salumbar, the immortal story of Hadi Rani will send chills down your spine. Hadi Rani was married to Ratan Singh Chundawat of the Mewar kingdom. Within a week of the marriage, her husband had to go to war. But seeing her husband's love for her, Hadi Rani cut off her head with her own hands and sent it decorated in a platter. As a result, Ratan Singh showed such amazing bravery on the battlefield that the Mughal army was stunned.

"चुण्डावत मांगी सैनानी सिर काट दे दियो क्षत्राणी” [Chundawat mangi senani, sir kat de diyo kshatrani] - Meghraj Mukul's poetry

Hadi Rani : An Introduction

Original Name - Sahal Kanwar
Birth Place - Bundi, Rajasthan
Father's Name - Sangram Singh (Hada Chauhan Rajput of Bundi Dynasty)
Husband Name - Ratan Singh (Chundawat Rajput of Mewar Dynasty)
Known for - She slit her own throat with her own hands to motivate her husband to battle.

Historical Context: Princess Charumati and the Call to War

This is the story of the time when Aurangzeb was sitting on the throne of Delhi. Aurangzeb wanted to marry Charumati, the daughter of Rathore King Roop Singh of Rupnagar, who was full of unique beauty and virtues. But Charumati did not want to surrender before a heretic tyrant. Then the princess, seeing no other way to protect her religion, surrendered before Maharana Raj Singh I (1653-1680 AD) of Mewar and requested him for marriage. To protect the religion and the refugees, Maharana decided to fight the 'Mughal governor of Ajmer Subah' serving under Aurangzeb by saying yes to marrying Princess Charumati. Since he himself was about to get married, he called Sardar Ratan Singh Chundawat of Salumbar (Part of Mewar state) and asked him to lead the war until the marriage rituals were completed.

Story behind the Beheading of Hadi Rani

Hadi Rani Story from Rajasthan - AI Generated

Since the leadership of the army fighting on behalf of the Mewar dynasty was safe with the Chundawat chieftains, the Maharana chose Ratan Singh. But just a week before the declaration of war, Sardar Ratan Singh got married to Hadi Rani. Very little time had passed since the marriage, so Ratan Singh wanted to spend some more time with his wife. But he also had to fulfill his duty. On one hand, there was love in his heart for his newly married wife and on the other hand, there was a feeling of duty towards the nation. With this dilemma, he got ready for the war, but his mind was still set on his queen. When Ratan Singh left for the war, he sent his soldier (Yadu Singh) to the queen and asked for a sign from her. Understanding her husband's state of mind, the queen thought that if I am the only one in my husband's thoughts, then he will not be able to fight the war wholeheartedly. This feeling inspired by patriotism gave birth to such a thought in Hadi Rani's mind that anyone's soul would tremble just thinking about it. At that very moment she decided that now my survival is not in the national interest. In the blink of an eye, Hadi Rani took out the sword tied to her waist and cut off her head in a single stroke. She fell on the ground. Seeing this horrific scene, tears flowed from the eyes of the soldier, but duty is tough. With a heavy heart, the soldier decorated Hadi Rani's severed head in a gold plate. He covered it with a suhaag dupatta and ran towards the battlefield. As soon as the soldier reached Ratan Singh in the battlefield, he asked - "Yadu Singh, have you brought the queen's token?" In response to this, Yadu extended the plate with trembling hands. As soon as Ratan Singh excitedly removed the cloth from the plate, he was stunned to see his queen's severed head. Along with the head was also a letter written by the queen, reading which it seemed as if the blood in his arteries had turned into gunpowder. It is said that, after this all his attachment was destroyed and immense bravery was awakened. Then he tied his wife's head around his neck with the help of her hair and reached the battlefield. And he fought such a fierce battle that the Mughal army trembled. He kept fighting until Maharana and Charumati got married. Fighting till the last breath of his life, he showed such bravery that the Mughal army had to leave the battlefield and run away.

The timeless impact of Hadi Rani

As a historical figure, Hadi Rani is a powerful symbol of patriotism. The immortal mark of Hadi Rani's sacrifice is still etched on the minds of the people of Rajasthan. Her story will continue to inspire generations to come and will remain a symbol of the indomitable courage of women for their land and people. Here are some memoirs and memorials inspired by her.

1. Hadi Rani Women Battalion

It is a women battalion of Rajasthan Police named after her. This battalion is a symbol of courage and patriotism of women police personnel who directly serve the state just like Hadi Rani.

2. Folklore and Literature

The saga of her valour, bravery and courage is also part of the school curriculum, making it increasingly accessible to new generations. Modern musical compositions have also been dedicated to her, with albums and songs titled "Hadi Rani Ka Balidan" and "Hadi Rani Ki Shaurya Gatha" being widely available.

3. Hadi Rani Ki Baori / Hadi Rani Kund

This stepwell, located in Todaraisingh in Tonk district, is a major site built in honour of her sacrifice. It is also famous as the filming location of the 2005 Bollywood film Paheli starring Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji. The site is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). (View location on Google Map)

Conclusion

The warriors of Rajasthan are famous for their bravery all over the world, but this story also draws attention to the fact that the daughters of this state are no less than anyone in terms of courage and dedication. The history of Rajasthan, which fought against foreign invaders on the land of India for almost 1000 years, is full of countless such stories. No person born on the glorious land of Rajputana can be ordinary. The soil of this state, which sacrificed its sons to protect the culture, heritage and life values of this great country, is truly worth applying a tilak on the forehead.

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