Durgavati
Durgavati, 1564, Queen of Gondwana, in Madhya Pradesh. A Chandella princess of Mahoba, famous for her beauty, she made a runaway match with Dalpat Singh of Gondwana, but was widowed four years later. She then ruled the State as the regent to her young son, Bir Narayan. She was also a brave warrior and defeated Baz Bahadur of Malwa. In 1564, her kingdom was invaded by the Emperor Akbar, led by Asaf Khan. She made a gallant defence, but was overwhelmed. Her son was slain, and she too preferred death to disgrace and committed suicide. Her kingdom was overrun, and the wealth of centuries plundered. She had commissioned a history of her reign which was left incomplete.
