On the yellow sand fields of Rajasthan, the historic war of Haldighati was fought on 18 June 1576 between Maharana Pratap Singh and Akbar’s forces led by Raja Man Singh l of Amer.Īnguished by a long wait of 3 years and several attempts made by the Delhi emperor Akbar to bring Maharana Pratap under his clutches gone in vain, Akbar declared a war. His words were so powerful and filled with the fierce spirit to preserve the pride of motherland, that it could motivate armies to give up their everything and change the course of a battle. The Bhil tribe was so much touched by the Maharana’s humility, that they used to call him ‘Kika’, which means son. From Gwalior’s Ram Shah Tanwar and his three sons-Rawat Krishnadas Chundawat Ji, Maan Singh Jhala Ji, and Chandrasen Rathore Ji of Marwar to Rao Jaimal Ji, Patta, the Afghan leader Hakim Khan Sur, and a small army of people from the Bhil tribe led by Rao Poonja. Pratap Singh had such devoted allies, who were ready to happily stake their everything on Maharana’s command. The brave king had a compassionate heart, which vowed to never attack an un-armed enemy.
It was the Maharana’s humility, compassion, and charisma that made him so dear to everyone, from his nobles to the common people and even the often neglected tribes of Mewar. Of Maharana’s charismatic leadership and compassion: He also assisted his father Rana Uday Singh in battles, which proved the steel of the crown prince’s love for the nation and his fearless and fiercely independent spirit to the nobles. He was the only Rajput ruler who dared to not just resist but defy the massive army of Akbar and fought until his last breath, preserving the pride and glory of his motherland.įrom a very tender age, Pratap Singh took a keen interest in the geopolitical and military exploits of his father against the barbaric invasions of Afghan generals. A proud Rajput, he refused to submit before the Mughal forces led by Akbar even after his continuous efforts. Maharana Pratap was an ideal king who cared for his people like a father who cares for his son.
The life of Maharana Pratap is an eternal tale of inextinguishable love for one’s motherland, written with pride in the history of Rajasthan. He belonged to the lineage of Rajput kings who were known far and wide for their valor and pride like Rana Hammir Singh, Rana Kumbha, Rana Sangha who fought until their last breath but never let down the pride and glory of their land. The armor he used to wear weighed 72 kilograms. Maharana Pratap was 7 feet and 5 inches tall and carried an 80-kilogram spear and two swords, which collectively weighed 208 kilograms. When the brave Mewari Raja, beaming with pride used to stand against his enemies, even the mightiest of warriors used to get terrorized by just a glimpse of him. He is hailed as the hero of Rajasthan and several ballads and folklores are weaved around episodes of his heroic spirit, sacrifice, and resilience. Pratap Singh was born on May 9, 1540, in Kumbhalgarh to Rana Uday Singh ll and Rani Jeevant Kanwar. On the 481st birth anniversary of the valiant king, we offer an ode to his unparalleled bravery, selfless duty towards motherland, and unshakable grit and resilience against the expansionist Mughal forces. “I vow before Gods that I would sleep on a straw bed and eat on pattras (leaf Plate) and leave my palace to live in jungles until I bring back the glory of Chittor.” -Maharana Pratap