The Queen Who Cut the Nose of the Mughals: The Untold Valor of Queen Karnavati

History is full of incredible tales of bravery, but sadly, some of the most astonishing ones often go untold. One such story is that of Queen Karnavati, a fearless queen from Garhwal, Uttarakhand, who literally cut the noses of the Mughals. Her valor is legendary, yet not as widely known as it deserves to be.

There were two remarkable queens named Karnavati in Indian history. The first one is remembered for sending a Rakhi to the Mughal Emperor Humayun. However, our focus is on the second Karnavati, often referred to as “the queen who cut the nose.” Her story is so awe-inspiring that even Abdul Hameed Lahori, in his ‘Badshahnama,’ and Shamsuddaula Khan, in ‘Masir al-Umra,’ couldn’t ignore her bravery.

The Rise of Queen Karnavati

Maharaj Mahipal Singh of the Panwar dynasty ruled the Garhwal region. In 1622, he shifted the capital from Dewalgarh to Srinagar (now in Uttarakhand). Mahipal Singh was known for his pride and bravery, and his wife, Maharani Karnavati, matched his valor.

On February 14, 1628, when Shah Jahan ascended the throne in Agra, many North Indian rulers attended his coronation. But Mahipal Singh boycotted the event, enraging Shah Jahan. Learning of the wealth in Garhwal’s gold mines, Shah Jahan decided to attack, following the Mughal tradition of plunder.

Despite several attacks, Shah Jahan couldn’t defeat Mahipal Singh, who eventually succumbed to injuries from a battle in Kumaon in 1631. His seven-year-old son, Prithvipati, was made king, but the real power lay with Queen Karnavati. With loyal commanders like Lodi Rikhola, Madho Singh, and Banwari Das Tanwar by her side, she was ready to defend her kingdom.

The Ultimate Showdown

Hearing of Mahipal Singh’s death, Shah Jahan launched another attack on Garhwal, this time sending his commander Nazabat Khan with thirty thousand soldiers. Queen Karnavati used clever tactics, allowing the Mughal army to penetrate deep into the kingdom. She trapped them near present-day Laxman Jhula, where the unfamiliar terrain worked against the invaders.

Surrounded and starving, the Mughal army was desperate. Nazabat Khan pleaded for mercy. The queen offered a humiliating condition: anyone wishing to return to Agra alive would have to get his nose cut off. She sent a message to Shah Jahan, stating she could have killed them all but chose to show mercy by only cutting their noses.

The Queen’s Unmatched Bravery

Shah Jahan was humiliated but had no choice. The starving Mughal soldiers agreed to the condition. Queen Karnavati herself cut Nazabat Khan’s nose, followed by thousands of soldiers. This act of bravery and humiliation ensured the Mughals never dared to invade Garhwal again. Another Mughal invader, Ariz Khan, met the same fate, solidifying the queen’s legendary status.

Legacy of Queen Karnavati

Queen Karnavati wasn’t just a warrior; she was also a skilled administrator. Stories of her bravery are well-known in Dehradun, though they are missing from most history books. Her contribution to India’s history, especially her nickname “Naak Kaati Rani” (The Queen Who Cut Noses), remains unforgettable.

It’s high time we celebrate Queen Karnavati’s bravery and ensure her story inspires future generations. Her tale is a testament to the strength and resilience of Indian women, a legacy that should never fade from our collective memory.

So, next time you hear about the queens of India, remember Queen Karnavati, the fearless ruler who showed unmatched valor against the mighty Mughals. Her story is one for the ages, deserving of the same reverence as any other hero in our history.