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.

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.

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 chand Pundir, a friend and general of Chauhan, in combat. Udal moved forward and injured kanha dev kaimash and chamunda rai and injured prithviraj Chauhan so badly that he could hardly move. Udal also defeated chamunda rai and kanha dev and kaimash chief commanders but left alive chamunda rai 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 .

Chand bardai poet of prithviraj wrote in prithviraj raso

"उदल को नाच्यो कबंध पिलयो शीश धर शूर

हनी फौज पृथ्वीराज की एक हजार हुजूर

पहले ऊदल कान्ह धुकायो ।पाछे कान्ह उठ्यो रिस लायो ।।

लरयो उद्दल कान्ह मलसर्रह ।भये मूर्छा कान्ह अति भरेह ।।

फिर चहुवान चेत किये चंदही। अरु कैमास आय ढिग बंदही।।

सेल साधि उदल के मारीह ।उदल पेलि दियो तलवारिह ।।

भयो रुण्ड खेलो धरनि सह ।दई तेग फिर कान्ह के शिर ।।

फेरी दई कैमास सुकन्दह। भये मूर्छा दोउ दंडाह।

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Wikipedia