Rani Karnavati of Garhwal

Rani Karnavati (r. 1631–1640), popularly known as Nak-Kati Rani (the Nose-Cutting Queen), was the regent of the Garhwal Kingdom in present-day Uttarakhand, India. She assumed power following the death of her husband, Raja Mahipat Shah, who died in battle against Kumaon in 1631. She served as regent for her minor son Prithvipati Shah and is remembered for her administrative skill, military leadership, and cultural patronage.

Early Life and Background

Rani Karnavati is believed to have belonged to the Katoch dynasty of Kangra, a prominent Rajput clan in the Himalayan region. Her marriage to Mahipat Shah, a Parmar ruler of Garhwal, linked two influential dynasties of northern India.

Regency and Administration

Following Raja Mahipat Shah's death, Karnavati ruled as regent on behalf of her seven-year-old son. Her court in Srinagar (Garhwal) was known for its inclusivity and effective governance. She relied on trusted ministers such as Madho Singh Bhandari, Bhanwaridas, and Daulat Baig, and maintained a tolerant and multicultural administration.

She was a patron of Tantric traditions, including Kalikula and Shrikula, as recorded in the Sanwari Granth. She is also noted for hosting a Vidwat Sabha, inviting scholars from regions such as Kashmir, Gujarat, and Kerala. Her reign saw notable civic improvements, including the construction of the Rajpur Canal in Dehradun, which significantly boosted agriculture in the region.

Mughal Invasion and Military Strategy

In 1640, Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan dispatched Najabat Khan with a force of 30,000 troops to invade Garhwal. Rani Karnavati employed guerrilla tactics, allowing the Mughal army to penetrate deep into the mountains before blocking their retreat routes. Isolated and short on supplies, the Mughals were forced to negotiate.

According to the Italian traveler Niccolao Manucci, the queen demanded that the soldiers surrender by cutting off their noses as a symbol of defeat. Najabat Khan, unable to bear the humiliation, reportedly committed suicide by poison. This event earned Karnavati her enduring epithet, Nak-Kati Rani.

Legacy

Rani Karnavati is celebrated as a rare example of female leadership in pre-modern Indian warfare and governance. She is remembered for her military acumen, statecraft, and patronage of learning and spirituality. Her resistance to Mughal expansion solidified her place as a legendary figure in the history of Garhwal and Uttarakhand.