Dursa Arha

Dursa Arha (AD 1535–1655) was a 16th-century warrior and Rajasthani(Dingal) poet from India. He earned the epithet of the 'First Nationalist Poet Of India' or Rashtrakavi because of his nationalist stance in his bold Dingal poems commending Maharana Pratap of Mewar in his struggle against the Mughal Empire. He is one of the most highly regarded poets of the time, who was also a valuable and respectable part of the Mughal court. He was a renowned litterateur, historian, war general, consultant, administrator, feudal lord, and magistrate. He had close relations with the rulers of many erstwhile kingdoms. On the basis of wealth, fame, and honor Dursa Arha acquired in his lifetime and his contribution to medieval Indian history and literature, the historians and litterateurs consider him as one of the greatest poets. Dursa Arha attained heights of opulence and grandeur reached by no other poet in history. Delhi Sahitya Akademi includes him in the list of 'The Makers of Indian Literature' along with the Indian literary stalwarts of all time. He wrote poems in praise of Maharana Pratap, and when news of Pratap's passing reached the Mughal court, fearlessly recited a verse eulogizing Pratap in Akbar's presence. Some 4 generations past Dursa Arha, the native village of the Sisodia rulers called Sisauda (Sisoda) was granted to the descendants of Dursa Arha, who reside there till date.