Bhim Singh of Mewar vs Sukjong of Joseon

Bhim Singh was crowned Maharana at Chittor, the traditional capital of Mewar. This was the last coronation held at Chittor before the fort was abandoned due to Maratha threats.

Bhim Singh led Mewar's resistance against Maratha raids under Holkar and Scindia. Despite limited resources, he defended Chittor and Udaipur, but the kingdom was weakened by constant warfare.

Bhim Singh signed a subsidiary alliance with the British East India Company, making Mewar a princely state under British suzerainty. This ended Mewar's independence and brought it under colonial control.

Sukjong purged the Southerners faction, accusing them of plotting treason. He replaced them with the Westerners, who then split into Noron and Soron factions. This marked the beginning of Sukjong's pattern of switching factions to maintain royal power.

Sukjong purged the Westerners faction after a dispute over the succession of his son (later Gyeongjong). He reinstated the Southerners, who supported the son. This purge solidified the Soron faction's influence and deepened factional hatred.

Sukjong purged the Southerners faction again, accusing them of plotting against Queen Inhyeon. He reinstated the Westerners (Noron faction). This was the third major purge of his reign, demonstrating his strategy of balancing factions.

Sukjong implemented the Daeedongbeop, a uniform land tax system that replaced various tribute payments with a single rice tax. This simplified taxation, reduced corruption, and increased state revenue, though it burdened peasants in some regions.