Baz Bahadur Chand
| Baz Bahadur Chand बाज़ बहादुर चंद | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maharajadhiraja Sri Raja Bahadur | |||||
Portrait of Maharaja Baz Bahadur Chand | |||||
| Maharaja of Kumaon | |||||
| Reign | 1638 - 1678 | ||||
| Enthronement | 1638 (Malla Mahal, Almora, Kumaon) | ||||
| Predecessor | Trimal Chand | ||||
| Successor | Udyot Chand | ||||
| King Emeritus | |||||
| Tenure | 1678 - 1680 | ||||
| Born | Baz Gusain 1598 (Estimated) Almora, Kumaon (Present - day Kumaon division, Uttarakhand, India) | ||||
| Died | 1680 (aged 82) Malla Mahal, Almora, Kumaon (Present - day Kumaon division, Uttarakhand, India) | ||||
| Issue | Udyot Chand Pahad Singh Gusain | ||||
| |||||
| Dynasty | Chand Dynasty | ||||
| Father | Nila Gusain | ||||
| Religion | Hindusim | ||||
| Personal Royal Seal | |||||
| Military career | |||||
| Allegiance | Mughal Empire | ||||
| Branch | Mughal Army | ||||
| Years of service | 1654 - 1655 | ||||
| Rank | Auxiliary Commander | ||||
| Battles / wars | Battle of Garhwal | ||||
| Awards | Robe of honor, Title of Bahadur | ||||
Baz Bahadur Chand (Kumaoni: बाज़ बहादुर चंद; 1598 - 1680), born Baz Gusain (बाज़ गुसाईं), was the 50th Maharaja of the Chand Dynasty of Kumaon. He ascended to the throne in 1638 after the death of his adoptive father, the previous Maharaja Trimal Chand. Under his reign the Kingdom of Kumaon grew considerably in influence, territory, power and wealth. His rule lasted 40 years until he abdicated due to his age and declining physical and mental health. He died at the age of 82 in 1680.
Maharaja Baz Bahadur Chand is considered to be one of the greatest kings of Kumaon. During his reign Kumaon reestablished authority over Terai, subjugated Doti, invaded Tibetan territory, successfully repelled Mughal aggression and undermined the Kingdom of Garhwal. He introduced new court customs inspired by Muslim durbars and further institutionalized the government. He also wiped out the remaining descendants of the Katyuri Dyansty for siding with Garhwal. The reign of Baz Bahadur Chand is seen as the Golden Age of Kumaon.