Rao Raja Chattar Sal

Maharao Chhatra Sal (1605 – 29 May 1658), also known as Raja Shatru Sal, was one of the most prominent and illustrious ruler of the Kingdom of Bundi belonging to the Hada-Chauhan dynasty. He was a high ranking Mughal official at the imperial court under the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. He built the Keshav Rai Temple and the marvellous Chhatra Mahal in the upper storey of Taragarh Fort in the capital Bundi which also used to be the official residence of the rulers of Bundi.

Ascension He ascended the throne of Bundi after his grandfather, Maharao Ratan Singh, as his father Yuvraj Gopinath Singh died while Ratan Singh was still alive.

Relations with the Mughal Empire He served in the Mughal army as the commander of his Hada-Chauhan Rajput battalions, which was considered an integral part of the Mughal military by Shah Jahan. Rao Chatra Sal was trusted by the crown prince Dara Shikoh. He also served as a foster brother to princess Jahanara, Shah Jahan's eldest daughter, with whom he shared a close friendship.

Mughal war of succession

Chhatra Sal supported Dara Shikoh and fought along with him during the war of duccession against Aurangzeb, despite temptations and threats from the latter. Maharao Chatra Sal being the head commander general died fighting while leading his Rajput troops in the Battle of Samugarh in the year 1658 along with his youngest son Kunwar Bharat Singh, members of the Kota family and several other clansmen and his own family members.

Personal life Chhatra Sal had married Shyam Kanwar as his first queen consort. She was the daughter of Kunwar Dalpat Singh, the grandfather of Ratan Singh Rathore. She was the mother of his eldest son, Maharao Bhao Singh (1658–1681), who succeeded his father to the throne of Bundi.