48 SOCIAL SCIENTIST were widely glorified.18 The Rana was portrayed as the protector of tradition of the Rajput chivalry (Kshatra-Dharam)19 and Hindu-Dharam (Hindu religion or way of life).20 But, sometimes both Akbar and Rana Pratap were praised for their loyalty to their respective religion (dharam)21 Even then the Mughal Emperor did not fall from grace in the eyes of poets but obtained full appreciation from them. The celebrated capture of Chitor got a full appreciation from a bardic poet though purely from the military point of view. The reason for success was ascribed to the superior gunnery (aatish baji) of Akbar.22 Interestingly, a seventeenth century Mewar bardic poet employees quite rare similes for Maharana Pratap as Arjun (hero of the Mahabharat) and Karun (legendary figure and elder brother of Arjun) for Akbar. The portrayal of tactics employed by soldiers, in a scene of war of both sides are said to have been witnessed by gods assumes enormous significance.23 The couplets (Dohas) composed in the praise of Rana Pratap did not contain any trace of hostility to Akbar.24 Interestingly, Man Singh is also praised from bardic poets for his campaign against Rana Pratap.25 While on the other hand, the bravery and courage of Rana Pratap is said to have found a place in the heart of Akbar.26 Seventy-six couplets, titled Virud Chhihatar, were composed and their authorship was assigned to Dusa Aadha, a well known poet probably at Akbar's court.27 In these couplets, Rana Pratap was depicted as the saviour of the land (des) and other Hindus (rulers), who had submitted before Akbar, were depicted as dogs (Kukar). A close examination shows that this work is studded with modern concepts and sensibility. The concept of land or nation was entirely alien in the sixteenth century India. Use of derogatory language towards Hindu rulers other than Rana Pratap does not match with the original author's language because he had shown full respect to other chiefs. Therefore, it can be presumed that this kind of tendency on interpolation might have gained ground during more recent day. Akbar adopted a systematic policy of recruitment of the Rajput chiefs in his service and got quite favourable response from them. It brought peace, stability and economic prosperity to the concerned states and enhanced their strength to that of their nobles. It created congenial atmosphere necessary for creation of literature. Acceptance of Mughal overlordship by these Rajput chiefs was in acclaimed by the bards.28 After the submission, the Rajput chiefs are said to have remained always loyal to Akbar. They accompanied Mughal armies in the battlefield with their Rajput contingents.29 Their loyalty in these campaigns was duly awarded.30 A bardic poem in the praise of Raja Man Singh of Amber narrates that he successfully suppressed Hindu as well as Muslim rulers to establish Mughal suzerainty over them.31 To prove their loyalty the Rajputs even fought against their kith and