Charles I of Anjou vs Rana Kumbha

Charles I of Anjou defeated Manfred of Hohenstaufen at the Battle of Benevento, conquering the Kingdom of Sicily. He was crowned king in Rome with papal support, establishing Angevin rule in southern Italy.

Charles I defeated Conradin of Hohenstaufen at the Battle of Tagliacozzo, ending Hohenstaufen claims to Sicily. Conradin was captured and later executed, solidifying Angevin control and earning Charles a reputation for ruthlessness.

Charles I negotiated with the Pope and other powers to launch a crusade against the Byzantine Empire, aiming to restore the Latin Empire. He used Sicily as a base for naval preparations, but the plan was delayed by the Eighth Crusade.

A popular uprising in Palermo, known as the Sicilian Vespers, expelled Angevin rule from Sicily. The revolt was supported by Peter III of Aragon, leading to a war that cost Charles control of the island and weakened his power.

Charles I died at Foggia, leaving his son Charles II a reduced kingdom. The loss of Sicily and the ongoing war with Aragon ended his dreams of a Mediterranean empire, and the Angevin dynasty never recovered its former power.

Rana Kumbha fought the Battle of Mandalgarh against the Sultan of Malwa, Mahmud Khalji. The battle was part of the ongoing conflict between Mewar and Malwa. Rana Kumbha's forces were defeated, leading to a temporary loss of territory.

Rana Kumbha built the Vijay Stambha (Tower of Victory) in Chittorgarh Fort to commemorate his victory over the combined armies of Malwa and Gujarat. The nine-story tower is adorned with Hindu deities and inscriptions. It stands as a symbol of Rajput pride.

Rana Kumbha was a patron of literature and arts, commissioning works like the 'Kumbhalgarh Inscription' and supporting scholars. He himself was a scholar and wrote commentaries on music and drama. His court became a center of cultural activity.

Rana Kumbha built the Kumbhalgarh Fort in the Aravalli hills of Rajasthan. The fort's walls extend over 36 kilometers, making it one of the longest fortifications in the world. It served as a strategic stronghold for the Mewar kingdom.