Why Did the Queen of Marwar Remain Angry for Life? The Story of Rajasthan’s Ruthi Rani

Rajasthan’s history is filled with tales of courage, sacrifice, and honor. Its forts, havelis, and folk songs still echo the valor of its kings, queens, and warriors. Among these is the fascinating story of Ruthi Rani — Queen Umade, wife of Rao Maldeo of Marwar. While Rao Maldeo is remembered as a fearless ruler who expanded Marwar and challenged mighty Sher Shah Suri, Queen Umade is immortalized as a woman of unwavering pride and dignity, who chose self-respect over compromise.

Rao Maldeo – The Lion of Marwar

Rao Maldeo, born on 5 December 1511, ascended the throne of Marwar on 5 June 1532 after his father Rao Ganga. A warrior and strategist, he significantly expanded Marwar’s boundaries, uniting regions like Nagaur, Ajmer, Bikaner, Jaisalmer (Bhati areas), Sirohi, and parts of Delhi and Haryana.

By the mid-16th century, Marwar had nearly doubled in size with about 58 parganas under his rule. His reign is often called the “Age of Valor” in Marwar’s history. He not only built forts and improved agriculture and trade but also strengthened the judicial system.

Conflict with Sher Shah Suri

Rao Maldeo’s name is most remembered for the Battle of Sumelgiri (1544), where his forces of about 50,000 confronted Sher Shah Suri’s 80,000-strong army. Though treachery and forged letters sowed doubt among Maldeo’s chiefs, leading him to retreat, two commanders — Jaita and Kumpa — fought with 8,000 Rathore soldiers till their last breath, killing thousands of Afghans.

Sher Shah himself admitted: “Had I lost this battle, no one would have remembered my name in Hindustan.”

This statement alone reflects Rao Maldeo’s unmatched valor.

Queen Umade – The Ruthi Rani

Queen Umade, daughter of Rawal Lunakaran of Jaisalmer, was married to Rao Maldeo for political alliance. But on the very night of their wedding, fate turned tragic. Rao Maldeo mistakenly went to the chamber of a maid named Bharmali instead of the Queen.

For Queen Umade, this was a deep insult to her honor. She chose never to forgive or live as a conventional wife. From that day on, she distanced herself completely from the king. Despite Maldeo’s repeated attempts to reconcile, she remained resolute. Thus, she came to be remembered in history as Ruthi Rani — the “Angry Queen.”

Life After Marriage

While his personal life was strained, Rao Maldeo’s political and military ambitions were unaffected. Even after the setback against Sher Shah, he continued to strengthen Marwar’s economy and fortifications, including enhancing the grand Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur.

He ruled until 1562 and was hailed as “The Lion of Marwar” for his courage and governance.

The End of Queen Umade – A Symbol of Self-Respect

Despite living her entire married life in estrangement, Queen Umade never abandoned her duty as a Rajput wife. When Rao Maldeo died on 7 December 1562, she performed Sati, joining him in death as a mark of ultimate loyalty.

Her act was seen as an embodiment of Rajput honor and marital devotion, and her tale became immortal in Rajasthani folklore.

Legacy of the Ruthi Rani

Even today, the story of Queen Umade is sung in folk songs and remembered at weddings across Rajasthan. She is revered as a woman who valued her dignity above all, refusing to bend even before her king.

The tale of Rao Maldeo and Ruthi Rani is not just history — it is a timeless reminder of courage, sacrifice, and human dignity. While Rao Maldeo is celebrated as a brave warrior and visionary ruler, Ruthi Rani remains a symbol of feminine pride and self-respect in Rajasthan’s cultural memory.