Rao Ganga

Ganga
Rao of Marwar
Rao Ganga
Ruler of the Kingdom of Marwar
Reign8 November 1515 – 9 May 1532
PredecessorRao Suja
SuccessorMaldev Rathore
Born6 May 1484
Died9 May 1532(1532-05-09) (aged 48)
Spouse
  • Rani Padmavati of Sirohi
  • Rani Manakde (or Manak Deiji)
  • Rani Lada Bai
  • Rani Javanta Bai
  • Rani Phulam (or Phulan) Bai
  • Rani Sabira Bai
Issue
DynastyRathore
FatherVagho Sujavat
MotherUdanbai Chauhan (of Bamra)
ReligionHinduism

Rao Ganga or Rav Gango Vaghavat (6 May 1484 – 9 May 1532) was an Indian king from the Rathore dynasty who ruled the traditional Rathore realm of Maruwara, the Kingdom of Marwar, in the present-day state of Rajasthan. Ganga ascended to the throne in 1515 through the support from his kinsmen and nobles. During his reign, the Rathores consolidated and expanded their rule in Marwar, even annexing territories from the Afghans and his own relatives.

He retained positive relations with his neighbours, most notably with the powerful Sisodia dynasty monarch Rana Sanga whom he aided in his various campaigns. Ganga sent a contingent of Rathore troops under the command of his son Prince Maldeo, which fought in the historic Battle of Bayana and Battle of Khanwa against the Mughal invader Babur. At this later battle, Maldeo was to rescue the wounded and unconscious Sanga from the battlefield. Maldeo succeeded his father when Ganga died in 1531 CE, possibly at Maldeo's hands, or by accident. It was under Maldeo that the Rathore kingdom reached its zenith.