Bhama Shah (1547–1600) was a noted general, minister and close aide of Maharana Pratap. Bhama Shah is well known for providing his wealth to Maharana Pratap, when  Maharana had become financially weak. The funds provided by Bhama Shah allowed him to restore his army and much of his territory.[ref]

Birth & Early Life

Bhamashah was born on 28th June 1547 in a Jain family. His father Bharmal Kawedia was the Qiledar of Ranthambore Fort appointed by Maharana Sanga and was later the prime minister under Maharana Udai Singh II.

Career

Bhama Shah was a great general, adviser, minister of Mewar, who was later promoted to the post of Prime Minister of Mewar by Maharana Pratap, to whom he served as close aide and confidante. He along with his younger brother Tarachand fought in several battles for Mewar. Tarachand, who was four years younger to Bhamashah, too was an able administrator, valiant fighter and had commanded the forces of Mewar on several occasions alike his elder brother Bhamashah. Both of them were noted for their statesmanship, war skills, patriotism and generosity. Bhama Shah was the Nagar Seth of Chittorgarh.

Donation to motherland

After the costly Battle of Haldighati, Maharana Pratap had no funds at all to carry on the battle against the Mughal invaders. At this point, Seth Bhama Shah and his brother Tarachand, presented their wealth that consisted of 2,00,00,000 gold coins and 25,00,00,000 silver rupees to the Maharana, who was overwhelmed. They, being skilled in gurilla warfare, also attacked several Mughal army camps and won a lot of wealth from the enemy; from which they partially financed the Maharana. With this help,  Maharana ji could organize an army and could carry on his further campaign against the Mughals.

Tarachand

Bhamashah was promoted to the post of the Prime Minister by Maharana Pratap and Tarachand was appointed as a Governor of 'Godwad' region after the Battle of Haldighati in which he also fought bravely side by side of Bhama Shah.

Tarachand governed the region of 'Godwad' as an able administrator until his death. He was given an independent charge of the region and hence was bestowed the title of 'Thakur'. 'Sadri' was founded by Tarachand where he had also constructed several buildings. 'Sadri' is considered as gate way of Mewar to Marwar.

Death

Bhamashah died in 1600 and at the time of his death he was in-charge of Mewar's treasury under Amar Singh I. Descendants of Bhamashah also served as prime ministers of the Maharanas of Udaipur for a few generations. His son Jiwashah was the chief during the rule of Maharana Amar Singh, and grandson Akshayraj was the prime minister during the rule of Maharana Karan Singh and his successor Maharana Jagat Singh. His descendants still live in Udaipur.