Dr Rajkumar Singh
Maharana Pratap was a Rajput king who ruled the kingdom of Mewar in present-day Rajasthan, India. He was born on May 9, 1540, in Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan, and was the eldest son of Maharana Udai Singh II. Maharana Pratap is best known for his resistance against the Mughal Empire, particularly Emperor and is considered a symbol of Rajput valor and is remembered for his bravery as well as for his unyielding spirit in defending his kingdom.His greatest battle was fought against the Mughals in the Battle of Haldighati in 1576. Although he was outnumbered and outgunned, Maharana Pratap refused to surrender and fought valiantly. He managed to escape the battlefield and continued to wage guerrilla warfare against the Mughals for many years. Maharana Pratap is also known for his love of horses and his skilled horsemanship. He had a special breed of horses known as Chetak horse, which he rode into battle and which is still revered in India today. Maharana Pratap died on January 29, 1597, at the age of 56. He is remembered as a hero and a symbol of courage and resistance against the Mughal Empire. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians even today.
Early life and times of the ruler: At the time of Maharana Pratap’s birth, Mewar was facing significant political turmoil. The Mughal Emperor, Humayun, had recently defeated the ruler of Mewar, Rana Sanga, and had imposed a tribute on the kingdom. This tribute was a significant burden on Mewar’s resources and had weakened the kingdom’s ability to defend itself against external threats. Maharana Udai Singh II, Maharana Pratap’s father, was forced to flee from Chittorgarh, the capital of Mewar, when it was attacked by the Mughals. He took refuge in the mountains and established a new capital at Udaipur. Maharana Pratap spent much of his early life in this mountainous region, where he learned to ride horses and use weapons. As the eldest son, Maharana Pratap was expected to inherit the throne of Mewar. However, he faced competition from his younger half-brother, Jagmal Singh, who was supported by some of the nobles of the kingdom. This led to a power struggle between the two brothers that continued for many years. Despite this, Maharana Pratap received training in governance and warfare from his father and became a skilled warrior and leader.At the time of his birth, Mughal Emperor Humayun had defeated the Rajput ruler Rana Sanga of Mewar in the Battle of Khanwa in 1527. Mughal influence was rapidly spreading across northern India, and many Rajput kingdoms were forced to submit to Mughal rule. Maharana Udai Singh II, Maharana Pratap’s father, was also forced to submit to Mughal rule and pay tribute to the Mughal Empire. However, he later rebelled against the Mughals and sought refuge in the mountains of Mewar. During Maharana Pratap’s reign, the Mughal Emperor Akbar, who succeeded Humayun, was expanding his empire rapidly. Akbar was known for his policy of religious tolerance and his efforts to consolidate power by forming alliances with Rajput rulers. Akbar sent several emissaries to Mewar to negotiate a treaty with Maharana Pratap, but Maharana Pratap refused to submit to the Mughals and instead continued to resist them. The most significant battle of Maharana Pratap’s reign was the Battle of Haldighati, fought in 1576. This battle was fought between Maharana Pratap’s forces and the Mughal army led by Akbar’s general, Man Singh. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Maharana Pratap’s army fought valiantly, and he himself rode his famous horse, Chetak, into battle. Though Maharana Pratap was ultimately forced to retreat, his bravery and resistance against the Mughals made him a legend among the Rajputs.
Heroic works of Maharana Pratap: His greatest heroic work was his unwavering determination to defend the independence and autonomy of his kingdom, even in the face of overwhelming odds which apart from the War of Haldighati include: Guerrilla Warfare: After the Battle of Haldighati, Maharana Pratap engaged in guerrilla warfare against the Mughals. He used the rugged terrain of the Aravalli mountains to his advantage, ambushing the Mughal forces and disrupting their supply lines. b. Love for his people: Maharana Pratap’s love for his people is legendary. c. Dedication to his cause: Despite facing several setbacks and challenges, Maharana Pratap remained dedicated to defending the independence and autonomy of Mewar. He refused to submit to the Mughals and continued to resist them, even when it meant living in the mountains and facing constant danger.d. Bravery and valor: Maharana Pratap was known for his bravery and valor.
He is said to have never backed down from a fight and to have always been the first to charge into battle. His bravery and valor inspired his army and made him a legend among the Rajputs. e. Expansion of his kingdom: Maharana Pratap worked tirelessly to expand his kingdom and unite the Rajput clans under his leadership. He conquered several neighbouring territories and brought them under his control, including Dungarpur and Banswara. f. Patronage of arts and culture: Maharana Pratap was a patron of the arts and culture. He supported the construction of several temples and palaces, including the famous Jag Mandir Palace and the Eklingji Temple in Udaipur. He was also known for his love for music and poetry and encouraged artists and poets to flourish under his reign.g. Strengthening of the economy: Maharana Pratap worked to strengthen the economy of Mewar.
In line, messages on his part are: a. Courage and determination: Maharana Pratap’s unwavering courage and determination in the face of adversity is an inspiration to people today. He refused to submit to the Mughal Empire and continued to resist them, despite being outnumbered and outgunned. His bravery and determination remind us of the importance of standing up for what we believe in and not backing down in the face of challenges.b. Love for the people: Maharana Pratap’s love for his people is a message that resonates even today. He put the needs of his people above his own and worked tirelessly to improve their lives. c. Unity and strength: Maharana Pratap’s efforts to unite the Rajput clans under his leadership offer a message of unity and strength. He recognised the importance of coming together to achieve common goals and worked towards creating a strong and united front. His efforts remind us of the importance of unity in achieving success
(The author is a Youth Motivator, presently Professor of Political Science and Dean, Student’s Welfare (DSW) at BN Mandal University,
Madhepura, Bihar).
