Udal of Mahoba
Udal (full name Udai Singh) was a Rajput general in the army of Chandel King Maharaj Parimard Dev Burman (also known as Parmal or Parimal) of Mahoba in 12th-13th century AD. He was younger brother of Alha. Parmal raised Udal as his own son, since he was born after the death of his father Dassraj, who - a general himself - was killed in the service of Parmal.[1]
Udal was generally seen on a horse whereas Alha, on an elephant. Both are among the greatest warriors of Mahoba of all times. Out of total 52 battles fought by these Banaphar rajputs, Udal alone had won 22 battles. Alha and Udal chowk is now situated in Mahoba city. A grand statue of Udal has also been established there.
It is believed that both these brothers had built so many structures and temples in Mahoba district.
Last battle against Delhi
Prithviraj Chauhan declared war on Mahoba. During the battle the Mahoban army was split into three different sections. One was led by the Prince of Mahoba, while the other two were led by the brothers Alha and Udal. Chauhan defeated the sections under Udal and the Prince of Mahoba - Brahma. Udal had injured Pundir, a friend and general of Chauhan, in combat. Udal moved forward and injured Chauhan so badly that he could hardly move. Udal also defeated chamunda rai and kanha dev the chief commanders but left alive him to say that he is Brahmin and he will not kill him due to Brahmin, Chamunda Rai, in an attempt to save his friend Prithviraj, killed Udal in the last from back . Alha, commander of the third section, had seen Chauhan falling injured. As soon as he moved forward to kill Prithviraj Chauhan, his guru Gorakhnath came in the way. The guru forbade him not to take revenge of his brother's death but to think for the welfare of the entire rajput state.
Alha did not kill Chauhan and went to the Himalayan mountains.
References
- ↑ Mishra, Pt. Lalita Prasad (2007). Alhakhand (in Hindi) (15 ed.). Post Box 85 Lucknow (India): Tejkumar Book Depot (Pvt) Ltd. pp. 1–11 (History of Mahoba).