Vaibhu at 06:28, 2 April 2026

2026-04-02T06:28:35Z

New page

{{Distinguish|Baz Bahadur|text=[[Baz Bahadur]] (The last Sultan of [[Malwa Sultanate]])}}
{{One source|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox royalty
| name = Baz Bahadur Chand <br> बाज़ बहादुर चंद
| title = [[Maharajadhiraja]] [[Sri]] [[Raja]] <br> [[Baghatur|Bahadur]]
| image = Baz Bahadur Chand.png
| caption = Portrait of Maharaja Baz Bahadur Chand
| succession = [[Maharaja]] of [[Kingdom of Kumaon|Kumaon]]
| reign = 1638 - 1678
| coronation = 1638 (Malla Mahal, [[Almora]], [[Kingdom of Kumaon|Kumaon]])
| cor-type = Enthronement
| predecessor = Trimal Chand
| successor = Udyot Chand
| birth_name = Baz Gusain
| birth_date = 1598 {{small|''(Estimated)''}}
| birth_place = [[Almora]], [[Kingdom of Kumaon|Kumaon]] {{small|''(Present - day [[Kumaon division]], [[Uttarakhand]], [[India]])''}}
| death_date = 1680 (aged 82)
| death_place = Malla Mahal, [[Almora]], [[Kingdom of Kumaon|Kumaon]] {{small|''(Present - day [[Kumaon division]], [[Uttarakhand]], [[India]])''}}
| issue = Udyot Chand <br>
Pahad Singh Gusain
| regnal name = Baz Bahadur Chand
| house = [[Chand kings|Chand Dynasty]]
| house-type = Dynasty
| father = Nila Gusain
| signature = [[File:Peronal Seal of Baz Bahadur Chand.svg|200px]]
| signature_type = Personal Royal Seal
| religion = [[Hindusim]]
| succession1 = [[Emeritus|King Emeritus]]
| reign-type1 = Tenure
| reign1 = 1678 - 1680
| module = {{Infobox military person
| embed = yes
| allegiance = [[File:Alam of the Mughal Empire.svg|20px]] [[Mughal Empire]]
| branch = [[File:Alam of the Mughal Empire.svg|20px]] [[Army of the Mughal Empire|Mughal Army]]
| serviceyears = 1654 - 1655
| rank = [[Auxiliaries|Auxiliary Commander]]
| battles = Battle of Garhwal
| awards = [[Robe of honor]], Title of [[Baghatur|Bahadur]]
}}
}}

'''Baz Bahadur Chand ('''[[Kumaoni language|Kumaoni]]: बाज़ बहादुर चंद; 1598 - 1680''')'''<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Pandey |first=Badri Dutt |title=History of Kumaon |publisher=Shree Almora Book Depot |year=1993 |isbn=81-900 209-4-3 |edition=Volume 1 |location=[[Almora]], [[Uttarakhand]], [[India]] |publication-date=1993 |language=en}}</ref>''',''' born '''Baz Gusain ('''बाज़ गुसाईं''')''', was the 50th [[Maharaja]] of the [[Chand kingdom|Chand Dynasty]] of [[Kingdom of Kumaon|Kumaon.]] He ascended to the throne in 1638 after the death of his adoptive father, the previous [[Maharaja]] Trimal Chand.<ref name=":0" /> Under his reign the [[Kingdom of Kumaon]] grew considerably in influence, territory, power and wealth. His rule lasted 40 years until he abdicated due to his age and declining physical and mental health. He died at the age of 82 in 1680.

[[Maharaja]] Baz Bahadur Chand is considered to be one of the greatest kings of Kumaon. During his reign Kumaon reestablished authority over [[Terai]], subjugated [[Doti]], invaded [[Tibet]]an territory, successfully repelled [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] aggression and undermined the [[Garhwal Kingdom|Kingdom of Garhwal]].<ref name=":0" /> He introduced new court customs inspired by Muslim [[Durbar (court)|durbars]] and further institutionalized the government.{{source needed|date=May 2025}} He also wiped out the remaining descendants of the [[Katyuri Dynasty|Katyuri Dyansty]] for siding with [[Garhwal Kingdom|Garhwal]]. The reign of Baz Bahadur Chand is seen as the [[Golden Age]] of [[Kumaon division|Kumaon]].

== Early life ==
Baz Bahadur Chand was born to Prince Nila Gusain in [[Almora]]. At that time Kumaon was ruled by [[Maharaja]] Vijay Chand, who was a [[puppet ruler]] under the trio of nobles Sukhram Karki, Piru Gusain and Vinayak Bhatt. When Prince Nila Gusain raised objected to the Kings confinement within his [[harem]] and his powerlessness, his eyes were pulled out, and he later died. All the other Gusains (Elder Princes) and [[Rautela]]s (Younger Princes) were killed by the trio to eliminate competition. Only two sons of former [[Maharaja]] Laxmi Chand survived - Prince Trimal Chand (Future King) and Prince Narayan Chand. Out of them the former fled to [[Garhwal Kingdom|Garhwal]] and the second to [[Doti]].<ref name=":0" />

A royal maid servant wrapping in a piece of cloth blind Nila Gusain's son, nicknamed 'Baja Baja', entrusted him to the wife of her family priest Dharmakar Tewari of Chausar. She kept him concealed with her. There he was brought up as a non - royal.<ref name=":0" />

== Crown Prince ==
After Vijay Chand was killed by the trio of nobles, the Mahar faction made Trimal Chand the Maharaja after bringing him back from [[Garhwal Kingdom|Garhwal]]. Once enthroned, Maharaja Trimal Chand took swift action and punished the three nobles.

During his reign, Trimal Chand faced a succession crisis as he had no son. Many members of the [[Chand kingdom|Chand dynasty]] had either perished in the violent conflicts during Vijay Chand's time or had fled. Determined to find a suitable heir, Trimal Chand began searching for a successor.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Oakley |first=E. Sherman |title=Holy Himalaya; the religion, traditions, and scenery of Himalayan province (Kumaon and Garwhal) |publisher=[[Oliphant, Anderson and Ferrier]] |isbn=978-1330177044 |location=[[London]], [[United Kingdom]] |publication-date=1905 |language=en}}</ref>

He was informed that Baz Gusain, the son of Nila Gusain, had been raised by the wife of Sri Dharmakar Tewari. When men were sent to retrieve the boy, Tewari's wife, suspicious of the Maharaja's intentions, denied that he was in her home.

Trimal Chand then personally visited her. She demanded that he swear an oath ensuring the boy's safety and confirming his appointment as prince before she would hand him over. The Maharaja agreed to her conditions, after which she entrusted Baz Gusain to him. Trimal Chand took the boy to the palace and formally declared him the prince.

The appointment of Baz Gusain as prince was celebrated with great pomp. In the royal court, Trimal Chand publicly addressed him as his successor, seated him beside his throne, and said to him, ''"My son, you will be the king after me."'' From that moment, Baz Gusain became known as Prince Baj Chand and began attending court to learn the administration of the kingdom.<ref name=":0" />

== Reign ==
=== Enthronement ===
Prince Baj Chand became the [[Maharaja]] of [[Kingdom of Kumaon|Kumaon]] in 1638 after the death of Maharaja Trimal Chand.

=== Recapturing Terai ===
The area of [[Terai|Terai Bhavar]] was highly prosperous. But since the time of Maharaja Laxmi Chand, the [[Chand kingdom|Chands]] were engaged in domestic quarrels, so they could not pay attention to Terai. There the Hindu chiefs of Kather had grabbed major part of their kingdom.<ref name=":0" />

==== Meeting with [[Shah Jahan]] ====
Baz Chand went to the court of [[List of emperors of the Mughal Empire|Mughal Emperor]] [[Shah Jahan|Shahjahan]] to lodge a complaint against this. He took with him a large number of presents. He presented those gifts to the emperor. The Emperor told him that the Maharaja should support him in his war against [[Garhwal Kingdom|Garhwal]], and when they will win the region of [[Terai]] would be given to him. In 1654-55 A.D. the army was sent to [[Garhwal Kingdom|Garhwal]]. He also was sent there. In the battle of Garhwal he showed his valiance for which the title of [[Baghatur|''Bahadur'']] was granted to him. A [[Robe of honour]] studded with jewels was also given to him.<ref name=":0" />

==== Restablishment of Authority ====
He got a ''[[firman]]'' in which he was called the [[zamindar]] of Terai. [[Subahdar|Subedar]] [[Nawab]] Rustam Khan helped Maharaja Baz Bahadur Chand and again the Terai came under the authority of Kumaon. [[Nawab]] Khalilullah Khan also helped him. Rustam Khan came to the region of Kathed and read out the order of the emperor to the Kathedias. He disbanded their army and thus full authority of king Baz Bahadur Chand was re-established in Terai.<ref name=":0" />

Maharaja Baz Bahadur Chand appointed '''''Karindas''''' (agents) in Terai and also founded a town named [[Bajpur|Bazpur]].<ref name=":0" />

=== Conflict against [[Aurangzeb]] ===
[[File:Sulaiman-S.png|thumb|293x293px|Prince [[Sulaiman Shikoh]]]]
When [[Aurangzeb]] decided to ascend the throne after killing his brothers, prince [[Sulaiman Shikoh|Sulaiman Sikoh]], son of [[Dara Shikoh]], fled to [[Kingdom of Kumaon|Kumaon]] and begged for shelter from Baz Bahadur Chand. The Maharaja first warmly entertained him but later on finding him against the Emperor gave him many presents and wealth and sent him to [[Garhwal Kingdom|Garhwal]]. Aurangzeb at once sent his army and threatened the Maharaja of Kumaon that if he did not surrender prince [[Sulaiman Shikoh|Sulaiman]] to him, the whole of [[Terai]] would be seized and Kumaon desolated.<ref name=":0" />

While Baz Bahadur Chand was in the Terai region, he commanded his night guard, Hedi, to stealthily enter the sleeping chamber of the Muslim commander and steal his shawl, dagger, and turban. These items were then sent to the Mughal Emperor along with a letter in which the Maharaja stated that, had he wished, he could have killed the imperial commander but refrained from doing so since the prince was not present with him.<ref name=":0" />

Around this time, Prince [[Sulaiman Shikoh|Sulaiman]] was captured, prompting the Mughal army to retreat from Terai. The Mughal ''[[Sardar]]'' informed Emperor Aurangzeb that the Maharaja of Kumaon was truthful and had not provided shelter to the prince. Pleased with this assurance, Baz Bahadur Chand later dispatched Prince Pahad Singh Gusain and Pandit Vishvarup Pandey Rajguru as his [[ambassador]]s to the Mughal court in Delhi. In response, Aurangzeb granted a ''[[firman]]'' confirming the Maharaja's authority over Terai and honored him with a [[robe of honour]].<ref name=":0" />

=== Second conflict against [[Aurangzeb]] ===
In 1665 the [[Army of the Mughal Empire|Mughal army]] was sent to Kumaon against Maharaja Baz Bahadur Chand. The army of emperor [[Aurangzeb]] captured [[Terai]] and the emperor's rule was established there (October. 1665), but it was not an easy job to have control over mountains. In May 1666 one lakh rupees and 200 stone cutters were sent to help the army. The [[Garhwal Kingdom|Raja of Garhwal]] backed the [[Mughal Empire|Mughals]] against [[Kingdom of Kumaon|Kumaon]] but his nephew who had matrimonial relation in the royal family of Kumaon, backed the Maharaja of Kumaon.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book |last=Sarkar |first=Jadunath |title=History of Aurangzib |publisher=M C Sarkar |isbn=9394262245 |edition=Volume 3 |location=Calcutta (now [[Kolkata]]) |publication-date=1928 |language=en}}</ref>

In a letter addressed to the ''[[Vizier|Vazīr-e Azam]]'' of the [[Mughal Empire]] during that time, Baz Bahadur Chand accused the [[Garhwal Kingdom|Raja of Garhwal]] for lodging a false complaint against him in the court of emperor Aurangzeb, falsely stating that he possessed huge wealth, so much gold that would not be available even on conducting searches all over the mountains. Baz Bahadur Chand then said that Raja of Garhwal should prove the authenticity of his statement. He then continued, saying that in regard to invading [[Srinagar, Uttarakhand|Srinagar]] (capital of [[Garhwal Kingdom|Garhwal]]) without permission from the Mughal court, he is ready to pay a fine for it.<ref name=":0" />

In October. 1673 the Maharaja was granted pardon and he sent his prince to the imperial court.<ref name=":3" />

=== Management of [[Terai]] ===
The Maharaja greatly loved [[Terai|Terai Bhavar]]. He always toured that region. He appointed officers there. They were ordered to live at [[Bajpur|Bazpur]] and [[Rudrapur, Uttarakhand|Rudrapur]] in winter. In summers the officers shifted to Kota and Badakheda. Each and every ''[[bigha]]'' of land was then under cultivation. Kota was the main capital of Terai Bhavar. The Kumaoni [[Governor]] of Terai Bhavar lived there. Some Muslim ''[[sardar]]s'' and the army also was posted there and their commission was fixed. Among the Muslims some who belonged to Hedi and [[Meo (ethnic group)|Mewat]] were allotted the duties of watchmen of Bhavar.<ref name=":0" />

=== Introducing new court customs ===
Upon his return to [[Almora]], Baz Bahadur Chand introduced several customs inspired by the traditions he had observed in Muslim courts and the courts of other rulers. He established '''''naubat''''' (kettle drums) and '''''nakkarchikhanas''''' (designated areas for drummers to perform). Additionally, he appointed bearers of '''''asa''''' (a staff adorned with gold and silver plating) and '''''ballam''''' (a specially crafted mace), along with '''''chopdars''''' (ceremonial guards).

The Maharaja also brought with him a group of mace-bearers, drummers, '''''mirasis''''' (traditional performers), clowns, and mimes from the plains to enhance the grandeur of his court. Furthermore, a [[Brahmin]] confectioner was employed to prepare sweets for the royal palace.<ref name=":0" />

=== Views on [[Jizya]] ===
Baz Bahadur Chand was against [[Jizya|Jizya tax]] being implemented on [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] [[associated state]]s like [[Kingdom of Kumaon|Kumaon]]. According to Raja Anand Singh, a descendant of the [[Chand kingdom|Chand dynasty]] and [[Indian independence movement|Indian freedom fighter]], an application from Kumaon was sent that this tax should not be levied.<ref name=":0" />

=== Installation of [[Nanda Devi]] ===
Baz Bahadur Chand invaded Garhwall and from there brought [[Nanda Devi|Nandadevi]] along with all her attendants and installed her in Malla Mahal, [[Almora]]. Royal maid servants were placed there for the service.<ref name=":0" />

Later on George William Traill, second commissioner of [[Kumaon division|Kumaon]], shifted and installed her at the present place.<ref name=":0" />

=== Invasion of [[Purang Town|Taklakot]] ([[Tibet]]) ===
Maharaja Baz Bahadur Chand was a man of strong religious convictions. He was shocked to hear the stories of atrocities of the Lamas from the pilgrims to Mansarovar and Kailash.<ref name=":0" /> In response the Kumaoni forces invaded [[Tibet]] and captured [[Mount Kailash|Kailash]] [[Lake Manasarovar|Manasarovar]], a holy site for Hindus and Buddhists, along with several forts.
[[File:Taklakot fort.jpg|left|thumb|295x295px|Painting of Taklakot Fort, by [[Arnold Henry Savage Landor]]]]

==== Cause ====
Many pilgrims came to the court of Baz Bahadur Chand to complain about the Huniyas (The area from northwestern [[Tibet]] till the borders of [[Ladakh]] at that time was known as Hundesh, and Tibetans there were called Huniyas, ཧུ་ནི་ཡ) robbing them on their pilgrimage to [[Mount Kailash|Kailash]] [[Lake Manasarovar|Manasarovar]], and committing atrocities. Being quite religious, he could not stand it, and decided to bring an end to this problem.

==== Invasion ====
Baz Bahadur Chand himself led his army through [[Johar Valley|Juhar Pass]] and entered Tibetan territory, which was then under [[Khoshut Khanate]] (ཁོ་ཤུད་ཀན་དེ), a nominal [[vassal state]] of the [[Qing dynasty|Qing Dynasty]]. He captured the [[Tegla Kar|Fort of Taklakot]] (ཏེག་ལ་དཀར་རྫོང་) in 1670. It is said that the chasm in it that was made by the royal army still exists in its original form. He also forced the Huniyas there to pay tribute to his Kingdom. This was the first time in history that an Indian king had captured this stronghold of [[Tibet]].<ref name=":0" />

==== Aftermath ====
There was no strong response from the higher Tibetan authority to this intrusion, and although it is not very well documented, civil war and unrest, Mongol conquest and rise of regional warlords in Tibet could be a probable cause.

The Maharaja deprived the Huniyas of their right over the passes of [[Mount Kailash|Kailash]], and took it in his hands. He also stopped the commission that the [[Bhotiyas of Uttarakhand|Bhotias]] paid to the Tibetans, but when the Tibetans agreed that in future they would raise no dispute in respect of religion, communication and trade, then he allowed it to continue. With the revenue of the nearby villages, he made an arrangement for food, clothing and lodging of the pilgrims to [[Mount Kailash|Kailash]] [[Lake Manasarovar|Mansarovar]].<ref name=":0" />

=== Reconquest attempt by [[Garhwal Kingdom|Kingdom of Garhwal]] ===

[[File:IGI1908India1765a.jpg|thumb|Map of India 1765, Garhwal conquered By Baz Bahadur Chand]]

==== Reconquest attempt and response ====
When Maharaja Baz Bahadur Chand was in Bhot, the [[Garhwal Kingdom|Raja of Garhwal]] collecting an army re-captured the regions formerly conquered by Baz Bahadur Chand. Baz Bahadur Chand taking some commanders and army with him reached [[Garhwal division|Garhwal]] via [[Pindar River|Pindari]] while other commanders went to Lohaba via [[Ramganga]]. They drove away the [[Garhwal Kingdom|Garhwalis]] up to [[Srinagar, Uttarakhand|Srinagar]]. In [[Srinagar, Uttarakhand|Srinagar]], a truce was signed and realising the expenditure incurred on military operations and accepting presents the [[Garhwal Kingdom|kingdom of Garhwal]] was handed back to the [[Garhwal Kingdom|Raja of Garhwal]].<ref name=":0" />

==== Wiping out descendants of [[Katyuri Dynasty]] ====
Pali ([[Ranikhet]] and [[Dwarahat]]) was conquered in the days of Maharaja Kirti Chand but the [[Katyuri Dynasty|Katyuris]] living there were allowed to live in the Manila fort of [[Salt, Uttarakhand|Salt]]. In this battle when the news reached Baz Bahadur Chand that the Katyuris had helped [[Garhwal Kingdom|Garhwal]], he destroyed that fort and also drove out the Katyuri king from there. In this way the descendants of the family of Katyuris vanished. [[Salt, Uttarakhand|Salt]] also was annexed to [[Kingdom of Kumaon|Kumaon]].<ref name=":0" />

=== Rebellion of prince Udyot Chand ===
Some ministers and nobles managed to influence Prince Udyot Chand, successfully inciting him to conspire against his father, Baz Bahadur Chand, in an attempt to seize the throne. Upon learning of this plot, the Maharaja took action by sending Udyot Chand to [[Gangolihat]], across the [[Sarju|Saryu River]], entrusting him with the administration of regions such as Sor, Sira, Akskot, Darma, and Bhot.<ref name=":0" />

In his book '<nowiki/>''History of Kumaon''', Shri [[Badri Datt Pandey|Badri Dutt Pandey]] recounts an intriguing exchange between the Maharaja and the prince:

''"Udyot Chand wrote from Gangoli an ordinary letter to the king but a white (grey) hair was found in it. The king asked its reason from his courtiers. They said that by sending white hair he wants to convey that he had grown old ; he was yet only a prince, when would he become a king ? Thereupon, the king dictated his reply to this letter and despatched it with a black hair of his head and in it also sent a message that the king had not yet grown old. But to console the prince he went to Gangoli and there affectionately met him and after consoling him returned to Almora."'' <ref name=":0" />

=== Resignation of Diwan Narottam Joshi ===
To ensure fairness and proper governance, Maharaja Baz Bahadur Chand and his [[Divan|Diwan]], Narottam Joshi, agreed that no royal order would be issued without the Maharaja's signature (Royal [[Seal (emblem)|Seal]]). The Maharaja would sign a document only if the Diwan deemed it just and fair. To facilitate this process, the Diwan controlled access to the royal pen-stand, keeping its key in his possession. He would take a pen from the stand, fill it with ink, and hand it to the Maharaja for signing. This system was strictly followed.

During the reign of the Chand kings, official copper plates, known as '''''katardar''''', bore the mark of the ruler's dagger instead of a signature. The king's name was engraved at the beginning, along with the names of chief officers. This practice extended to signing official documents as well.

On one occasion, in the Maharaja's absence, Diwan Narottam Joshi issued a royal order under his own signature for an urgent matter. His opponents took advantage of the situation and influenced the Maharaja, who, in response, ordered that the Diwan's hands be cut off. To prevent this severe punishment, a deputy minister paid a fine of 40,000 Rupees on the Diwan's behalf, leading the Maharaja to pardon him.

A few years later, another critical order required the Maharaja's signature while the Diwan was unavailable. The Diwan's rivals persuaded the Maharaja that he was being treated as a mere figurehead while the Diwan held real power. Enraged, Baz Bahadur Chand broke the royal pen-stand and had the order signed by another officer. When Narottam Joshi returned and discovered what had happened, he resigned from his position. Later, when the Maharaja's anger subsided, he summoned Joshi back, but the Diwan refused, sending a message that if the Maharaja no longer trusted him, he would not serve him again.<ref name=":0" />

=== Later years and cognitive decline ===
Baz Bahadur Chand showed symptoms of cognitive decline and also became paranoid. The once popular and celebrated ruler gained a notorious reputation in his later years.

A Dalakoti Brahmin deceived the Maharaja by suggesting that his failure to regularly test his officers could lead to betrayal. When the Maharaja asked for a way to conduct such a test, the Brahmin proposed a method: he would place two heaps of rice—one containing good rice and the other containing bad rice. By touching either heap, he claimed he could determine which officers and courtiers were loyal and which were not. Since Baz Bahadur Chand has developed [[paranoia]] and other mental issues in his old age, he believed him. Following this advice, the Maharaja ordered his servants and courtiers to participate in the test. Based on the Brahmin's judgments, many individuals were deemed disloyal and subsequently executed.<ref name=":0" />

Whomsoever the Dalakoti Brahmin wanted to be killed, he declared him bad on the ground that he had touched the heap of rice. In this way on the advice of the Brahmin the Maharaja got hundreds of his men killed. Eyes of many more were pulled out. Since then, the [[Kumaoni language|Kumaoni]] proverb goes "'''''वर्ष भया अस्सी, बुद्धि गई नस्सी''''' " (When one becomes eighty years old, his wisdom is destroyed).

Sri Sundar Bhandari, a trusted attendant from the village of Bajel in [[Almora]], was a favorite of Maharaja Baz Bahadur Chand. One day, he warned the Maharaja that he had been misled by the Dalakoti Brahmin and had unjustly executed many individuals, causing discontent among his officers. The Maharaja, however, insisted that he never ordered executions without proper inquiry and believed the rice test to be a fair method of judgment.<ref name=":0" />

To challenge this belief, Sundar Bhandari set up two heaps of rice and told the Maharaja that one heap would signify that he considered the ruler bad, while the other would indicate he saw him as good. By chance, Sundar Bhandari touched the heap containing bad rice. This unexpected turn of events made the Maharaja realize the flaws in the test. Acknowledging his mistake, he punished Dalakoti and admitted that he had committed a grave injustice. As a gesture of remorse, he provided financial support to the families of those who had been executed. Despite this, people remained fearful of approaching him.<ref name=":0" />

It is said that Maharaja Baz Bahadur Chand was greatly hurt by this sin.

== Abdication ==
Due to his declining physical and mental health, Maharaja Baz Bahadur Chand abdicated in favour of prince Udyot Chand in 1678, at the age of 80.

On the [[abdication]] of Maharaja Baz Bahadur Chand, the next Maharaja Udyot Chand was summoned from Gangoli and ascended the throne unopposed. The abdication was reportedly met with popular support due to Baz Bahadur Chand's declining mental state and a recent array of executions.<ref name=":0" />

== Death ==
The period of the rule of Maharaj Baz Bahadur Chand was very glorious. He extended the empire and brought in a number of new reforms and further institutionalized the government. But his last days were very bad. He mental status declined continuously and he developed [[paranoia]]. He was always suspicious that his courtiers and sons might kill him at any moment. He dismissed all his old servants under the fear that someone might kill him.<ref name=":0" />

In 1680 he died a very painful death in [[Almora]]. None cared for him.<ref name=":0" />

== Legacy ==
Maharaja Baz Bahadur Chand is regarded as one of the most influential and powerful rulers in [[Kumaon division|Kumaon's]] history as well as in the history of the [[Himalayas|Himalayan]] regions. His dedication to good governance made him a popular figure of his time. His acts of kindness and charity were probably influenced by his humble and non - royal childhood. He was well respected by his subjects and honoured by his descendants as well, even though the atrocities he committed in his old age due to his [[paranoia]] and other mental issues he later developed were well known. His courage to stand against the [[Aurangzeb|Mughal emperor Aurangzeb]] as well as his willingness to venture out into unknown [[Tibetan Plateau|Tibetan]] territory to protect pilgrims is often perceived and acclaimed as the true qualities of a [[monarch]]. His reign saw the [[Golden Age]] of [[Kumaon division|Kumaon]], where culture, religion and civilization bloomed, which continued during the reign of his son Maharaja Udyot Chand.

=== Respect for [[Foster care|Foster family]] ===
[[File:Bhimtal watercolor1878BLcollection.JPG|thumb|302x302px|Bhimeswar Temple in [[Bhimtal]] lying in a desolated condition in 1878. This painting was made by Marianne North.]]The name of the son of the [[Tiwari|Tewari]] [[Brahmin|Brahmani]] (female [[brahmin]]), who had brought up the orphaned Baz Chand in Chausar and had nursed him during his childhood, was Narayan Tewari. Baz Bahadur Chand summoned him to his palace and addressing him as his elder brother asked him to come in and be seated. Maharaja Baz Chand asked him what he should gift him. Narayan Tewari replied that Tewari brahmins should be in the same hierarchy of brahmins in which Guru, Purohit, Pant and Pandey are. The Maharaja accepted it and ordered his officers that on the occasions when [[brahmin]], [[Guru]] and [[Purohita|Purohit]] class are invited, [[Pandit|Pt.]] Narayan Tewari also be invited along with them.<ref name=":0" />

The memorial of that honest and pious Brahmin still exists. The '''''Tyadi ka naula''''' which lies near Chausar was also built after his name.<ref name=":0" />

=== [[Religiosity]] ===
Maharaja Baz Bahadur Chand was deeply religious. He promoted religious studies and gave respect to educated scholars and [[Brahmin]]s in his kingdom.

He did many acts of charity. He performed many religious sacrifices in [[Bageshwar]]. Recitation, penances and sacrifices were regularly performed. In [[Bhimtal]] he constructed the temple of Bhimeshvar Mahadev. He built a number of temples all over [[Kumaon division|Kumaon]]. He inlaid the temple of [[Jageshwar]] with plates of copper. He built many more temples and '''''naulas''''' (ground water springs). Lakhs of rupees were spent over them.<ref name=":0" />

== Functionaries ==
[[File:Malla Mahal, Almora.jpg|thumb|372x372px|Malla Mahal was the seat of the Maharaja and the royal court.]]
During the reign of Maharaja Baz Bahadur Chand the following people held important posts in the royal [[Durbar (court)|durbar]] (court) -

[[Pandit|Pt.]] Srinivas Pandey was the [[rajguru]] (High Priest) and [[Pandit|Pt.]] Rudradev Pandey was the [[Purohita|purohit]] of Baz Bahadur Chand.<ref name=":0" />

Sri Narottam Joshi was the [[Divan|Diwan]] (Prime Minister) of [[Kingdom of Kumaon|Kumaon]]. Sri Bhavdev Joshi and Sri Sudarshan Upreti were the ministers.<ref name=":0" />

Sri Vishvarup Pandey, Sri Vinayak Adhikari, Sri Vikramark Gusain, Sri Pratapaditya Gusain, Sri Arjun Singh Gusain were commanders of the army and courtiers.<ref name=":0" />

Great scholars adorned the royal court. The science of [[astrology]] was greatly progressing. [[Pandit|Pt.]] Hiramani Joshi of Mala, [[Pandit|Pt.]] Ramapati of Sarp, [[Pandit|Pt.]] Manorath Joshi of Bherang were the chief [[Astrology|astrologers]] of the royal court. Almanacs and a number of astrological works were composed during Baz Bahadur Chand's reign.<ref name=":0" />

== Issue ==

* Maharaja Udyot Chand, the eldest son of Maharaja Baz Bahadur Chand<ref name=":0" />
* Prince Pahad Singh Gusain, the second son of Baz Bahadur Chand<ref name=":0" />
* The third prince, about him not anything is known since he left everything to become a [[hermit]]<ref name=":0" />

== In popular culture ==
A theatrical show revolving around the life of Maharaja Baz Bahadur Chand was performed in [[Delhi]] by 'Divya Diksha- Centre for Performing Arts' on July, 2018.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Divya Diksha brings to life the story of Baz Bahadur Chand |url=https://www.newspost.live/en/divya-diksha-brings-to-life-the-story-of-baz-bahadur-chand/ |work=News Post}}</ref>

== See also ==

* [[Kingdom of Kumaon]]
* [[Kumaon division]]
* [[Chand kingdom|Chand Dynasty]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}'''Attribution:''' ({{Source-attribution|'History of Kumaon' by Badri Dutt Pandey, published by Shree Almora Book Depot in 1993. (Link: https://pahar.in/pahar/Books%20and%20Articles/Indian%20Subcontinent/1993%20History%20of%20Kumaun%20(English%20version%20of%20Kumaun%20Ka%20Itihas)%20Vol%201%20by%20Pande%20s.pdf )}})

[[Category:1598 births]]
[[Category:1680 deaths]]
[[Category:Indian maharajas]]
[[Category:People from Kumaon Kingdom]]

Baz Bahadur Chand - Revision history

Vaibhu at 06:28, 2 April 2026