महाराणा कुम्भा (हरविलास सारदा - मेवाड़ साम्राज्य के अद्वितीय विजेता, निर्माता व विद्वान्)

Maharana Kumbha. had lately given birth to a cub. Ran Mal said he did not mind that, and went on. Placing his men at suitable points he ascended the hill with 60 men. They commenced the ascent where the parapet was yet low. The path was steep and rugged ; and in the darkness of the night each grasped his neighbour's skirt for security. As the party reached a ledge of the rock, the glowing eye- balls of the lioness flashed upon them as she came roaring towards them. Ran Mal ordered his son, Aradakamal, to dispose of the beast. He advanced and buried his poniard in her breast.¹ This omen was superb. They soon reached the summit. Some had ascended the parapet, others were scrambling over when the minstrel slipping, fell, and his drum which was to have accompanied his voice in celebrat- ing the conquest, awoke, by its crash, the daughter of Cháchá. Her father quieted her fears by saying it was the thunder and rain of bhádon, and told her to fear God only and go to sleep, for their enemies were safe ¹ Another account says that Ran Mal's sword only wounded the lioness, whereupon Chandan Charan, who was with Ran Mal, killed her with a poniard. See footnote in Vir Vinod, p. 318. 38