Rauteli was born in the latter half of
the 17th century. She is probably the only female warrior in the world who
fought seven wars, starting at age fifteen. She was one of the three children
of Bhoop Singh (Gorla) Rawat. The others were her brothers Bhagtu and Pathwa.
At age fifteen, her engagement was finalized with Bhuppa Singh Negi from Ida talla
village (Near Srikotkhal) in Pauri Garhwal district. In those days, Katyuri warriors were continuously attacking
the Garhwal Kingdom.
After a few days the annual kauthig (country fair) was
organised in Kanda, Rauteli wished to attend. She was unyielding in her demand.
Her mother, devastated by the loss of her husband and sons, stated...
"O Teelu! What are you! Don’t you miss
your brothers? Who will avenge your father's death? If you want to go
somewhere, it should be battlefield…. Can you go? Can you avenge……..? Enjoy
your Kauthig after that!"
This
taunt from her mother left an indelible mark on Rauteli's mind, and she pushed
aside her wish to go to Kauthig. Instead she began to prepare a battalion with
her friends, and she regrouped the army. After some time she departed for the
battlefield, riding her horse "Binduli", and accompanied by her
friends "Bellu" and "Devali."
Khairagarh [present day Kalagarh was
her first exploit, where she overwhelmed the Kaintyuras. Then she attacked
Umtagarhi , and after that she marched her army to Sald Mahadev, freeing it
from the enemy.
After
settling the border line up to Chaukhutiya Rauteli returned to Deghat with her
army. In Kalinkakhal she fought the enemy and avenged her father's death by
defeating Kaintyuras in Saraikhet, where her father had lost his life. Her
comrade "Binduli” died after receiving lethal wounds there.
After winning her territories back, she
started marching towards Kanda. While crossing the "Nayar" river she
stopped to refresh herself.
'Ranbhoot' is invoked in her memory in 'Jagars'. 'Thadya' dance songs are performed in her honour across
Uttarakhand.
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